When Love Crosses Class

Episode1

THE STRIKE

As I sat on my bed, head lowered, hoping that my Dad could stop talking for a second, my Dad stood before me, his face stern, eyes filled with a rare kind of disappointment I hadn’t seen before. His voice, normally calm and patient, cuts through the silence with an edge that I hadn’t anticipated.

“Do you understand what you did?” he asks, his tone barely holding back frustration.

I can barely look up, but I manage to glance his way. All I did was ask Peter, our two years employed driver, to learn how to drive properly as his driving skills are life threatening to me and my friend Susan as we went shopping. But Dad’s expression tells me that whatever I said had gone far beyond that.

“He’s been with us for nearly two years, taking care of everything, making sure you’re comfortable, and this is how you treat him?” His voice rises just a little, breaking through any shred of defensiveness I might have held onto.

Dad’s words sink into me, hitting with a strange weight. Peter had left without a word, leaving a resignation note on the kitchen counter. I’d brushed it off, thinking it couldn’t be because of me, that there had to be another reason. But here was Dad, standing there, making it clear that my actions had led to this.

He said “He’s not just some worker or a driver to us; he’s part of our family. And you made him feel… like he didn’t belong or have a place here, when will you learn to be more human and treat others with respect?”

Truthfully, he has been the longest driver my Dad has assigned to me. From what I could remember, others left in the space of a year, I haven't still figured out yet why they usually leave, I can be blunt and crazily truthful to you without minding how you feel as I infer that everyone deserves to know the truth about themselves irrespective of how it comes out. So if you can't handle the truth you can leave but Dad has refused to see that as my basic point of view.

Just then, I heard the soft click of heels on the marble floor. My mother walks in, her brows raised as she takes in the scene. She pauses, glancing from him to me, piecing together what’s happening. In her calm, composed way, she steps closer, placing a gentle hand on his arm.

“Take a breath dear,” she says softly, her tone soothing and steady, the way only she can be. “Let’s talk about this calmly.”

He stops mid-sentence, sighing as he rakes a hand through his hair, visibly trying to rein in his frustration. My mother gives me a small, reassuring look as she eases herself onto the bed beside me, squeezing my hand lightly.

“Everyone just needs a moment please,” she says, glancing back at him, her voice warm but firm. “Let’s try to understand each other, all right?”

My Dad lets out a long exhale, nodding slowly, and I feel a wave of relief wash over me. My mother’s presence has always had this effect, bringing a calming balance to even the tensest moments. With her here, maybe he can finally see reasons to calm situations and let things slide.

Boldly, he said “Your daughter’s behaviour to our domestic staff haven't been pleasant, due to this, it becomes difficult for me to employ more of them as it has cut across borders that I have a spoilt daughter who has no atom of humanity when dealing with our domestic staff.” he said looking at me sternly.

Yes, again I feel this is also an exaggerated statement as my Family is a resounding name in Greater London, we Live in Westminster in one of my Dad’s largest estate, My Dad owns a public figure that commands respect even beyond the shores of United Kingdom as he is one of the most Successful business man, legally he deals with real estate and owns his own firm that is much recognized, his name alone Mr. Charles Edward, one name that struck the heart of many with Jealousy and admiral due to his massive enterprise.

So how come will anyone be scared to work for the famous Mr. Charles Edward just because of his daughter? These I thought to myself till my Dad brought me back to reality with his proclamation.

He said “Well I have made up my mind, I will get you another driver, that can assist you to go to where ever you want to go to, and be with you as well for security purpose, but if you chase this one away due to your disdain treatment, then you will have to go get yourself a license because you will be your own driver, no one will drive or followed you to anywhere till I have seen some drastic change in your personality” As his eyes stared at me like he wanted to see my soul.

Without hesitating, I stood up, My mouth fell open. “Wait, what? You’re serious?”

He looked at me over his glasses, his expression unwavering. “Yes. You can either use public transportation or drive yourself, but I’m not hiring someone to chauffeur you around if you chase the next one.”

“But, Dad!” I stammered, hardly believing what I was hearing. “It’s… it’s not safe. And I have so many places to go! Do you know how inconvenient that’ll be? And how sure are you that the next one will be good?”

He leaned back, crossing his arms. “I think it’ll be good for you. Learning to navigate the world without relying on someone else, also treating persons with good respect”

The reality of his words hit me like a wave. No driver. No easy ride wherever I wanted. I tried to find the right argument, something to convince him, but he’d already made up his mind. His decision was final.

I looked at my mum hoping she could help me in this awkward moment but she looked away immediately I turned to her, then it done on me that I have to manage who ever is brought to me fairly, and watch my ways and choice of words which I haven't dreamt of doing ever since my 24 year on mother Earth.

My Dad and Mum left me as I was still caught up with the heavy aura of his conclusion. I overheard him calling one of his domestic staff, Alex that drives him as well, telling him to search for a decent, disciplined and professional licensed driver for me. Alex told my Dad to grant him a two weeks off as he is meant to travel out of London to get someone he can trust and fits my father’s description, without giving it a thought my Dad agreed and granted him the two weeks leave and gave him money for the trip.

Alex seems to be precise about this person as he assured my Dad that the person will not disabuse the privilege in serving as a domestic staff.

I became calm, a lot of thought wavering in my mind and curiousity swirls in my heart as I was very skeptical about who is coming, what will become of him? Can I cope with his attitude if it is dire to all my ways? Why will Alex travel out of London to convey this individual? Hmmm….. Lots of questions unanswered as I quietly went back to my room and waited patiently for the two weeks to hurriedly come.