All I Ever Do

Chapter 2

The cold air of Boston greeted me when I stepped out of the car making me grip tighter my black fur coat. The bright lights of the city are glimmering in all the snow covering it. Thick snow still covers some part of the ground and it seems as it has no plans on stopping tonight. I shivered as I see the restaurant looming in front of me. I'm not sure if it is from the cold or anxiousness seeping in my bones.

I willed my feet to walk even if my mind tells me to go back to my car and never step out of it ever again. I know meeting Dad is inevitable and I'm just delaying it.

Heavenly aromas wafted on me as soon as I stepped inside. A butler took my coat from me and directed me to the booth of my family.

Francine immediately saw me and started waving frantically. She was seated across from Mom and Dad whom their back is facing me. My hands are shaking and slightly sweating because my nerves are all over the place. The moment I dreaded for came as I stood in front of my Dad. Mom gave me a warm smile and gestured for me to sit across from Dad. I exhaled loudly trying to calm my racing heart.

"Hi, Dad." I know. Such a stupid thing to say.

He then looked up and stared at me in the eye. I can't decipher the emotion that is on his eyes right now. He stares at me blankly rather than anger and that is good. I guess?

I gulped and I can't bring myself to look away. The tension is heavy as it made Mom and Francine shut up, waiting for someone to break the heavy atmosphere. I feel like my heart has broken out of my ribcage with how hard and fast it was pounding.

"You look well." my Dad said and released a small smile. I released the breath I've been holding for what feels like the longest time. I can also see Francine and Mom gave a long sigh.

"Well now that is sorted well can we pleeease order now I am very very very starving." Francine clasped her hands and called a waiter.

The waiter arrived and we gave our orders. When he walked away another silence fell upon us and I don't know what to say. Usually, it's me who makes the chatter going around but with the still awkward tension, I can't bring myself to utter even a single word.

"How's Australia Sel? Any guy you want us to meet?" Francine said while wiggling her eyebrows at me. I rolled my eyes at my sister but also thankful as she is saving me further embarrassment tonight.

"No there's none and it's fine. I've been coping well. The work is a hassle but I've had better days." unknowingly my eyes drifted to Dad and I saw him nodding while reaching for his wine.

"That's good to hear honey. I hope your boss doesn't give you any problems there." My Mom said.

"Oh no, he's not. He's good and takes care of the employees."

"If you've worked in the company you don't have to be an 'employee'." My Dad chipped in and I just pretended I didn't hear that.

The food arrived and small talk still circulates the table. They are catching up on me for the lost three years and I can't be any happier to tell them about my life there. Mostly it's Mom or Francine that's been asking me questions but still, my eyes drifted to my Dad who has been silent for the last 20 minutes.

"Aunt Rebecca said that she will visit me in Australia next month. I think she has another project there and will stay for a month I think." I said.

"Yes, she mentioned something about it. Another property in some midtown. I was thinking if I could come so I could visit you." My mom said.

"You should Mom. You can have a tour and I know a few places where you can stay. The place is amazing and it will be good for a vacation." I encourage her. I really want Mom to visit me in Australia.

"Yes, Mom! Let's go and visit there! I heard the beaches there are AWESOME!" Francine was cut off by Dad.

"We can't afford to go vacationing. Company is working with a lot right now and I need Selina here to stay. I know the board will consider her position as Executive Vice President as she will soon inherit my place." I was surprised by what he said. My what? Did he say position?

"What Executive Vice President? But Dad I didn't even apply for that position and I'm not even sure if I qualify--"

"I recommended you to the board. No need to worry because we have talked about it and you will be starting on your new position tomorrow." I looked at him incredulously. My eyes bulging out of its sockets.

"Tomorrow?! And nobody even told me this?" I looked at Mom who couldn't meet my eyes.

"Dad I have a job in Australia. And I have no plans on working at the company. I thought we have agreed on this." My Dad stopped slicing his steak and lowers the knife. He then looked at me sharply like I've just said the most ridiculous thing in the world.

"I didn't agree with your stupid decision. Are 3 years not enough? I have given you enough time to wander about and do whatever you want. I've let you work in God knows where because you think you need to prove your prideful self. I am telling you this now, there is nowhere you will work aside from our company." Dad's voice raised and a lot of customers looked at us. Mom tried to calm him down.

The mood has turned sour and I can feel myself getting pissed. Is that why he let me leave and work in Australia? Because he thinks that I'm some rebellious teenager trying to get the attention of her Dad. Well, he thought wrong.

"I told you I have no interest in the company being handed down to me. If you want someone to inherit it you can have Francine. And I am also telling you for the last time I don't want to work in your company." I can't take it anymore. I pushed my chair and got ready to leave when Dad also stood up.

"Where do you think you're going?!" He now shouted at me when he grabbed my arm. I can see a waiter going our way. Probably try and make some sense to Dad that he is causing a scene nobody wants to.

"I'm going home. I've lost my appetite." I slid my arm and took off the restaurant. Tears are stinging my eyes and I controlled them not to fall. I inhaled deeply and released a shaky breath. A knot in my throat formed and the bridge of my nose stung as the stupid tears started to fall.

Up till now, they think they still control my life. Even where I will work. All I ask is they give me my life, the life they strongly hold in their hands. I want to experience living, which their money can't give me. I have studied hard all my life in hope that after it will give me the freedom that I crave, I deserve.

I opened the door to my penthouse and went inside. The warm light flooded the living room and I've never felt so alone in this big and empty space. I threw my bag and flopped down the couch. I looked at my white ceiling and thought of every horrible thing that happened at the dinner.

Even if I made life on my own in Australia, landed a good job that even if the pay is not high it gives me that sense of independence, that I am doing what I love without anyone breathing on my neck every second, why does my heart feel heavy? Did I push it too much?

Is my life too much to ask?

I woke up with the loud blaring of my cellphone. I move on my side where the loud phone is, grunting when I can't seem to find it. I squinted my eyes to the sudden invasion of light and saw an unknown number. Who in the fucking right mind calls me in this unholy hour?

"Good morning, is this Ms. Selina Clarke?" a male voice sounded on the phone.

"Yes," I replied groggily.

"Your family has been in a car accident and they are currently being treated in the emergency room."

My breath was knocked out of me. I immediately scampered out of my bed, took my jacket, and drove to the hospital. My hands are shaking on the steering wheel and I tried so hard not to reach past the speed limit.

The news that is waiting for me at the hospital broke my heart in two.