Our Company

As I’m driving through the streets of New York City, realization suddenly hits, I’m finally home. I try to brush off the uneasy feeling building in the pit of my stomach, and convince myself that things will be different this time. I’m different. Driving through this city in a uhaul truck really sucks, but boy did I miss its grand beauty. I could of had someone drive the truck for me, but sometimes a gal’s got to take the bull by the horn and ride the life train by herself. Okay weird analogy. I just wanted to take my time getting here. I was in no rush. Up until now, life’s been a non-stop ride. A ride that I have ridden to my fullest potential. I wanted to get all my traveling, adventures and hobbies out of the way before I moved back. I knew once I was home, my life would be too busy to enjoy such fantasies. I just graduated from college several days ago. I had one week off until I started work. I had so much to do in the mean time this week. I didn’t want to begin thinking about it. Dad was lucky he was retiring. At least he gets to live the rest of his life doing whatever the Hell he wants. My life was just now beginning. I wouldn’t see retirement for quite a while. Nope, I was stuck here. Dad left me the company, to co own with his former partners son, my Co CEO, Caleb Fyre. I havent met the guy yet. I hope he was cool though. I’d hate to hate him. Regardless, him and I would be stuck together forever. Fyre & Abbington Enterprises was ours and whether we got along or not, we were now partners for life. I’m just now pulling into the driveway of my old home. It’s located just outside the city. I put the truck in park and stepped out. I stretched my arms high above, and then made my way around truck. I stopped to gaze up and take in the manor. The manor looked bigger than I remembered and creepier... I was suddenly overcome with instant chills, and the memories of a haunting past I worked so hard to suppress and forget. I shuddered. I took a deep breath and shook my head. I forced my mind clear of the thoughts. It’s all in the past... I reminded myself a few times. I focused on the manor. The grey brick walls appeared darker, and the ivy that once grew evenly along the wall, was now overgrown. Either dad fired the groundskeeper or he gave up on appearances. I would have given up too, if I’d lost the love of my life. I would have given up on a lot. A sudden eerie sound of creaking ahead of me, caught my attention. Someone was opening the door. “Miss Claire! You’re home! Oh it’s so good to see you!” Louise... My smile grew, as I held out my arms, ready to embrace my dear sweet old friend. She is our head housekeeper and basically a part of the family. I’ve known her all my life. “Hello Mrs. Louise. It’s so great to see you.” Louise gave me a strong hug. “Oh honey, I’ve missed you so much. It’s so great to have you home at last,” she said, with with so much love. “I’ve missed you too. Yeah it’s been a while. Is my dad home?” Louise’s hands went straight to her hips, as she popped her hip and gave me a sassy smile. “A while? Honey, it’s been 8 years! You’ve kept yourself away for so long and no, your father is away on business,” she stated. I nodded. He was always out of town. Go figure. “You saw me two years ago at the funeral. Plus, you out of everyone, knew how much I needed to get away, yet here I am, back where it all started,” I said. Louise gave my arm a rub, out of sympathy. I didn’t mean to, but I flinch out of habit. It was a kind gesture of hers, but not needed. I still didn’t like people touching me. Not even family. Unless I initiated the contact. It was a trust issue, I don’t think I could ever get over. You’d think after so many years, I’d have gotten better, but nope. I was just incapable of physical contact, and there was no one who could change that. No one at all. “I wouldnt count, seeing you two years ago, as seeing you. You weren’t exactly there, if you know what I mean. But you are back now, and you got your whole future ahead of you. Speaking of future, congratulations on your college commencement and taking over your fathers company,” Louise ended on a happy note. “Thank you Louise, but it’s not my company. Not until I cross the t’s and dot the I’s,” I stated. “Oh hush. It’s your company. I can’t believe you’re standing in front of me! You’ve grown into such a beautiful woman. Last I saw you, you were a tiny thing! Fourteen if I remember. Now look at you!” I started smiling. “You’ve filled out so well! Look at those hips! And those curves and that long beautiful blonde hair. Honey, you’ve got your momma’s body.” “And her breast,” I added. “You always wondered, when you’d grow into them. I can imagine having so many young men drooling at your feet,” Louise said. “Well they can keep drooling for all I care. Men are pigs.” “Not all of them are, honey. One day, you’ll find a good one. You have no idea how many handsome men I come by, on the subway. If only I was as young as you dear, I’d have my way with them all.” Whoa Louise. “Mrs. Louise! What would your husband say about that?” “Who Robert? That man knows how loyal I am. He could careless what I say. Tell me, is there anyone special in your life honey? Maybe a cute boy or girl?” she asked, attempting to dig. “Nope. Just me and I’m absolutely fine with that,” I added. “The fact that you had to clarify that bit of info, makes me think otherwise,” she pointed out. “Seriously. I’m fine. I don’t need anyone. Especially now that I’m about to takeover the company. What spare time I have, will be stripped, once I sign my name away.” The real truth was that, I secretly wanted someone special in my life, but I could never get close enough to anyone to have it. I could never get too emotionally, or physically involved. Stupid trust issues... “That’s not true. Your father made plenty of time for your mother.” “Not enough. Otherwise she’d still be here,” I stated. That pissed her off. “Claire Elizabeth Abbington. Your father loved your mother more than life itself. He would have sacrificed his life in order to save her. You have no idea what he’s been through, what he’s still going through, till this very day. He still morns her every single second she’s been gone. Despite everything, he really did love her. I believe that.” “I’m sorry Louise. I just really miss her,” I admitted. “We all do honey. This place hasn’t been the same without her. It lost it’s warmth and positivity the day she left.” “She didn’t leave. She was taken,” I corrected. “I know, and now she’s with the angels.” “She always said that I was her little angel. I guess she changed her mind, the day when I tried to become one.” I felt the sting of Louis’s palm, before I realized she had even slapped me. My hand went to touch my sensitive skin. I guess I deserved that. “This may be your home Claire, but you will not bring that nonsense here. Remember girl, I helped raise you. I was practically a second mother to you, and I did not raise you to be weak. You have never been a selfish girl, but that day you attempted to join your mother, was the most selfish act you could ever do. Did you ever think about what that would have done to your father? He already lost his wife. What do you think would have happened to him, if he had lost his only child? Hmm?” Louise was pissed. She had every right to be. She loved me like her own daughter, and I did something no mother would ever want to go through. I was so stupid... “I’m sorry Louise, but I don’t want to discuss this any further. Please have the men bring my stuff inside, and return the uhaul. I’ll be in one of the guest bedrooms while I’m here. I’d like not to be disturbed.” She nodded her head. “Yes Misses Claire. I’ll see to it.” I began walking away, and turned to face Louise. “I know I would have hurt you too Louise, and for that, I am truly sorry.” I turned back around, and made my way into my home. I stopped once I was inside, and glanced around. It was dark. The place felt so empty, so cold. Louise was right, the warmth that once engulfed this place was gone, and in its absence, was a dark, cold void. My mother was gone, and she took every ounce of light with her. Louise came and stood at my side. “You know, when you were a child, you would always run around these halls with such energetic enthusiasm. I remember chasing you, until I could no longer breathe. I miss the laughter that echoed throughout the manor. It was such a sweet noise.” “Don’t expect me to run around these halls. I’m no longer a child,” I mentioned. “I know dear. Despite you growing, I do believe your presence here, will bring about the missing warmth and positivity it once held.” “I’m not my mother Louise and I don’t plan to stay here long.” Louise turned to face me. “Claire. You’re her in so many ways. Your mother was such a kind, caring, and beautiful woman. She was strong, and full of so much love. You have those same traits Claire, and most importantly, you have her eyes. The very same emerald green eyes she was blessed with. Staring into yours, its as if I am looking into the past, and seeing into hers. You’re just like her. Splitting image and I completely understand you not wanting to stay here. I wouldn’t want to either.” “Thanks Louise, but I’m really exhausted. I’m going to retire now. I’ll see you later, okay?” I was done discussing my mother. I was done discussing everything. “Okay dear.” I made my way up the staircase, and into the first guest room, avoiding my old bedroom like the plague. I promised myself, I’d never step foot in there again, and that was a promise I intended on never breaking. Too many haunting memories... I shut the door behind me, and leaned back against it. Being back in my childhood home after eight years felt so different without my mother. A part of me expected her to knock on the door behind me, and peak her head in, and smile. A smile formed on my face just imagining her doing so. I glanced around the room, and instantly got the cold chills. My mom was gone. I was never going to see her bright smile again. I was never going to feel her warmth, and love. All that was left of her, was the ghost of my memories of her, and these dark, haunting halls that I never wanted to step foot in again. I crossed my arms to warm myself, and then crawled up on the bed. I pulled the sheets down, and cozied under the blankets. I laid back and tried to relax as my eyes, as I gazed up at the mural above me. “f*****g angels, really?” I turned to lay on my side, and pulled a pillow, and held it tight against my chest. I swear to God if one more person mentioned my mother, I was going to punch them in the face. I woke up that next morning, not caring what time it was. Now that I was done with school, I was free to sleep in as late as I wanted. I had a week until I started work, so until then, I was on my own time, and you better believe, I was going to take advantage of it. I sat up and noticed the rolling stand, and tray at the foot of my bed. Louise must have snuck in my breakfast. I stepped out of bed and went to peek under the tray. “Please be waffles.” To my surprise, it was. I munched down on my favorite vanilla, cinnamon waffles, that I had missed so much. After I ate, I was ready to start my day. I took a shower and got dressed, and dabbed on a light touch of makeup. My sun kissed skin was looking pretty darn good from the time I spent volunteering in Africa over spring break. I barely needed makeup, but I still did some touching up. I needed to look presentable for my meeting later today, but also wanted to keep it light and casual. I opted for a cute white and navy blue mini sundress, and white heels. I needed to stop by the office to sign my life away. My dad wanted to introduce me to my Co. CEO Caleb too. Unlike me, Caleb’s been working at the company for the past five years, beside my father and his. Caleb was going to be the one to bring me up to date with the business, while our fathers abandoned ship. They apparently could not wait for retirement. Tonight was their farewell party, and mine and Caleb’s good luck, I mean congratulations celebration. Today was going to be one Hell of a busy day. I left in one of my dads Maserati’s. The man had two and a garage full of a ton of other fancy schmancy vehicles, that I bet he never drove. I swear, one of his cars could feed, and house a whole village in Africa. Maybe even more. I made my way into the city. I could see our building up ahead. For some reason, I instantly became nervous, as my stomach dropped, and swirled with butterflies. I attempted to shake it off. Got to remain cool, and calm. I could do this, as I took a few deep breaths. I found parking along the street, and stepped out. I followed the sidewalk, and made my way towards our building. I was apparently so distracted, staring up at the building, that I wasn’t paying attention. Someone collided into me. The hard impact caused me to fall to the ground abruptly. “Son of a b***h!” I yelled out. I looked down at my knee, as I sat on the ground. It was bleeding, and it stung like a mother fucker. “I’m so sorry mam!” said a worried young man before me. He actually looked about my age. Maybe he was an intern. In any other scenario, I’d be interning after college too, but lucky me, I had the privilege to go straight to the top. If he worked for me, he was fired. Kidding, but also not kidding. God my knee really hurt. I turned towards my side, just as a door opened along the sidewalk, beside me. I saw a pair of men’s black shiny dress shoes step out. My eyes followed up his long navy blue tailored pants, passed his, um. Is that bulge his d**k? I quickly gazed over his male anatomy, and up towards the long arms of his matching jacket suit. His broad chest barely hid behind his fitting white shirt. I could just imagine the muscles behind it. My eyes then made its way up to meet his. I couldn’t breathe. This man was so f*****g breathtaking.