Back To Black

Lost In Space

I was enjoying Mrs. Adler's countless stories about how a simple dream and determination can take you a long way. It was her joy that came from her own experience that made her want to help out other young individuals with their dreams, so that they, too, can enjoy the aftermath of what comes from working hard and earning your own success. It was her stories that made me realize what I would be doing if I didn't help Danny and the rest of the family, I would be killing their whole lives, and what they saw as important.

Looking up, Fiona was standing at our table, smiling her smile and batting her eyes. I was confused, from my understanding, we were suppose to all stay at our assigned tables. What could she, possibly, be doing at my table?

"Fiona?" Beneath her eyes were wet, and I could tell she was forcing the smile upon her face. I wondered if she had been drinking, because to me she looked stressed.

My eyes looked over toward Danny, who looked frustrated with Fiona's lack of following directions. "Hi, darling. I've decided to help you."

"Help her?" Mrs. Adler had spoken the question that immediately came into my mind. Help me? Had Fiona lost her mind? I had no idea what she was talking about, and whatever it was, now was not the right time to discuss it.

"Oh, no worries, Mrs. Adler, it's just a family matter." Fiona walked over to Lucas and they whispered amongst themselves. When they finished, Fiona headed back to her table.

"Dear, is there a family matter you need to attend to, right now?" I looked at Mrs. Adler and shook my head.

"No, ma'am. Not to my knowledge and if there is, I'm sure I can attend to it later." Nodding, Mrs. Adler patted my hand and I stole a glimpse at Lucas, who just took another sip from his glass and smiled like nothing happened.

Mrs. Adler attended to her meal, leaving me to my thoughts and questions. Was everything alright at home? Was Ava okay? I really hoped I wasn't too hard on her and I hope she's safe. Fiona's interruption had my mind filled with thoughts, but she was probably just drunk.

Daniel came over to our table, standing over Lucas, he looked directly at me. "Excuse me, but may I borrow Jessa for just a moment?" At the sight of Daniel, a warm smile spread across Mrs. Adler's face.

"Well, of course, dear. Just don't keep her too long, I really enjoy her presence." Danny's smile reflected the one upon Mrs. Adler's face.

"It will be breif." I rise from my seat, following behind Daniel as he lead me out into the hall. I was having a wonderful time, but now, I felt something bad was brewing.

"What is it, Daniel? I'm really having a good time. Mrs. Adler is wonderful." His face seemed troubled and I debated wither or not I should speak.

"Jessa, are you really going take this seriously?" My eyeborws concaved and I shook my head.

"What? I'm confused, did something happen?" Danny looked me, sternly in the eyes.

"Look, Jess. I know, right now this may mean nothing to you, but to us, this company is our whole life and I hope that one day, this can all mean something to you too. All those people in there flew out for this last minute banquent to see you because they know how hard we work and how much all of this means to us, and they don't want their time wasted on some childish dream, if we're not going to take this seriously. Now if you want to back out, let me know now, so that we can find someone else. This means too much to is, so please don't blow this, okay?"

Danny talked to me like a father would talk to his child, trying to get them to straighten there ways. Behind his words was such passion and I understood every word he spoke. "Okay." He half smiled at me and it seemed as if a relief was lifted off of his shoulders.