Ice and Fire novel Chapter 451

"Morning Uncle Jackson, It's John, " Jackson heard the emotion-ridden voice in his ear.

"John?" There was surprise in Jackson's tone, 'Why on earth are you calling me?'

"Yes, it's me, John. I live in Hong Kong with my parents now, " there was a sad quality in John's tone that sounded like one long sigh, and echoed in his words.

Considering it was Jackson who asked them to move to Hong Kong, it should be evident that Jackson was aware of where John and his parents resided. Jackson felt himself becoming irked at the phone call. He took a deep breath, releasing tension as he exhaled, "How are you guys settling in?" Jackson inquired politely.

"Everything is going well here; thank you for asking, " replied John, and then he timidly asked, "How is Cherry?"

"She and Joe are both doing well, " Jackson answered, feeling bad for his nephew.

"That's good to hear, I regret that I didn't have the chance to visit before I left. Today I was walking down the street, and I saw a little boy who reminded me of Joe, " John's voice sounded pensive, with a nostalgic timbre when he said Joe's name.

"John, " said Jackson remorsefully and he sighed telling John, "I am sorry, John, " Jackson felt guilty, he hated Lucia, and how she was always trying to bring harm to Cherry, and worse how Lucia treated his wife, it was intolerable. When considering John though, Jackson was ashamed of what he did to John's life. For well over five years, John was polite, and he balanced his family alongside work life well. Jackson admired those qualities very much. But, Lucia hated Cherry so much, that Jackson was forced into the position of making them move to another city, in order to protect his family adequately.

"Uncle, we are family, there's no need to apologize. I can appreciate the reasons you were pushed to this decision, completely. my Mother mistreated Cherry. Moving to Hong Kong was the best option for us, and who knows, we have to live a prosperous life here. Everything is going well, Derek even assisted me in securing a good job." John shared.

Jackson made a mental note to thank Derek when he saw him, for going the extra mile for his Nephew. Derek was always thoughtful like that. By recommending and securing a good position for John, Derek made the difference between John struggling and the promise of a better life. Giving credit where it was due, Jackson had to acknowledge Derek knew his heart well.

"I sincerely hope you have a good life there, " offered Jackson.

"Thank you Uncle Jackson, I wish the same for you. Please, take care of Joe and Cherry, " insisted John.

"Always, "

It was the last word from Jackson before he ended the call, leaving Jackson with a tinge of sadness weighing on his heart. He was flooded with the memories of the days when he and his nephew would play together. They were young back then, and Jackson always bullied John at that time. Since he was older than John, Jackson still thought of him as a child. But now, Jackson realized John wasn't a child anymore; he had matured into an adult when Jackson wasn't paying attention. If that fateful event hadn't happened five years ago, who knows, maybe John would have a wife and a child of his own now.