Our Sick Inheritance (editing)

Chapter 48 - I'll Get You This Time

"Do you go onto trips with Harmony a lot?"

"Only if there are fashion shows or skiing here. We are allowed to travel together down to my Cousin Nate's resort, then straight back up. We usually have Nate as an escort because Daddy trusts him to tattle on us if we misbehave." Anna said making Jake laugh.

"Harmony and I have only gone twice alone together last summer, but we seem to get a bit wild when we have that much freedom. I would love it if my Dad wanted to go to the shows with me because some of them are so dramatic, but he doesn't like to watch the models because it reminds him of my Mom which makes him sad. Since Daddy doesn't like to go to fashion shows as often as I do, I get to go with Harmony. This is my first time alone."

"Why isn't Nate with you this time?" Jake asked between bites.

"Because the biggest project of our life is underway and he's helping get everything my dad needs to be moved to the island. Ships have to transport our stuff, and there is one leaving tomorrow Monday morning." Anna said.

"Wouldn't it have been safer for you to go with Harmony at least?"

"Well since you are the most dangerous thing I am coming across, should I be worried?" Anna flirted.

Jake laughed, "Of course not."

"I just wanted a little freedom to get the things I need without distraction because once we are on the island, I will be so inspired in developing it that I might forget to relax. Harmony is just as driven so right now is my only private time. She would be so jealous of me right now." Anna giggled.

"How long have you known Harmony?" Jake asked before sipping his drink to wash down his bite. Damn it Anna thought. There wasn't going to be enough drink left to slip him the pills. She'd have to order him another. Jake rushed on.

"I have to say, and no offense to you, but do you really consider Harmony a good friend? She did, after all, leave you without a thought Saturday night." Jake asked wiping the white foam off his mouth from his drink.

"Harmony has practically been my sister since first grade after my Dad and I moved to Washington following my Mom's death. Harmony's mother took care of her while her dad worked as a film director. They were filming a movie at my Dad's California resort which is where I met Harmony. Her parents and my Dad were friends. Dad got them to visit us in Washington and they stayed at our house for a few months to look for their own home. They moved to Washington during the filming so sometimes we carpooled together. Since they put their daughter in my school, Harmony and I kept each other company and we stayed out of our parents' way."

"Right at the end of the movie when they were doing a few cleanup scenes, there was an accident on the mountain with an avalanche at my Dad's resort. Harmony's dad along with a few others was killed. Her Dad was only forty-six. Her mother became a widow." Anna said and looked down at her plate while she moved food around with her fork. She remembered the sad atmosphere and confusion she shared with Harmony. Not wanting to sit deeper in the hole of memory, she gave Jake a gentle smile that he returned as he listened attentively.

"The movie made millions, so Harmony's Mom kept Harmony in Washington and mourned herself into a deep depression. That also meant Harmony and her mother's luxury days were over. They received movie proceeds and insurance money but were accustomed to an expensive lifestyle. The money only lasted two years because everything they bought on credit was expensive besides their housing and living costs. My father thinks it was good that Harmony and her mother had two years to get closer while they acclimated to their changes. It took that long for her mother to realize she needed a job and went back into advertising with the help of my Dad since he knows everyone. She had retired from her job when she got pregnant with Harmony, so she felt a little rusty but was exciting to have something to do. She couldn't replace what her husband brought in, but it was substantial enough to pay the bills, keep their needs met, and pay for Harmony's private school." Anna said her soul flushed with memories. Jake had only taken a few bites of his food respectfully as she talked. She waved a finger for her friend to bring another set of drinks while she continued to talk so Jake wouldn't take too much notice. He gave him an opportunity to fill his mouth again with food.