The Rise - Chapter 44

Justin left to his room as the introductions began taking place between the two families. Veronica already knew who the boy was, Johnathon Jaylin – the heir to the largest oil conglomerate in the nation. If the Tundras were going to make an exception for their daughters, it would only be for a powerhouse family such as the Jaylins. His father, Buck Jaylin was the richest man in the country. But to Veronica it didn’t matter if this was a supreme exception for her marriage constraints – it was still an exception.

Johnathon was an incredibly handsome young man with a chiseled jawline, layered black hair and dark green eyes. He was one year younger than Veronica and went to Unitare. Meaning whoever wins this school election, will choose Johnathon as their first pick in their student council due to his family’s immense influence.

After the introductions were over, the two left to the back yard garden to speak privately and get to know each other – as was the usual procedure during these courtships. The parents stayed in the living room conversing.

“What’s the plan here Buck, a Jaylin would never marry a Tundra.” said Kevin, Veronica’s father

“You’re right, I tried talking him out of it but he’s adamant” said Buck locking eyes with Kevin

“So we’re both on the same page about this little arrangement” said Kevin stoically

“You’re the one who accepted this meeting, you could’ve easily turned us down and ended it there. What’s more important, Kevin, family tradition or marrying into the Jaylin family?” said Buck with slight vexation.

“When the Jaylins make a request, one doesn’t simply deny. I only want what’s best for my daughter and luckily she’s a great judge of character. Whether this ends up happening or not, will be her decision.” said Kevin

“Enough bickering. If this does end up happening, it is better that our families work together than to be at each other’s throats from the get-go.” said Veronica’s mother, Maria, ending the conversation.

Veronica and Johnathon sat in the vast garden of the Tundra estate. Veronica elected to stay in her uniform clothes, whereas Johnathon was wearing loose casual clothing to bear the sun’s heat. They sat in the gazebo hiding in it’s shade. Veronica had her body facing away from Johnathon, towards the outer garden, purposefully neglecting him. He was facing her directly looking at the side of her face that she was showing him.

“I didn’t want to meet you like this, but it’s the only way I could make it work without getting murdered by your family.” said Johnathon in a strong but raspy voice.

“I’ve met a hundred kids like you. Always get what they want, spoiled and rich. Sorry to break it to you for the first time in your life, but I’m not interested.” said Veronica dismissively. This is how she dealt with most suitors. Perhaps she had a plan to scare them all away and with no one left to want to marry her, her parents would have to settle for whoever she chooses, even if they’re not a Tundra.

“In the south, they say there’s no marriages like these. Everyone’s allowed to marry whoever they want.” said Johnathon trying to change the subject

“In the south they have anti-monopolization laws so that families like ours don’t exist.” she said shutting him down.

“You’re right, the rules are completely different in the south. Up here, people do anything to keep control over their little empires. My father isn’t even my real father, I’m part of the generation that used genetically perfect sperm donors to make their children. They want to hold everything to themselves so badly, that they found a way around nature’s laws to stop their rampant inbreeding.” said Johnathon

Veronica remembers that Taylor was also a sperm donor child.

“Doesn’t sound like you like your father very much.” she said barely interested

“No, I love my father. Does it really matter that we’re not related? If all a father meant was to be of the same blood, then it doesn’t mean anything at all. Biology, genetics, its all just semantics. All that matters is the relationships you have with those around you. If my father hadn’t told me, I would’ve went my whole life believing he was truly my father – how does one piece of knowledge that didn’t previously exist in my head really change that?” said Johnathon tapping the side of his head with his finger.

“It’s not just semantics. Blood counts for something. Something more than we can comprehend.” said Veronica still looking away into the distance.

“What about you? You’re the same generation as me, and I hear your parents are cousins.” said Johnathon

“No, my parents are my parents.” said Veronica

“But you and Justin are perfect, with no clear defects.” said Johnathon

“I guess we got lucky.” she said dismissively

Johnathon stands up and makes his way towards the edge of the gazebo placing his hands on its handrails looking outward at the garden.

“I’m sixteen and your seventeen. I didn’t actually come here to ask your hand in marriage, we’re too young for that. But by doing this, your hounds will lay off me when I talk to you at school. Since I’m now a potential suitor. All I want is the ability to talk to you – that way I’ll convince you that I’m not like the other ‘kids’.” he said with a determined tone.

“We barely spoke before. So tell me why is it that you are interested in me. Sounds to me like a superficial crush.” said Veronica

Johnathon turns around to face Veronica.

“Do I need a reason? I can give you some line about how pretty and smart you are, but when you have feelings for someone, and it’s real, there’s never really a reason.” he said

Veronica stood up and walked up towards Johnathon. She looks him in the eyes with a aggressive stare.

“You misunderstand what it means to want to be with someone. It’s not just your so-called ‘feelings’ – no relationship can last with something so superficial. It’s first and foremost about compatibility, being able to be with someone without any friction, their presence just calms you and you don’t even notice them as someone else. They become a part of you.” she said assertively

Johnathon’s eyes widen as he comes to a sudden realization.

“There’s someone already, isn’t there?” he said

“This conversation is over.” said Veronica dismissing Johnathon and storming out of the gazebo towards the house.

Johnathon quickly followed after her as to avoid a scene. He tried to keep up with her pace, until they reached the living room. They all turned around as soon as they saw the two enter. Veronica put on a fake smile.

“Johnathon was just so charming, I’ll give it serious thought. Thank you so much for coming all the way out here Mr. and Mrs. Jaylin.” she said quickly and rigidly.

Mr. and Mrs. Jaylin stood up, thanked the Tundras for their hospitality and then left with Johnathon.

Veronica’s mother, Maria, turned towards Veronica realizing she was clearly agitated.

“What’s the matter dear? Did he do anything to you?” she said

Veronica looked at her parents with her upper lip curled.

“All my life you raised me that I can only marry a Tundra, and all my life I bought into your reasons and I was this close to just accepting everything as it is, like a good Tundra girl. But now you bring me a kid who’s not a Tundra just because of who his family is!? Everything you tried to brainwash me with, was just a lie!” she said raising her voice

Maria quickly got up and tried to grab Veronica’s hand to calm her down, but Veronica quickly snatches her hand back.

“No! This is the last time I meet one of your ‘suitors’. I don’t care about the inheritance, I don’t care about your traditions. I will choose who I end up with.” she said clenching her teeth.