Fortuity

“Why do you have to be so selfish?” my step-monster screams from the other side of my locked bedroom door. “The only person you think of is yourself!”    I roll my eyes and put my headphones in my ears. This has been my life for the last 5 years, since my father, Alton, decided to marry her, only 6 months after my mother died. He says it was love at first sight, but even back then I didn’t believe him. He and my mom were high school sweethearts, and yet they didn’t get married until they were 23 and 24 and at the time, I had just turned one. He always told me how mom was his world, but he didn’t want to rush into that kind of commitment. He wanted to make sure that their love was true. If that were the case, why would he marry a woman he claims he hardly knew so quickly. My dear banshee of a stepmother has thrown a huge wedge between me and my father. Any relationship we shared was now shattered.    Growing up, we were two peas in a pod. Our time was spent watching football games, going go-carting, boxing, dirt biking, and anything else a typical tomboy would do with her dad. No matter how tough I was, he still made sure I was his little princess. I was happy to see him every morning greeting me with a smile, and lots of kisses. His eyes always sparkled with love and adoration for me and mom. There wasn’t a day that went by where he wouldn’t spoil me and teach me new things. Our life was our little adventure filled with happiness and joy. Now, I found joy in not having him home and when he was, I did whatever I could to avoid his hateful glare.    Since I turned 16, my step-w***e convinced Alton that I was leeching off them and that I was sleeping with every boy that looked my way. That is when the verbal assaults began. His words were so hateful, even with denying the claim and swearing my virginity, he still took her words over mine. When I did lose my virginity 6 months later, his abuse became physical, but he raised a fighter and fight is what I did. After that day Jamie tried to convince him that I was not his child and my mother slept around on him, which he decided it was time I provided my wants and needs myself, as he will not support another man’s child.   I was sixteen, balancing two jobs, going to school, and taking care of my mental well-being. As the checks began to roll in for me, they took it upon themselves to have me take care of their daughter. I love my sister Cassie, but she is not my responsibility nor am I a free live-in babysitter, so when they planned to go out, I would leave home and go to my best friend, Ashley’s house and sit with her for hours. Of course, that would start arguments from them, but I learned to ignore it and lock myself in my room.    After my second paycheck, I decided to place a portion of my checks into investment accounts and divided it amongst stocks and cryptocurrencies. It just so happened that my biggest crypto turned me into an 18-year-old multi-millionaire. Which is the reason for today’s events. Dear sweet step-beast took it upon herself to snoop around my room and found my bank statement. Now she thinks it is my responsibility to take care of them. Sure, I will once hell freezes over.    “You owe this to us,” she continues to scream as she bangs on the room door. “We took you in, making sure you had everything you needed and now you think you can walk away with a free ride. Like hell, you will, you ungrateful slut. Now open this door.”    I finished placing the last of my things that the movers will take into boxes when I receive a text saying that they were outside waiting for someone to answer the door. I grabbed an empty box and place a few priceless valuables inside, before walking out. I sidestep an angry Jamie and continue heading down the stairs as she starts her rampage again.    “Hello,” I say as I open the door allowing the movers in. “Up the stairs, second door to your left. Grab all the boxes. Leave everything else.”    “Who the hell are these men?” she asks, turning her head back and forth from each man that passes us. “Boxes? What boxes?”    I shift on my heels and walk towards the fireplace where my mother’s urn is placed on the mantle. I place it into the box cradled on my hip and continue to walk through the house to ensure I have all my belongings.    “Are you going to explain what is going on here?” Jamie pries as I continue to ignore her as I walk over to Cassie who is playing with her dollhouse, I got last month for her 4th birthday.   "I love you forever and always baby girl," I bend down to her and place a kiss on her forehead. "I will see you soon."   "I love you too, Monnie. Always and Forever," she looks up at me with her beautiful hazel eyes and her brightest toothy smile.    Being with her is the only thing I will miss about this house, and I hate that I must lie to her like this. I know once I am gone the chances of me seeing her again will be slim to none. She is too young to understand what is going, but when the time comes, I am going to make sure to explain it all to her. I smile sadly at her and pick up my belongings heading out the front door.   "Where the hell do you think you're going?" Jamie asks grabbing my arm.   "I'm getting out of your house. Isn't that what you wanted all these years," I laugh and pull my arm from her grip. "What I would suggest is that you keep your hands off me. You wouldn't want to see my reaction the next time you try that."   "Your father will be here any moment," she sneers as I walk to my car placing my valuables in the front passenger seat.   "That's the last box ma'am," the mover, I assume is the boss says as he closes the door on the truck bed.   "Thank you so much," I say as I sign the paperwork confirming the moving address. "Here you are. Just buzz the house and the door attendant will help you from there. I really appreciate you squeezing me in at such short notice."   "Sure thing ma'am," he grins as he enters the truck.    "Monica Louise Hampton," Alton calls as he slams his car in park and jumps out. I roll my eyes and turn on my heels heading back to my car. Before I can get to the trunk, he yanks my arm forcing me to stop. "How dare you walk away from me?"   I switch my gaze back and forth between the hand he is starting to squeeze and his face. "Do you mind removing that thing? If you and your wife would like to keep your hands, I suggest you not touch me again."   "You disrespectful w***e," he grits as he drops his hands to his sides clutching his fists.   "The w***e you're speaking of is standing right behind you," I smirk and lift my chin in Jamie's direction.   He rears his hand, slamming it across my cheek. His chest heaves up and down with rage, "You will not disrespect my wife. After everything, we have done for you. You have the nerve to disrespect us. You ungrateful bitch."   I stare at him blankly with my hand to my heated cheek. I can no longer hold back the laugh that I had been stifling in me. I double over clutching my aching stomach, wiping away the tears forming in my eyes. He and Jamie's faces were painted with a mixed expression of rage and confusion.    "Oh... Oh," I gasped dramatically. "You were serious just now?"   "What the hell is wrong with you?" He growls, "Why would I be joking?"   "I don't know. Maybe, the fact that you have not done s**t for me since we moved here. Or because I have been working my ass off since I was sixteen to get what I needed," I shrugged my shoulder and headed to the driver's door. "If you don't know, nor do I."   "Where the hell do you think you're going?" he rushes over to me as I get into my 2019 Chevy Camero, closing the door behind me and rolling the window slightly.   "You see, now you are asking too many questions," I smile placing on a pair of sunglasses and reeving the engine. "But hell sounds like a beautiful place to start, thank you. I would suggest that you move back, I wouldn't want you to be there to ruin my vacation."   "If you drive off in this car, I will call the police and have you arrested for theft," he spat.   "You are one funny man." I giggle wiggling my finger at him. I reach over to the glove department and grab the flip phone I got when I was 16, punching in the number before handing it to him. "Here you go they are already on the line. Go on to your w***e, I'm sure she can't wait to fill you in."   I put the car in gear and drive off waving my middle finger at them until they are no longer in view.   "Let's go home mom," I glance at my last picture of my mom and me as tears prick my eyes.   I decided to purchase a large-sized home. It has a gate providing security to the entrance with a privacy fence encircling the back yard, a garage large enough for 6 cars, a long-arched driveway. It’s a two-story, 5-bedroom 5 bath home, with a personal gym, a theater room, two offices, indoor and outdoor pool. it sits on 2 and a half acres of land with a tennis court, hot tub, a small pool house, a small playground, a personal track wrapping around the yard. The landscape itself is a remarkable sight, with the wonderful foliage and flowers. It is a ten-minute drive to Ashley’s place and from the University, and forty-five minutes from Alton.   As I arrive home, I see that the movers are moving have returned with the furnishing. Walking into the grand living room I make slight adjustments to furniture placements so that I can place my mother’s possessions properly. I have created her own space in the living room near the fireplace where I have a large, enhanced photo of her. I smile as I look at her, with tears in my eye. “I did it, momma. I know you would be so proud of me!”      “I’m sure she would.” I jump slightly at the husky voice that catches me by surprise. I turn in the direction of the voice to be met with a heavenly sent angel. He stands just a foot above me at 6’4, with piercing golden eyes, full lips, and a smile that makes my core clutch. The shirt he wears leaves nothing to the imagination, as you can see every dip of his muscular body. The definition of the 6 pack, to the tone of his pecks. I follow the design of the tattoos covering his delightful caramel skin, leading up his arms, over his biceps, to his broad shoulders. I lick my lips and clear my throat, releasing the breath I didn’t realize I was holding when he flashes another smile and I see his lips move and his eyebrows crease with worry.    “I... I’m sorry you just startled me a bit.” I say as I shake my head. “What were you saying?”     He releases a slight chuckle, which makes me clench my thighs together, “I was just saying I’m sure your mother would be immensely proud of you. Are you new to the neighborhood?”     “Thank you.” I reply “Yes, I actually just moved in today.”     “Well, welcome! I’m Damian, Damian Bradshaw. I live across the street and just wanted to come to introduce myself and welcome you to the neighborhood.” He says licking his lips and flashing that damn smile again, as he reaches his hand out.    “Nice to meet you, Damian, I'm Monica. Monica Hampton.” I grab his hand introducing myself as well. “Sorry not to be rude or anything, but um who let you in?”     “Oh, I’m sorry, your doorman did.” He answers turning slightly to point at the door.    I plaster a serious look on my face and furrowed my brow in concern. “Um, I... I don’t have a doorman.” I spoke.  He steps back as worry washes over his face. “I’m sorry. I... I thought he was your doorman. He just let me in.”     I tilt my head as though confused before breaking out laughing. “I’m joking Damian. I’m only joking.” He smiles and chuckles as well.    “Beauty and a sense of humor, I like that. Well, Monica, I should really get going, I must head out for work. Maybe we can hang out another time?” he asks hopefully.    “I’d like that, Damian. Just leave your number with James at the door. I'll be sure to let you know when I’m free.” I smile passing a shy wave.  "Okay will do. See you later gorgeous," he waves as he walks out the door.