Dynasty and Desire

Chapter five

Donna sat in front of a mini table on the floor of her bedroom, centered at the foot of her bed and vigorously working a crayon through a colour book, when her best friend Gina came in. “Hey girl, what sup. Got here as fast as I could, your voice wasn’t sounding so good over the phone.” she said as she headed over to sit down on the floor beside Donna.

Without looking up from what she was doing, Donna proceeded to ask, “Who said we had to colour in the lines?”

“Huh?” Gina asked a bit confused.

“Who said we had to colour in the lines to make a perfect picture” Donna asked again.

“Uh…Mrs Peterson?” Gina replied, scanning the room for any sign of trouble.

“Mrs Peterson, yep and I bet she’s an old retired lady, taking her husband dinner and her only adventure is going to the local grocery store.” Donna sighed heavily as she poured all her attention on the colour book.

“Oh Donna, what is going on?” Gina asked, a worried look on her face.

Donna slapped down the crayon she held in her hands and turned to Gina, “I don’t think I’m going to make CEO.”

“Don’t say that Donna. That position is yours and you know it. You’ve been working your ass out for that company in like forever.” Gina said sympathetically. “In-fact I think you need to give yourself a break.”

“I know.” she sighed, “This isn't how I imagined my life at all.” she turned and stared at the colour book as she continued. “I imagined myself being a successful female boss, leading the company, making the major decisions and travelling the world, not here fighting my stepsister over the position.”

“Yeah, and your best friend, don’t forget me” Gina said playfully as she nudged Donna on the shoulders. “Look here Donna, screw the lines and Mrs Peterson, this is your story, color outside the box girl”. she shifted forward as she enfolded Donna in an embrace. “Don’t push yourself too hard.” She whispered in her ears.

“Thanks a lot Gina, I knew I could always count on you.” Donna said as she buried herself in her embrace.

“Speaking of which...” Gina said as she pulled back and looked at Donna with worry in her eyes, “There’s something you should probably know”

Donna looked at her for a moment, trying to read her expression. she shook her head, “I hope this isn't about Brian again, I’ve told you to dump his sorry ass, he’s not good for you.”

“Nope it isn't about Brian. don’t worry yourself about that, I’m handling it.” Gina said.

“Okay then, go on, spill.” Donna said, eager to hear the news.

“I overheard Claire speaking loudly on the phone….”

Donna rolled her eyes, “To one of her girlfriends I presume, that isn't news Gina” she said cutting her off.

“Chill Donna, I haven't gotten to the juicy part yet.” She said as Donna suddenly shifted, Leaning forward to hear more.

“I overheard her saying something about getting married so that she can secure the CEO spot.”

“What!”Donna was alarmed.

“Yes, I didn’t hear everything entirely, but she mentioned a secret rule your Dad made about handing over the company to the first one that gets married.”

“Oh my God! Oh my God!” Donna said as she stood up slowly, placing her hands over her mouth. “I can’t believe this is happening.”

“Jeez.. I had a feeling you didn’t know about it because you would’ve told me, but Donna I’m shocked, you actually didn’t know about this?”

“Girl, I didn’t know anything.. I’m too shocked for words right now.” Donna said, pacing her room slowly.

“Do you think your father told her about it and exempted you on purpose?” Gina asked.

“No, I don’t think so, my father might be confused about these whole thing at the moment, hesitating to endorse me because he doesn’t want to breakup the family, but I doubt he’ll betray me this way.” She said, still pacing back and forth, deep in thought.

“Then what do you think happened? How is Claire fully aware of this and you're not.” Gina asked, though more to herself than her best friend.

Donna contemplated for a moment then she suddenly stopped in her tracks “it’s Angie!” she said, coming forward to resume her seat beside Gina “Father doesn’t do anything without running it by her first.”

“Whoa… What an advantage Claire has over you.” Gina said throwing her both hands in the air.

“I’m sure father told Angie about his plans and Angie told Claire in turn so that they can both have the company and probably throw me out someday.” Donna said, her eyes widening.

“That can’t happen Donna.” Gina said, Holding her friend’s hands.

“No, I can’t let that happen” she said, a little bit worried, “Did Claire see you eavesdropping?” Donna asked.

“No she didn’t, I heard her behind closed doors. plus I wasn’t eavesdropping girl, that girl is just so damn loud.” Gina said in a mocking tone, releasing Donna hands.

“Perfect! I need to come up with a plan, give me time to think,” Donna said to Gina.

She stood up. And with slow, deliberate steps, she made her way across the room to her bedroom window deep in thought. She placed her palms on the cool windowsill, leaning forward slightly. Her forehead almost touched the glass as she gazed out, not really focusing on anything in particular. If Claire thinks she’s the only one aware of this secret rule, then she might probably take her time looking for the most eligible bachelor in town. Yeah, Claire is very particular about the kind of people she rolls with and with her looks and banging body she’ll be able to get anyone she wants in no time. she groaned as she cursed herself for not hanging out more often or going on dates, a boyfriend might've come in handy right now. Then she understood the reason for her father’s secret rule. she and Claire have been so hung up on the company, always competing with each other that they’ve forgotten what it’s like to actually date. Her last serious relationship was seven years ago in college and Claire's was five years ago. She has to beat Claire to it by all means. It’s time to colour outside the lines. She scanned her head for any guy who might be willing to settle down or someone she might’ve taken an interest in over the last few months, but only one person came to mind.

She turned around to Gina “I need to service my car,” she said as she grabbed one of her car keys and headed out, Leaving Gina as confused as ever.