Matter Point

by GG Shalton

  The scenery changed as we neared the city. I noticed more traffic and a lot of buildings that looked run down. There were several strip malls and various shopping options that lined the streets, offering bargains. Swarms of people walked along the sidewalks, stopping at various outdoor tents and stands selling magazines and fruit. After driving through some side streets, I spotted recognizable chain restaurants in the parking lots close to the mall. I saw the mall from a distance and my stomach turned with a little excitement. Amanda’s eagerness had rubbed off on me and I was looking forward to getting some new clothes.

  Most of our day was spent in dressing rooms. Amanda was my official gopher and stylist. She seemed to embrace her role and kept bringing me more and more to try on. The woman could shop, and I tried not to think about how much money she was spending. Apparently, she didn’t believe I had brought any clothes with me.

  “We need shoes too,” she told me after deciding on several outfits. “Oh! And accessories.”

  Eyeing me mischievously, she dragged me into a jewelry shop.

  A few hours later, I couldn’t even carry my bags as I had so many. She kept finding more and more clothes she wanted to buy me.

  I finally had to ask to stop. “My feet hurt, and I don’t think I can try on anything more.”

  She helped me with the bags as we put them all in the car and went to a local restaurant. “Do you like Chinese food?”

  “Love it.”

  We went inside, and I ordered sweet and sour shrimp because I saw that it came with pineapple and that was my favorite fruit. I would put it on everything if I could. Amanda had steamed vegetables and chicken. I practically inhaled all my food. I was lucky I wasn’t prone to gaining weight because I definitely loved to eat.

  I wiped my mouth and sighed. “I never realized how exhausting shopping could be.”

  “Oh, Ariel, this has been the most fun. We should go a few more times before schools starts.”

  “You’re very kind, but I’m sure I have enough clothes to last me the entire school year.”

  “Nonsense. These clothes will only last you a few weeks. Please let me spoil you. I’m knee deep in boys and enjoy having another female around.”

  I looked away shyly, not sure how to answer. Taking another bite, I tried to imagine how she’d met my father. She was so kind, and my father was so overbearing. I had little memory of ever living with him. Even though we may have officially shared a home, he was always traveling.

  “You’re suddenly quiet.” Her tone sounded concerned. “Is everything okay?”

  “Yes, I was just thinking about my father.”

  “I know he must be so excited to see you tonight. I talked to him last night and he said he would be home by dinnertime. Probably around seven.”

  I looked away as silence lingered. After a few sips of my drink, I swallowed hard. “Do you know why he sent for me?”

  Amanda wrinkled her forehead in confusion. Perhaps I had overstepped. “He missed you. I know he sent you to Europe because he wanted you to have the best education. After your grandmother passed away, he told me he traveled so much that he wanted to make sure you were well taken care of.”

  “But why now? I was almost finished.”

  “Are you upset?” Her voice dripped with concern. I could tell she hadn’t seen the different sides of my father.

  “I don’t know how to feel. I wanted to stay in Europe. I don’t really know him.”

  “Of course, you know him. He’s your father.” She seemed convinced that we had a relationship.

  I wonder what else my father told her. “I’ve spoken more to you in two days than I have my father in the last four years.” My voice came out sharper than I’d intended. I looked at my plate, hoping she wouldn’t chastise me for being disrespectful. “I’m sorry for my tone. I don’t want to sound rude.”

  “You may speak freely around me.” She shrugged. “You should hear how they talk at the country club. Trust me, you aren’t rude.”

  “Thank you. It’s just that I’m confused why I’m here.”

  Her eyes widened slightly. “We’re a family now. We both want you to be here with us. Next year you’ll be going off to college. We thought it would be nice for you to be here at least a year with us.”

  “That’s nice for you to say. However, my relationship with my father, if you can even call it that, is complicated. I haven’t seen him in two years.”

  She pressed her lips together as pity swept across her face. “It’s a shame that time gets away from us. We’ll make up for it.”

  I knew she was only trying to be nice, but I didn’t want her to have any false hope about my relationship with the man. “There’s no need. I learned a long time ago that if I expect nothing from him, he can’t hurt me.” I saw tears forming in her eyes, so I waved dismissively. “I’m fine.”

  She sat in silence and sniffed. I didn’t want her to feel bad for me. I looked around for a distraction as my eyes landed on a piece of chocolate cake. “I say we eat some dessert.”

  A smile slid across her face. “I wish I had your metabolism.” She called the waiter over and ordered one slice of brownie pie with ice cream. “I’ll take one bite only if you let me.”

  I nodded, and we enjoyed the rest of the lunch. I was careful not to bring up my father again.

  After we returned home, I tried on at least four different new outfits as I tried to decide what to wear when I saw my father. As much as I didn’t want to admit that I cared, I wanted him to like me, as pathetic as that sounded. I longed for him to be interested in my life and proud of my grades and behavior.

  I finally settled on a white sundress and sandals. I didn’t feel right wearing shorts and a T-shirt to dinner with him. I donned some jewelry and brushed out my hair one more time. As I leaned over to snap my sandals, I heard my phone beep.

  My heart pounded. It was Trace, and I wasn’t sure if I should answer. I stared at the phone until he texted again.

  Trace: Hey Sexy

  I didn’t open it but could see what he wrote. I wavered as I heard it beep again.

  Trace: It is Trace

  Obviously—since he’d put his name in my phone last night. I watched the phone as I contemplated what I could say back.

  Me: Hey

  It was cliché, but at least I’d answered.

  Trace: You are alive! That is good. We are headed to the fountain tonight if you want to come.

  Me: The fountain?

  Trace: We chill by the fountain at the square. There is a band tonight.

  I hesitated. Did he just ask me to hang out with him?

  Trace: Hello….

  There was no way I was hanging out with him.

  Me: Sorry, I cannot. My father is coming home tonight.

  Trace: Meet me afterward? I can pick you up.

  Wow, the guy was persistent. But I wasn’t ready to see him again.

  Me: Sorry. Some other time. TTYL

  “Ariel.” Ritchie came into the room. “Your dad is here.”

  My stomach dropped. Taking a deep breath, I left my phone on my dresser and went downstairs.

  When I walked into the living room, he turned and gave me a tight grin. “Ariel.”

  “Dad,” I said, not knowing how to greet him.

  He kissed me on the cheek quickly. “You seem all grown up.”

  That’s what happens when you refuse to see your only child for two years. Instead, I nodded, resisting the urge to give him a piece of mind for the years of neglect. Putting on a fake smile, I answered. “I’m seventeen.”

  “I know.” He lifted the corner of his mouth. “Did you have a nice trip?”

  “Yes. But I was a little surprise not to see you when I landed.”

  His brow creased slightly as his features hardened. “It couldn’t be avoided. My busin
esses are demanding.”

  He looked away, distracted by some papers in his hands. I knew he was through with the conversation, so I took a seat as he brought out his phone and checked a message.

  A few seconds later, Amanda entered the room. “Ariel, I see you finally got to talk to your father.”

  I nodded politely, refraining from saying any of the thoughts that were racing through my mind.

  My father looked up from his phone. “Yes, I told her how grown she looks from the last time I saw her.”

  Amanda smiled. “Great. Well, dinner is ready.”

  “Sounds good, darling. I’m starving.”

  I watched him kiss her cheek, and I was a little shocked by his affection toward her. He rubbed her stomach and walked out of the room holding her hand. I followed them into the dining room.

  We ate in the formal dining room. My stepbrothers were quiet, not bickering as they usually did. Amanda passed around the plates, and I heard spoons scrape across bowls. The silence was tension filled.

  “I received your final marks from last semester. You did well,” my father said to me.

  I looked up from the plate. Wow, was that a compliment? I whispered a quick thank you.

  He nodded and took another bite as Ritchie sighed loudly and said, “Do you think we can go camping?”

  “Camping?” my father spat.

  “Uncle Eddie will take you this summer,” Amanda said as my father straightened his shoulders. There was no way he would take a child camping.

  “Do you want to go, Ariel?” Ritchie’s chubby face looked my way.

  I shrugged. “I’ve never been camping.”

  Robbie rolled his eyes. “Girls don’t like to go camping.”

  Amanda laughed. “Girls like camping.”

  “Glamping maybe,” my father said teasingly. He nudged Ritchie.

  Who is this man? I’ve never seen him joke around.

  Amanda touched his arm. “You know me well, sweetheart. I prefer to stay at a hotel with room service. But I do enjoy the lake.” Amanda looked at me. “Speaking of camping, did you ask your father about Chester Falls?”

  I looked at my plate. “I’ll hardly know anyone there. I told them my father may not want me to go.”

  He tilted his head. “I have no objection.”

  “Do you not want to go?” Amanda sounded concerned.

  “They were probably just being nice, inviting me. I may just do some reading and relax at home.”

  “Sounds boring.” Ritchie laughed. “But I’ll go in your place.”

  Robbie snorted. “Like they would allow you to tag along.”

  “They wouldn’t allow you either,” Ritchie said loudly.

  “Boys, stop it!” Amanda warned. “Not at the dinner table.”

  I finished my meal in silence.

  My father stood a few minutes later. “I have some e-mails to catch up on.”

  I couldn’t think of anything to say to him before he left the room. I longed to talk to him but nothing of interest came to mind. Biting my lip, I tried to hold back my disappointment as my eyes met Robbie’s. He knew. I saw a bit of sympathy mixed with indifference on his face.

  “Well, I’m going to go out on the patio if you want to join me?” Amanda stood, putting her napkin on her plate.

  “Thank you, but I want to take a shower and watch some television.”

  “Of course. I’ll check on you later.” She nodded and walked out of the room.

  Ritchie pushed back his chair. “Do you want to ride bicycles with me?”

  I stood. “Maybe tomorrow.”

  Robbie lifted the corner of his mouth. “That means no.”

  I shot him a dirty look. “It does not.”

  I glanced at Ritchie as disappointment swept across his face. “I promise.” Ritchie smiled and left the room, and I glared at Robbie. “Why are you so mean?”

  He stood slowly and walked out of the room.

  Opening my bedroom door, I heard my phone ping. I had forgotten I’d left it on the dresser. It was full of text messages from Paisley and Trace.

  Trace: What time is your dinner over?

  Trace: Hello?

  Trace: Are you ignoring me?

  Trace: Is your phone working?

  Paisley: Hey! Can you go out tonight? A bunch of us are going to the fountain.

  Trace: Did Max text you?

  Paisley: Hey are you ignoring Trace? He just texted me.

  Trace: Don’t believe anything Max says.

  Paisley: Hey are you sleeping?

  Trace: ???????

  Wow, they were persistent. But I didn’t want to go out. Taking a deep breath, I tried to think of something clever to say, but I drew a complete blank.

  Me: Sorry! I left my phone in my room

  Paisley: Hey Trace wants me to come get you. I will be there in ten

  Me: Wait. I cannot tonight….

  I waited a minute, but she didn’t respond. Hoping she’d gotten my message, I threw my phone on the bed and headed for the shower.

  After my shower, I changed into pajama shorts and a T-shirt. My iPad was charged, and I was looking forward to reading a romance book instead of the required reading from school that Amanda had told me about earlier. Apparently when she registered me at my new school, they’d given her an entire list of summer homework and reading that needed to be completed. It’s called summer break for a reason, people.

  I jumped in my bed and heard a knock. Peeking up from the covers, I said, “Come in.”

  Paisley walked in with a confused expression. “Why is your hair wet?’

  “I took a shower.”

  She let out a deep sigh. “Hurry and blow dry it. My friend Max is playing in the band tonight and we want to get good seats next to the stage.”

  “You didn’t get my message?”

  “I was hoping I could change your mind.” She smiled. “Trace is very interested in you!”

  “I can’t tonight. I want to spend some time with my dad later after he finishes working.” That was a lie. I doubted he would talk to me again tonight.

  She shrugged, looking defeated. “Fine. But at least text him back. We don’t want our star quarterback to get a complex.”

  “I will.” I smirked, knowing that nothing could give Trace Jenkins a complex. The boy was the poster child for self-confidence.

  “I’ll swing by tomorrow,” she said as she opened my bedroom door.

  “Sure. Sounds good.”

  I lay back down and read on my iPad until my eyes drifted shut.

  The last thing I remembered was watching a movie before I startled awake. Looking at the alarm clock, I threw off the covers. It was already morning, and I wanted to see my dad before he left. I quickly threw on some jeans and a T-shirt and headed downstairs.

  Chapter 4

  Ariel

  Taking off downstairs, I noticed how quiet the house was. Dorms full of girls were always noisy. I missed the laughter and stories, even the arguing. As much as the younger girls used to giggle throughout the hallways, and complain about all the rules, I longed for some of the craziness.

  I finally made it to the enormous living room and spied Ritchie outside, playing basketball. The poor kid was missing every basket. As I watched him play, I heard a few voices coming from the kitchen. I walked past the island and around the white marble arches, headed toward the breakfast room. At least that was how Amanda had referred to it. It was a round table surrounded by windows off to the side of the kitchen.

  “Ariel, you are awake? Please come join us.” My stepmother was glowing as I noticed her rubbing her stomach.

  My father straightened as he put a piece of toast on his plate. He was wearing golf clothes and seemed annoyed that I’d entered the room. Their talking had ceased, and I felt a
s if I was interrupting.

  “Good morning,” I whispered as I contemplated if I should turn around and leave.

  “Are you hungry?” she asked, apparently ignoring my father’s somber expression.

  “Not right now, thank you. I just wanted some juice.”

  She took the pitcher and poured me a glass.

  My father put his napkin on his plate and scooted out his chair. “I need to meet Greg at noon.”

  “Can’t you stay a few minutes?” Amanda looked at him as she tilted her head. “Ariel just got here.”

  My father glanced at me. “I’ll catch up with her later.” He looked back at Amanda. “I want to go to the driving range and hit some practice shots.”

  I shrugged, feeling a familiar tug in my chest. But I wouldn’t cry and let him know how much his constant rejection affected me. “It’s fine. I was about to take a walk anyway.”

  Amanda’s shoulders sagged. She seemed to want to say more but didn’t. My father kissed her cheek and left the room. He didn’t acknowledge me as he walked out.

  My heart sank a little, but I would never admit it. I took a drink of the juice and put the glass back on the dining table. “If you’ll excuse me.” Turning to leave, I almost knocked Robbie down. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t see you.”

  He steadied himself. “My bad.”

  I looked at him for a second and realized he had heard the exchange. I saw the pity in his eyes, and I couldn’t take it. I went past him and fled. I needed to run.

  Dinner was served promptly at six thirty. I noticed that when my father was home, the house had structure. I picked at my pot roast as I listened to Ritchie ramble about some ducks he had chased near the dock.

  I thought about Isabel and what she was doing. I wondered how her time in Paris had gone. She’d probably had a great time eating crepes and talking to strangers as she tried out her French. Her brother’s best friend was coming to visit while she was there, and I knew she had a crush on him. I wondered if they’d kissed. He was all she could talk about since she saw him during Christmas break. Neither of us had much experience with boys, and it was a bit humorous as we tried to give each other advice.