Pretty Fin

by Smokey Moment

  He hated himself for admiring a man he barely knew. But it was Howards success that would mold him into the man he ultimately became. He learned everything he could about the elusive Howard Reed. The man who abandoned his pregnant girlfriend before she gave birth to their son. His only child. He wanted to feel like they had something in common.

  And so, he followed the same path. Took the same classes. All in an effort, to be like him. All in an effort to make Howard pay attention to him. He didn’t think it worked. Howard never attended one ceremony. Never watched as his son accepted award after award. It wasn’t until the lawyers handed him a letter they found along with the will, that he got a glimpse of what Howard thought about him. The letter read;

  Dear Son,

  If you are reading this, then I have passed on. I cannot begin to explain to you my life. My childhood. The complications that led to me deciding to never father children. It was not your fault. You did not ask to be here. And I spared you the trouble of knowing the horrible person I was on the inside. My success came from a deep seeded passion to never fail at anything. And a fear of being poor. I grew up eating out of garbage cans and I promised myself I would never go hungry again. I overcompensated, I guess. But of all my accomplishments and vast wealth, my greatest accomplishment was you.

  I watched you from afar. I was there when you got your diploma. I was there at Boston U when you got your Bachelors and again when you received your Master’s from Harvard. I was so proud of you. I wanted so desperately to tell you how sorry I was. How much I regretted not being there. But it was too late. And you were a grown man. I couldn’t face you. That’s when I discovered I was a coward. I know money doesn’t erase pain. I know that first hand. But I still feel I owe you something. And money is all I have to give. The only good thing I had to give.

  I have left everything to you. It was the least I could do. Do with it what you want. If you turn away from it or burn it, no one could blame you. I know you don’t need it. You have done well. I even came to the hospital to see you. Your mother never saw me. But you did. You seemed to look me straight in the eyes. I stared at you through the glass. Wishing you would forgive me one day. And then I turned and left. It was the first time I ever cried in my life. I love you son. Take Care!

  L

  ance didn’t understand how a man could have a son and not reach out to him. And Lance wanted to know his father. He had tried contacting him over the years. He wished for just one meeting. One chance. And when it never happened, he was resentful. Howard couldn’t help himself. He was never the fatherly type. Naomi Stiles already had one son when she found out she was pregnant with Lance. And when she contacted her lover to inform him that they were expecting a child, he instantly froze up. And Naomi felt the burn. Howard feared what that meant. He felt overwhelmed. He left soon after, leaving a large amount of cash. Naomi, heartbroken and devastated, relocated and raised her sons alone. She used the money to educate both her sons and never looked back.

  “Good morning Mr. Reed,” the secretary greeted “Good morning! Can you inform the engineers that I would like to meet with them. I will have a separate meeting with sales later this week,” he said. “Yes sir,” she replied. Maria watched her handsome boss walk away. She couldn’t help but be attracted, even though she promised herself she would keep her lustful thoughts to a minimum. She was a professional and good at appearing that way. But her attraction was more than physical. He was brilliant.

  Lance had made good on his promises and she stood behind him as did many others at the firm. Good changes were happening. And their first quarter with the new owner was better than predicted. He had an impeccable reputation according to Dave who had done some research of his own. And every contact in Boston said the same thing. That Lance was a charismatic and shrewd businessman with a near perfect GPA from one of the most prestigious schools in Boston.

  “Good morning,” the employee said, as he took a seat. Lance stood at the head of the conference room table. He smiled at each employee as they entered. His phone buzzed. He looked at the text message. It was his brother Allan. He sent a message asking if he should fly there. Lance smiled. He missed his brother. They had a tight bond. This was just like Allan to take time out from his busy schedule to make sure his baby brother was adjusting well. Their mother Naomi was deteriorating and it was devastating for them. Allan had a different father and his father was in his life. He was also married with a son and daughter, so he had a much stronger support system than Lance. Lance was unmarried with no children. And with his mother’s mental frailty, he had no one to lean on except Allan.

  “Excuse me. I need to make a call. Please look over the meeting notes. We will discuss projects in detail. I need an idea of what needs my immediate attention and what can wait,” he said, as he walked out into the hall and called Allan.

  “Hey. Just got your message,” he said. “I was just checking on you. How are things?” Allan asked. “Good. I’m at work right now. Got an important meeting. We need to go over some of the projects my father was working on. Allan…When I tell you this man was brilliant. I mean…He has things in the works that are revolutionary. Game changers. It’s impressive,” Lance said. Allan held the phone. He wasn’t convinced Lance was ready for such a massive change in his life. But his brother was strong. Stubborn. And when he has his mind made up, there was no changing it.

  “I mean, it’s a lot. But I can handle it. You know me,” Lance said. Allan chuckled.

  “Yeah. That’s what worries me. You take on a lot. And you don’t say anything. Won’t ask for help. Then get overwhelmed. You want me to come there? Help you with the company? Kerry and I have come to an agreement for now. She wants to separate. Work on herself. In the meantime, I have to take the kids. She can’t cope. They have been with me a few weeks now. The timing couldn’t be worse. But we could come there if you needed us to,” Allan offered.

  “No. I’m good for now. But you should come in a few months. When things settle. The house is fabulous. I have plenty room for you and the kids,” he said.

  Allan agreed. It sounded like a plan. He would bring his children to visit. Malibu was a beautiful place with great views and premium waterfront properties. Allan was not as accomplished as his younger brother. And his father was a man of minimal means. But what he lacked in financial resources, he made up for in love and support. Lance held a high regard for Allan’s father. He was a surrogate father to him. Always there when he needed a man’s guidance. He and Allan were important men in his life.

  And Allan was no slouch. Lance watched him slide through school with ease, always getting the best grades. He had finished law school and had his degree. But the activist in him, had him taking on a lot of pro-bono work, and so he didn’t earn what he could have. Lance opened his wallet and helped save Allan’s house by paying the mortgage in full. He knew Allan was brilliant. He believed Allan would be wealthy, if he would stop trying to save the world. But Allan did try and save the world and Lance saw to it that he never suffered financially.

  “Hey. Gotta go. My meeting is starting. You need anything?” Lance asked. “No. I’m good. Call me later.”

  L

  ance walked inside his home exhausted. He sat his keys on the console and sorted through his father’s mail. There was nothing that needed his attention. He tossed the pile in a small wicker basket and walked into the great-room. The sun had already set. Not completely ruining his evening, but almost.

  The homes outdoor solar lights came on automatically. Lance walked to the wall and turned on the high-powered lights that lined the rocks and exterior porch. He flicked on the lights that angled towards the water. And the ones that lined the floor.

  “I wish we could have talked. It would have been nice to meet you. We are a lot alike. Well…That’s what your employees say. I wouldn’t know. You never gave me the chance. You leave me all this. Yet I would return it for a chance to have known you,” he said, in a low voice as he stared out at the water.r />
  It was all so humbling. The waves of the water were calming. Lance reminisced on his life. He was a family man. This was a lot for a single man. He longed to meet a woman he could marry and start a life with. He had tired of his single life. His last relationship lasted just six months. It was the closest he’d come to a serious commitment since his fiancé Paula. He blamed himself. He was unwilling to compromise. Partly due to not being over Paula. But that was all behind him. He had a new life.

  There was no regret. Lance was comfortable. He was surprised how much so. Owning his father’s company felt right. As if built, with the sole purpose of him being the owner. Lance shook his head. He could do this. He shed a tear for his father. He stood in the window. The letter from Howard clutched in his hand. It was bittersweet. This was his new life. And he had a feeling there was more in store for him. Something big. Something meaningful.

  Father Knows Best

  “Excuse me Princess. The King would like to see you,” the guard stated, as he approached from behind. Fin sat perched on a stump. A downed tree covered in moss. Her feet in the beautiful green water. She could see small yellow tail fish. Finora sighed. She was enjoying the water. The view. The sky. It was a beautiful day.

  “Sure,” she said, as she turned around and smiled at Lark. Her father’s trusted personal guard. He gave her a look and then turned and walked away. Fin watched him for a moment then stared at the water. There was something about Lark that was appealing. Something charming. She was surprised that she never noticed him before. She hadn’t realized she was a woman. No one made much mention of it.

  Her mother never told her she would feel different. Want different things. Notice a lot more. Mostly men. But it was noted. It was the reason King Zander felt she was ready. Finora was bequeathed to Prince Andreus of Eulachon and he was ready to inform her.

  “Yes poppa,” she said, as she slowly entered his chambers. “Fin. Come in. Sit,” he said, as he sat drinking fresh Haku. A wine made from seagrass, local fruits and yeast. Finora was nervous. Her father seemed very formal. He looked like a man with a lot on his mind. She sat down close to the edge of the chair. Her uncomfortableness, apparent. King Zander took a sip of haku. He looked at his daughter. She wasn’t ready and he had been patient.

  Prince Andreus was pressuring him to produce her. He had grown into a powerful man. He would soon run a vast kingdom. He had a party planned. All in the hopes of impressing his future queen. He had proven himself worthy. He had been victorious in battle and in the tasks given to him. Battles won on land and in the sea. His strength and cunning ability displayed before his people. A necessity, in order to lead the people of Eulachon. He had fought the great animals of the sea. He was victorious. Proving he was ready to be crowned and take his seat at the throne when his father passed. Prince Andreus had plans. And Fin was a big part of a bigger picture.

  “Father…,” Prince Andreus said, as he kneeled at his beloved father’s bedside. King Orfe reached out and held his hand. Andreus wept. He could see his father was weak. He felt his father was slowly slipping away. But Andreus had faith. He was in denial. King Orfe didn’t have much longer. Time was near.

  The king stared at his only son. His mouth moving. Andreus got close. “Yes father,” he said. King Orfe took a deep breath. “I said…Make me proud. Be better than I was,” he said. “Yes father,” Andreus replied. The king found the strength to speak. He cleared his throat. He spoke. This time louder. His son needed the message. It was a vast undertaking. And his son would be king soon.

  “Son. You have a responsibility to the people. I want you to make me proud. Eulachon is yours. But it is a city that looks to its leader for guidance, protection and strength. I want you to move forward, taking us into the future. Your marriage to King Zander’s daughter will combine the two most powerful lands. I hope I am still here to witness your union,” he said. Andreus became angered. He wanted his father there. And if King Zander would make coming to Eulachon a priority, he would be. But King Zander was procrastinating. He was taking a long time responding to the invitation. Andreus wondered why. He had a sinking feeling about it.

  “I don’t think she wants to marry, father. It is taking too long. I sent a message to the King asking that we proceed with the union. He sent a message back requesting more time.”

  King Orfe looked off. He remembered a conversation between himself and King Zander. When the subject of marriage between their offspring came up, his demeanor changed.

  “She will be your wife. She probably wants time to prepare. She knows her life will change. Once you two are brought together, she will not see her parents. That is a lot to accept. Give her time,” he said. “No father! They don’t have much longer. You are ill. I want you there.”

  Prince Andreus held his father’s hand. The King closed his eyes. He grunted as he winced in pain. Andreus stared at him. His father was becoming weaker. It wasn’t the first time he was sick. And this time was more serious. He hadn’t been out of bed in days. It seemed time was running out. He wanted his father to live to see him do as was he was expected. Marry and take his seat at the throne. Follow in his father’s footsteps. Theirs was the greatest nation. The strongest.

  He turned and left his father’s chambers. Andreus walked with purpose. It was time to force his hand. Eulachon was double the size of Mojarro. Their army, three times the size of King Zanders. He saw no reason to play fair. His father was a kind man. He kept the peace, allowing trade with the three cities. Prince Andreus saw no reason to trade. Why not take what he wanted. In return, a promise of peace. Madaka was not evenly divided. They had the majority of land. The majority of food. The other nations would not want to survive on plants alone.

  But above all else, he wanted Fin. He would play by the rules if he could begin his life the way his father planned. He would continue to do fair trade and keep the peace between the lands. But if Finora would not be his, then the future of Mojarro was uncertain. So was the future of the other two cities. He would take her. Even if it meant killing the King. And he would make his demands. There hadn’t been war in the land of Madaka in over four hundred years. But Prince Andreus was a wild card. He had visions that weren’t typical of their kind. They were a normally peaceful species. It was their natural way. But Prince Andreus was different. He had been since he was a child.

  He was aggressive, forceful, overbearing, domineering and bossy. And with no intervention from his doting father, his behavior culminated into that of a small dictator. And now he was poised to take over. And he had plans. Madaka would be ran in a more streamlined way. Eulachon was the largest and more powerful, therefore it would lead. Andreus was prepared to tell the other leaders. But first he would need to make his home the home he envisioned. One with Fin sitting at her throne beside him.

  Fin waited patiently while her father spoke with his guard. He was being informed that King Nephrus wanted to take a meeting with him. “Send a message back that I will come to Panga tomorrow. Please do not disturb me again,” he said. King Zander shut the door and returned to his chair and sat next to Fin. He looked her in the eyes. Her mother, Queen Aterra, was waiting in her room. She gave them privacy. This was a conversation between father and daughter. It was time. And her father had chosen.

  “Fin. It is time that you live your life. It is time that you move towards a future that will best suit you. One that will ensure the growth and stability of Mojarro. And the other cities,” he said. He paused. Fin’s eyes widened. She felt knots in her stomach. “Please father!” she pleaded. She had a feeling what he would say. The king continued.

  “Prince Andreas wishes for your hand. He is waiting for an answer. The marriage will mean better trade opportunities between Mojarro and Eulachon. You will have the best of both cities. And we are the two largest cities. Panga and Piratchu will offer the best of their cities as gifts and as peace offerings. In our entire history, no one has ever wed someone from another city. This will be the first of its kind. It opens th
e doors to other possibilities. Your children can grow up and marry a prince or princess from Panga. From Piratchu. We can move towards a more unified existence. And great things can happen.”

  Fin shook her head slowly back and forth. “I have met him. He is not nice. He is arrogant. Self-centered. And condescending with his words. I would rather die a thousand deaths. Please father. Can’t I pick my own mate. Can’t I feel deeply for someone and then marry. I want to be happy,” she said. King Zander stood up. He walked over to his gold inlay wine cabinet and poured himself another drink.

  “There is much at stake Fin. There is a bigger picture here. He will honor you as his wife. He will give favor unto you. It will take time. Once he has become enamored with you. Once you give him children. He will be humble. Because he will not want to lose you. You will be valuable to him. Marry him and you will have control over him. Over trade. He will give in to you. He will be under your influence,” he assured. Fin stared. She was too shocked to speak. King Zander could see she was displeased.

  “You will be delivered to him tomorrow. The guards will escort us through the town towards the Palimora Sea. We will be with you. Do not be afraid. It will work out. Please trust in this union. This marriage will be a grand celebration. The world will envy you.”

  The room went silent. Fin’s eyes teared up. She didn’t see herself married to him. She didn’t want to have children with him. “Go to your room and get yourself together. Prepare yourself. We leave in the morning,” Zander said. “I don’t get a say?” she asked. “No,” he said, in a low tone. Fin turned and walked out. She never had a choice. Her father had already decided.