Mr. Berkshire (Book 1 in the For Better Or Worst Trilogy)

Chapter 35

     Skylar and I are doing some much needed retail therapy at one of her favorite stores, Ever After Boutique. Stepping inside, is like walking straight into Skylar's closet. Bright colors, wild patterns, and a variety different patterns, instantly overwhelm me. Compared to my style, Skylar is riskier with her clothing. On hangers, the clothes look like a lost cause. But, on Skylar? They look like they can be the next thing. With her encouragement, I join her in the dressing room to try on a couple of dresses.

She's trying on a neon green pant suit that contrasts beautifully with her brown skin, unlike mine, which would only make my pale skin look washed out. All the while, I'm swaying side to side in a robin blue, mini duress, with dramatic poofy sleeves.

"What if your parents have an open relationship? That's become more common than you think." Skylar is trying her best to comfort me. After some thought, I decided to confide in her about what happened during my little vacation back home. Even though it's upsetting, I'm looking for comfort from my closest friend. I soon realize how silly I was for thinking Skylar wouldn't understand, or at the very least, think my family was a completely mess.

"If you met my parents, you wouldn't even think of something like that. They're old fashioned. Church every Sunday, lemonade on the porch, crossword puzzles traditional." Shaking my head at the reflection in the mirror, I shake off the dress and reach for the next.

"That sounds sweet. Do you think Noah would be a stay at home dad, though? I would be the breadwinner, of course. I'd take care of him." For a second, I lose her to this sweet little fantasy she's shaping in her head. And one look in my direction, brings her back to earth. "Sorry! No Noah! Why do you think your mom stays with him, then?" She reminds the pantsuit and tosses it in her large yes pile, before moving to a tulle skirt.

"Back home, my mom has a reputation to hold." Slipping on a black and yellow plaid jumper dress, I bring my hands to my hips. "Our town is so small, so everyone knows everything about everyone. If my mama even hints that something might be off between my papa and her, the whole town, especially the gossips, will be on it like bees on honey. They will tear my family in a million shreds and not feel an ounce guilty about it. And that town's opinion is more important to my mama, than anything else in the world. Including my papa's adultery." Sighing, I fall to the bench. "I know it shouldn't bother me so much, but I feel like he betrayed me. Like he betrayed his promise as a father to me. Who knows how long it's been like this? Is my entire family based on false security?"

     "Wow, that's some serious shit." She lowers herself beside me, taking my hand in hers. "Family is family. There's gotta be some love there. It's not always shown the right way, but it's there. Maybe not now, but you should talk to them. See what they have to say for themselves. At the very least, you can understand their reasoning. You don't have to like it, but you won't be left wondering anymore." Giving my hand a comforting squeeze, she stands and models in the mirror. She's right. I need to talk to my parents. I need to know what's going on with my family. Not now. I'm not ready. But eventually. "Now, what does Mr. Berkshire have to say about all of this? Did he come to save you from the clutches of your evil parents, returning you to your kingdom in Seattle, like I thought he would?" Displeased with the skirt, she removes it and tosses it in the two piece no pile.

My cheeks instantly flush a deep red. I try to use the try on pile to my right to hide my embarrassed expression. "Not exactly. He was there when everything went down with my dad, but we didn't talk too much about it, until the other day. I think he's trying to me my space to think about it and come to my own conclusions." In the process of distracting myself, I find a lime green button down blouse. "He actually took me to the aquarium the other day." I add nonchalantly, pretending it's not as big a deal as it sounds. The jumper falls into the yes pile, while I try on the blouse.