Plan in action
1039 Words
The moment of tension seems to freeze as Dominic enters the scene, his imposing presence filling the space with an aura of authority. His serious gaze falls on Lucas, who instinctively recoils in the face of his father's figure.
I feel relieved for a moment, finally free from Lucas's clutches. But at the same time, Dominic's presence brings a new wave of uncertainty. What is he doing here?
Oh, damn it. I live here now.
"You're meddling where you're not needed, father." Lucas tries to maintain composure, but there's a note of nervousness in his voice.
Dominic ignores his son's comment and turns to me, his piercing gaze studying me for a moment before softening with a concerned expression.
"Are you alright, Anny?"
The kindness in his voice is comforting, and I force myself to take a deep breath to calm my nerves.
"I'm fine, thank you. Just a little couple's quarrel. You're Lucas's father?"
I ask. I still had a plan.
It's not exactly a lie. Lucas and I used to be a couple, after all, and the quarrel was certainly small compared to what I was about to do to him.
"Yes, I am this boy's father. You must be the girlfriend."
"Ex-girlfriend. I have nothing to do with him anymore."
Dominic nods, seeming satisfied with the response, and turns his attention back to Lucas.
"I suggest you leave, son. It's not polite to bother the neighbors like this."
"What are you doing here?"
It gets better. Lucas is confused. I want to laugh.
He didn't even know where his own father lived?
Heavens, this gets better every second.
"I live here, next door."
Dominic points to the door. Lucas looks surprised and then looks at me, seeming embarrassed, and the scene gets even better when he moves further away from me.
Far away.
"I didn't imagine. Just wanted to talk to Anny and try to sort things out."
"She didn't seem to want to. You can't force anyone to listen to you. Now go home. If you want to talk to the young lady, I advise you to send a message first. What you were doing wasn't pleasant. You don't need that."
The man speaks so firmly. At that moment, I feel the tension. My whole body shivers.
Lucas seems reluctant to obey, but the implied authority in Dominic's voice convinces him to step back. With one last furious glance in my direction, he retreats, disappearing down the hallway of the building.
He doesn't say anything. What was his problem with his father? He didn't even know where he lived?
So the reputation of their relationship being like that wasn't a lie.
I stand there, watching as he leaves, a mixture of relief and anxiety swirling inside me. I knew Lucas wouldn't give up so easily, and now, with his father involved, things could only get more complicated.
When I turn my attention back to Dominic, he's watching me with an intrigued expression.
Dominic's presence beside me intrigues me. He's an enigmatic figure, shrouded in mystery and authority.
"I hope it's not a frequent occurrence to see my son causing trouble around here."
The lightness in his voice makes me smile, despite the uncomfortable situation.
"Don't worry, Mr. Barette. It was just a misunderstanding."
He nods, seeming satisfied with the explanation.
"Well, if you need anything, don't hesitate to look for me. I'm always available to help my neighbors."
The generosity of his offer surprises me, but I sincerely thank him.
"Thank you, Mr. Barette. I'll remember that."
"So you were the girl my son was with all these years? We haven't been introduced before. I'm not so present in Lucas's life."
"Two years. My name is Anny Colin. Recently, he acted foolishly, and I couldn't forgive him. Doing so was like losing myself. So it was actually good not to have met you."
"I know your father. A man of respect. I'm glad to see that he at least tried to have a relationship with a good girl. Too bad you broke up."
That puts several things in my head.
"Why don't you get along?"
I see him bite his lower lip and sigh, a resigned and even tense sigh.
"Father and son problems. We're two difficult people. It's better this way."
"I can't imagine being away from my parents."
"Sometimes these things help more than staying too close and ending up disappointed with the people we like, Anny."
"Once he mentioned that he made a mistake in the company, and that drove you apart. He worked too hard to please you."
He laughed.
"He said?"
I stare into his dark eyes and almost get lost in their brilliance. He's not just an older, more experienced man, that much is clear. He's attractive, in a beautiful way.
"Yes, wasn't that the reason?"
"Lucas was young, but mistakes made more than once become choices. He knows what he did."
"He really knows what he's doing."
I feel my eyes welling up with tears. I try to hold back. I really do. But they end up slipping out. I rush to wipe them away the tears. When I look up, a man is staring at me as if I were a spectacle.
Great, crying!
"Is it possible to feel so much anger and sadness at the same time?"
With gentleness, he pulls a handkerchief from the pocket of his suit. That surprises me.
"Don't try to understand what you're feeling. Just feel and let it pass."
It sounds sensible. Even more than me and my plan.
"I'm already doing that. I have work at the beginning of the week, and I'm going to put my energy into that."
"Don't spend your energy just on that."
"What else would I spend it on?"
"You."
My breathing becomes a bit heavier.
"Do you always know what to say?"
"Only when it's necessary." He looks at his watch and then at me. "Would you like a cup of coffee or juice?"
The invitation surprises me. I think of everything I planned for this moment. But it feels natural when I breathe slowly and open a small smile.
"Maybe a tea."
I accept, aware of what I was going to do.
- Writer
