The House of Allen

Four

“Here, get inside and make sure your dress is all the way in.  I’ll close the door after you.” Erwin said when they reached his Benz that was parked near the gardens.

“Thank you, Erwin.  You really didn’t have to.” Alex said as she climbed into the polished black car and settled herself into the passenger seat while Erwin made his way to the other side of the car.

“You’re talking nonsense again.  This is what friends are for, Alex.” The man spoke as he settled himself into the driver’s seat.  “That Bea has been getting on my nerves ever since we told her that my brother is coming back. It was good to get away from her.  Maybe I’ll go drink with Bentley and the guys from the factory instead, now that I don’t have to be at that party anymore.” Erwin grinned at Alex, showing her his bunny teeth as he started the engine and backed out of the parking spot.

“Still, you should be partying and celebrating your brother’s return if not for me.  You can still return after dropping me off, Erwin.” Alex stated worried that the incident may affect her friend’s relationship with his brother or worse, even his family.

“We can catch up any other time.  He’s going to start tomorrow at work, anyway.  We can catch up there without his annoying fiancé breathing down our necks.  We all know that our dad chose Bea as Levi’s fiancé because it would be good for our business, but I just don’t know what my brother saw in her to be wrapped around her finger like that” Erwin commented as he drove through the estate.

“You know love changes people, Erwin. Your brother must really like her to tolerate her like that.” the woman replied.

“Still, if she wants to be a part of the family then she should learn how to treat people right.  You know how dad is about that.  If it were me talking about you like that in front of the people at the party, I would have gotten Julia taken away from me.” Erwin shook his head, patting the steering wheel of the car he has aptly named Julia.  

“Everyone knows that Bea hated you back in high school because she couldn’t buy her way to the honor roll without looking like a complete i***t because you are showing actual results compared to her who couldn’t even write a proper composition for her social studies essay.” The man clicked his tongue at the memory.  

He had gone to the same high school as Alex and was in the same year as her.  They quickly became friends because of this and had become inseparable even after they graduated and Alex had to attend a community college while Erwin was sent off to do his pre-meds at the university a few cities over.  Bentley soon joined the duo when Erwin, who is now on his way to become a doctor, started working at the factories during his off days.

“She does not bother me as much since I graduated college, actually.  She would try to get a rise from me whenever we cross paths once in a while, but like you said, she spends way too much time on non-business related trips to the city.  She might be right, though.  This is not the world I belong in now.  I should not be trying so hard to fit in.” Alex bowed her head, her fingers playing with the fabric of her dress.

“Hey there, missy.  If Bentley was here, he would have given you a long lecture but since he is not, I will be the one giving it to you.” Erwin’s voice hardened, as he gave his friend a hard glance before focusing his eyes back on the road.  

“The town has already forgiven you and your family for that incident years ago.  Even if they did not, they just chose to forget it and let you live your life in peace.  Your family never let your employees starve even when you had to close down.  Everyone knows how much you cared for them ‘till the end.  Why else would you guys sell almost all of your possessions?”  Erwin had to take a deep breath before he continued.  

“Also, what do you mean that it is not your world anymore?  It is.  You are a part of the people working for the Allen family and you have every right to be in that party because you were invited by my father, no less.  That is a higher honor than just being invited by Levi or me.  It is Bea who has no business bringing up the past like that like the trash she is.  Chin up, girl.  I don’t ever want to see you looking down just because a b***h who has never lifted a finger to work in her life said some awful stuff about you.” Erwin lectured,as he continued driving down the street.  The woman beside him smiled and patted his hand that was gripping the gear shift stick.

“Thank you Erwin.  That really means a lot to me.” Alex said and Erwin was thankful that it was already dark outside because if not, then she would see how much he is blushing right now from the simple gesture from his friend.

After a few more minutes of driving and chatting about other things that do not involve his brother’s horrible fiancé, Erwin stopped the car in front of the building where Alex’s apartment is.  He then exited the car after turning it off to walk his friend to her door.

“Thank you so much for bringing me home.  Are you sure you’re not going back to the party?” Alex asked as Erwin flashed another one of his cute grins with his nose scrunched.

“Nah, you know I don’t really like parties.  Ben mentioned they will be having drinks at a pub nearby tonight, so I will try my luck and see if they are there.” Erwin smiled, handing Alex her purse.

“If you’re sure, then fine.  Have fun with the guys, and say hello to them for me.” Alex smiled, her fingers playing with the material of her mom’s expensive purse.

“For sure.  I always have more fun with them at the factory than with those rich kids my family wants me to hang out with.  Go inside and get some rest.  I’ll see you at work tomorrow.” Erwin said, watching as Alex unlocked the door to the apartment.

“Thank you!  See you tomorrow.” Alex waved as the man started walking to the direction of the stairs.

   ---

Alex started off the day by making breakfast for her mom and her, adding another portion for her neighbour Charles Maxwell.  After breakfast was made, she fixed herself some sandwiches for lunch and headed out to call Charles in for breakfast.  The three of them ate with little chatter, before Bentley was knocking at the apartment door which signalled that it was time for him and Alex to get to work.  After giving her mother a peck in the cheek, giving a few stern reminders to lock the door when she heads out for work and a quick goodbye to Charles, Alex was heading out of the door to join Bentley for their morning walk to work.

“So how was the party yesterday?” Bentley asked, as soon as they were out of the apartment building. 

“It was nice, but I did not hang around for long.  Bea was there and tried to cause a scene, so I just left with Erwin.” Alex said, waving to a few kids from the neighbourhood who are on their way to school.

“Bea?  That girl from your high school?  What’s she doing there?” One thing that Alex liked about Ben was that he was raised by his grandmother and came from a decent middle class family from outside of the town.  They moved in when Alex was in college due to some family matters.  Because of this, he never judged her for her past and always had a fresh perspective whenever Alex and Erwin would talk about matters involving the higher class.

“Apparently, she is the fiancé of Erwin’s brother.  Mr. Allen chose her for him when they were really young.”  Alex explained, seeing Ben’s expression change into a grimace.

“That’s awful.  I could never imagine myself trying to like someone that was chosen for me.  Sure, they may be alright as a kid, but what if they turn out bad when they become older?  That’s too early an age to be deciding who you want your child to marry.” The man exclaimed as they finally reached the employee entrance to the factory.

“Apparently, Erwin’s brother likes her very much so I think Mr. Allen would not have a problem about them breaking off the engagement anytime soon.” Alex shrugged, taking her time card and going to the bundy to punch in.

“Did your dad ever choose a fiancé for you, Alex?” Ben asked, as he too punched in and they walked down the corridor towards Alex’s office.  Alex was about to answer the question when she noticed Mr. Allen coming from the opposite direction with Levi close behind him.  “Ah, yes he will be starting today, huh?  I guess that is my queue to leave now.  See you later, Alex” Ben smiled, giving the female a pat on the shoulder before heading towards the direction of his own department.

“Good morning, Mr. Allen!” Alex greeted as she approached the duo, unlocking her office door and gesturing for them to step in.

“Good morning, Alexandra!  I was just accompanying my son to his first day at work.”  The older man said, clapping Levi at the back.

“You’re a great father, Mr. Allen.  You did the same thing to me and Erwin too.” the young woman commented fondly, setting her bag down on her table.

“Of course, I’ll always be looking out for my children even if they are now technically adults.”  Mr.  Allen beamed, his chest swelling with pride from the praise regarding his parenting.  “Very well, I’ll leave Levi to your care, Alex.  I have a business meeting I have to attend to in an hour.  Say hello to Bentley for me.” Mr. Allen said, bowing before making his way out of the office.

“That is your desk.  I left your time card inside the drawer.  I’ll show you how to use it later when you have to leave.  For now, just write the time you arrived and get me to sign it for you before the end of day.” Alex instructed Levi once the door had shut behind his father.  The man nodded, setting his bag down on the table beside Alex’s desk that was brought in just for him last Friday.

“Hey, Alex.  I can call you Alex, right?” Levi asked tentatively, facing the woman sitting beside him.  When she gave him a shrug and a motion to go ahead, he continued.  “Look, I’m really sorry about Bea last night.  She could really be sharp with her words sometimes, but believe me when I say that she’s a good person inside.”  Levi said, looking at Alex with an apologetic look on his face.  If they are going to be working together from now on, then he needs to clear the air between them first.

“It’s fine.  It’s nothing new, actually, though it has been a long time since I got that brought up about me.”  Alex shrugged.  “Bea must be a really lucky person to have both you and Erwin apologizing to me on her behalf.  Anyway, I accept your apology.  I hope we have a good working relationship from now on.” Alex smiled, extending her hand for Levi to shake.

“I look forward to working with you too.  Dad has said a lot of good things about you.” Levi smiled, taking the offered hand.  After having his time card signed, Alex stood up and walked towards the door.

“Come, the first thing I always do on Monday mornings is to go around and see if everything is running fine.  This would be a great opportunity for you to meet everyone too.  It’s great that you actually wore some appropriate shoes because we are going to the farm first.” Alex clapped her hands, making Levi stand in attention.  The woman then opened the office door and with an ‘after you’ gesture, Levi exited the door with her following close and locking the door behind them.  “Remind me to get you a duplicate key for the office so you wouldn’t have to wait for me in case you come in early.” Alex said, to which Levi nodded.