Striving for Greatness: A Vladimir Chigvintsev Story

27

I quickly flung my phone at the floor but it was obviously too late. I was speeding and the cop knew I was on my cellphone while driving. It was over. This will be my second and third ticket this month.

I pulled to the side of the road and the cop looked me up and down.

"Officer." I nodded.

"Do you know how fast you were going, young man?"

"Yes sir, and i'm sure you know the answer to your question as well, so I am not going to pretend like I was doing the speed limit." I said as kindly as I could, although i'm sure it came out sounding rude.

"Well at least your honest." He said "license and registration please."

I handed over the proper documents and he headed back to his vehicle.

I didn't need this right now. I hit my head off the wheel and accidentally beeped.

The officer walked back over and asked me to step out of the vehicle.

I did what he said. I also knew that I'd better shut my mouth so I wouldn't get into any more trouble. My mouth has been getting the best of me lately.

"Officer?" I asked "What's the problem."

"I'm a friend of your fathers." He said

'Which one' I thought.

"Oh really?" I said "well he can pay for this ticket then, because I was on the phone with him right before you pulled me over."

I assumed he was talking about Artem, but I didn't think it mattered that it was Maks that I was talking about. Same thing.

"Yeah, we go way back." He said, "I just wanted to scare you a little bit once I saw your name. Did you think I was arresting you?" He was laughing uncontrollably.This made me angry. Doesn't he have better things to do right now.

I nodded, wanting to get back in my car.

"Alright well I'm going to let you off with a warning this time. But please drive carefully. The warning will be on your record and if any violations occur in the future, you won't get so lucky."

"Got it sir." I said. I got back in my car and drove like a granny down the street and around the corner. I'm sure the cop was either laughing at me or thinking I was a smart ass.

• • •

When I finally got home I didn't feel like talking to anyone. I jumped into the shower and got ready to go over to Maks' house. When I was about to go out the door dad stopped me.

"Where are you going? Penny made dinner. We can all eat together." He sounded happy.

"Not interested." I said continuing to walk through the doorway. "I'm headed to Maks' place"

"Son." He said. "Come on I don't want you to push me away."

When he called me his son, I felt angry. I am his son, at least I thought I was for 16 years. I wish my mother hadn't lied to us all. I feel like I owe it to him to respect his marriage to my mother and respect that he is my legal guardian, but I didn't want to be his son. Not when I have a father. I want to live with Maks.

I didn't look at him, I couldn't. I turned around and walked back in the house. After running up to my room, I got out a bag and packed a few things. I would come back to for the rest later.

He followed me.

"How long are you staying there?" He asked, seeing that I was packing a bag.

I still couldn't look him in the eyes or answer him. It was too painful. I didn't want to hurt him. He's been through so much.

"I love you." I said to him before running back down the stairs with my bag.

On my way out I darted past Penny and Julian who were talking to Alek in the living room. They were all happy and laughing. I was hoping they didn't notice me.

"Hey, Vlad?" Alek called for me to join them.

'Great' I thought 'more guilt'

I ignored him and kept walking. I felt like I couldn't breathe. I want to get out of here and cool off before I can come back and explain what I'm feeling to them.

I jumped in my car and took off down the street as fast as I could, hoping my offer still stood with Maks and that he is going to get a couch that is more comfortable than the one he's got now.