The Lazy Life Of Raine

Broken Home (6)

“He won’t think that.”  York argued as they walked towards the hotel again.  

“How much do you want to bet?”  Violet dared him.

“What do you want it to be?”  

“Hmm…”  Violet thought as they walked side by side.  “I bet, that the moment we get back, he’ll yell at me in front of everyone.  He’ll say something to the lines of having no manners, being unfilial and corrupting your morals to missing the party.”  

“You don’t know that.”  

“That’s why it’s a bet, silly.  If I win, you owe me one favor. If that old man doesn’t yell at me, you win, and I’ll owe you one favor. Deal?”  Violet said as her head tilts to the side. Her eyes shined with playfulness and there was a slight smile that showed off her dimples.  

“Okay, deal.”  York said as he agreed to her bet.  “But just to let you know, he’s not like that anymore.  He really does miss you and is proud of you. He won’t embarrass you in front of everyone.”  

“We’ll see.”  Violet said as they become silent.  

On the way back, they enjoyed each other’s company, the sound of music and talking became louder.  Their appearance caused quite a stir. Everyone there knows York’s appearance and knows his reputation.  However, as for Violet, they only read about her in magazines and newspapers. Most of them have never met her before and was curious about her.  

When they entered the venue, they made their way pass several guests.  They stopped every now and then to speak to acquaintances. When they finally stopped at the head table, Violet’s bet with York paid off.  

“You insolent, unfilial brat, where did you disappear to!”  Tyler yelled at Violet as he pounded the table. “Dare to show your face whenever you want to and leave whenever you want to!  If you want to go, then go! But don’t influence York with your bad habits!”

Tyler’s rant caused those close to them stop what they were doing and listen.  It was quite the big gossip that Tyler and Violet did not get along, that was why she left and hasn’t come back in 8 years.  Although she was gone, she made a name for herself with Tyler’s help. He constantly bragged about her to his friends and yet when she shows up to his birthday party, he shouts and yells at her in front of everyone.  

Had Violet still cared about the old fart, her feelings would have been hurt.  But she had long stopped having hope that their relationship would improve and he would say caring words to her.  

Tyler couldn’t help himself.  Every time he saw her, he wanted to yell at her.  She was too reckless and too headstrong. She looked exactly like her mother and was a constant reminder to him about Eva Brown.  

Violet’s face did not change with Tyler’s cutting remarks.  It stayed still, like a frozen mask. Her eyes didn’t even ripple with emotion.  However York’s facial features did. He had thought that his Step-Father had changed over the years, however he was exactly the way Violet described him.  He was greatly disappointed in Tyler. York could see the vast difference at how Tyler treated him and how Tyler treated Violet.

He was disappointed in Tyler, however he was more angry.  He didn’t like the fact that Tyler’s outburst belittled Violet, smeared her reputation and embarrassed her.  

“Tyler…”  York growled out through his teeth.  He was really angry and wanted to say a few words in Violet’s defense as well as tell Tyler off, however Violet interfered.

“I win.”  Violet said.  Her voice was steady and strong.  Her head was held high and her gaze was cold.  “Told you that he couldn’t hold himself back. A tiger can’t change it’s stripes, York, I win.”  

Violet turn to look at York and took off his suit jacket and gave it back to him.  

“Thank you for lending me your jacket.  I’ll have my lawyer draw up my contract and fax it over by 9AM.  I’ll visit the company tomorrow with my lawyer at 11 AM and we can make any changes to it before signing.”  Violet told him before turning back to Tyler. “Happy Birthday, Father. May you live to 100 with years of health, happiness and prosperity.  I’ll take my leave now.”

“Wait!”  Lizzie cried out as she stood.  

“I know when I’m not wanted.”  Violet told them before looking at a guilty Tyler.  “I knew it then, and I know it now. There’s no use in contradicting yourself when you’ve already made such a mess at your own party.”    

Violet turned and walked away. As she walked, everyone gave way and let her leave without any trouble.  

“How could you!”  Lizzie said as she became angry.  “How could you do that Violet!”

“Lizzie.”  Tyler began to say however he was left speechless by Lizzie’s words.  

“No wonder she stayed away for so long!  You constantly praise her behind her back and think about her more and more everyday.  However the moment she comes back, you can’t say anything nice to her. Let her know how proud you are of her.  Let her know that you love her, care about her, and miss her. Instead, you say the meanest things to her, especially now, in front of all of our family and friends.  No wonder she left, didn’t contact us and stay away from home.” Lizzie said sternly. “Why do you always think the worst of her when she is in front of you? What kind of misunderstandings do the both of you have that you say such hateful words to her?”  

“Lizzie, I’m sorry.”  

“I’m not the one you should be apologizing to!”  Lizzie shouted. She was truly upset with Tyler.  “Since you don’t want to stop your daughter from leaving, I will go stop her!”