Grandfather

"I know who this is. This must be Jennifer Charlston, my grandson's fiance." "Hello grandfather, congratulations on your birthday. May you live long and healthy." Jenny said politely. "Come here child, let me have a proper look at you." Jason's grandfather grabbed Jenny's hand and pulled her away from his grandson, not missing the subtle glint passing across his eyes carrying a hint of danger. "Calm down tiger, I am just going to have a chat with her. I will be sure to return her to you in one piece. Now, why don't you get this skinny girl something to eat, while I see if she is worthy of you." Stephen and Susan chuckled as they observed the conversation.

With a look of hesitation Jason added, "Grandfather, keep in mind that she is someone who has looked forward to meeting you despite hearing that you didn't like her and she is someone who I care about very much, so I hope you can treat her kindly." Talking as if Jenny or her in-laws weren't present at all, his grandfather replied. "Who said I didn't like her. This is my first time meeting her. Sure I didn't like how your parents brought a stranger with no background from abroad, when we have plenty of suitable girls here, but my problem lies with them not your precious fiance. I am sure that there must be some redeeming feature to her if both you and your parents have taken such a liking to her. Tonight it is my chance to discover what that might be. As it is my birthday, I get to make the selfish request to have her be my companion for tonight. At the very least the first hour of your stay here."

Jason, who was clearly unhappy with that request asked for the one person who his grandfather was helpless against, much like he was when it came to Jenny. "Where is grandmother? I am sure your permanent companion won't agree to have you steal mine." Having no intention of letting go of his newly acquired companion his grandfather said, "Not stealing, just borrowing. Don't be so stingy. Your grandmother will join us a little later. There was something she had to take care of, so she left me by myself. I don't feel like talking to these piranhas any longer, so indulge this old man to use your Jenny as a reason to keep them away for while. I'll be sure to return her to your side after the hour has passed. Now scram boy, I need to talk to her in private." Jenny was looking back and forth at the two as her mind was playing out the different scenario's with each response while the winner switched from one person to the other. Seeing her fate be sealed with that last comment, she braced herself for what she imagined to come. She watched as Jason reluctantly went towards the buffet, along with his parents, to do what he was tasked with.

Once Jason and her in-laws left, Jenny was left behind alone with Jason's grandfather. She tried to find something to break the silence that seemed to fill the space she was standing in along with a two meter radius, making the music and chatter feel like something that was taking place in a different room not within arm's reach. Jason's grandfather was busy observing her every inch with a pensive look on his face. In turn, Jenny was trying to do the same as she looked at this handsome man, who looked far younger than his actual age. She was wondering whether all men in the Westwood family were so handsome and was thinking how much Jason resembled his grandfather as did her father-in-law, when her thoughts were interrupted.

"So, tell me girl, what should I call you?" Stammeringly Jenny replied, "You can call me whatever you want grandfather, but people usually call me Jenny." The elder chuckled as he said, "Well, considering I am 'people' as well, I shall call you Jenny too. Well, Jenny, do you love my grandson?" Jenny straightened herself and looked the elderly man right in his warm, yet intimidating eyes, that contained a certain youthful glow. "I do sir. Very much so." The man nodded his head approvingly as he said, "Good. Do you think that love is enough in a relationship?" "No sir. I believe you also need honesty, trust, commitment and loyalty." Again he nodded to show his approval of Jenny's answer. "So far so good. Now for my final question. My grandson is a popular guy, with people lined up to marry him. These are people with wealth, background and the best education money can buy along with experience in these circles. All qualities that can help Jason as he prepares to be the next CEO of the Westwood empire, and all qualities you don't possess. Considering all this, do you think you are worthy of my grandson?"

Jenny felt a slight prickling in her heart from that question, but remained strong and unfaltering. "All I know is that I love him and he loves me, that makes me believe I deserve to be next to him. I am a quick learner and I am willing to do what it takes to help Jason achieve his goals as I am sure he would do for mine, but whether I am worthy of him, that is something that only time can tell and not something like background or wealth."