CONSUME

[07] feel good

***

kameron springfield

"So William, how's business been?" James asked my father. Everybody else at the table is completely silent. The tension that my dad brought to the atmosphere clearly made us all unsure of how to act. 

I haven't seen my dad in a year, and it's definitely totally strange. He hasn't said a word to me yet, and I think that the boys have caught on to how weird that is. They have never been around my dad too much aside from when we were a lot younger, so this is their first time really meeting him since we all became adults. 

"Good." My dad nodded, biting his food. "We've opened up new branches in Virginia and Georgia. I've been allocating sponsorships to a few of the new managers I've hired. So in a few months things should be running smoothly." He finished. James nodded, "That sounds great."

"It is," My dad responded. I rolled my eyes at his words, looking down at the macaroni in my plate. I took a bite, the taste being absolutely incredible as expected. My mother is an amazing cook and I've always told her that she should open her own restaurant one day. "This food is so great, mom." I told her as she sat a few seats down the table. She smiled but didn't reply. 

"I found that the salt was a little lacking in the rice." My father countered. "But otherwise it's okay."

I clicked my tongue and sighed, but I just remained silent and continued to eat. 

"Mr. Springfield," Aidan began after observing me, directing his attention to my dad. "You're really busy with work, and I find it interesting what you do. I'm going to school next year for Computer Science, and I plan to minor in Business Management."

"Oh, wow." My dad seemed interested in Aidan's words, "That's great. Do you know where you're going to school yet?"

"Not yet," Aidan smiled a little bit, "But I want to stay local. My first choice would be UPenn. Hopefully I get in." 

"You seem bright." My dad complimented him, "I'm sure you will. If you ever need any pointers or advice in the business world, you can reach out to me."

"Oh, okay." Aidan said, "Thank you."

I scoffed a little bit at my dad's suggestion because I find it unbelievable how encouraging he is being towards Aidan and his school work, while he has never paid any mind to what I do. He's always belittled my future career. He has definitely never offered to help me, let alone has he ever given me an ounce of advice. 

I realized though that my reaction was blatant, and it caught my father's attention. "Do you have something to add?" He made eye contact with me, deep brown eyes stabbing into mine that looked the same as his. I gulped, debating what I wanted to say. I should probably just let it go, right?

"I just think it's interesting what you said." I grit my teeth, and then looked away from him and back down at my plate. "That's all."

"What was so interesting to you?" He asked. 

I shook my head, "Nothing. Never mind."

He nodded at me, but I knew that he didn't appreciate my words. Then he focused back on Aidan, clearly interested in him. "What do you want to do, exactly?"