Roommates

Chapter 24

<<Stell>>

"I can't believe my eyes!" Dad opened up his arms, "My kids in one place after so long." He clearly wanted to hug us. But that's the thing. Since when dad hugs?

Some changes I expected, like his graying hair roots, a few soft wrinkles here and there, but becoming more fit- body wise- and a hugger? Those I did not see.

I have Hunter a look which he returned before a shrug and we joined dad in a group hug. I felt like I'm being squished between two walls. Dad was huge, and so was Rouge. And then there was me; Small as I am and no height. No aver attractive charm like theirs. The only thing I had in common with them was the eye color.

I couldn't hold in my tongue and spoke, "Since when are you a hugger?"

"And since when have you been hitting the gym?" Rouge added.

Her new girlfriend must be on a hard lever to keep up with. That's the only thing I could think of to explain the changes happening to father.

"Things change" dad said, and it was scary how much it sounded like Rouge a while ago.

We didn't dwell on it too much, and it didn't take dad much to notice Sage sitting on the couch watching us amusingly.

"Oh you brought a guest?" Sage stiffened when dad acknowledged him. I swear he gets scared too easily. Or maybe my family is just scary in general.

"I'm Sa-Sagean, Sage for short"

Dad shook Sage's hand, firmly if I may say.

"Consider it your home, Sagean."

"Pleasure, sir."

"Please, it's Haynes, Victor Haynes" Dad said and fixed his collar. He was wearing a tuxedo. Always the business man.

"Victor Haynes? As in THE Victor Haynes? Zynetech?"

"Yes. Now if you excuse me boys, I have to go get ready for my dinner" Dad dashed towards the stairs. "I'd like the house to be the same while you're here" he added as he took the stairs.

"Stell why didn't you tell me Victor Haynes is your father!?" Sage exclaimed in bewilderment. That was exactly why I don't really mention my father. Or my last name.

"It's no biggie" I said. Rouge disappeared somewhere inside.

"No biggie? He's the owner of Zynetect. One of the biggest tech companies in the industry" Sage is one of those people who read technology magazines in their free time.

"It has been in a regression for a while now. Until a few months ago I thought dad's company was going to bankrupt any moment" my allowance has only got better the last month.

"Are you kidding me? Your dad signed the contract of the country with Steve Martin. Also known as the Chairman and CEO of Microhard. It shocked everyone because they're arch-enemies. It's all ove-"

"How do you know more about my dad's business more than I do? Hell you probably know more about his business than he does."

"Well I am a business student and I have to keep up with these things. Huge names like Victor Haynes and Steve Martin don't go unnoticed. But what's really confusing me is how did I not know you're Victor's daughter?"

"What do you mean?" I asked patiently. I was sprawled on the couch waiting for Ryder, while Sage was so into the conversation.

"The magazines, the news, the internet, there's no mention of you or Rouge's name. It's as if you guys have all your records deleted somehow."

"Oh yeah. Dad had always made sure that we don't get dragged into the business. He wanted us to construct our own images and our lives, away from the fuss of his success. He was always about us building ourselves from the bottom." I mean he helps us a lot but he wanted Rouge and I to pursue our own careers and opportunities.