Addicted To Greed

by Catherine Putsche

  Destiny

  Chapter 8

  “Ms Pearson, may I draw your attention back to the white board for a moment please?”

  “What, oh yeah, sorry, pardon me Sir I couldn’t help but get distracted for a few moments there.” Spencer Pratt was all she saw, he was doing some warm up exercises outside on the football field, his long lean but muscular legs stretching and swatting, keeping his body in a perfect line, in his sexy sky blue shorts.

  Destiny was in her freshman year at St John’s University, Spencer was a senior and a very fit senior at that, not only that he was also captain of the football team. Destiny found him a welcoming distraction, as opposed to biological systems and cognitive processes. Today’s class was a study of brain functions in schizophrenics, the diagram of the brain on the white board, split into sections. She refocused and pretended to pay attention to what Professor Kline was demonstrating, hoping he wouldn’t call her to explain her results, as he often did, instead he called John Myers, the geek of the class to discuss his findings with the rest of the class. She sat back in relief and began to wonder if perhaps the Psychology side of her degree was something she wanted to pursue any further, hopefully it wasn’t too late to switch to another subject after all social science was the majority of her degree in which she loved, maybe she could do media studies or theology instead!

  Thinking back now she was kind of talked into doing Psychology by her father convincing her that a joint degree, Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of the Arts would broaden her horizons. Her father was proud of her grades four a levels at grade a, he couldn’t have expressed any more delight, promising he would be over in England in September. Destiny remembered the day so well several weeks into her first semester at St John’s University , he made a special effort to pick her up from University and drive her to Fargo’s, mentioning that he had booked a table for them at her favorite restaurant, failing to inform her that his new wife would be there awaiting them. Destiny remembered Felicity standing there awaiting their arrival gracefully air kissing her and

  congratulating her on her a level results. Destiny hated the fact that Felicity was there sharing in her celebrations with her father, she almost felt like making some excuse to leave. She felt disappointed and annoyed as she believed that Felicity was one of the most superficial people she had ever met in her eighteen years.

  Destiny sat back and watched Felicity create an exaggerated display of enthusiasm whenever they meet up. Destiny’s father embraced her whispering something in her ear, in which Destiny couldn’t make out, but her expression changed into one of utter excitement, they both winked at each other while seating themselves directly opposite Destiny.

  Destiny began to feel a little uneasy, she hated been the centre of attention in any situation however it was only over several years that her father began to pay any interest in her, since Ella had sadly disappointed him with her decision not to go to university and go into retail instead. Destiny recalled that her father, Wilhelm was shocked beyond belief his eldest daughter was turning her back on higher education as he would quote on many occasions that, “Education was the key to ones success!” Wilhelm had also offered to pay all Ella’s fees and

  accommodation and set her up with a generous monthly allowance so she didn’t have to wait tables or do anything menial such as cleaning. Wilhelm had never accepted his eldest daughter’s choice regarding her future or her career progression and couldn’t understand that Ella was ready to go into the real world and earn her own money.

  Here Destiny was sat having all Ella rejected, her university education paid for, modest accommodation and a very generous monthly allowance and yet she was slightly envious of Ella’s independence and freedom as Ella had actually for the first time in her life stood up their daddy.

  Destiny could still hear Ella’s stern words, “No thanks dad I’ve made my mind up to work in retail. I’ve already accepted a job offer in a wedding boutique as a sales assistant, and I start next week!”

  Destiny recalled at that very moment in time she thought her heart was going to stop as she witnessed her daddy’s reaction, all the blood seem to rush into his face, sending his pale complexion crimson red, she thought his head might actually explode, however he then took a deep breath to calm himself.

  “Ella I have never heard anything so absurd, a university education is far more important than working in the retail sector, there isn’t much scope for you to work yourself up in that profession and I beg you to reconsider my offer?”

  “I can’t dad dy, this is my chosen career, the one I have dreamed of since the age of 5, but what would you know about that, you were hardly ever around to know what I liked and disliked were you?”

  “That’s not fair Ella, my work took me all over the world, I may not have been there as much as I should have, but if it wasn’t for my work, I wouldn’t have been able to keep you all in the lifestyle you all became accustomed to!”

  “You were never there at all, we all suffered as a result of this, especially my poor mother and Chase, he hardly knew you at all, he grew up fatherless thanks to your job and your new wife who is only a little older than myself!”

  Destiny remembered sitting back wanting the earth to open up between her feet and swallow her up, it was the first time she had heard Ella’s speak to their father in such a manner, she could see this was escalating into a huge row. She wondered where Ella had found all her courage to actually stand up to their father. She secretly admired her sister’s strength, as she wouldn’t have dared to confront their father about his past even though she hated it, although she had eventually come to accept it in time. Destiny recalled trying to focus on something else in their father’s dining room, his drinks cabinet, it was stocked up with different kinds of color liquids, she suddenly found herself fighting the urge to help herself to a neat double vodka, wondering if her father would even notice if she poured herself one, just to take the edge off her nerves. Now all that she needed to do was wait and remain as inconspicuous as she possibly could and wait for the perfect moment! Finally it came when Ella started shouting the odds at their father enraging him into a massive ding dong about their mother, Chase, and herself. Destiny tiptoed to the drinks cabinet, spotting the pineapple schnapps first, it was the closest bottle to hand, without further ado she poured herself half a glass, pretending to admire the great map ball of the world that held all the spirits within, whilst hiding her glass behind it at the same time. She remembered her father’s scowl wondering what she was doing so close to the drinks cabinet. The only time Destiny was permitted to drink was at the occasional meals they shared each quarter of the month, she would be allowed one glass of white or red wine with their evening meal, as she was still only still fifteen years old at the time. She remembered on many occasions that she would point out to her father that in France children were allowed to drink from the age of five with their parents, with their consent only. Her father would then go onto lecture her on the dangers of alcohol, she would sit and listen intently and obediently letting him enjoy the sound of his own voice, deep down she wasn’t listening to him she was waiting for the opportunity to grab another glass without his consent, in which she did on a number of occasions when he would often retire into the study with his cognac and cigars, a few of his fellow men following suit. The women would retire into the living room, discussing their next big charity event; it reminded her of the Victorian era as she longed to live in those times.

  Living at home with her mother and new ste p father wasn’t exactly a bundle of laughs, as they both seemed so wrapped up in themselves and their new business venture, Ella, Chase, and she somehow got shoved to one side, although they were tolerated until there was an argument between them sometimes over the smallest things. Her step father, Charles would always take charge, leaving her mother aside, or on her command she will never know the reason for this. Ella usually got the third degree first, she the second and Chase last. Charles would demand to know what all
the fuss was about, sending them all off to their separate bedrooms, trying to restore peace once again and warned all three of them that if they were going to create more fuss that he´d enforce punishment, no pocket money, been grounded of forbidding them from allowing their friends over. Depending on the mood Charles was in often predicted his own punishment, he simply couldn’t deal with the three of them, he had had his two perfect children who had fled the nest five years before her mother met him. Destiny recalled when her mother first introduced them to Charles, he did all he could to win them over, taking the three of them out each weekend, making a fuss over them, winning them over with his generosity, kindness, and patience. In the early days Destiny remembered Charles often pleading with their mother to give them a break as they were only kids while turning a blind eye to their misendeavors.

  Destiny remembered Chase seem to taking advantage of this by, been the only boy, as he knew he could sweet talk Charles into staying out later with his friends as he confided in Charles that their mother was far too overprotective with him, as a man himself Charles seemed to identify with Chase the most after all he had raised two fine boys of his own and prided himself with this on a daily basis. Chase was definitely the apple of his eye, Charles simply had no time for two teenage girls in whom he couldn’t control and both Ella and Destiny often wondered why Charles had taken them on in the first place, was it another sly maneuver to win their mother over? Or was it just all an act of pretense? Destiny recalled that her mother created the impression that she was happy and contented with Charles shows of affection and pleased that a man had paid her any attention since her father petitioned for divorce on the grounds of inconceivable differences between them. Destiny remembered so much of her childhood; her mother had been in a deep depression that lasted until she met Charles several years later. She remembered how her mother would confine in Ella the most informing her all about what was happening with their father and his new life, how heartbroken she was for Ella, she and Chase. Little did they both know Destiny overheard most of their secret conversations, she knew her father wasn’t ever coming home cause his chosen career and his new love interest prevented him from doing so, what she didn’t understand was how their mother didn’t see it coming, she herself had months before it happened but she was considered by her mother and elder sister to be too young to understand such things and they both continued with their sweet little white lies to prevent Chase and her from knowing the real truth. She couldn’t help feeling a deep dislike and a bitter sense of loyalty on how her mother and older sister were going about things when she was younger.

  Chase was growing so fast and never once stopped asking where his father was and why he was never at home and how Ella and her mother would avoid such questions with their methods of distraction that seemed to work in the short term. Destiny would never forget the day Chase came home from school really upset as one of his friends had said he had seen his father on television with a women half his years and it was rumored all around school that his father wasn’t coming home as he had set up a new home in the states with this mysterious women. Chase didn’t confide in his mother or Ella but fell in to Destiny’s arms sobbing uncontrollably. Although this didn’t come as a shock to Destiny she still remembered feeling upset and wounded but tried her best to conceal it from Chase. She cuddled Chase’s delicate trembling shoulders and tried her best to console and reassure Chase that what his friends were saying maybe untrue, but if it was true than living with three women who adored him wasn’t so bad. Destiny recalled Chase standing up wiping his tears with his long sleeve sweater and whispered, “Destiny I love living with you, mum and Ella, I just wanna know the truth about dad, I miss him so much, but I don’t know if he misses me!”

  Destiny could feel herself fighting the tears back, she replied, “Of course he misses you Chase and loves you too, sometimes adults are so confusing, it’s really hard for them to understand what’s going on, let alone the likes of us, but try not to be too upset by it. I love you and will always be here for you no matter what, you’ve got me for life little bro, never forget it!”

  Destiny knew by the expression on Chases face she said something he approved of and she gave him a long squeeze before heading into the dining room, to confront their mother, Jeannie.

  Jeannie was in the process of dishing up new potatoes seasoned with parsley and butter, along with fine green beans, she had made chicken casserole one of Chase’s favorites.

  Chase noticed and for a few moments he couldn’t hide his excitement.

  Destiny was happy her little brother could take his mind of things for a moment or two, but a few seconds later he then folded his arms in anticipation remembering he wanted answers. When Jeannie finally sat down to serve Chases plate, he raised his hand in the air and asked, “Mummy, why hasn’t daddy come home for such a long time now?”

  Jeannie automatically changed the subject...

  “Chase, I have cooked your favorite dinner tonight, please try and eat the chicken and veggies before they get cold.” Destiny couldn’t help but interrupt, she felt quite confident that Ella wasn’t there to tell them more fables and stand up for their mother. Ella was apparently running late and wouldn’t be back until eight, which meant that their mother had no back up tonight and it was the only time they had to take advantage of the situation.

  Destiny also folded her arms united with her brother who was also refusing to eat.

  “Some boys have been teasing Chase at school about daddy saying he’s got a new girlfriend over in the states, is this true?” Jeannie’s face dropped towards the floor as she started to fumble with her cutlery, wearing a deep concerned expression. She raised her head in their direction wondering what excuse she could make this time.

  A few silent moments followed. Destiny and Chase waited patiently for some kind of explanation.

  “Destiny, your father .” Jeannie suddenly stopped in mid sentence, looking between them both with a serious expression “Now’s not the time to discuss this, eat your dinner first and then we can talk!”

  They both looked at her with a confused expression and throughout dinner they hardly touched any. Jeannie sensed they were not prepared to let this go.

  “Your father s a good man and you both know his work keeps him away from home, it prevents him from being the hands on father you both need, however without his continued financial support we wouldn’t be able to live in such comfort!”

  Chase shook his head in confusion. “I don’t understand why daddy can’t come home for a holiday and be with us again. I miss him, he doesn’t even bother to call us anymore, and the last time he called me was on my 11th birthday last year. Why doesn’t he come home to be with us mummy?”

  Destiny sensed that Chase was going to cry, so she held his hand tight, he gave her hand a small squeeze not taking his eyes of their mother.

  Jeannie began distracting herself by clearing the table, when finally finished; she sat down fumbling with her apron strings trying to read their little worried expressions. She knew it was time to be honest and not bear this charade she´d been harboring for too long now. She managed inhale a deep breath willing her voice not to break.

  “Your father s decided to start a new life without us all, but he hasn’t forgotten about you my darlings, he still loves you very much, but he has decided that he no longer wants to be married to me as he has met another woman he wants to marry and build a future with over in America!”

  Finally, Jeannie splurged it out after all these long years of covering up for her husband. She had finally admitted the truth to her younger siblings, however she tried her hardest to give them a watered down version of the truth in the hope that they wouldn’t get too upset, while tying to reassure them it wasn’t their fault, she was the one at fault.

  “So it’s true what my friends are saying? Daddy’s got a new girlfriend?” “Yes , Chase I’m afraid he does and has had for some time. I was trying to protect you both from the truth as I didn’
t want you both to get hurt and I feared you were both a little too young to understand, until now. I’ve been waiting for the right moment to tell you both!”

  Jeanie couldn’t help but sob lightly “I am so sorry you both had to find out like this, your father promised that he would sit you both down and talk to you about this as it was his decision to divorce me!”

  Chase yelled out in anger “Well if he doesn’t love you anymore, how can he still love us and why should we still love him?” Jeannie approached Chase and put both hands on his shoulders, “He still loves you sweetheart, it’s not your fault why he doesn’t come home, it’s my fault as he doesn’t love me anymore.”

  Destiny could feel the sadness in her mother’s voice as she spoke and sensed that she blamed herself for their father’s choice, as her mother believed it was all her fault when it clearly wasn’t, her father made the choice. The saddest part of all this was that Destiny knew that their mother would have forgiven their father and taken him back if he decided to change his mind, as her mother was obviously living in the hope he would.

  Chase stood up put his arms around their mother’s shoulders and whispered, “Well if he doesn’t love you anymore, that makes me love you more and more mummy!”

  Destiny’s remembered her emotions broke at this point she had never seen her little brother stand up and be so courageous, brave, and strong supporting their mother.