Beneath the surface:The betrayal

Chapter one  When I was in high school I was rebellious, particularly toward my parents intentionally. I had overheard their argument with their previous secretary's son about how they are chasing out the locals and collecting their land to build secret warehouses. The people were not having it as the Reeds family had moved to Goldenlawn a few centuries ago but had exchanged the hospitality of the town for hostility bringing joy initially to the people during development times and now pain and sorrows as they leech off the people in taxes, pollution, oppression or what have you. It was sad  Everyone was talking about it A few unions had already started to lead a protest. Things got heated up in the 5th year of the golden lawns hero memorial which had begun 20 years ago A group of bandits broke into the memorial hall and destroyed it leading to the death of 7 Reeds and 7 locals which James' parents were involved in. I received a call from home to meet up with my dads last moment. He was the last person I wanted to catch a glimpse of at his deathbed. I hated him so much, The man was nothing of a father. I tried to let him know of the people's cry if I were to head the company in a few years. I should start listening to them. While running for student president I promised my schoolmates that I would personally take their complaints to my dad and they will be heard. He heard about it and encouraged my vision only to sabotage me in the end by getting my best friend's family farm as a gift. I was deemed a traitor, a puppet, and a liar. some said I used the election that person fain to boost my social life to the detriment of people's pleas. My teachers and college lost faith in me as their one true hero who would at least see them out of the injustice my family was dishing out every day My social life dipped immediately  No one could trust me but guess what it was what he wanted. He claims it would make me stronger and more independent in mind. Of course, it did My whole world crumbled don't get me wrong I wasn't bullied or anything  I was isolated and a shadow of myself  When I was done with high school I quickly applied for a scholarship to take me far away It hurts because even if she hated me. I was losing sight of my best friend Larry. I gave her that nickname.  We have been best buds since our diaper age. I decided to steal a last glimpse of her at her uncle's house where she now lives all because of my family. This realization made me want to turn back but she had caught me already. Hey Larry I barely uttered What do you want Jay? That's the first time you said my name in years I managed to carve out a smile on my face but she just stared right at me like she was looking for my soul. I'm living for California tonight I said but she said nothing we both stared at each other for and 10seconds felt like an eternity of awkwardness. I mustered the courage to take my leave since there is nothing here to discuss. She hates me I thought to mylf. Seriously,James? That's it  You didn't speak to me in two years and now you are moving? I could hear the pain, anger, and sadness in Larry’s voice. I turned again to reply here but her eyes were all teary I couldn't help but let mine flow also. I couldn't look you in the eye after what my dad did to you I knew how much that land meant to you and your family Larry I'm truly sorry  For apologizing for being late and not being able to do anything about it Larry and I walked toward her as she cupped her pretty-looking face in my hands. I got lost in those beautiful big hazel eyes. I'm sorry buddy. Suddenly it was as if the world stopped. my heart kept beating faster. I already knew I had feelings for Valerie Fountain but tonight just confirmed it and I was positive she did too. I slowly lean forward to kiss her lightly on the lips but she didn't mind but rather returned it. Suddenly she pushed me away asking me to leave the next morning and not tonight more like pleading. I heard a howl very loud and close. she promised to explain later but asked to go because it was too dangerous. Larry, you are not making any sense before I could say anything else I heard rustling in the scrubs nearby. Larry? What is going on? There are some things you shouldn't know of Goodbye Jay she said as she placed her palm on my heart and looked at me but differently and then her hazel eyes turned blue and when I woke up I was on a plane to California but being able to remember anything but at last the reign of a tyrant has come to an end I said as I step my foot at Goldenlawn airport after eight years. I was ambushed by reporters and paparazzi. I headed to the room where he laid  He looked pitiful  He knew I hated him  But he forcefully grab me and placed a key in my hand Coughed out blood profusely and before the nurses or doctor could get there,  He smiled and gave up the ghost  What the f**k was that I shrugged. The doctors pushed me to a corner of the intensive care unit and were trying to perform CPR But I guessed it was too late. They pronounce the time of the death and I left. On my way out, in the passage leading to the wards, I felt a grab at the end of the sleeve of my suit. I  turned to see what that was but it was one of the doctors who rushed in earlier. She somewhat looked familiar but I couldn't just remember how or where I knew her. James? She let out a shaking voice Yes, Miss? I said as my eyes tried to look for her name tag on her coat “Fountain”? I thought it myself  Oh my world! It was Deborah, Valerie elder sister She had become a doctor. Debs, I yelled as I opened up for a big hug. I was so glad she agreed despite how things were when I left. Not the nicest situation but I'm sorry about your dad My deepest condolences Mr Reed  she said sadly as she slowly bowed her head Thank you Miss Fountain but I don't think Golden would agree with you. She looked up at me confused. It's okay Debs.I smirked. We'll catch up some other time.