Clarity

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

Linda's POV

Oh dang! "How long have you been standing there?" I asked feeling embarrassed.

"I asked you a question?"
"Did you?" I asked trying to avoid his eyes.

He nodded. "Mhmm. So I'm hot huh?" He said trying to make eye contact with me but I avoided his eyes. "Ye..No. I was just trying to make Daniel jealous." I said trying to sound confident.

"Oh. I see." He smirked and I nodded rapidly.
"Uhh. Okay let me go and prepare for the trip." I said picking my bag to leave. The meeting with dad. Ughh!

"On second thought. I have a meeting with dad. I mean Mr Franklin." I said going towards dad's office.

I knocked on his door and he told me to come in.
"Uhmm.. You asked for a meeting." I said and he motioned me to sit. I sat down and he pulled a file and pushed it towards me. "What's this?" I asked and he scoffed.

"It's a contract. If you take the money you'll have to sign this contract." Dad stated and I was confused.

"What's the catch?" I asked. Knowing dad he's up to something.

"If anyone asks you who's your father, you'll say he died in a car accident when you were little and I took you in. Deal?" He said and I started tearing up.

"But you're my biological father." My voice cracked at the end.

"I asked you a question. Is this a deal?" He raised his voice at me.
I nodded. I needed the money asap and... I have no choice.

"Sign this." He handed me a pen to sign. I scanned the contract first and after I read the conditions and the clauses I signed the contract.
"You'll get your money later this evening." He said and showed me the door. I guess that is my cue to leave.

Brandon was still in his office. I wish I had his parents. They are understanding, supportive and... Sigh.

"Linda." I heard Brandon call my name. I still had tears in my eyes. I couldn't face Brandon.

"Let's do a movie night. I've got snacks." I could sense his enthusiasm. "No. Not tonight I'm tired." I said trying to hide my sadness.

"Linda? Are you okay?" He had to ask me that question. It always triggers my tears and escalate my sad emotions.
"I'm not okay. My dad died in a car accident." I said quietly.

"Mr Franklin is dead? But I saw him an hour ago and he didn't leave." He was confused.

"My...He- he said I should tell the press that he took me in." I bursted into tears and Brandon hugged me. He soothed my back. I held onto his shirt tightly. Few minutes later I calmed down.

"Sorry." I apologized seeing his shirt stained with my tears.

"It's okay. Really. Now can we go now?" He asked wiping away my tears. I feel blessed having a friend like Brandon.

We went to his apartment. I texted mom and she said she was with a friend. A man to be exact. "I think we should host a memorial service." Brandon said handing me a bowl of popcorn.

"For who?" I asked.
"For your dad. He died in a car crash right?" He asked and I nodded.

"He deserves a memorial service. He's dead isn't he?" I smiled at his idea. "Okay let's do it. Go find some black clothes." I ran to his room and took his black trousers. I also found his hoodie. "These clothes have swallowed me!" I exclaimed.

"I think you look good." Brandon said winking at me. "You're nasty." I pushed him lightly.
"You're sassy." He held my waist and we looked at each other for a minute. "I think we'll be late for the memorial service." I said breaking the eye contact.

We went to his backyard. "This is huge!" I said amazed by the space of his backyard. He hummed.

"You were the worst dad I've ever had and I'm glad that you're gone Gorilla. I hate you. From today you're dead to me. I hope you never rest in peace." I poured my heart out. When I cried Brandon comforted me. I threw a thorn on the imaginary grave Brandon said to imagine. I felt better.

My phone buzzed and I checked it. It was the money Franklin sent.  "Oh my goodness!" I yelled after seeing the amount of money he sent.