The Desire for a Simple Life

TWENTY-THREE

TWENTY-THREE

Natalia

As I read the paper a pang of guilt runs through me, arguably hurting more than the bullet wound in my thigh. My father gave the company to Omar, who gave it to me. I don't know what I'd do with a stocking business. Omar wrote to me,

Natalia,

I've known you since your mother gave birth to you. I have watched you grow into the woman you are now. If you're reading this it means I've died. I leave you the company. I know your father will be put away and when he does, he'll pass the business to me, but I want nothing to do with it. I understand that you don't either. So do what you want with the employees and the building. If you truly want, lay the Brewer name to rest. I trust in your decisions.

I trust you will look after my son and daughter. Make sure my wife is okay.

But always remember, do not look at a death with pain, rather look at the memories behind the gravestone.

"Do not look at a death with pain, rather look at the memories behind the gravestone." Omar said that to me when my mother died. It makes me tear on the spot.

I wonder how James, Cecilia, and Charlotte feel right now? Are they still here? Do they know yet? They must be so upset with me. I am the one Omar went with. He was worried about me, so he didn't get help. I'll have to find a way to help the family out.

Leaving me the company opens up many new doors. Of course I am not keeping the company. I am only a sophomore in college. Like Omar suggested, I'm going to lay the Brewer name to rest. Maybe I'll go back to my mother's maiden name, Lakes. I am almost positive this entire ordeal is already all over the news. So Natalia Brewer is too. I don't want to be known as a scumbag's daughter, but instead the daughter of a wonderful, smart, kind, beautiful woman.

It's a multimillion dollar company. With hundreds of employees. Hundreds of people that need jobs. I am going to have to fulfill those jobs so no one is left unemployed. This will take me a while to plan out, but it will get done.

"Natalia?" Grant says, pulling me from my thoughts. I look up to him with a smile. "What did he leave you?"

"This and that." I give out a light chuckle. "How are you feeling?" I ask, placing the paper on the bedside table and taking Grant's hand in mine.

"I'll be fine. Nothing I can't handle." He smiles. "You?"

"My leg hurts, but that was a given." She gives a warm smile.

"What do you want to do now?" Grant asks me.

I think for a moment. I could relax and let everything go for a while, or I could take care of the company and be done with it. I'd rather be done done, not relax then get to work. That's how I've always been.

"I think I am going to make some calls." I announce as I grab the papers from the bedside table, placing them on my lap. "I'll see you later." I say as I wheel out of the room. Grant doesn't call for me, I silently thank him for it mentally.

When I get to my room, a nurse helps me into the bed. "I need a phone." I ask her.

"There wasn't one on you when you came in." She answers.

"Is there one I can use? I need my laptop too." I start to talk to myself. That's when I realize I have no idea where to start. Who to call first. My father was very secretive of the company. I know nothing of it. I would ask Omar, but he isn't here to answer my questions.

I think one of my uncles worked there. I have to give him a call.

"Can you drive me somewhere really quick? We will come back I promise." I ask her.