"And that's how it is, Thompsom. That's how it is."
Benny watched in silence how his father maintained a conversation with his dear friends, who turned out to be his coworkers as well. Mr Thompson and Mr Stevens, their faces were quite familiar to him. As was normal for each child with social parents, Benny grew up in his father's social circle, they even considered him more of a nephew than just a friend's son. Benny was very lucky to have such big figures as part of his closest, not only because they were quite important people but because they were all honorable men. But under this feeling of pride, there was also a huge responsibility; the rod was placed very high, and he had expectations to meet. Sadly, not his but his father's. Gösta expected too much from him, as well as all those men around him. And that was exactly the problem. All his life he lived under constant pressure, even if Gösta facilitated all he considered his son needed, Benny was never sure of every step taken. Of course he did want to develop in the field of Law, he himself admired his father's job and Gösta planted the seed on him, but Benny wanted to do it in his own way: at his own rhythm, at his own wish.
Benny thought that working abroad for a couple of years after graduating would be enough to make his intentions clear. But, as soon as he returned, Gösta brought up his plans. As the president of the Parliament, he wanted his son to follow his steps, to reach as far as him, to be as important as him, as prestigious as him. Benny suspected that the reputation was an important factor, but his father seemed so genuinely happy and even touched when considering his son could be his successor at some point. That's exactly why he was invited at that dinner last night, that's why he invited him to the Parliament... to "fill his sense of belonging" according to Gösta's words. But Benny felt overwhelmed. Not that he couldn't do it, of course he could! He was prepared! But it was too much pressure.
The three men started laughing. Benny, a few meters away, smiled at them. To be fair, he'd missed his life in Sweden. After graduating, Gösta got him a job, but Benny wanted to pave his own path and being in his territory it'd be impossible not to get some kind of favoritism due to his father's influence, so he tried out until finally he found an opportunity abroad, in France. Oh! The life there! A whole experience, starting with the girls. However, France was part of his past.
His phone vibrated inside his pocket. Benny took it out and read his best friend's message:
11:20 a.m. Björn: See you at 12:30 at my place. The boys are coming to watch the match together. DO NOT MISS!
Benny giggled at his words, of course he would attend, whatsmore, it was a good excuse to finally get out of here. It didn't look polite interrupting the conversation, but considering the well based trust he could approach with no problem. Maybe his father had another plan for them, but Benny intended to seize each moment now that he was back home...
Frida sighed in total exasperation, she knew something was wrong, yet she was grateful to heaven because fortunately no incident occurred. There, completely collapsed, the two front tires of the car mocked her silently, exactly the day she decided to go on a ride alone. Anyone could think it was premeditated, but looking for culprits would not solve anything, plus she had no proof. She needed a mechanic but, unfortunately, didn't have the number of any in her contact list. Frida dialed Henry but the call went straight to voicemail. She also tried with Jason but got the same result, sure they were busy.
"Great." Said through clenched teeth. The best option would be to search on Google, so did she. Fortunately, the car was parked on a private zone where traffic was almost null, it was the best she could do by noticing the car was not responding properly. She checked the options Google showed, with a frown the picked a number and dialed, but only to increase her frustration the call was sent to voicemail as well. "Damn it, really?!" What's it about everyone with their phones off today? Frida closed her eyes and threw her head back, an increasing headache adding more trouble to the situation. "What about some help instead?" She muttered to the air, universe or whoever...
