The wake up call - Short story- Chapter 11

                                 

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Jesse went in to the restaurant the next morning to sort out a few things, because she had taken the day off. She had to make sure everything ran smoothly even though she was not there. Peter had a quiet day at home, and went for a quick lunch in the afternoon. He stopped by the hospital on his way back to the apartment to get what he needed to do the test that evening. 

Both Jesse and Peter were anxious about the evening and they decided to go see a movie to pass time. Sitting around was not being helpful and it only made them more nervous. It was nearly five o clock when they arrived home to get dressed for the occasion. 

Just before six, they stopped in front of the two black gates. There was a guard that signed them in and when the gates opened, Peter drove in to the most extravagant display of wealth he had ever seen. Everything looked classy and there wasn't a thing out of place. 

Joseph and Jennifer Berkley were both gardeners with green fingers. Although they had help, most of the trees and flowers in their beautiful garden they had planted themselves. Jesse stood in awe when they finally parked in front of the house. They were met by Joseph himself, and he was extremely excited to have them there. Although he had all the money in the world, he was still stable, and his feet were still firmly on the ground. 

He showed them to the dining room and everything looked perfect. Jennifer joined Jesse with a big smile on her face.  Joseph poured them each a glass of wine, and then invited Peter to go to his study. He wanted to get this test over and done as soon as possible. 

Jennifer was aware of what was going on, and hoped for a good result. She had always missed children in her life, although she had everything else she could ever possible dream of. She was a very dedicated wife, but never worked a day in her life. For a long time, she was depressed about the fact that she never had children, but just like Joseph, she made peace with it long ago.  

Jesse was in awe about the beauty of the house, while Jennifer showed her around. They were still chatting like old friends, when Peter and Joseph came back to join them. Peter had phoned Brian at the hospital to oversee the test, and they had the driver drop the specimen off at the hospital. The results usually took twenty four hours, but Brian promised that he would do it himself and send them the result immediately. 

They all sat down while dinner was served and weirdly it felt like they all just belonged together. Even though Jesse and Peter had no relation to Jennifer, they found it very easy to talk to her, and were still in the middle of their second course when Peter's phone rang. It had been about two hours after they had sent the specimen to the lab, but Peter knew he could count on Brian. He excused himself from the table and went out to the foyer. 

The results confirmed their suspicions. There was a 99.9 % chance that they were related. Peter took a deep breath before walking back into the dining room. Everyone was waiting anxiously for his return and when he sat down, he blurted it out. Joseph Berkley burst out in tears. 

All the money in the world, could not give him the gift he received today. It was the greatest and most wonderful thing that had ever happened to him, and for the first time in his life, he felt like a father. He never thought that he would ever have this opportunity, and suddenly it was right there in front of him. Two beautiful grandchildren. Both so sophisticated in their own way, but so much part of him.

Jennifer asked for champagne and a few minutes later they toasted on this great new adventure that lay right in front of them. Peter was shaking when he hugged Jesse, and she cried on his shoulder for a minute. They didn't have any family except each other and now they were part of something again. 

It turned out to be quite a night and neither Peter nor Jesse slept a wink. They stayed up for hours talking to both Joseph and Jennifer and Joseph invited them to stay over for the night. 

They woke up the next morning feeling like royalty when they were called down for breakfast and joined Jennifer and Joseph for a late breakfast. Joseph did not go to the office, instead, after breakfast, he phoned Julia to come to the house for lunch because he had many things to discuss with her. 

She had no idea what had happened and walked in her professional self. She was dressed immaculately as always and kissed Joseph on the cheek as she walked in. 

Julia and Joseph had been working together for many years, and it was Joseph that helped her father set up the firm where she was now in charge. When her father died a few years ago, Julia took over and Joseph Berkley had since then became her confidant and friend. She had been on holiday with the Berkley's a few times, and she loved to spend time with them. They were a great couple without any issues, and she enjoyed every minute she spent with them. 

Jennifer was outside with the twins and showed them the guest cottages. She really wanted them to move in there, so that they could get to know each other. Everything was happening so fast, and both twins said that they wanted to think about it first. 

Joseph ordered some coffee for them and asked Julia to join him in the study. She missed Peter and Jesse with seconds as they came in just as they went into the office. It was time for Jesse to leave for work, but Jennifer convinced Peter to stay. Peter accepted the offer and Jennifer poured them each a glass of wine. They were just about to sit down for lunch when Julia and Joseph emerged from the office to join them. 

Peter greeted her with a big smile on his face and she seemed startled. Joseph did not even mention Peter's name in their conversation and she had no idea where Peter fit in or why he was even there. 

"Julia. I want you to meet my grandson. I believe you have met before."

Julia was just as amazed as Peter was and laughed when they told her the whole story. It was a story of fate, and life, and in this case life has made a full circle. They all had a glass of champagne to celebrate and Peter was sad that Jesse couldn't join them. 

"So Joseph, are you still going to build that hospital for your grandson?"

Joseph smiled. 

"Definitely...but I now have another venture in mind. I want to set up a restaurant for Jesse. Could you start looking for locations?"

Julia laughed. 

"With pleasure...what we wouldn't do for family...."

Joseph Berkley smiled and took Jennifer's hand. 

All the money in the world, couldn't buy the happiness they felt for the first time in their lives. Joseph seemed as happy and content as he could be. 

 - The end -

                

                          

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