Asking for a Normal Friend
1005 Words
I am sitting in the middle of my bed fidgeting with my phone bored out of my mind. Thinking about that night at the party, Jennifer seemed like such a down-to-earth person. Honestly, I kind of wished she was here with me. As that thought went through my mind I started to come up with a plan. I know we should not socialize with anyone outside of the family unless my father gives the OK. What can I do to get my father to OK Jennifer? I understand why outsiders are not allowed. There is a lot we will be putting online. For example, they may see someone getting beaten, tortured or possibly killed. They will know the names of associates. A lot at risk, but I think Jennifer could be trustworthy. I know she had to sign an agreement before she was hired. So possibly there is already a little trust with my father. Not a lot of trust, just a small amount, but its better than nothing. So I grabbed my phone and started to text.
"Father, I am sorry to bother you. I was wondering, you said I need to find my way with my own businesses. I talked to the caterer that was here at my party and I was thinking since she had signed the agreement and I know you ran her background along with her family. I was thinking of starting a catering service but I would like to pick her brain a little before I get too involved and decide it may not be for me."
I sat my phone down patiently waiting, hoping he would give permission for me to talk to her. Suddenly, a bing was heard from my phone, it felt like the loudest notification bing I ever heard. I guess it was a fear he would say no.
" I am very proud of you, Maria. You are already taking the steps needed. Yes my child, you can pick her brain. But remember she is an outsider, so no information you need to tell. If you meet her in a public place, I want you to have Alexander with you at all times. But as no one is at the house, she can go there. But the office and the other rooms are off limits."
" Thank you father. Who do I need to contact to find her information?"
" Mr. Thompkins handles all affairs."
With that I had a burst of excitement. I hope she remembers me and wants to hang out. I went to the kitchen and I saw Mr. Thompkins getting my grilled cheese, I asked for ready on a tray. Mr. Thompkins is in his early 60s. He has served us as a butler for as long as I can remember. His family has served the Valentines for many generations, just like Ms. Bonnie and the others.
"Mr. Thompkins, my father said you have the contact information for Jennifer, the caterer at my party?"
" Yes Ms. Maria, I will get it right away." he says, walking to the dining room with the tray and placing the grilled cheese on the table before he walks down the hallway. A few minutes later, he walks back into the dining room with a filing folder and places it beside my tray on the table.
" Anything else, ma'am?"
" No, that is it. Thank you Mr. Thompkins."
He bows his head slightly and walks back to the kitchen. I opened the folder and it had her picture, all her information, a background check. Her parents' information and their background checks. I didnt realize that the folder would have this much information about her and her family. I felt like I was invading her privacy, so I just scanned for her phone number. I wonder what Justin's file said. If he had a rough life like he was saying, why would my father allow him to come? One thing is, family and friends could not be in trouble with the police or have a record, so the police can not turn them into cooperating witnesses holding something above their heads. I am dazed trying to figure it out, but deep down inside I honestly didn't want to know. I grab my phone off the table and started to dial Jennifer's number.
"Hello?"
" Jennifer, this is Maria you catered at my party about a week ago."
" Oh yes, I remember you. Hey, how are you doing?"
" I am doing OK. I was wondering, since you are in the catering business, if I could pick your brain about catering? I just noticed you were pretty down to earth and thought we could hang out a little."
"That sounds great. Do you want to meet somewhere?"
" If you want, you can come to my house or I can meet you whichever you prefer."
" I can come to your house. I would love to see it without all the people there."
" Sounds good. Hey, if you want, we have a pool too. Maybe we can talk about it and relax and just chat."
" Oh that sounds amazing, it is so hot today. Definitely I can be there in about a hour."
" Sounds good. Do you need my address again?"
" Nope, I believe I still have it saved on my gps."
" OK, I will let the guard know to be expecting you."
" Ok bye."
I hung up thinking maybe this could be just a business talk or maybe we can start a friendship out of this. She was really cool at the party, not like the other girls, and she didn't try to be my best friend because of my family. She seemed as if she was a real person, not fake like the others. I get up and go to the intercom on the wall and ring the security shack by the gates.
" Alexander. When Jennifer gets here, let her in."
" Yes Ms. Maria."
- Writer
