The Daughter

Chapter 2

TWO

After Angie had unpacked and rested briefly, the first attempt was made to introduce Precious to the rest of the animals living in the condo. They began by placing Precious, in her carrier, in the center of the living room. The cat began softly growling inside the carrier as Rufus approached. No one had seen Bennie since Angie arrived. So typical of a cat, Bennie was no doubt hiding.

“Rufus, this is Precious,” Rachel said, holding onto Rufus’ collar as she placed him in front of the carrier.

Precious let out a hideous wail and began spitting at Rufus from behind the bars of the carrier. Rufus backed away, as if he wasn’t sure what was inside. Perhaps he had never experienced such an out-roar from another animal? Rachel was alarmed over the cat’s reaction. Rufus, while very large in size, was a true wimp. He wouldn’t hurt anything walking or crawling.

“Oh, my,” Rachel said.

“Don’t worry. Precious is a doll,” Angie said.

Rufus wasn’t so sure. Rachel wasn’t so sure, either. Joe just stood watching the scene play out. Then the dog cowered, looking at the carrier and the vixen within from a distance of four feet.

“I should let her out to meet Rufus,” Angie said.

“Are you sure?” Rachel asked. “She doesn’t appear to like the idea of meeting new friends.”

“Oh, no problem,” Angie said, unlatching the carrier. Angie swung the cage door open and a fluffy white Persian cat pranced out, full of attitude.

Precious surveyed her surroundings briefly, then promptly planted her abundant behind on the floor. She made a little purp sound that made Rachel feel that all was going well. Until it wasn’t.

Rufus, who was still four feet away from the carrier, stood and let out one loud woof, to which Precious took exception, letting out her own vocal response to convey her displeasure. She hissed and spit in the direction of the big dog, who immediately cowered to the floor again. Precious began growling at Rufus, edging towards him in a slinky and menacing manner.

“Whoa, wait!” Rachel cried, waving her hands.

“Hey, leave Rufus alone, cat!” Joe said, moving towards the two animals. He positioned himself between the cat and dog, hoping to thwart any aggression.

“You guys, gee, it’s okay,” Angie said. “She’s harmless.”

Angie reached down, picked up Precious and turned away from Rufus with the cat in her arms.

“I’ll take her into my bedroom until Rufus gets adjusted.”

Angie carried Precious into her bedroom and closed the door behind her. Shortly thereafter, she returned to be with her parents.

“It’s all good; no biggy,” Angie said.

While Angie didn’t recognize any problem, her parents had another view. Joe and Rachel exchanged looks, not at all sure everything was okay.

“So, when do we eat?” Angie asked.

“Right now,” Rachel said, turning to other matters. “Get to the table, everything is ready.”

Everyone sat down at the table, which had already been set for dinner, and Rachel brought out the meal. Joe led the grace.

“What are your plans while you’re here,” Joe asked as he passed the large salad bowl over to Angie.

“I’m not totally sure. I need time to think, to meditate on my future,” she answered, heaping salad into her bowl. “Being so near the beach, the peace it brings, I should receive my answers.” Angie passed the large bowl to her mother.

Rachel stifled a comment, silently accepting the bowl. This was so typical of Angie. Nothing had changed. She was still in Lala Land, her head in the clouds, no sense of direction.

“How long do you think it will take to receive those answers?” Rachel finally asked.

“There’s no such thing as time in the universe. It takes as long as it takes,” Angie said.

Rachel heard Joe give a short sigh from across the table.

“Well, I’m predicting the universe will answer your needs quickly, realizing your parents aren’t going to bankroll your meditations for very long,” he said, stuffing his mouth with a forkful of salad.

“Oh, Daddy, you’re so silly,” Angie said, giggling. She always used the endearing term of daddy when she wanted something or was trying to smooth over an issue. “I might even go back to school.”

“And study what?” Rachel asked. “You’ve been a perpetual student for years. To my knowledge, you haven’t held a real job.”

“Life isn’t all about making money, Mom.” Angie rolled her eyes, her mother’s habit.

Joe shot his wife a quick look and she resisted the urge to speak, swallowing her words with lettuce.

“What your mother means is, at some point in life everyone has to support themselves. We can’t support you,” Joe said. “We won’t pay for more school, rent on an apartment, your clothes, nothing more. You have to start paying your own expenses.”

A slight frown formed between Angie’s eyes.

“But, Daddy…”

“No buts, Angie.” Rachel found her voice. “Get a job, save your money, and move out. It’s time for the birdie to fly.”

Angie put her fork down, looking from one parent to the next to see which was weakest. Both held firm expressions as they chewed their salad. So, she focused on her father, the usual weak link.

“Daddy, finding a job could take some time. As Mom said, I haven’t had a real job, so it could be difficult landing one,” Angie said, intently staring at her father.

“True. But as long as you are relentlessly seeking a job, we will understand. Yes, it might take a little time to land a good one,” Joe agreed. “So, in the meantime, you get a job at McDonalds or Wal-Mart to sustain you.”

Angie’s eyes flew open in surprise. Her father had never talked to her in such a manner.

“But, Daddy! Flipping burgers? You can’t be serious.”

Joe looked at his daughter evenly and spoke calmly. “There are people who would love to have a job flipping burgers. And you know why? Because they need the money to survive,” Joe said, looking back at his salad bowl. “Just like you.”

The room grew very quiet. The only noise was the sound of crunching salad.