Chapter 3

Sometimes, I wonder if I even have beauty or charisma. I wonder if I am attractive or just a plain girl in the eyes of everyone. They say simplicity is beauty, but too much is boring. Some say beauty is in the eye of the beholder. For me, everyone has beauty, but others just fail to see and reject it instantly. Ignorance is what they call it, and it is present everywhere.

I let out a sigh once I parked the car inside the garage. The engine and headlights went out, leaving me in total darkness. The heat inside the car slowly died as the coldness slipped in. Taking a deep breath in, I got out of the car and shut the door. The cold night air blowing gently, I slowly made my way to the front door, which Henry opened for me. “Good evening Miss Maxwell.” He spoke with a small smile. “You’re just in time for dinner.” I offered him a grin in return for his service.

“Thank you, Henry.”

“Is there something wrong, Miss Maxwell? You seem upset.”

I shook my head, removing my jacket. “No, there’s nothing wrong, Henry, but thanks for asking.” Bowing slightly, he proceeded to the dining hall. I placed my bag and jacket on the couch before following Henry. The sound of utensils clinking became more audible with every step I took. Lowering my head slightly, I stared at my shoes as I entered.

“Ah! You’re just in time for dinner, dear.” Mom cheerily chirped. Looking up, I smiled politely when I saw someone sitting in between Mr. and Mrs. Montgomery. It was a blond man, his face hidden from view. Both of them must have sensed my confusion towards the stranger. Mr. Montgomery nudged his wife to introduce the man, which she did willingly. Placing a hand on the stranger’s shoulder, she stood up and addressed me.

“Rachel, I’d like you to meet my son, Chad.”

Walking to my seat, I stared at the man, his face now visible to me. His golden hair was styled perfectly, electric blue eyes staring at my every move, face void of any emotion. Wait a minute, he looks familiar. I sat down after Henry pulled out my seat, and when I didn’t say anything, Mom nudged my arm. “Rachel,” she whispered.

“Oh, hello…”

“Hello, Miss Maxwell.” His welcoming smile didn’t reach his ears as he returned to his meal. Biting my lip, I stared at the dish in front of me and grabbed my set of utensils awkwardly.

“This chicken tastes delicious!” Mrs. Montgomery hummed in delight. She turned to her son and gestured to his meal. “Isn’t that right Chad?” Feeling everyone’s eyes on him, he bobbed his head in agreement.

“Uh, yeah. It is.” His mother only chuckled at her son’s words, shaking her head before her laughter died down. The whole room became silent once again. Harvey, who sat beside me, remained quiet, but it was clear from his face that he was trying hard not to laugh.

Taking a spoonful of mushroom soup, I sipped it quietly. Breaking the silence, Dad began to talk to Mr. Montgomery about business. To me, it was normal, but to a kid like Harvey, it was downright boring. He got up from his seat with a small frown. “Can I go, Mom? I’m finished.” Mom stared at Harvey for a second and dismissed him.

When we were all finished, Henry came in with a tray of dessert. “Thank you, Henry…” Dad beamed, tasting the slice of mango float on the plate. “That’s good.”

“I’ll be in the living room,” I mumbled, taking two plates, and proceeded to walk out. Finding Harvey sitting on the couch, I approached and handed him the other plate.

“Thanks, Sis.” He took it with a huge grin, humming when he tasted the delicious dessert. He looked up from his plate and frowned. “Why do they always have to talk about business? Do they not get bored talking about it over and over again?”

“Well, we shouldn’t complain about it. If it weren’t for our business, you wouldn’t be at school and you wouldn’t be able to buy your video games.” We don’t have a say when it comes to these things, Harvey. We should be thankful that we have hard-working parents.

“You’re right, I’m sorry.” He replied in a sulky tone, playing with his fork. I decided to change the topic.

“By the way, do you know whose birthday today is?” After thinking for a few seconds, he shrugged.

“It’s not mine, or yours. It’s not even Mom’s or Dad’s. Whose is it, then?”

“It’s Sean’s birthday today, Harv.”

His eyes went wide in realization. “What? It is?” When I nodded, his jaw dropped, and he furrowed his eyebrows at me. “And you forgot to take me with you?” He exclaimed, hands waving in the air. “I can’t believe that you left me here to die in boredom and to deal with those—”

“Wait, are you saying that you got bored without me? What happened to Harvey Maxwell who lives and breathes playing video games?” I joked. He froze for a second, surprised at the words that left his lips, before sighing.

“Okay, I’ll admit that I got bored, but you didn’t have to leave me to deal with Mom’s friends! I just want a simple life, you know? One where I don’t have to worry how I’ll be able to impress people and wonder what they think of me.”

“I have to say, those are huge words from a ten-year-old kid.”

Both of us whirled around in surprise to see Chad Montgomery leaning in the doorway, hands folded on his chest as he stared at us with hooded eyes. “Then again, I don’t blame him. With influential parents like Damon and Helen Maxwell, life is never simple.”

Harvey stood up from the couch and went straight to turn the television on. He was setting up to play another video game when Chad walked closer. I sat there, frozen in my seat as he sat across from me. “Hello Miss Maxwell, we have officially met.” The scent of his musky cologne drifted to my nostrils.

“Hello, Mr. Montgomery... ” I replied, eyes staring at his relaxed pose. “I could say the same to you. Your mother speaks highly of you.”

A smirk made its way onto his lips. “Ah, I see.” Silence followed, the soft sound of Harvey clicking on his controller in the background.

Shifting in my seat, I chuckled at the awkwardness floating in the air. “Um, as much as I’m enjoying chatting with you, I think it’s time for me to retire and all. I’m kind of tired.” Just as I was about to stand up, I heard him laugh. “What?” I inquired with furrowed eyebrows.

What was so funny?

“If I’m not mistaken, you’re lying to me, Miss Maxwell.”

“Excuse me?” He stared at me deeply, blue eyes against brown. “Just admit it, Miss Maxwell.”

How did he know? I chuckled nervously, I shook my head at his statement. “No, actually I’m really tired. I just got home from an important event.” Scanning his face once again, my eyes widened. He looks like the man I bumped into yesterday. Noticing what I was doing, his smirk just got wider.

“What’s the matter, Miss Maxwell?”

“Were you at the party last night?” I couldn’t help but ask. Because I think I have seen you somewhere.

“Of course I was, my parents even came here. Why?”

I cocked an eyebrow at him. “I don’t know, I’m just a bit surprised that you acted like you didn’t know me or something a while ago.”

“Of course, I do recognize you. You and your family are always on the news, why wouldn’t I?”

“I’m sorry, Mr. Montgomery but you just looked similar to a man that I encountered yesterday,” I mumbled softly, but it was loud enough for him to hear.

“Oh, I see.”

Harvey glanced at the both of us, then at Chad before turning back to his game. “Chad, darling.” Both of us turned towards Mrs. Montgomery who had entered the living room with her husband, a smile on her face. “It’s time to go.”

Chad got up from the couch and went to his mother’s side. Mom and Dad appeared in a second, shaking hands with their visitors. “Thank you for coming, Rebecca, I enjoyed having you and your family as a company.” Rebecca laughed, hugged my mother, and thanked her. Chad turned in my direction, giving me a small nod.

“It was a pleasure meeting you, Miss Maxwell, I hope that it won’t be the last time.”

I smiled lightly. “You too, Mr. Montgomery. I’ll be looking forward to seeing you once again.” Bidding them farewell, the three of them exited the house, Henry showing them the door. I sat down and sighed. Harvey grumbled, stood up from the ground, and sat beside me. Once Mom and Dad were out of sight, he frowned hard.

“I don’t like that Chad guy, he seems arrogant. He needs to be dealt with.” Henry came by and took the used plates, heading to the kitchen. “Sis, do you think he was the same arrogant bastard that bumped you yesterday at the party? The one you said was rude and all?”

I hushed him, looking at him in disturbance when he cursed. “Harvey, you know cursing is not expected from a ten-year-old boy. And, I thought he was at first, but I don’t know. Maybe I was wrong.” Noticing that the time was close to eight and that Harvey has still school tomorrow, I stood up. “Come on Harv, it’s time for bed. You still have school tomorrow.”

“Sleep is for the weak.” He stated but stopped his game at once when I stared at him. “Fine.” He gave in, turning the television and PlayStation off. Taking my bag, we both climbed up the stairs.

“Now, remember to wash your face and brush your teeth. You don’t want to get cavities.”

“Yes, Sis.” He replied and entered his room with a yawn. Just as I was about to go to my room, Mom appeared, rushing towards Harvey’s door and knocking twice. The door opened, and Harvey was surprised and happy to see her, especially when she told him she’d be reading him a story before tucking him into bed. I walked inside my room, locking the door behind me. I set my bag on the couch and headed to the bathroom. Running the water and waiting for the bathtub to fill up, I undressed myself. I poured my liquid soap into the water, and bubbles appeared. Tying my hair into a bun to prevent it from getting wet, I sank into the warm water. I closed my eyes, inhaling the sweet scent of French vanilla.

Resting my head and arms on the edges, my body relaxed. Opening my eyes, I stared into space, recalling the woman’s questions earlier at the party. I sighed deeply, sinking further into the water. It wasn’t my fault, but maybe it was. Maybe I just didn’t try harder, causing him to look for another. Groaning in frustration, I buried my face into my hands, disappointed in myself. The water suddenly felt cold.

I rose from the tub, pulled out the plug, and grabbed a towel. Drying my body, I wrapped the robe around me. I proceeded to wash my face and brush my teeth. Untying my hair, I let my blonde hair cascade down my shoulders, before combing it.

Slipping on my slippers, I headed to my wardrobe and put on a dark blue nightgown, hanging the robe on a chair. The silk felt soft against my skin.  I turned all the lights off before heading out. Turning the television on, I hopped onto the bed as I stared at the woman crying on the screen. What is the name of this series again? Just as the woman was about to run inside the burning house, a knock came at the door.

I immediately stood up, turned the lights on, and opened the door to see Mom waiting for me. Even at the age of fifty-five, she still looked younger than most women of her age. She still looked as though she was forty years old. “May I come in?” She asked and I nodded softly.

“Yeah, come in, Mom.” She stepped inside, sitting down on the bed. Noticing she was holding an album in her hand, I asked in curiosity. “What do you want to talk about, Mom?” Sitting on the edge of my bed, I waited for her answer. She gazed up a serious expression on her face.

“Rachel, do you remember the day Harvey came into our lives?”

“All too well.”

“And, do you remember when I told you that there were complications? That there was a chance I couldn’t make it through with the birth?”

“Yes, I remember, but you got through it. Mom, where are you heading with this?” She lowered her head, brushing her hand on the picture of a baby boy sleeping soundly in his crib.

“Promise me, Rachel, take care of Harvey. Don’t leave him alone. I admit that he is capable and mature, but he’ll get lonely. I don’t want that to happen to him. He needs his sister.”

“I already made that my priority ever since he was born. Mom, please don’t act like this, like you’re going to leave us.” I scolded, wrapping my arms around her, and hugging her.

“You know me and your dad won’t be around forever.”

“Which is another reason for you guys to stay healthy, I don’t want to lose you both. And about Harvey, you don’t have to worry. I’ll take care of him.”

A beautiful smile graced her lips, eyes gazing down at the picture once again. “Your father always wanted a little boy, and he was happy when he got one who looks exactly like he did during his younger years.” She leaned down and kissed my forehead. “I’m proud to have you as my daughter.”

“You too, Mom, I’m proud to have you.”

Her gaze diverted to the clock on the wall, and a gasp escaped her lips. “Well, look at the time. I’d better go and help your father, he still has some paperwork to finish.”

“Goodnight Mom.” I hummed, hugging her before she got up.

“Goodnight dear, sweet dreams.” Mom walked to the door, and she was about to leave when she suddenly stopped. “Oh, and by the way, we’re going somewhere tomorrow for a little bonding time. So be ready, darling.”

“Okay, good night, Mom.” Once the door was shut tightly, I turned the lights off along with the television. I lay down with a soft sigh, staring at the glow-in-the-dark stickers on the ceiling. Memories of me placing them there made me giggle. Closing my eyes, I let out a yawn and grabbed a pillow.

Tomorrow will be a good day.

***

Rain. Rain was pouring down harshly on the road outside the building. I grimaced at the timing of it. We were supposed to head out and have a little family time until Dad received a call that there was trouble at the office. He said that if he didn’t go right away, the whole company would burst into flames due to incompetent co-workers. Lonely and sad that our plans didn’t go well, Mom took me and Harvey to a fancy restaurant. That’s when Mrs. Montgomery, her husband, and her son showed up, surprised to see us there.

It’s quite funny how they manage to show with just the right timing.

Mirthful laughter reached my ears, making me turn towards Rebecca Montgomery talking with my mother. “Wow, I didn’t know your husband owns the resort, me and Max go there and visit during the summer.”

Mom laughed. “Well, if you’re the owner of a world-class company, we always want the best for our people.”

Annoyance and disappointment were written on Harvey’s face, especially with the way he secretly glared at the Montgomerys. A few minutes passed, and here we were, listening to their boring conversation. Mom, being the socialite she is, entertained them while we ate.

Sipping on the watermelon shake, my gaze diverted to Chad, who merely listened to the two women talking about business. Even if he tried to mask it, my eyes noticed that he was truly bored. I stood up from my seat, excusing myself, and went to the restaurant’s VIP smoking section, happy that no one was around. Inhaling the smell of the rain, I rested my hands on the cold railings as the sight of rain pouring down its wrath became interesting.

“Didn’t expect it to rain today, the sun was out a while ago.” Surprised, I turn to see the blond man walking toward me. He came and stood beside me, hands on the railings. Tucking away the stray strands from my face, I nodded in agreement.

“Yeah, I thought so too.”

“I’m sorry if I interrupted anything, you didn’t come here to smoke did you?”

I shook my head. “N-no, I don’t smoke. Just wanted some fresh air.”

He drummed his fingers against the railing, “Ah, I see. Well, for a woman like you, I knew you wouldn’t. I was only curious as to why you walked out.”

“Why, do you smoke?” I questioned, turning to him to see Chad already looking at me. I chuckled, lowering my gaze.“Sorry if I startled you with the question, just out of curiosity.”

“Rachel, I want to go home.” Hearing Harvey whine from behind, I snapped my head to the side to address my brother. I headed towards him, ruffling his brown hair.

“I know, but we still have to wait for Mom to be finished.” Harvey’s eyes shifted from me to Chad, and he frowned in displeasure.

“What is he doing out here with you?”

“Harv…” I warned, but unfortunately, he wouldn’t pay any heed to my words.

“Hey, why are you flirting with my sister? You may put on that cool attitude that most women like, but you can’t fool me!”

“Harvey, we were just talking, nothing else.”

“Am I thinking what you’re thinking?” Chad cocked an eyebrow at my brother, who glared at the man. “Listen here boy, I am not flirting with your sister and I have no plans to,” Chad said in a low voice, bending down to be at Harvey’s level.

“Wait, what? You’re not going to try and date my sister?” When Chad nodded, Harvey huffed. “Then that’s great! I don’t need any more arrogant men boasting about their status and expensive cars at my house.”

“The kid thinks I’m trying to take you out on a date.” Shaking his head, he chuckled softly as Harvey walked out. “Which is not the case.”

“I am aware of that, but he isn’t.”

“Then explain it to him, let it get through his head. Tell your brother that I am not going to date you, that I am not interested in dating women like you.”

“And what’s wrong with women ‘like’ me?” I questioned, feeling insulted by his choice of words. Chad shrugged, fixing his silver tie.

“I don’t know. I just don’t like boring and stiff women. I want a woman with experience.” Inhaling deeply and fighting the urge to punch him in the face, I nodded at him curtly.

“I see, fine. I’ll make it clear to him, and I am not the type of woman who would tolerate a man who is full of pride.”

“Sure, Miss Maxwell.” He waved me off, and I bit my lip and walked away. I felt anger bubbling inside me, slowly reaching its bursting point. I got out of the smoking area and into the dining hall. How dare he insult me like that? I turned back to see that Chad was shamelessly flirting with two beautiful young women, his grin wider than I had ever seen before. Even if I couldn’t hear them, I knew they were trying to ask for his number; they were handing over their phones to him. One of them handed him a cigarette, and he accepted it. Huffing, I went back to the table and sat down, my mother not paying any attention as she continued to chat with the Montgomerys. Who does he think he is? Fuming, I fought the urge to go back and give him a piece of my mind, but I knew that that wouldn’t be a good idea. Especially since he is the son of my mother’s friend. Mrs. Montgomery wouldn’t be pleased.

Scrolling through my cell phone for new emails, I hoped that the cold watermelon shake would cool down my anger. As of right now, Chad Montgomery is officially a jerk. I prayed that this would be the last time we meet again.