Love, Hate, and Family Ties

Confrontation

I look at the time when I get to the front door. It's eleven. Crap. HE will be pissed that I took so long. But it IS his fault that a bunch of roads and sidewalks were blocked off from his antics.

The van is parked in its usual spot so he's probably home. Unless he's out terrorizing more people.

Just as I was about to grab the door knob it slams open and I'm roughly pulled inside.

"Ow! You know I can walk right?" I say rubbing the place on my arm where he grabbed me.

He slams the door and looks at me with contempt. "Not fast enough judging by your timing." He grabs the bag from my shoulder and goes over to his office.

" You're welcome." I say to his back. He slams his office door without looking back or even acknowledging that I spoke.

I sigh and go to my room. I pick up my phone from the dresser. I have a text message from an unknown number.

"- hi Amber. Thank you so much for walking me home. I hope you didn't have to go too far out of your way to do so. It was very kind of you. And I'd love to see you again sometime soon-"

I smile. I reply with a simple "- coffee tomorrow at seven? I know some great places-"

I put my phone down and move towards my bed, thinking that I'll take a short nap. How stupid of me.

"AMBER NAPIER COME HERE NOW!"

I sigh. Walking down the stairs I start to wonder if it's about the money. Was I off count?

I step into his office and close the door. "Yeah dad?"

"Congratulations. You brought me more than a million," he says calmly, looking at me with curious eyes.

"Uh, thanks I guess." I say shifting uncomfortably.

"Now.... would you mind telling me what you were doing with Michael Jackson today?" he says folding his hands onto the desk.

Shiznuts. "He...uh.. just moved here...I was walking him home."

"Is this the only time you'll ever see him?" His tone has become menacing.

"Does it need to be the only time I see him?" I say knowing the answer.

"You like him?"

Wait... what?

"I just met the guy!" I say standing to leave. I've had enough of him today.

"You women are all alike. You fall for the first man with a kind smile. You'll never be good enough for him. You know it. You're welcome to see him again but just remember how worthless you truly are. Know your place Amber. I'm the only person who will ever love you."

I walk out without a word, his words stinging my heart and tears beginning to sting my eyes.

I walk into my room and hear my phone vibrate. I reluctantly check it and see a message from Michael.

"- coffee sounds great. You know where I live. Come by whenever you want. Anyplace is fine by me. As long as I get to see the city at some point tomorrow (hint hint?) See you tomorrow-"

I give a halfhearted smile and reply.

"- I'll swing by your house tomorrow morning. After coffee I'll take you around the town. See you tomorrow-"

I curl up in my bed and cry myself to sleep, knowing my father is right, and he always will be.