Chapter 2

Pride. One of the many reasons why a relationship is broken or badly built. At first, it’s small, but then it grows and before you know it, you find yourself single again. Notorious for being one of the seven deadly sins made, it’s fair to say that you should avoid pride at all costs. It destroys everything in its path. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.

“What are you playing?” I asked loudly, pulling the pen away from my notebook to stare at the boy who sat inches away from the huge flat-screen television. The sound of men and women crying and screaming for mercy filled the room. Blood spilled on the sidewalk as the man shot them with a gun. A policeman came by, shot the man and before I knew it the words ‘wasted’ appeared on the screen.

“Oh! That’s not fair!” Harvey whined when his character died. Turning to me, he grinned. “I’m playing the video game I received yesterday. It’s called GTA.” He faced the screen once again, clicked the control, and went back to his game. Shrugging, I decided to continue writing but nothing seemed to pop into my head to make the paragraph more interesting. “By the way, what are you writing?” Harvey questioned, clicking on the control madly.

“Oh, just a mere hobby Harvey, I’ve got nothing to do at the moment, you see.”

“Miss Maxwell,” I sat up straight, seeing Henry walking towards us.

“Yes, Henry? What is it?”

“There are two people at the door. They requested to see your mother. I told them that she’s not around but they keep on insisting to see her.”

I stood up in curiosity, “Did they say who they were?”

“Montgomery, Miss Maxwell. Does the name ring a bell?”

What? They’re here?

“Yes, please let them in, Henry,” I replied, taking my things and placing them on top of the long wooden coffee table. Henry nodded and left to let the visitors in. I brushed away the small crumbs of cookies from the skirt of my dress before fixing my hair. “Please lower it down Harvey, we have visitors.”

He paused the game and turned to me, “What? Who?” As if on cue, Mr. and Mrs. Montgomery walked inside with Henry leading them, the yellow dress that Mrs. Montgomery wore making me squint a little. “Hello!” She smiled widely, rushing towards me and embracing me. My lips parted in surprise when she kissed both of my cheeks but I greeted the couple.

“Good afternoon Mr. and Mrs. Montgomery, what a pleasant surprise.”

“Hello Kiddo,” Max Montgomery ruffled Harvey’s hair playfully, grinning at the short boy.

“Hello to you, too,” Harvey mumbled, his face twisting in irritation before turning to me. “Uh, I’ll be in my room, Sis.” He hurriedly escaped Mr. Montgomery and made a run for the stairs.

“Please, have a seat.” I gestured to the couch, and they accepted my invitation. Henry went over to the television, turning Harvey’s game off along with the television. After that, he stood in front of the couple, asking.

“Can I interest you in a drink?” He looked at the two visitors with his usual professional aura.

“Orange juice will be fine,” Max answered.

Henry nodded and headed to the kitchen. I turned to Mrs. Montgomery and smiled slightly; “I’m sorry if it took so long for you to get in, but my mother didn’t mention that you’d be visiting.” I said, placing my hands on my lap. “I was...  surprised.”

“Oh, you don’t have to apologize or worry about anything, Rachel dear. Your mother told us that she’ll be here in a while. We told her that we would wait.”

Henry appeared with a tray of drinks, handing each one of us a glass. Taking my phone, I used my time to text my mother as Mr. Montgomery complimented Henry.

To: Mom

Mom, Mr. and Mrs. Montgomery are here.

I looked up from my phone once the message was sent, watching as Mrs. Montgomery admired our family picture situated on the stand next to her. In just a mere second, Mother replied.

Mom: Yes, I’m on my way there. Just entertain them. (:

“So, Rachel... ” Mrs. Montgomery began. “I heard that you are going to take over your mother’s company soon, is that true?”

“Yes. I’m currently building up my own business. Mother says it’s a good start before I take over a much bigger company soon. She believes experience is a good mentor.”

“Well! That’s wonderful to hear! My son graduated from Ohio State with honors, such a good boy. How about you dear? Where did you graduate?” I sipped my juice before answering.

“Oh, I graduated at Harvard last year.” The look of surprise was evident on her face but it only lasted a second, the smile on her face quickly appeared again. “Really? That’s lovely.”

“What’s your son’s occupation, Mrs. Montgomery?”

“He’s going to take over Montgomery Inc. soon. He takes after his father, a brilliant businessman. He’s busy running our branch here at the moment. He always works hard just to please us.” She answered. I stood up straight once I saw Mother entering the house, a small scowl on her usually happy face.

She smiled brightly once she saw her visitors, greeting them politely. “I’m sorry if I took so long. I was so busy and lost track of time, but I drove back here as fast as I could.”

“Helen!”

The two women hugged each other, Mother giggled softly and pulled away first. “I’m so sorry if I made you two wait.” She apologized, shaking hands with Rebecca’s husband.

“Oh, no it’s all right Helen. You arrived just in time, anyway. You didn’t mention yesterday that your daughter graduated from Harvard.”

Mother grinned at me. “Ah yes, she did. She’s currently training herself to take over our company. Rachel is a really big help.” Their conversation was cut short when the telephone rang, Mom gasped lightly. “Excuse me for a minute, I have to answer this. Probably from Damon or work.”

As she conversed with the caller, I grabbed my things and slowly walked away, my room calling to me like a siren luring a sailor. Writing and relaxing sounds good at the moment. “Rachel, where are you going?” Mother asked, covering the telephone’s mouthpiece.

I pointed to the stairs, “In my room, I’ve got a few things to finish up.” I clutched my notebook and pen to my chest as she processed my words. Please say okay. “I still have some things to do along the way.” Shrugging, she dismissed me and I happily went on my way. Climbing up the stairs, I passed by Harvey’s room, with loud sounds of guns firing from inside, and went inside mine. Dumping my things on my bed, I took the remote and flicked through the channels.

I settled on a random channel that was broadcasting a series of advertisements and lay down on the soft bed. The adverts stopped and soon a reporter began babbling about politicians. Sighing deeply, I gathered my long blonde hair and tied it into a ponytail, keeping the stray strands away from my face. I stared at the ceiling and frowned, at the word ‘party’. Sitting up, I listened to the female reporter announce that a celebrity was celebrating her 21st birthday.

Wait a minute! My eyes widened in shock. I grabbed my phone and went to read Francine’s message again. Of course! It is Sean’s birthday today, how could I forget? So stupid of me. I even forgot to reply! I stood up from the bed hurriedly as if I was touched by a live wire, and ran to get a pair of shoes. “How could you forget?” I asked myself as I put on a brown coat over my light blue dress. Snatching my bag and car keys, I rushed out of the room.

Running down the stairs, I felt my cheeks flush red as Mom and her visitors stared at me in confusion and surprise. “Where are you heading?” Mom had a worried look on her face, obviously because of me.

“I’m running late! I have to go, Mom, it’s Francine’s brother’s birthday today.” A small smile graced her face.

“Okay dear, be back soon. Greet little Sean for me.” She kissed me on both cheeks, and I waved goodbye to them and briskly walked to the door, which Henry opened for me.

“Thank you, Henry.”

“Have a safe drive, Miss Maxwell.”

Passing the silver BMW parked close to the fountain, I headed to the garage, opened my car's door, and climbed inside. It’s probably the Montgomerys’ vehicle. Turning the engine on, I shut the door and backed out. Before I knew it, I was out of the gates, Percy waving goodbye. As I drove, my mind began to whirl around as I tried to think of a gift that was perfect for a little boy. I began to look at shops, skimming them before I spotted a toy store. I parked my car and got out, my breath puffing out in steam as I went inside the store.

I maneuvered myself, past parents and little kids, trying to find a good toy. I smiled in delight at the sight of a red aircraft inside its box, the paint reflecting the store’s light. I took a box, examined the contents, and grinned when I saw that the aircraft could fly and was guided by a controller. Yes, that'll make Sean happy. I hurriedly went to the cashier and purchased it, “Can you wrap it up?” I asked the cashier, “It’s a birthday present you see.”

“Sure thing Ma’am, wait right here.”

The cashier went off to wrap the gift up, and as I waited, I pulled my phone out of my bag. I directly called Francine, who answered on the third ring. “Hey, Rachel!” She greeted me happily, the background noisy due to the cheering and laughter of the children.

“Hey Fran, listen, I wasn’t able to reply to you because I was busy last night. I’m coming over, please tell Sean that I won’t miss his birthday.”

“Okay, I’ll tell the birthday boy. See you in a while!”

Hanging up, the cashier came back with the box all wrapped up. “Thank you.” I grinned, taking the box.

“No problem Ma’am, and don’t forget to shop for toys here next time!”

I rushed out of the shop, shivering due to the cold weather. I walked back to my car, heels clicking against the pavement. Entering the car, I carefully placed the gift along with my bag on the passenger seat. Backing the car, I hummed softly as I drove down the road heading to the Winstels’ house. Turning the radio on, a woman sang an emotional song that filled the whole car as I drove. I slowly turned to a stop when the traffic light ahead of me turned red. I drummed my fingers against the steering wheel, waiting for the light to turn green.

A black motorbike suddenly pulled up beside me, the driver’s face unseen due to the helmet. The driver kept looking at my side, and I stared at him with curiousness. The driver slowly drove forward until he was in front of my car. What is he doing? I frowned. When the traffic light went green, the driver of the motorbike didn’t move. The cars behind me began honking loudly as the other cars just drove past. Frustrated, I pushed the horn twice but still, he wouldn’t budge. Is the biker deaf or something? Just as the light went yellow, the biker sped away and before I could even step on the pedal, the light went red again. I bit my lip to contain my anger. Lashing out in the middle of the road was not my kind of thing. Man, I hate motorbikes, but it seems like I hate the drivers of wretched things, too. What a jerk!

It took a few minutes for my anger to cool down and for the light to go green again. I drove forward, continuing my way to Francine’s house once again. If I ever see that driver, I’ll make sure to give him a piece of my mind. Turning left, I entered Francine’s neighborhood. Memories of walking around here with my best friend flashed before my eyes. The houses were not that huge, and the people living here were middle-class, but they were happy. Contented with life and the friends around them. I pulled up in front of a beige two-story house with a white fence around it. The lawn was neatly trimmed, and colorful balloons decorated the front door. The engine died down and I climbed out of the car, Sean’s gift in hand. I walked up to the door and knocked twice. The door swung open, revealing Francine, her red curly hair tied into a bun. The green dress she had on complimented her skin color. I grinned and hugged her, “Hey Fran.”

“Rachel!” She smiled widely, her green eyes shining in happiness. “You’re just in time, come in!” I nodded and went inside, my eyes following the two children running around, balloons in their hands. The living room was decorated with streamers and balloons. I waved at the kids and some parents who sat on the couch. “Sean! Rachel’s here! Come and see her.” Francine said. Sean stood up from his seat, ran towards me, and hugged my legs with his arms. I giggled softly and bent down to hug him.

“Hey, Sean, happy birthday.”

The little boy smiled, dimples showing, “Thank you Aunt Rachie.” I chuckled at the nickname, squeezing his freckled cheeks gently. I handed the wrapped box to the boy, earning a gasp of surprise from him.

“Here’s a little gift that I got you, I hope you like it.”

In excitement, he unwrapped the box, and a huge smile broke out on his face when he caught sight of the red aircraft inside. “Wow!” Francine stepped forward and stared at the boy.

“Now, what do you say Sean?”

“Thanks, Aunt Rachie, this is cool!”

“You’re welcome, Sean.”

Eyes bright in happiness, he called his friends and showed the red aircraft to them. Mrs. Winstel popped out of the kitchen with a cake decorated with blue icing. Six candles sat on top of it, the flames flickering. “Hello Rachel, it’s great to see you.” She grinned, then turned to her son.  “All right pumpkin, it’s time to blow out the candles.” Hearing her words, the kids cheered and gathered around Sean, who stared at his cake in glee. The whole room became silent for a second before everyone began to sing the traditional song. I sang along too.

“Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday dear Sean, happy birthday to you!”

After making a wish, Sean blew out the candles, and the flames died out. The kids clapped their hands and waited to be served cake. “By the way, how are you?” Francine inquired, handing me a cup of chocolate ice cream.

“I’m fine, how about you?”

She shrugged, licking a spoonful of vanilla ice cream. “Same. How’s Harvey doing?”

“Same as always, he’s at home at the moment. Playing video games.” I answered, my gaze drifted to Sean, and smiled. “Can’t believe Sean is already six.”

Francine nodded in agreement, “He likes the toy you gave him.” The boy made whooshing sounds, playing with a small motorbike, the toy guided by his hands. On his other hand was the toy aircraft I gave him. My thoughts went directly to the driver I encountered a while ago. I frowned.

I hate motorbikes.

“Rach? What’s wrong?”

I turned to face a worried Francine. “Huh? Oh, nothing. I just remembered something unpleasant.” I mumbled, dismissing the thought. “Anyways Fran, where's your dad? Shouldn’t he be home for Sean’s birthday?”

“He was called to work this morning,” She answered. Leaning closer, she whispered, “But he planned a surprise for Sean later. Don’t tell him.” She added, eyes trained on the boy who was now busy eating a slice of his cake. I chuckled and made the action of sealing my lips.

“Not a word.”

I felt a tap on my shoulder and turned around to face one of the mothers of Sean’s friends. The woman squinted her eyes, as though she were taking a closer look at me, and smiled. “Excuse me, you seem familiar. Are you Damon Maxwell’s daughter? Rachel, right?”

I nodded hesitantly. “Yes, that’s me. Do I know you from somewhere?” The woman smiled and let out a gasp, approaching me in small steps.

“Of course, I know you! You and your family always appeared in magazines, especially your parents. Tell me, how does it feel to be a billionaire’s daughter? By the way, what happened last year?” I took a step back in alarm, caught off guard by the questions.

“W-what?”

Francine frowned at the woman. “Um. Please Mrs. Kentleburgh, let’s just give my best friend some space.” However, the woman didn’t pay attention to Francine’s words and continued advancing.

“Rachel Maxwell, based on what I read in the news, why did you disappear before your w—” She was cut off by Francine, who blocked her from me.

“I’m sorry Mrs. Kentleburgh, but Rachel is just about to leave. You don’t want the whole Maxwell family waiting for her.” Without giving her another second, Francine grabbed my arm and pulled me away from the surprised parent. She opened the front door and pulled me out with her. She let out a sigh of relief and laughed. “Don’t mind her Rachel, she’s always been one of the nosiest parents, but she is harmless.” When I didn’t reply, she glanced at me, worried. “Hey, are you all right?”

I nodded quickly. “Yeah. Yeah, I’m all right. Just caught off guard by her questions.” It was clear from her face that she was not convinced, but she didn’t question me anymore.

“Okay, let’s not go back inside while that woman is in there. I'm sure Mother can manage without me.” I nodded once again, staring at the trees dancing against the cold air. Noticing it too, Francine smiled.

“Can’t believe it’s almost winter.” My phone rang once again and seeing that it was my mother, I picked up.

“Hello, Mom.”

“Hello darling, when are you coming home? The Montgomery’s are going to join us for dinner.”

“All right, I’ll be there. Bye, Mom.”

“Okay, bye dear.”

I turned to face Francine with a bit of sadness. “I’m sorry but I have to go,” I mumbled, but she shook her head.

“It’s okay Rach, I understand.”

Smiling widely as I hugged her, I whispered. “I’ll text you later.” She nodded, and I pulled away. Taking out my car keys as I headed to my car. I got inside, thankful to be out of the cold. I waved goodbye and drove out of the neighborhood and back to my house.