A Kiss In The Dark

Chapter 3 : The debt

Zoe was just about to open the door to her home and go in as she heard a shout, "Miss.Hunt!"

She turned around to find a large man with scary features addressing her. Everything about him spelled danger. She instinctively took a step back.

"Yes?" She responded doubtfully.

"Is your father in? He needs to settle his debts! The boss says he has given him ample about of time. Call him out, he needs to pay up quick!" Growled the man with a menacing expression.

Zoe was stunned at this revelation. She was struggling to comprehend what the man had said. "Dad has a debt? How much?" Said Zoe weakly.

The man started getting annoyed, he started advancing closer to Zoe, she took another involuntary step back.

"Don't play games with me! Call your father NOW!" He bellowed "He needs to pay the entire 50000 dollars now! Who does he think he is? Offering the boss to pay it in installments?"

Zoe suddenly felt dizzy. Her mind was full of questions.

'what was her dad thinking?
A debt of 50000 dollars?
Why did he need so much money?'

"Please..!" Begged Zoe, "Have some mercy! My father has all ailments: diabetes, high blood pressure and cholesterol. To top it all, he has a weak heart. He will take this news badly. Let me handle it. I am getting a job today. Will pay your boss back with my paycheck. Please don't say anything to dad!"

The man calmed down a bit and said "Alright! In that case, you have a week! One week to pay up 50000 dollars! Don't make me regret it!"

Zoe let's out a huge sigh of relief as the man left. She walked into the house with a determined look on her face. She ran up to her room, grabbed the newspaper clipping on her shelf and hurried out into the garden. Her family was having a cheerful discussion on gardening. Zoe cleared her throat. All three of them looked up at her. She slapped the newspaper clipping on the table and announced "There! I found a job opportunity! At Kites! As an errand girl!"

"No! no! no! no! NO! NOWAY!" Shrieked Kate, "Not at Kites!" Kate snatched the clipping from the table to read, "You're kidding!"

"Good job Zoe! You found something!" Cheered Susan with a grin.

"I knew you could do it!" Added Peter sipping his tea.

"Wait a minute! She can't work at Kites! She is a slacker! Always lost in dreams! No way you will survive at Kites! Working in my company is no child's play!" Declared Kate

"Kate! You need to help me get this job!" Whined Zoe.

"Kate, you've always claimed that you are indispensable to the company. That you head your division. Be a dear and help your little sister out." Said Susan softly as she watched the sisters argue.

"She doesn't head her division! She's the secretary to the CEO's son, who happens to head the financial division! Indispensable indeed!" Retorted Zoe.

Kate gave her an evil look and asked "You are actually ok, being an errand girl? A nobody? Have you really thought this through?"

"Yes! I'm sure! Don't you know how badly I need a job? Need to keep Mr.Sweaty palms far away!" Responded Zoe impatiently.

"You don't know a thing about cooperate life. How are going to answer all the questions in your interview?" Questioned Kate worriedly.

"You are going to help me darling Kate! As for the interview I will just have to improvise!" Replied Zoe much to Kate's irritation.

"What are you going to wear? You don't have any office wear, do you?" Asked Kate in desperation.

"What else is necessary except my beautiful smile? As for clothes, I may not have office wear but you sure do! I will just borrow your costly clothes" Grinned Zoe evilly before running inside.

Kate looked at her parents in undisguised horror and exclaimed, "Look at what you have unleashed!"

Kate ran after her sister screaming " Don't you dare touch my clothes!".

Susan and Peter chuckled. But Peter soon had a serious face and inquired, "What is this talk of Zoe getting married to Brad? Are they coming tonight for dinner?"

"Ah! Betty had called this morning regarding Brad's proposal. You know how strained my relationship with her is, I didn't have the heart to turn her down!" Remarked Susan with a sigh, "Besides it seemed to have inspired Zoe to take charge of her life."

"I have gut feeling this is going to end badly" observed Peter. Susan sadly nodded her head in agreement.

Peter watched as his wife as she cleared the table. She was the best thing that had happened to him. He was tormented by his debt and it's eminent repercussions on his precious family. He would have to sell the shop he realised, there was no way out of it. Peter's frown deepened the more he thought about it. He tensed up as Susan sat next to him with her head on his shoulder. It was hard to keep secrets from her as she was good at sensing his moods.

Peter smiled down at his wife and teased "You are still as pretty as your wedding day!"

Susan blushed with pleasure. Even after being married so many years, Peter still had that effect on her. She looked at her husband adoringly. Peter had lost most of his thick black hair and now his bald head was basking in the sun. His sparkling blue eyes were eager behind his spectacles. His once black and bushy mustache was now speckled with grey. Peter's lips curved in a smile and Susan knew why. He always complimented her before asking for dessert.

After a beat, Peter casually asked "What's for dessert? Please say cheese cake!" Susan smiled mysteriously and got up from the table.

"It's a surprise!" She whispered in his ear on her way out. Peter sighed contently, he knew it would be just what he wanted.