Chapter 4

There are just days that I want to break down and cry, but not a tear will fall. There are days that I just want to scream until my lungs burst. And there is just that day that I want to give up, tired of life and the game that it plays.

Another headache was forming after I finished signing another batch of paperwork. Patty, my assistant, came in with a cup of steaming coffee, her face a bit flustered probably from running to and fro. “Here’s the cup of coffee you wanted, Miss Maxwell. Sorry if I took too long.”

Waving away her apologies, I received the warm mug, inhaling the heavenly scent. “It’s all right Patty. I am happy to have you as my assistant.”

A grin spread across her lips, dimples showing. “I’m honored Ma’am, thank you. I’ll be on my desk.” Exiting the office, the faint sound of the clock ticking and the cars honking below the building surrounded the office. Nibbling on my pen, I read the contract over again, making sure I wouldn’t regret agreeing to its terms later on.

I looked up once I noticed the intercom beeping, the small red light blinking. Pressing the button, I leaned down. “Yes, Patty? What is it?”

“Miss Maxwell, Miss Winstel is here. She is requesting to see you.”

“Send her in, Patty.”

Fixing the stack of papers scattered on my desk, I stood up when Patty entered the door, Francine following behind her. “Thank you, Patty.” I then smiled at my best friend. “Hey, Fran, what a surprise! I like that green sweater you’re wearing.”

She glanced down at her clothing and grinned. “Thanks, Rach. I just visited my dad from work and I thought I should drop by to see you.” We embraced each other and I pulled away, gesturing for her to sit across me. Sitting down behind my desk, she handed me an envelope. “There’s something you need to know, Rach.”

I furrowed my eyebrows in confusion but accepted it. Opening it, I took out the piece of paper and read it.

Francine,

Take a look at this and spread the news.

I stared at the envelope for more contents inside it to saw two photos inside a plastic bag. Taking it out, I scanned the picture to see what was so important about it that no one needed to know. In the picture was a jet black-haired man, he was sitting next to Francine, a small frown on his face, blue eyes fixed on the camera. “Francine, isn’t this Patton?”

She nodded. “That’s right, but take a look at the second photograph.” I turned to the second photo to see Patton doing a peace sign, smiling widely. His military uniform was all pressed in the right places, and a huge brown bag on his arm. Below the picture were the words: “See you guys soon!”

Looking up, I saw Francine smiling widely at me. “He’s coming home.”

My lips parted in shock, the last time we saw him was the day after my graduation before he left to join the army. It was his ambition in life to become a soldier, his father was his role model. “That’s great!” I exclaimed, grinning at the redhead in happiness. “It’s been a long time since we last saw each other, I can’t remember the sound of his voice.” Seeing that tears were about to form in her eyes, I reached out to comfort her.

The intercom buzzed and Patty’s voice came through. “Miss Maxwell, you have a meeting at two.”

Pressing the button, I replied. “Okay, Patty, thanks for the reminder.”

After scanning the calendar, I turned to Francine once again, who was wiping her eyes with a hankie. “Francine, do you want to discuss about Patton over coffee? We could also use a bit of bonding time. Maybe around three?” Francine might not admit it, but I know she liked Patton no matter how many times she denied it. One thing they had in common was borderline crazy determination. Patton was determined not to stop chasing her, while Francine was determined not to stop running away from him. Little did they know, that whenever they argued, they looked like a couple.

I didn’t notice I was laughing in my seat when Francine gave me a confused look. “What’s so funny, Rach?” Clearing my throat, I shook my head.

“Nothing, I just remembered something. So, are you up for it? At Erie Island Coffee Co.?” I asked, running my hands on my hair.

“Yeah, sure, Rach.” She answered, standing up from her seat. I did the same.

“All right, see you there, Fran.” Hugging her goodbye, she walked out of the office. Running my hands on the skirt of my dress, I sighed softly, turning to the glass walls. I stared down at the world below, watching cars come and go.

He’s coming home.

Patton had been like a brother to me, like Francine being the sister I never had. We all met during our elementary years, Patton a year ahead of us. We split at college, Mother whisking me away to Harvard so I could take up business administration. I was just surprised that both of them were present during my graduation.

The intercom buzzed again, snapping me out of my thoughts. “Miss Maxwell, uh, a Mrs. Montgomery requests to see you.” What? My eyes widened in surprise, I became speechless for a moment until Patty asked. “Miss Maxwell? Are you all right?”

I hurriedly pressed the button. “Repeat that, Patty.”

“Mrs. Montgomery wants to see you, Miss Maxwell. I don't have a record of her arranging an appointment, shall I send her away?”

What is she doing here? “Send her in.” I never told her where I worked, did Mother tell her? Why is she even here? The door opened with a click and in came Mrs. Montgomery, a look of awe present in her face.

Sporting a red dress, she had a white jacket on, a smile gracing her red lips. “Hello Rachel, darling.” She gushed, hurriedly went towards my direction, and embraced me. The strong scent of her perfume entered through my nostrils, making me crinkle my nose for a second.

“Hello, Mrs. Montgomery, I’m surprised to see you here.”

She laughed lightly, brushing away her shiny short blonde hair. “Your mother told me where your office was. I visited her a few hours ago, she wanted to show me your office first-hand but she got busy.” Her blue eyes scanned the whole room, nodding slightly. “I like your office, darling, beautiful choice of furniture and color.”

“Thank you.”

“Have you received your mother’s message?”

I cocked an eyebrow in confusion. “What message?” Sitting down on the white L-shaped couch, she placed her hands on her lap.

“I take it that she hasn’t informed you yet on what’ll take place tonight. Such a busy woman, but it’s one of the things I admire and respect her for.” Her eyes landed on the small star figurines placed on the side of my desk before turning to me. “You and your family are invited to our house for dinner tonight.”

“Oh, is that so? I assure you, Mrs. Montgomery, we will all go. It’s such an honor.”

“That’s wonderful to hear darling. It’s a way to repay your family for your hospitality the other night. Your parents are such good hosts and I am happy to have you all for dinner.” She stood up with a coy smile. “Well, I have to go and prepare. See you tonight, Rachel. I’m looking forward to the dinner this evening.”

As soon as she left, I heaved a sigh, falling to my chair in exhaustion. Glad that's over. My nerves just seemed to fly over the place around Mother’s friends, scared that I might embarrass not only myself but my mother. That is the last thing I wanted to happen.

My mother had been so good to me. Sure, she might irritate me at times and vice versa, but she is my mother. If it wasn’t for her love, I wouldn’t be here right now.

Eyeing the time, I prepare for the meeting that is about to happen a few minutes from now. Grabbing files in a white folder, I took my phone and walked out of my office. Patty, who was waiting outside, followed behind me. When I arrived at the board meeting, all men and women wearing their formal work clothes stood up to address my presence. “Shall we start?’ I proposed. They all nodded and I sat down, prepared to hear updates.

The meeting only lasted for thirty minutes, much to my delight. I was very pleased to hear all their reports on the newest product we just sold, after that I dismissed them all. Going back to my office, I signed a few papers more before heading out. “Cancel my four o’clock meeting, I have to be somewhere. See you tomorrow, Patty.”

“Yes, Miss Maxwell, goodbye!”

The ride down the elevator was silent, a few employees who got in greeted me here and there. I went straight to the parking lot, car keys in my hand, and to my car. Humming softly, I started my car and headed straight to Erie Island Coffee Co. to meet up with Francine. Stopping the car when the traffic light turned red, I took my phone out and sent her a message.

To: Francine

On my way to the cafe, I’ll meet you there.

Placing my phone in my bag, I stepped on the gas pedal, the car zoomed forward as I resumed my drive to the cafe. By the time I got there, I parked the car across the street and went to the cafe. Searching for the familiar red hair, I spotted Francine sitting in the corner, sipping her beverage.

“Hey, Fran, sorry if I took so long.”

She giggled. “You’re just in time, Rach. I already ordered for you, if you don’t mind.” I sat down across from her, placing my bag in the other seat.

“Thanks, Fran, you know my favorite sandwich.” She chuckled softly at my comment. We both drank our warm beverage, the soothing music of the cafe surrounding the light atmosphere. Leaning on her chair, she stared at the light above our table.

“So, did you contact Patton’s mother that he’s coming home?”

Her eyes widened in surprise. “Why didn’t I think of that? I forgot to tell his mother!” She took out her phone and quickly called Mrs. Parkinson. I watched as she waited for Patton’s Mother to answer. When Mrs. Parkinson did, I leaned forward to listen to the one-sided conversation. The call only lasted a few minutes consisting of Francine trying to explain that Patton was coming and not knowing when, while I could hear Mrs. Parkinson crying in joy at the news, calming down a few moments later.

“Well?” I asked once Francine hung up and placed her phone at the side.

“She is happy, I could just imagine Patton’s face once he sees his mother jumping in happiness once he arrives.” Both of us laughed, I took a sip of my coffee and bit my sandwich.

“Do you think he’ll be home before October ends?”

Francine shrugged, stirring her coffee with a teaspoon. “It’s hard to tell, Rach.”

An alarmed expression flashed before Francine’s face, making me stiffen. “Don’t look now, Rachel, but there are paps.” Turning ever so slightly, true to her word, three men and a woman stood outside, cameras in hand.

They gave me a few glances, I gasped and glanced back at Francine. “Fran, looks like I have to go. I’ll text you, okay?”

“Sure, Rach, just take care of yourself. Drive home safely.”

Slamming a ten-dollar bill on the table, both of us stood up from our seats. I put on my Ray bans, hurriedly walking out of the cafe. A few customers stared at us in curiosity as we exited. Hearing them murmur, I fastened my pace to my car.

“Look! It’s Rachel Maxwell! Rachel! Wait!”

This made me hasten my pace. I got in just in time they surrounded me. Honking at them, they continued to flash their cameras on me, their questions and words inaudible. A policeman noticed the commotion and came over to shoo them away. I took the opportunity and drove away from the chaotic flashing of cameras and nonsense questions the paparazzi fire at me.

Spotting Francine walking on the sidewalk, I pressed the horn for a second, making her turn in my direction. Smiling, she waved goodbye as I sped away. By the time I got home, the sun was setting in the west. Parking the car in the garage, I walked into the house. “Hello, Miss Maxwell.” Henry greeted as usual. “Can I get you anything?”

“Yes, a glass of cold water will be nice.”

“Right away, Miss Maxwell.”

Sinking into the comfortable couch, I shook at the sight of Harvey playing on his iPad. “Do you know about tonight’s event?”

He snorted softly. “I’m not going,” Harvey grumbled, tapping furiously away. If he keeps it up, he might even break the screen. “Besides, why do we even have to anyway when they only want to see Mom and Dad? The two of us are not an ‘asset’ to their future partners.” Placing the gadget down, he let out a huff. “And even if we were, I’m still not going.”

I sighed softly at his answer. “Harv, I know you don’t like these gatherings and all, but we have to go.” Harvey stayed silent.

“Miss Maxwell, here’s your glass of water.”

I accepted the glass in gratification. “Thank you, Henry.” Sipping the cool water, my gaze fell on Harvey once again who switched to reading an article on his gadget. “I’ll be in my room if you need me.” Standing up, I walked and climbed up the stairs to my room. Leaving Harvey in his usual grumpy mood, knowing it would just pass. I opened the door and heaved a sigh, kicking the black heels away. Rubbing my sore ankles, I groaned softly as I walked towards the bed.

I tossed the heels aside, a bit lazy to put them back on the racks, I sat on the bed, clicking the television on. I pinched the bridge of my nose in irritation that there was nothing good on television. Opening the drawer of my nightstand, I proceeded to find my blue notebook and pen. “Where is it?” I wondered aloud, growing impatient by the minute. It wasn’t there. Scanning the room, I relaxed once I saw it sitting above the coffee table next to the armchair in the corner of the room. I stood up to get it, once I held it in my hands, I was about to go when something shiny caught my eye.

The other half of the shiny thing was tucked under the armchair. Bending down on my knees, I saw a violet album, the silver spine reflecting the light. Taking it from the floor, I went and sat down on the edge of the bed, curious as to why one of my albums that I kept landed there. I didn't even remember taking it off the shelves. Placing my notebook down, I brushed away the thin layer of dust off the cover before opening it. My gaze fell on the photo of six people all smiling widely at the camera. A smile made its way on my lips, staring at the photo of Francine, Patton, Mom, Dad, and Harvey. It was taken right after my graduation, diploma and hat in my hands.

Turning the page, there were photos of me and Francine eating a tub of ice cream. The others consisted of the three of us, especially the photo of us playing tennis on our court. I laughed aloud at the picture of Francine all covered in green cake frosting, her face red in anger as Patton is mischievously laughing at her in the background. As I scanned the other pages filled with good memories all captured in cam, I couldn't fight the flashbacks coming to me all in colors.

I closed the album when a photo slipped out, falling to the polished wooden floor. Picking it up, I turned it around and stopped short once I saw what it was, paling slightly.

Gray eyes that I once thought were warm and understanding stared at me, plump pink lips pressed against my cheek. My smile reached my ears, and the faint sound of my giggles and his laughter echoed in my mind. The good times are captured in the camera. On the bottom, neatly scrawled were the words: ‘I will always love you, babe.’

Lies.

Just seeing the photo brought back good and painful memories, remembering where and when we both took the picture. I crumpled the photo without hesitation, the pain piercing my heart, knowing the familiar feeling all too well. Throwing it into the trash bin, I put the album back on its designated shelf. I took deep breaths to calm down my emotions, feeling tears streaming down my face. I fervently wiped them away once someone knocked on the door.

“Who is it?”

“It’s Henry, Ma’am. Mrs. Maxwell is requesting for you to get ready for the Montgomerys’ dinner tonight.”

“Okay, thank you, Henry.”

Exhaling loudly, I brushed away my hair from my face and went to my wardrobe. Settling on a purple dress with a sweetheart neckline, it stopped above my knees. I paired it with black strappy heels and silver earrings. Combing my hair neatly, I tied it into a ponytail. Applying eyeliner and lipstick, I jumped on my seat when I heard something crash downstairs.

Alarmed, I grabbed my brown trench coat and bag, and exited my room. Rushing down the stairs, I was met at the sight of the porcelain vase that Mother meticulously took care of, shattered on the floor, along with the flowers and colorful rocks inside it. Harvey was hissing in his seat as Dad tended to the cut on his fingers, Henry holding a kit. “What happened?” I questioned, hurriedly walking towards them in shock and alarm.