Determined And Ready
1038 Words
Alexa's POV
I sat quietly in the backseat of the car, gazing out at the dark landscape passing by as the driver cruised smoothly down the highway.
The clock on the dashboard read 5:30 am, and the roads were quiet on our way to the airport.
My phone rang, and I saw it was Evelyn. Even though I didn't want to answer it, I didn't think I had a choice.
[Alexa dear I trust you're on your way to the airport and to Wyndham Boarding School.] Evelyn's voice was cold and commanding. A few seconds passed before I responded.
"I'm exactly where I'm supposed to be." I replied, my tone firm and unyielding.
[Well, good to hear that.] Evelyn said, her voice dripping with malice.
[Don't think for a moment that you're free from my grasp, Alexa. Your father is still recovering under my care, and the company is in chaos. I'm doing this for you, because I'm your mother. You'll do well to remember that.] I clenched my fists at her words.
"I don't think you've been a good mother to me, but thanks, I guess?" I tried to keep my tone calm, but I was seething inside.
[Oh, Alexa, honey, you never fail to make my blood boil.] She said, her voice laced with venom.
[And you're so predictable. Anyways, you'll do exactly what I say, or consequences will be dire. For your father, for Julian, and for the Blackwood industry. Don't test me.] She added and laughed making my grip on the phone tightened.
"Are you threatening me?" I asked, trying to keep my cool.
[No, dear, why would I do that?] She replied, her tone dripping with sarcasm.
[You're my daughter, after all. I'll never harm you, your father, or your friends. I'm just... warning you, I guess?] Then she chuckled. I just forced my eyes shut. I knew she was dead serious.
Funny because she really think she treated me as her real daughter when in fact she never did any motherhood acts.
[Anyways, before I forgot, I'll only give you my two top rules which you need to follow. First is that, no contact with outsiders.]
My expression remained neutral as I listened to Evelyn's rules. I gazed out the window, my mind already racing with ways to navigate the restrictions.
The early morning darkness seemed to mirror my situation - uncertain, yet determined.
[.... Which simply means that you are not to initiate or engage in any unauthorized contact with individuals outside of Wyndham Boarding School, including your friends, acquaintances, or even let's say, potential allies. Because any attempts to reach out or form alliances will be strictly monitored and punished by me, your dearest mother. And the second one is that compliance with the school authority, meaning you will comply fully with all rules, regulations, and expectations set forth by the school. Any disciplinary actions, detentions, or negative reports that will be sent to me, and will result in consequences.]
"Understood. No contact with outsiders, and full compliance with school authority." I replied, my voice even.
[See? My rules are so simple.] Even though it doesn't sit well for me, I don't have any choice but to follow her for now.
As Evelyn continued to speak, her voice faded into the background, and my thoughts turned to the game of cat and mouse I would play at Wyndham Boarding School. I would follow the rules, for now, but I was already planning my next move.
[Too bad your dad and I won't see you off today. I'll just tell him when he wakes up. You don't worry about him and the company. I'll do my best to keep everything in progress. Now, ciao mia bella figlia. Take care and keep yourself away from trouble.] After that the line went dead, and I exhaled slowly, my determination growing.
I knew I had to play the long game, but I was ready to take back control and bring Evelyn down.
The car pulled up to the airport, and I gathered my belongings, my movements calm and calculated.
I was ready to take on the challenge ahead, my determination growing with every step. I'm going to do this for my dad.
As I stepped out of the car, the crisp morning air greeted me. I took a deep breath, feeling a sense of resolve wash over me.
With a calm demeanor, I followed the driver to the airport terminal, my eyes scanning the surroundings.
Once inside, my gaze lingered on the departures board, my mind ticking away the minutes until my flight.
I knew I had to stay focused, to keep my emotions in check. Evelyn's rules still echoed in my mind, but I was determined to find a way to outsmart her.
As I waited to board my flight, my thoughts turned to Wyndham Boarding School. What would I become after I step into that place? Can I trust someone in there?
With a quiet determination, I stood up, grabbed my luggage, and joined the queue to board my flight.
As I boarded the plane, I found my seat and stowed my luggage in the overhead compartment.
The hum of the engines and the murmur of conversations lulled me into a state of calm focus.
I buckled my seatbelt and gazed out the window as the plane took off.
The ground fell away, and as the plane leveled out, I pulled out my eye mask and put it on. With everything that happened last night, I didn't get a good night's sleep. I couldn't very well show up at Wyndham looking like a zombie, so I'd make up for the lost sleep. And it would also help blur out what Evelyn said on the phone earlier. I have to stay focused.
The hours passed slowly, and before I knew it, the pilot's voice came over the intercom, announcing our descent into the airport. I felt a lump in my chest as I gathered my belongings and prepared to disembark.
As I stepped off the plane, the cool air enveloped me, and I took a deep breath.
The game was about to begin, and I am determined and ready to play.
- Writer
