Chapter 3: Teen Life
1690 Words
Alexander enjoyed his life materialistically, but he had to endure how his father treated him. He provided all the things he needed and even those he never wanted. He appreciates them, but he doesn't feel the value of every single thing they gave him. He built a mansion for him to live in, hired a driver and a nanny to work for him, and sent him to exclusive schools only for rich people. He topped the academics in school and was very optimistic about continuing to give honor to his father's name. He was known for being competitive at school. He strived hard not to be recognized because of his father's legacy or just because he was wearing his name, Moreau. Despite all of the achievements he has given him, he can not feel his fondness for him. He feels like he was there in his life for some unknown reason.
"Who is going to be with you?" Daniele asked him.
She was referring to their Christmas party and family day in school. He doesn't want to come since he seems not to enjoy the occasion. Since the day his mother and his siblings vanished, he can't find any reasons to be happy. Life has no more meaning for him.
"I don't know. I don't think I can come," he replied.
Daniele has been his only friend since first grade. She was a natural-born Brazilian and the only daughter of a physician.
"Why not? I want you to attend the party. Please! It's going to be fun." she pleaded.
"I can't promise you this time. I don't want to go there alone," he answered sadly.
His friend Daniele rolled her eyes like she could not accept her shallow reasons.
"My father is a very busy person. It's a shame that I'll go there to attend myself. It's a family day too," he reasoned out.
"Do you want me to ask Mr. Moreau? I know you also wish to participate in and enjoy the party for the first time like I do. Maybe he'd come," she said.
"No need. Maybe I'll try, but I cannot compromise," he continued.
They just got out of their classes and they are on their way home. They are in their tenth grade already, but he has found no good friends aside from her. She is the only courageous girl who can go near him. He doesn't understand why, but he has been getting rumors that it's all because of his father. His father was too famous to be ignored. Most people are afraid of him because of his influence and connections. There are bad sides to all of that. His father has been charged with tremendous cases, but he was able to bail out of jail. He was suspected of having hired someone to murder his rivals. He has numerous enemies because of his booming business in the country.
"I hope you two can spend some time together," she said as they started to part ways.
He did not answer her and just waved her farewell.
"Bye, take care!" he shouted as he bid goodbye.
He is at the gate exit waiting for his driver to arrive.
"Hop in!" their driver cried upon arrival.
His name is Mr. Reyes, and he came from the Philippines. Most of their house employees are from that country. They are popular because of their honesty, loyalty, and hard work ethic.
"What took you so long?" Alexander questioned the driver.
"Sorry boss, I came from the master's company. He had some urgent request that I needed to attend to," the driver answered him wearily.
He looks tired and has been working for hours.
"Alright, can you bring me to his office?" he requested.
"You are supposed to be home early. You know you are not allowed in his office," he explained.
"Just follow my orders. I wanted to see him in his office. He has no time for me at home, so I better barge into his office." Alexander ordered his driver.
"He will be mad at us," the driver fearfully replied to his request.
"I am not afraid of him. Please no more buts! I can't argue with you the whole time," he abruptly said.
The driver has no choice but to obey his orders. While on their way to his father's work address, he enjoyed the scenery along the road. The sun is about to set and the refreshing view of nature. He spent most of his life in school, at home, and sometimes traveling alone with his driver. He always wished that his father could give him his spare time. He wanted him to love him and show him how much he cared for him.
"Young Boss, we are here." His driver announced.
"Alright. Thank you, Mr. Reyes. You may stay here," he instructed, and so the driver nodded his head in agreement.
He looked up at the tallest building in the city. He was amazed at this place.
In his entire sixteen years of existence, this was the first time he stepped into his dad's office. Everyone barely knows him, so he has to approach reception to ask for some information.
"Hi, I am Alexander Moreau. I'd like to know how to get to my father's office, please," he asked.
"Good morning, Sir. What is your father's name?" the person from reception asked him.
"Maxi Moreau, he is my father," Alexander answered.
"Hahahaha, you are saying that you are the young Moreau?" the receptionist smirked in his query.
He blatantly replied, "Yes. If you aren't sure, I can prove it to you, or you may call Master Moreau to confirm." He looked at him firmly and asked his colleague to verify.
"I am sorry. This way please, Sir!" the receptionist answered apologetically.
He led and assisted him up to the fortieth floor of the said building.
The man introduced his dad's workplace.
"I highly appreciate it!" he gratefully said.
"The Master cannot be disturbed in his office, so I'd rather leave you here," the receptionist advised him.
"I understand. Thanks for the help!" he answered smartly.
He knocked three times, but there was no answer. He did not stop until he heard someone approaching the door.
"I have told you I do not want to be distracted. I will just give you a call if I need anything," his father blurted out.
"Dad, this is Alexander. Can you hear me?" he shouted.
"Alexander who?" his father answered.
"Father, this is your son Alexander. Please open the door!" Alexander responded.
The old Moreau opened the door with his unhappy reaction.
"What are you doing here? Haven't I told you not to go here? Did Reyes drive you here?" he asks in anger.
"I ordered him to bring me here. Can I get inside?" he insisted.
"What is it that you want? You can wait for me at home and we can talk," his father commanded.
"No. I am already here, so we will have sufficient time to discuss some things. I know you are tired when you arrive home, and you will no longer have time to spend it with me," he murmured.
"Alright, tell me what you want. You are wasting my time for nothing," Maxi started to feel agitated because of his demands.
They are still standing outside his office. He doesn't care if he is getting the attention of passersby and other employees.
"I wanted us to attend the Christmas party and family day on Friday. It will be held in school," he explained.
"Is that all?" Max asked.
"Yes," he answered directly.
"You are wasting money and my time on this useless stuff. You go home, kid. We will talk later at home," Max ordered his son.
"I am not going home until I get some answers. I know I won't be getting a response from you after this," he protested at his father's orders.
"I will deal with you later. You better call Reyes to drive you home or else both of you will regret this for not following my orders," Mr. Moreau warned him.
"Father, please! I just wanted to spend some time with you. I thought I was your only family, so why can't I feel that I am worth your time?" Alexander pleaded.
Max felt somehow guilty about what was going on. He realized he never had time for his only family, his son. His legacy and successors.
"Fine. I'll go with you on Friday. Just go home now," he told him without asking him to get into his office.
"Thank you so much, Father! I'm excited to participate in our school activities on Friday," he shouted in gladness.
The only reply he got from his father was, "Okay. See you later."
It was the first time that his father had a conscience towards his needs as his child. He always pushed him away, but sometimes he was nice and the best provider. However, he felt like his father was hiding something from him. He was restricted from getting into his office, the master's bedroom, and even the basement. He learned about his dark secrets in maintaining their wealth, but he knew there was more than that he must be more aware of. Something that connects to him. He went home with gladness that he was able to convince his father. He excitedly informed Reyes and his friend Daniele about this.
Friday has come. His father had joined him in the said activities in school, but later on, he left him with his nanny because of an emergency call from his office. He sadly sat down beside his nanny and Daniele while watching the other participants enjoy the moments with their respective families.
"I do not want to ruin your day, Daniele. You enjoy the rest of the day, okay? And I will go home. I'll see you on Sunday so we can go fishing at the port," he said, trying to raise his voice to hide his true emotions.
That was the most memorable event in school that his father ever attended, and he had a short leave.
- Writer
