In The Hands of Dominic

6

Molly was anxious as Andra kept staring at her in disbelief.

"Say something." She urged. "You're just gaping at me."

"Why won't I gape at you?" Andra responded. "Can you hear the words coming out of your mouth? That I should get a man?"

"You should and I mean it."

"Listen, I have no intention of doing that. I'm not one of those girls who desire to get married in my twenties. I want to enjoy my single life. I will consider settling down from the age of thirty. That means, my enjoyment is just beginning."

"Stubborn tomboy," Molly mumbled.

Somehow this jibe often gave her some comfort because Andra's views most times, exasperated her.

"I heard that," Andra informed her.

Andra was used to the jibe. She knew that Molly often used it on her whenever she was adamant about something.

"I know you did. But I insist you get your own man and bring him home before your father beats you to it."

"I will do no such thing." Andra refused firmly.

The drowsy feeling had completely left her and she was now fully ready to conclude this unpleasant subject with Molly in hope that Molly would finally let her have some rest.

"He sounded serious." Molly reminded Andra in a dire tone.

"He always sounds serious."

"He was very angry."

"That's not new."

"He slapped you for the first time."

"Look, anger has different levels. Maybe his anger level hit a hundred percent and that's why he slapped me. So what? Anger is anger. When people are angry, they make threats or say things they probably never meant. My dad was just doing these things. I guess I've explained this to you before. Stop making me talk. I'm tired."

Andra went back to laying on her side, believing that Molly would now back down because of the ensuing silence that followed.

"Quit worrying over nothing and making a mountain out of a molehill." She added dismissively.

She heard Molly sigh and doubted that Molly had let it go. Sensing this, she tried to prevent Molly from speaking about the subject again.

"Please, I need to rest. I'm exhausted from last night, so come off this subject of yours and let me rest." Andra pulled the duvet over her body, her actions succeeding in dismissing Molly who got up and left the room.

***

The next morning, Andra was fully rested and back to her lively self. She sat with Molly at a table in the living room.

They were planning the purchase of Molly's home studio gadgets which she had promised to pay for.

Molly had a pen and paper in hand, crossing out what she already had and circling the ones Andra promised to pay for.

"I suggest we get the other stuff online but the guitar should be bought here," Andra said.

"I prefer everything to be bought online."

"Stop looking down on the stores here. I prefer we go to the place and you try it out yourself. That's how I see it. At least, let's go and try. If you don't like it, then we can go online."

Molly gave Andra's words a moment's thought. "Fine. Now that I think about it, you're right."

Their attention was caught by the presence of Duke and Carla. The formally dressed couple emerged from the top of the stairs and made their way downstairs.

Andra and Molly rose to greet them. It seemed like there was still tension over Andra's recent clubbing issue. The faces of the couple showed no signs of joy, especially Duke's.

"Good morning." Molly and Andra cautiously greeted them politely.

Carla responded to their greeting with a wave and a barely audible 'good morning'.

From the stoic expression on her face, it seemed like she had joined her husband, Andra reckoned. The couple was always supportive of each other in the end even if they argue at first which was rare.

Andra hated their synergy. She was not in favor of her stepmother even though the woman was always nice to her.

Andra shifted her ill feelings about her stepmother and focused on her father. It slightly bothered her that he was cold.

Duke's eyes traveled coldly between the two girls. Then he silently walked away towards the main door, with Carla following behind him.

Both girls sat down as soon as they were out of the door. The two were disturbed by the cold reception and they stared at each other for some time.

"See, your dad is still angry," Molly stated. "This matter is serious."

"I can see that now. But then, I have already apologized. What else does he want from me?"

"Well, can you at least change for his sake? You saw the video. You saw the comments. A lot of people are questioning his personality and eligibility to be mayor of this city."

Andra's expression turned indignant. "Why do you sound like I do what I do on purpose? Am I the only one who goes clubbing? Or am I the only one who dances and drinks? The problem is not me. It's the evil bloggers who won't mind their business. They are always trying to paint a horrible picture of me and making me look like the bad guy. But I am not the bad guy. Those nosy bastards are the bad guys. They are." She pointed at the window as though the bloggers were standing out there.

Molly shook her head in amusement.

"Look, considering that your father is who he is, you should at least try and not give them a reason to do what they are doing. If an ordinary girl does what you do, the media may barely notice. But like it or not, you're tied to a public figure. That's why you need to care."

"Life is too short to live it in a boring manner." Andra pointed out. "You can't deprive yourself of having fun because of people. I say fuck them all."

Molly frowned with disapproval. "I hate when you swear." She complained.

"Whatever. But hey, didn't you notice how daddy didn't mention the marriage thing? That means, he was just angry and is still angry, which is why he ignored our greetings. After some time, he will cool off."

Molly briefly considered Andra's words for a brief moment. "You might be right." She conceded. "I think so too. He probably just said that in his anger, considering the other threats he has made in the past that he never carried out."

Andra smiled. "Now, we are on the same page." She said but the smile quickly left her face as an unpleasant thought entered her. "The only problem I have in this house is that wife of his. I don't like her. She is nothing but a gold digger."

"Oh, Andra, not again." Molly cautioned.

"It's true. Look, I'm only being polite to her because of daddy."

"You have said this countless times. Let it go. You should not say such things about your stepmother."

"I have said that I do not like her. Period. She married my father because of his money."

"Andra, they have been married for three years. For me, she loves him."

Andra rose sharply, offended that Molly could not see things the way she was. "This conversation just got boring." She said and started walking up the stairs.

"I understand," Molly responded sarcastically. "No one likes to take a bitter pill."