FIRST MEETING

It was evening. Everyone was gathered at the mansion, the ball room was filled with murmurs. Ting Ting. Everyone looked up. George was standing at the stairs with a glass and a spoon in his hands. He hit the spoon lightly on the glass to bring the crowd's attention towards him. "Good evening my friends. Now most of you are aware about the reason for tonight's banquet, right? First of all, thank you so much for being a part of our family's joyous moment. Today I will be introducing you to my Heir, my lovely son. Me and my beautiful wife are really lucky to have him. Everyone, meet my son, Alex Smith." Everyone was clapping but the claps slowly vanished when Helena pushed forward a wheelchair on which was sitting the so-called heir of the Smith's. But all this was ignored by our little Joe. He looked up to his mom and handed her a paper, "Who is Alex? My new friend?". Helena chuckled and whispered, "No darling it's your new name. Before your Grandad passed away he chose to name his first born grandson Alex after his father Alexander". 

The two were indulged in the conversation until George said with a loud voice. Alex might not be able to speak or walk but that's not his fault. He is like this because there are some really disgusting people out there, worse than animals. But also remember one thing my friends, never judge a book by its cover. He might be disabled but he will surely become one of the greatest leaders in the future." He turned towards Alex, crouched down, held his hands and continued, "My son…nevermind what others think about you. Always remember one thing that there's a family of yours waiting at home who will always believe in you and always love you. As long as you remember this other's opinions won't matter." Alex was touched. He nodded while he shed a few tears. 

George quickly picked his son up and rushed down. "Alex, meet James, my closest friend. He helped me build my company." James Corner, a single father with a big heart. He might be rich and powerful but he has never been arrogant. If someone needs help, he will do anything he possibly could to help them. James brought his hand forward,"Hello Alex, if you need anything make sure to tell me. Also your school's principal is my business partner, so any complaints just ring me up, I shall defeat all the bullies", he said with a bit of heroic actions to which Alex smiled. "And here's my son, Jay. You both will be classmates. Jay you must take care of our tiny little Alex here", Jay continued. James looked up with a bright smile and said,"Of course dad, I won't let anyone bully him", the little guy said proudly. James, same age as Alex. He lost his mom at a young age to cancer. His father dotes on him a lot. He is handsome just like his father. 

"Uncle, can Alex and I go out in the garden?," James said. "Sure, let me call a servant to help with the wheelchair…", as George was going to call the servant Jay interrupted, "Uncle it's fine, I can help him with the wheelchair, I will also be the one helping him in school anyways". George thought a bit and then said ok but also told Jay to call for a servant if there's any problem. The two went out. The pavements in the garden were smoothed so that Alex won't have any trouble moving around the garden. 

As the two kids were enjoying the cool breeze Jay spoke, "Hi, let me give you a proper introduction", he said with a big bright smile which made Alex feel safer. Jay continued, "I'm Jay Corner, I'm 10 years old too. And…I heard what happened with u", his voice lowered as he said those words. Alex was reminded of unpleasant memories and a tear slid down his soft cheek. As soon as Jay saw this he felt this new yet weird feeling. He was still feeling it but then he snapped out of it and said, "I'm sorry…but…it's fine now. And don't worry I will protect you from now on." Those smiles Jay wore were really relaxing for Alex, he felt safe, he felt warm, for the first time in his life he finally had an answer for those bullies back in the orphanage, 'Now you all can't laugh at me, I have many people who love me, who want me.' Alex smiled back at Jay, a big beautiful smile. For the first time in his life he felt like he can finally forget the pain, he can feel the love and warmth, he is confident that he can let go of the past, he doesn't need to live in fear anymore. 

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The next day, at the breakfast table Jay was lost in deep thoughts. James noticed this and decided to interrupt his son's train of thoughts, "What are you thinking?" His father's loud voice pulled him out of his world. "Father, I felt this weird feeling recently…". "What is it, my son?" "So………….". He heard his son very clearly and replied, "Oh my, Jennifer, do you hear our son?", he laughed. "You are not helping me dad", Jay said with an annoyed tone. "Hahaha! My son we live in a world of possessions, it's pretty normal to strongly feel to possess something." 

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