Chapter 5

Envy is present in every person; it just takes perseverance to fight it and maintain a positive outlook. But, not everyone has the courage and determination to do so, letting it consume their being until there is nothing left to save.

“Are we there yet?” Harvey asked impatiently, staring at his bandaged fingers. After breaking Mother’s favorite vase, he was reprimanded for his careless behavior. Dad scolded him for not being careful while Mom softly mourned the loss of her favorite porcelain vase. It wasn’t anything expensive or high class, but what made it valuable to her was the fact that her grandmother gave it to her as a wedding gift. My grandmother passed away when I was seven years old, and even if I had just known her during my childhood days, she was one of the sweetest women I’d ever met. The vase was one of the things that reminded my mother of her kind and caring Grandmother. Both of my parents banned Harvey from playing video games until his fingers fully healed.

Unfortunately, it just made Harvey sad, restless, and grumpy. As soon as Henry finished bandaging Harvey’s wounds, we set out to Montgomerys’ house, Harvey cradling his hand the whole way, grumbling how he shouldn’t have tried to pick up the broken sharp shards in hopes of fixing the vase.

“We’re almost there, patient Harvey,” Dad replied, one arm around my mother while the other was busy typing on his phone. Mom had been quiet along the way, either thinking about the vase or refraining from unleashing her seldom-seen anger on Harvey. It’s been thirty minutes. The Montgomerys’ house was far from ours. Dad said it is located on the other side of town. “You okay, honey?” Dad inquired, running his hand on my mom’s shoulder.

She nodded slightly. “Yeah, it’s nothing, Damon.” Turning to Harvey, she half-smiled. “I’d be angry at myself if it was Harvey who got badly injured. It’s better than the vase than our son.”

Harvey got so happy that he scored in the video game that he jumped up and knocked down the vase off the coffee table due to his wild dancing, much to his shock. Speaking of my brother, I turn to my left. “Hey, you all right?” I questioned him softly, staring at his bandages.

He nodded, looking up at me with a broken grin. “I’m okay, it just stings. If I hadn’t tried to pick up the broken pieces, this wouldn’t have happened.” Harvey mumbled, gesturing to his wounded hand. Placing a hand on his shoulder, I patted him.

“Don’t worry Harv, it’ll heal soon enough. In the meantime, if you feel down, just watch cartoons. It always helps.”

“Sir,” Percy said from the driver’s seat of the limousine.

Dad leaned forward. “Yes? What is it?”

“We’re here, Sir.”

I lowered down the dark tinted window to look out at the Montgomerys’ house. Let me rephrase that. I stared at the Montgomerys' grand two-story red brick mansion that stood firmly, trees around it swaying gently against the cold breeze. Tall metal gates ringed the whole place, with lights flooding the mansion. Stopping the car, the guard asked for identification. Percy answered and the guard nodded, signaling his fellow worker to open the gates. In a few seconds, the gates opened wide and Percy drove the limousine inside the premises.

“Finally…” Harvey muttered as the car circled the fountain. When we stopped, Percy got out and opened the door for us. Dad stepped out first, helping Mom.

“Come on Harvey,” I said to him, “Let’s get this over with,” I whispered the last part.

Both of us got out, following our parents to the front door of the magnificent house. Apart from the sound of water splashing in the fountain, the whole place was silent. The door swung open and an old man greeted us, “Mr. and Mrs. Maxwell, good evening.” He bowed, gesturing for us to come in.

Walking inside, I sighed in relief once we were out of the cold, and removed my coat. The old man took it before placing it on the coat racket behind the door. “Excuse me for a minute,” He said and went through a door. Pictures of unique art were hung on the white walls, the fireplace roared, and a grand staircase occupied the room. “Oh, hello Helen!” Mrs. Montgomery greeted, standing beside the staircase along with her husband.

“Hello, Rebecca,” Mom replied with a small smile.

Both of them embraced and pulled away. “It’s so great to have you join us for dinner tonight.” Mrs. Montgomery said, Mom nodded in agreement.

“The pleasure is all ours.”

Dad and Mr. Montgomery shook hands, greeting each other. Harvey and I stood a few feet away, waiting for them to finish. “Hello, Rachel!” Mrs. Montgomery grinned, walking over and kissing both of my cheeks.

“Good evening Mrs. Montgomery.”

“Dinner is ready, Madam.” The old man announced, exiting the same door he went in.

Mrs. Montgomery nodded. “All right, thank you, Felix.” She dismissed the man with a wave of her hand before turning to face us once again. “Let’s go? Dinner is served.”

Without another word, we followed our hosts to their huge dining room. The table was long, good for fifteen people, with candles and flowers decorating it. The glass walls in front of the table made the garden outside visible while the moonlight reflected on the infinity pool. Overall, the place looks relaxing and serene.

Felix pulled out the elegant wooden chairs and helped us into our seats, “Thank you.” I mumbled as he nodded, proceeding to open the covered dishes. Harvey’s eyes are wide in awe, and he rubs his stomach with his uninjured hand on seeing that stuffed turkey is our main meal, along with mashed potatoes and ribs. Just as I was about to tell him to wait patiently for the prayer, I caught Mrs. Montgomery whispering hurriedly to Felix, her face serious. Their butler nodded multiple times and after that, he walked out of the dining room. After saying a prayer, she lifted a glass filled with wine and smiled at us.

“A toast to the Maxwell family.”

I lifted my glass along with Mom and Dad, Harvey busy eyeing the turkey in front of him, paying no attention. “Cheers!” Sipping the orange juice, I placed my glass down instantly as dinner started.

Just as the maids served a few more dishes, Dad suddenly asked. “Rebecca, if you don’t mind me asking, where is your son?” I almost choked on my seat at the mention of the bastard.

Mrs. Montgomery let out a sheepish laugh. “He’s in his office, Damon, but he’ll be joining us shortly.” She replied, “He’s been busy with work and let us know a few minutes ago that he would be a little late. Such a hard-working son he is.”

“You must be very proud of him, Rebecca.” Mom said, smiling at the woman, who was indeed beaming proudly.

“Yes Helen, I am so lucky to have him.”

Turning to Harvey, his mouth is full, his bandaged hand resting on top of the fork as he chewed peacefully. Ever since that day at the restaurant, Harvey had been light about the subject of Chad. He was satisfied by Chad’s words and never questioned me about it again. Our dinner was abruptly interrupted by loud giggles just outside the room. I raised an eyebrow. What was that?

“Madam.” Felix suddenly appeared, a bit hesitant to say his next words.

“Yes? What is it, Felix?” Mrs. Montgomery asked, annoyed that their conversation with my mother had been interrupted.

“Master Chad is here.”

The giggling only grew louder each second and suddenly, a woman came in laughing hysterically. Her orange hair was a bit messy and her pretty face was a bit red. Her green eyes snapped towards us and she waved. “Hello!” She drawled, obviously drunk. “I didn’t know there was some sort of party going on in here, Chad sweetie.”

Sweetie?

Chad’s mother turned red in embarrassment and anger. “Felix, escort her out please.” He wisely did it at once. I could see my parents’ jaws drop before they composed themselves, not wishing to embarrass their hostess further. As if on cue, Chad walked in with a cool expression on his face. Here it comes.

“Chad, why did you bring Heather here? You know I have guests over.”

He merely shrugged and sat down across me, “I didn’t know it was tonight.” He defended lamely, his eyes catching mine. I lowered my gaze and went back to eating, hoping he wouldn’t catch my cheeks reddening. It was silent for only a few minutes, the clinking of utensils only heard until Dad spoke once again.

“So Chad, I heard a lot about you from both of your parents and on the news. You’re a fine businessman, boy.”

Mrs. Montgomery’s smile was wide.

“Thank you, Mr. Maxwell, it’s such an honor coming from you.”

Dad smiled, “I’m looking forward to partnering with you and your family, soon.”

What? I looked at my father, a bit surprised. Partners? Partners with him? The smirk on Chad’s face returned, making him look boyish. Mentally groaning, I bit a piece of my turkey, hoping that the dinner would end soon. When dessert came, I was already full and thought a serving of ice cream would probably make my stomach burst. Although Harvey still wanted more, his eyes lightened up at the sight of the cold chocolate dessert. It was a bit funny seeing Felix’s expression after Harvey asked for another helping of dessert. Mr. Montgomery softly asked Dad what happened to his fingers, which he answered with no hesitation. After hearing his answer, Mr. Montgomery shook his head and stared at my brother, sympathy in his eyes.

I looked down at my bag once I heard ringing, and taking out my phone, I excused myself. Walking out of the dining room, I stared at the caller's I.D. to see that it was Francine. I answered it immediately. “Hey, Fran.”

“Hello Rach, sorry if I’m disturbing you.” She said. I laughed softly.

“No need to worry Fran, actually we are finishing dinner. So, what can I do for you?” I questioned, standing in front of the glass window as I stared at the full moon up in the night sky. “Has something happened?”

But before Francine could even answer my question, my phone was yanked away from me. I gasp in surprise, whirling around to face the same redhead woman, eyeing my phone. “Wow, expensive phone, I like it!” She giggled childishly.

“Hello? Rachel? Are you still there?”

“Uh…Can I have my phone back, please? I need i—”

“No!” She laughed, backing away from me so I couldn’t snatch it back.

“Please Miss, can I have it back?” Growing annoyed with each passing second, I hissed under my breath as she dodged my hands sloppily, giggling at my plight. I managed to get it back due to her drunken state, causing the woman to pout at me.

“Come on, I just wanted to take a closer look at it. You don’t have to act like a b—”

“Heather.”

Both of us turn to see Chad strolling in casually, eyes trained on the young woman. At the mention of her name, Heather gushed and ran to Chad, wrapping her arms around his neck. I look away, facing the glass walls once again. “Baby, I want a phone like that. Get me one.” She requested groggily, pointing at me. Chad’s blue eyes met mine before facing Heather again and grinning.

“Sure, I’ll buy you dozens, but you have to go home. You’re drunk.”

She laughed at his words. “No, I am not, silly!” She giggled, pulling his tie, “And, I want to stay here with you. We didn’t get to continue where we left off.” She hissed sensually, leaning to kiss him but Chad backed away slightly.

“As much as I want to, not now baby, we got guests.” I rolled my eyes, mentally snorting. Yeah right. “Maybe some other time.”

She let out a sigh, and I watched through the glass as she twisted her hair with her finger. “Okay babe, but you have to promise me on that.” Chad nodded and called Felix, who appeared instantly.

“Yes Sir?” I turn around to face them this time.

“Drive her home, Felix,” Chad ordered, pulling Heather to his front. The butler nodded and looked at Heather.

“Shall I drive you home now, Miss Clayton?” Heather nodded and followed Felix, but before that, she kissed Chad and winked at him. I felt the urge to roll my eyes once again as I watched her blow kisses in his direction.

“Are you okay?” He asked, surprising me. I stared at him for a few seconds and turned my back to him.

“Of course! Why wouldn’t I be?” Remembering Francine, I stared at my phone. Oh man, she managed to end our call. I furrowed my eyebrows in irritation as I hurriedly sent Francine a message.

To: Francine

Sorry if we got interrupted, is it okay if I call you back later?

“Then why do you look so annoyed?”

“I am not!”

“You know, it’s really obvious that you’re lying.”

I sharply turned to face him, annoyed. “Don’t you, like, have something better to do besides annoying me?” He chuckled deeply and moved near me, his arm brushing against mine. Feeling his warmth radiating, the temperature in the room seemed to have dropped. The only source of warmth was him. It was shocking.

“No, and annoying you is kind of…entertaining.”

I scoffed, “Well, you better find someone else because I’m busy. Why don’t you call Heather back here? I’m sure she’ll appreciate some attention.” I waved him away, but he caught my hand, his palm rough and warm. “Let go of me...” I hissed lowly, trying to pull my hand away but he only gripped tighter.

“You’re jealous, aren’t you?”

What? I gaped at his words and the stupid grin on his face made me want to punch him. “No! Why should I be jealous? You know, you assume things too much. Let go of me.” When he let go, I took a few steps backward, narrowing my eyes at him.

“I was merely asking Miss Maxwell, you don’t have to get angry.”

“Got it, now go or annoy your girlfriend. I have no time for silly games.”

Chad cocked an eyebrow at me. “What makes you think she’s my girlfriend?” I groaned, scrolling through my phone’s inbox, and walked away, irritated by his questions. My phone vibrated at once when I received a new message coming from Francine.

Francine: Okay Rach, it wasn’t that important anyway. (: Hope everything’s all right.

I went back to the dining room to see that it was already empty. Seeing Harvey walking down the hall, I made my way toward him. He frowned once he noticed me, “Where have you been? Mom has been looking for you.” I shrugged it off, placing my hand on his shoulder.

“I got a call from Francine. Where are they?”

Harvey pointed to a room a few feet away from where we were standing, “They’re in the living room, discussing business stuff again. I had to get out and use the bathroom.”

“Come on, let’s go,” I mumbled, pulling him with me. Entering the room, Mom and Mrs. Montgomery were laughing lightly, as Dad and Mr. Montgomery drank wine.

Mom looked up once she noticed us. “Oh, there you two are. I’ve been looking for Rachel, where have you been?” Mother inquired as I sat down across her, smiling at Mrs. Montgomery and my mother.

“Sorry, I had to answer an important call,” I answered, brushing the soft material of my dress. Harvey ran his good fingers over his bandaged ones, humming a tune softly.

“I see. Rachel, Mrs. Montgomery here wants to hear you play the piano again.” She grinned at the woman beside her. Rebecca Montgomery nodded in agreement, gesturing to the corner of the room.

“Yes, please do, Rachel. You played so beautifully last time.”

My gaze followed to where Mrs. Montgomery was pointing to see a white grand piano sitting in the corner. “O-Okay,” I mumbled, standing up and making my way to the grand instrument. I pulled out the white leather chair and sat down, massaging my fingers for a minute before hitting a note.

I started playing Ruins of Athens, and Mrs. Montgomery began to clap in the background. I let the music fill me as I hit every note, but I couldn’t ignore the feeling of someone staring intently at me. In my peripheral vision, it was none other than Chad Montgomery. His goal for today was to annoy me and make me feel uncomfortable. He is doing a great job of it. Turning slightly to the side, I see him leaning against the wall, a smirk on his face.

I felt my cheeks flush deep crimson in embarrassment. Annoyed, I accidentally hit the keys too hard, and sometimes, I hit the wrong key, but nobody seemed to notice the change of atmosphere the way I did. By the time I hit the last key, everyone clapped loudly. I stood up from my seat and bowed. The grin on Chad’s face didn’t wear off, pissing me off. What’s he grinning about? He suddenly reminds me of a Cheshire cat.

“Wonderful Rachel! So full of emotion!”

Going back to my seat, I couldn’t shake off the image of Chad grinning boyishly, attractively. Damn it. I almost jumped out of the armchair when he approached me. “Didn’t know you could play that well, Miss Maxwell.” He mumbled, loud enough for me to hear over my mother’s voice. I was about to thank him for the compliment until he grinned mischievously at me. “But I can do it better.”

Raising an eyebrow at him in confusion, he walked over to the grand piano and sat down. Mom’s eyes widened in delight, “Oh! Two performances in one night, how lovely!” The moment Chad hit the first key, everyone became silent, including Harvey. My lips parted in awe halfway through his choice of song, Across the Stars by John Williams. I have to admit, he is good at playing the piano.

Just as he neared the end, it suddenly bothered me that there was no emotion. No emotion. Nothing. No passion, no love like in the way the original composer would have played it. All his moves were mechanical like a robot already programmed on what to do next. He lacks passion.

I guess it just bothers me because when I play the instrument, I let my emotions fill me to the brink. It sends me to a state of bliss in being able to express it. But no, he lacks passion. Not only in playing but also in expression.

Bowing after his performance, we all clapped our hands. Eyeing me intently, he walked away with a proud and satisfied smirk on his lips. Satisfied that he had proved to me that he was the best, I hated it. I frowned at his smugness as I slightly glared at his retreating. Smug bastard.