A billion dollar secret

Chapter2

CHAPTER TWO

Two weeks later, Catherine was prepared and ready to leave Chicago, it was a tough decision but it was one she had to make, her eyes caught a glimpse of their family portrait placed by her bedside she picked it up and gave a piercing stare suddenly her cheeks travelled in opposite directions, staring at her young self triggered memories of her childhood in Pensacola, Florida; she was seven years old when the photograph in the portrait was taken, she had a bright smile on her face with one arm around her father’s neck and the other being kissed by her mother, just as she was few months ago, happy with life around her parents, she never imagined she would one day have to leave her home where was happy, but once again it’s happening and there is nothing she could do about it, at least this time it is a choice she made for herself unlike the thirteen year old her that had to bend to her father’s will.

She took one final look around her white painted room with pink fluorescent lights; a room that held virtually all memories from the past eleven years she’s been in this city, she had several pictures pasted on every wall, pictures covering notable events from her days in high school down to college; prom nights, sporting events, awards ceremonies amongst others, she sure had flair for capturing memories but sadly she has to leave and she wouldn’t be here for a while, she hoped within herself that it wouldn’t take too long, the memories were too precious to be left behind, they were compelling; the more corners she looked at, the more resistance she felt within herself to not leave but her resolve was stronger.

She grabbed her single luggage she had packed, fitted her face cap firmly on her head and turned around to make her way out, as she walked towards the door she spotted another portrait containing herself and a male childhood friend of hers from Florida, they spent so much time together while they were growing up; they attended the same elementary school and lived in neighbouring streets just one drive way apart, that happened to be the most painful part of all she had to leave behind in Florida, she managed to keep one of the pictures they took together during Christmas when she was eight and he was eleven, she immediately snapped out of her reminiscence before it could get any worse.

She turned off the lights and walked out without looking back.

After getting out she took a walk around the house, she paid a visit to the beautiful flowers she planted in the garden, the flowers would surely feel her absence although her mother had promised to give maximum care to her flowery babies like she calls them, she watered her favourite sunflower for the last time, it looked particularly radiant under the morning sun afterwards she headed straight to the driveway where a cab was waiting to convey her to the airport, she walked up to the cab and heaved a deep sigh, she had no idea of how life would turn out when she’s finally away, perhaps it could get worse rather than get better as she hopes but it’s a risk she’s willing to take. She turned around and saw her father walking up to her, he handed her a gift box and turned around without saying a word, her mother had errands to run within the city and wasn’t around at the time, Catherine watched her father walk back into the building, she didn’t say a word either she just looked on as he made his way inside, when he disappeared from her sight, she looked up to the sky and entered into the cab and off they went.

While they moved, she grabbed the gift box handed to her by her father and tore it open; it contained her favourite brand of chocolate candies and a note, she flipped it open and she could tell it was handwritten by her father himself, she tore one of the chocolate wraps and began reading through the letters scribbled in the piece of paper

“After how I reacted to you two weeks ago, I couldn’t bring myself to speak to you, it’s my entire fault that you’re forced into trying to trace your own path. Of a truth, I do not want you to leave and I tried to find several ways over the past couple of weeks to go around it but I found none, then I had to surrender to the decision you’ve made for yourself, you have my support.

It is important that we learn from those who have come before us but we must also forge our own path, I guess it is time for you to take that step, I’m just sad that it had to come this way, I’m sorry if I failed as your father in the last couple of months, there are certain things in life that we cannot do anything about; and if you ever feel disappointed, especially in me then I’m truly sorry.

I wish you well my daughter, it’s never easy adapting to and navigating through a new city especially without the luxury you’re used to but I trust that you’ll do just fine, you’ve always been strong ever since you were a little girl and always had that sense of being in charge of your own affairs even though my will always prevailed over yours.

I wish you safe travels; reach out to us as soon as you arrive in San Diego. Love, Connor”

Reading the words her father wrote her made her teary, even though nothing could be done to reverse the state of things, she was at least happy to have her father’s support. She folded the piece of paper gently and stuck it in her pocket; she continued to enjoy her chocolates while gazing through the window at the streets of Chicago.

When she arrived at the airport she put a call through to her parents to inform them about her pending departure, they both weren’t answering their phones “I guess they wouldn’t be getting any final goodbyes” Catherine said to herself after several attempts to reach both parents. About half an hour later, she checked in for the flight.

Catherine arrived at San Diego in high spirit, a rare opportunity for her to hopefully get her life on track and live without unnecessary speculations, she couldn’t be any happier. When she came off board, Jeffery; her friend from college who agreed to accommodate her was already at the waiting room, as soon as they met, they headed straight to the parking lot where Jeffery’s car was. After helping her secure her luggage in the trunk of his car, he opened the door and offered her entry when she did, he shut the door gently, got in the driver seat and out of the airport they went.

“I heard about your Dad’s” Jeffery spoke “It’s just sad to lose such a big business organization” he added. “Words sure do fly around, even across cities” Catherine responded “but for such prominent organization, weren’t there any form of insurance schemes the organization was involved in to guide against such business threatening risks?” Jeffery asked “My Dad never believed in those principles; he never took the advice of anyone who talked to him about insurance; I guess he never thought or dared put into consideration that such day could come and when it did come, it took him by storm, literally” Catherine spoke in subtle way, it appears those words we’re triggering unwanted memories she was quiet for the remainder of the journey down to Jeffery’s place. It only took ten minutes drive; they arrived quite faster than she expected no surprise he got to the airport before her plane arrived.

Jeffery did his best to help her settle in nicely, he served her a drink and made arrangements for food which was delivered in no time.

It took until after their meal before they had their next conversation “Welcome to San Diego” Jeffery said to break the long silence “thank you Jeff, thank you so much for helping out, it means so much to me” Catherine responded “You don’t have to thank me that much, you did so much for me while we were in college, think of all I’m doing as me repaying your favour, I really hope you find your stay here worthwhile, by the way how long do you think you’ll be around for and do you have any plans as to what you would be getting involved in?” Jeffery asked “I’m not sure, but I honestly hope I don’t stay longer than necessary, regarding what I’ll be getting involved in, I don’t have any plans yet, I was hoping you could help me out, I don’t exactly know my way around this city; I’ve never been here before and I only know a few people scattered around the city, mostly from our college days actually. What about you Jeff? What are you into? It’s your city you should know what is obtainable here” Catherine asked “You know I was never the bright student through college like some of you, I couldn’t excel in business administration, I mean I barely graduated safely. I’ve had to find other means to earn a living, to be honest it was a tough task for me especially trying to go out of my line to study, but until I met up with an agency that hooked me up with a job as a contractor, I receive goods supplies and deliver them to those who make demands” Jeffery explained. “Well? The reason I opted to study business administration was so I could take over the reins of Rhodes Cycles from my father, I never had anything else in mind, despite my grades I guess we’re even now, I’m here trying to find something else to make a living out of. This agency you work with, what do they deal with exactly? Is it somewhere I can work and would it be possible for you to, you know maybe talk to one or two people if they maybe need someone or anything” Catherine requested “No, I’m afraid that won’t be possible, you know I just got there recently and I’m still trying to earn their trust and build my reputation but I can assure you, you have nothing to worry about, I’m going to cover your all your expenses till you’re able to find something worth your interest, you really shouldn’t be desperate about getting started, it’s important that you take your time” Jeffery explained while doing his best to not reveal the true nature of his job “time is one thing I don’t have; my parents were lucky to still have a roof over their head after everything that happened, but if you think it’s best this way then let’s have it your way, I mean it’s your city” Catherine responded with a cheerful smile.

“I’ll be on the lookout though, and I’ll make sure I fill you in on whatever I find for you” Jeffery added “thank you so much” Catherine responded. “You seem pretty gloomy; would you like to go somewhere? I know a place you’re going to like” Jeffery offered “Sure, I would, where are we going?” Catherine asked “Would you rather I tell you? Or I take you there to see for yourself? Go get ready and let’s leave right away” Jeffery responded