Hidden Motives

Unexpected

The next few days went on like every other. The constant partying, doing homework, taking care of Jace, and, of course, shopping. I spent lots of time with friends especially Vanessa, but I also made sure to get my grades up. I always had my mother's letter at the back of my mind and it kept me motivated. My GPA went from a 3.4 to a solid 4.0. It was difficult, but I did it for my mother and myself. I needed to get out of Los Angeles. Even though it had always been my home and I had lots of friends here, it was never what I wanted. People wanted to be friends with me for my name, not for me. That's why getting a fresh start in England may be just what I need.

"Beep Beep Beep" It was my alarm clock at 6:30 am sharp on a Friday morning. Today was the day I needed to start applying to colleges. I made sure to make a list of at least 9 possible colleges in case Oxford didn't work out. After a long day at school, I came home, opened my laptop, and started typing. I worked on applications and essays till about 11 pm. After that, I fell asleep as soon as my head hit the pillow.

The next morning I woke up to Betsy shaking me awake. "Wake up Sierra your father has arrived," she whispered softly. Suddenly I was wide awake. I grabbed my mother's letter that I had left sitting on my dresser for the past week, put it into its envelope, and slid it underneath my bed. I then took a deep breath as fear coursed through me. "Why did he show up?" I thought to myself. "Hopefully he doesn't know about Melissa or the letter. Act natural" I told myself while taking a deep breath.

"Uhm ok, thank you for letting me know," I tell Betsy as I run into my bathroom to begin freshening up. She then leaves with a frown. I know dad is horrible to Betsy as well, but she hides her hate for him well. After changing into something presentable I wake up Jace, help him get dressed and we walk down the stairs to greet the monster before us. 

Jace seemed excited, but I knew that would be temporary. As we inched closer to the kitchen where our father was sitting I couldn't help but be angry. "This man is hiding so much and has the audacity to show up once a year with no notification of his return!" My thoughts were eating me up but I had to relax and act as if nothing had changed. I had to do it for Jace if not for myself. I couldn't let him find out what was wrong.

We entered the kitchen and there sat our father. Drinking coffee and reading one of his novels as if he knew nothing.

"Good morning children," he said while still focusing on his book. "Treat yourself to some of this breakfast Betsy has made. It is quite delicious." 

"Uhm hello and good morning dad," I say naturally as I grab a plate. I look at Betsy and she looks very uncomfortable. 

Jace runs up to dad and screams "Daddyy your homee." He greets him with a hug.

Dad laughs and says, "Haha yes indeed I am home. Although I cannot stay long I have a meeting in town tomorrow so I thought today would be a good day to visit you two. I will be departing after that. I am very busy as you know." As he says this he looks directly at me with a smirk. I turn around and roll my eyes before carrying my now filled plate to the opposing side of the table. I sit down and he looks back at his book continuing to read. Jace then joins us at the table after filling his plate. He continues to make conversation and eventually I head back upstairs. 

After about two hours of writing essays for my college applications, I hear a knock at my door. Immediately thinking it is my father I save my progress and close the college essay tab on my laptop. The last thing he needs to see is my attempt to flee the country through college. I say "come in" and just as I suspected my father walks into the room. He locks the door and my heart begins to race. What could this man possibly want from me?

"I heard about your little party last week," he says cooly.

"Yeah it was okay I guess" I respond.

"Well I hope you know turning 17 isn't necessarily something to celebrate. You are almost an adult. One more year of your childhood and it's all gone. Maybe it would be a good idea if you thought about your future a bit. Have you applied to any colleges yet?" he asks.

Of course, he wanted to know about college and my plans for the future. He needs to keep a close eye on me for the next year if he wants a chance at getting the money. "Umm no, not yet. I was thinking of applying to some of the colleges in the area. Nothing too far. I could never leave this city, I love it too much" I respond.

"Hmm interesting," he says. "Sounds like a good plan to me. I was afraid I was going to have to shoot down your ideas of leaving the state. You would never survive on your, own, let alone getting accepted. Hah. Impossible for someone like you" he laughs.

Anger builds up inside of me, but I force myself to relax again. "He is leaving tomorrow. I can do this. Just stay calm for one day Sierra" I tell myself.

"Yeah quite literally. I don't think I am made for life outside of LA." I say in a tone that sounds almost sarcastic.

"That's my girl" he says while exiting the room. When the door closes I feel the tension leave the room with him. I relax and begin typing on my laptop again.

 "Stay here. Hah. In his dreams." I think to myself.