Chapter 56
Nick
5 years ago. 19–year–old Nick.
I stepped off my motorcycle and entered my mother’s house. I’m sure neither she nor my grandfather will take the news well, but they needed to understand that I’m not interested in university.
“Son, what are you doing here? You should be at university.” Nana Jane hugged me the moment she saw me walk in.
“Yeah, I got expelled.” I finished greeting her, and she put her hands on her hips, signaling that a lecture was imminent.
“But son, how long do you plan to go against your grandfather?
“University isn’t a priority for me; I prefer motorcycles,” I said simply.
“For once in your life, you should do something to please him, spend more than two semesters without getting into trouble p>
“And let him control my life until I die? He’s so lucky I might die before he does.” I kissed my nana’s forehead, who laughed at what I said. “I’m not doing it for him, Nana. I won’t let him manipulate me like he did with my mother and father. He forced them to marry, and luckily, they fell in love, but they could never be themselves or fulfill their dreams. They were just pawns for my grandfather to present a perfect family and grow his fortune. The death of my mother’s parents was a godsend for him,” I said.
“I don’t know how wise it is for you to act this way,” she said, and I shrugged.
I go up to my room, and not long after, they call me down for dinner.
“Nick!” Cathy, my sister, ran to greet me.
“Manners, young lady,” my mother said, and Cathy rolled her eyes.
“To hell with manners, Mom p>
“Nick!” my mother reproached me.
“You shouldn’t talk like that, I heard my grandfather’s voice as I stepped further into the dining room. He was at the head of the table. “We must set an example for other families. The Garnett- Morgan name must remain where it has been for the past years, and we don’t need a rebellious brat to ruin it.” He looked at me, and I took my seat.
‘Jane, dinner, please,” my mother ordered, and we ate in silence, as usual.
When I was done, I stood up and headed to my room with my sister.
“They called from the university. You were racing motorcycles on campus and got expelled.” I heard him behind me, and I told my sister to go ahead. “I’ll be waiting for you in studies.” I heard his steps heading there. Reluctantly, I changed my direction and followed him.
I entered and closed the door, standing with my arms crossed.
“What am I going to do with you?” He leaned back in his chair and looked at me. “I allowed you to do nothing for two years, thinking you were young and affected by what happened to your father. I thought I’d give you time to find your way.” He gestured with his hand “But it didn’t happen. You keep acting like a misfit, all because you want to do the opposite of what I want p>
“If you stop meddling in other people’s lives, no one would go against your wishes,” I retorted.
“That’s not how things work, dear grandson,” he said, and I scoffed. “In a few years, you’ll
understand. You must control everything and everyone around you, and how do you do that?
With money, with power.” He poured himself a drink. “That’s all that matters. To hell with
sentimentality and going with the flow. That’s what’s happening to you; you have no control.
You’re a man now, Nick. You must think about your future and learn from me. I hope you will be the one to run the companies in the absence of your father p>
I just listened without saying anything.
“And for that, a Garnett must be prepared, must say they graduated from a prestigious university. Otherwise, you won’t be able to take that place p>
“I already told you I’m not interested. Just because my father isn’t here doesn’t mean I’m your new arm in your company. You have another son, another grandson p>
“Of course.” He laughed. “The tradition is for the firstborn to take my place. I assure you, it has great advantages.” Those advantages didn’t appeal to me. “I’ll enroll you in another university and pull some strings to get you in despite the semester already starting. I must say this will be your last chance. If you get expelled again, I’ll have to use other methods. For now, I’ve ordered all your motorcycles destroyed, even the one you just brought.” He smiled slightly, which infuriated me. “And your funds will be limited to a few expenses. It’s up to you to regain them and the privileges you’re used to. It’s all in your hands p>
What a son of a b***h. I left and slammed the door.
I decided to look for a job to free myself from Killian, but the bastard closed the door to all the companies, even the smallest businesses, in every city I tried to move to. So, I decided to play his game until I could break free.
A week later, I entered a university in San Francisco. I managed to get my cousin transferred as well. Months passed, and I quickly got used to university life. I became a popular guy and the captain of the football team, not bad because of my initial reluctance to follow Killian’s orders.
It was a typical day at university. There was going to be a faculty party. I have several friends, I’ve dated a couple of girls, but nothing serious. I’m not interested in a romantic relationship. I met Barbara in one of the classes, and she clung to me like a leech. Let’s say she became my friend, although she’s a bit irritating.
I was on campus, waiting for some other teammates after the game we just won.
My teammate threw the ball, and I rushed to catch it. As I ran, I saw a small figure approaching.
“Move!” I shouted, realizing she was in my way and that I probably won’t stop in time. As expected, I pushed the distracted girl who didn’t hear me.
I picked up the ball and approached her, noticing she was wearing a dress that hugged her body.
“You shouldn’t have crossed my path, little one,” I said, somewhat amused by the situation.
“Little one yourself,” she grumbled, and I burst out laughing. So, she has no filter.
“You can check for yourself if you want,” I challenged her with a lopsided smile. She looked up, and I felt a tingle in my stomach, noticing she was stunning.
“You couldn’t handle me,” she asserted, lifting her chin with determination. I narrowed my eyes at the small girl who now looks incredibly attractive.
I laughed heartily again.
“Sure?” I asked, not wanting to let her go. I found it fascinating that she was not at my feet.
“Sure,” she replied with a tone that made me smile. “You owe me a dress. I’ll send you the bill.
Someone will tell me where to find you.” This girl is making my interest in her multiply with each negative response I get.
“We could discuss it tonight at the faculty party. You could come with me,” l proposed. She won’t leave without accepting my invitation.
“I have plans,” she said simply, walking away, and I kept watching her. No girl had ever said no to me, which made me want to get a yes from those pretty lips.
“Do you know that girl?” I asked my friends, and they shook their heads. I needed to know who you are.
We arrived at the house where everyone was gathered for the party. I was drinking a beer in the typical red disposable cup when I saw her walk in. The cup I was bringing to my lips lowered, so I didn’t miss anything about her. She was wearing a new dress that makes her look even more beautiful than she did this afternoon. I noticed she was with a blonde guy and followed their movements. If she has a boyfriend, I’ll get rid of him.
The guy accompanying her walked away with a brunette who whispered something in his ear, and the brunette doesn’t seem to care. I smiled to myself.
“Nice dress.” I pointed out when I reached where she’s distracted. She turned to look at me and narrowed her eyes in my direction.
“Thanks, a big i***t ruined the one I wanted to wear tonight,” she said and drank from her cup, making me laugh.
I started a conversation with her. She’s free–spirited. I love her voice, her gestures, her laugh. I was completely smitten, and the only thing I was sure of right now was that I want her by my side forever.