Another Chance In Progress

10 Eric Bastien

My job search was draining me from all of my energy. I was so desperate now that I would take whatever chance I could to earn some money, but with my résumé people would either promise to call me or tell me I was far too good for what they were looking for. Can you believe that? Far too good?

Ever since our firm closed, I was struggling with my finances and couldn't find something so simple as a job. But could I bury myself in my problems? Of course not, my sister comes into the kitchen, sour as always.

It's hard to believe that we're actually related, since we're so different. I'm an introvert, avoid confrontations like the plague and long for something other than what my life it's now. She's the complete opposite. She's constantly angry and makes sure everyone suffers with that, has the ego of a spoiled diva, even without a dime in her pockets.

Since her relationship ended, she came back to our house and our peace went downhill with her arrival. The only good thing she brought with her was my nephew. He's smart and sweet, nothing like his mother. Must've got that from the father. That guy first looked like a good for nothing brat, but turned out to be a hell of a man. Better than she ever deserved. Unfortunately, for him, they had a kid together and he learned that the woman beside him was nothing but a useless and mean b***h.

I don't avert my eyes from my computer as she approaches me and she doesn't even bother about greetings.

- Eric, I'm having dinner with Mr. Alfred tonight, you will join us.

Notice that she wasn't asking me, she was demanding, like if I had nothing else to do. I didn't have plans for the night but that didn't mean I would want to spend my night planing someone's neck on a platter. She was smart though. My presence meant she wouldn't pay for his services, since Mr. Alfred Cunningham was our family's lawyer. And the other fact that made me want to join this meeting was to know what she was planning. This girl can be a pain in the ass and it's always good to know what aces she's got up her sleeve, just in case.

- Where? - was my only question, since I didn't want to miss this.

- We're going to Allies, 8 pm. Will you drive me?

- No. - I answer and get up to go to my room, leaving her there looking at my back and probably thinking about a way to kill me without being caught.

Mom and dad were always too soft on her and were now paying for their mistakes. We love the kid, but we all agree that she should be the one taking care of him, like a real mother would. She cares little about him. Everything involving Ryan it's taken cared of by my parents and I, unless it involves Chad. If it does, she wants to deal with it.

After showering and getting ready, I leave to go to the place at 7.30 pm. When I get there, Mr. Cunningham it's already waiting for us and I greet him.

- Mr Cunningham, good evening. - I shake his hand.

- Good evening, Mr Bastien. - He returns my handshake.

- Do you have any idea of what this meeting is about?

- Your sister told me a few things, but I'm not quit sure myself. - he looks at me sympathetically. - She didn't ride with you?

- I made sure that wouldn't happen. Drama has never been something I deal good with. - we both giggle lowly.

Right now, I realise this has to do with Chad. It has to. She insists on making his life miserable, always has. And the worst part? He is walking through the door right now, with a gorgeous woman behind him.

One could say he decided to finally set free and go back to his old ways but, looking at this one lady, I knew this wasn't just a fling. She's gracious and something about her transpires confidence, sensuality and... Tranquility. Like the ocean. Maybe he found someone to help him get rid of Lilly. I sure hope so.

I follow them and see where they seat.

Me and Mr Cunningham get carried away in conversation and, when my sister finally decides to show up, she's 20 minutes late. She walks through the door like she owns the place, dressed in a very tight and short orange dress. Lilly it's truly beautiful, with her bronzed skin, thin body and dyed blonde hair, but her brain doesn't work out correctly, I guess.

She misses Chad and his partner, which it's good, otherwise the night would go very wrong.

- Good evening, gentleman! I'm so sorry for being late! - she says smiling - Maybe I could make it on time if my dear brother would've brought to along. - She then looks at me provocatively.

- No, we would just both be late, dear sister.

When she sits, Mr Cunningham tries to hurry the subject.

- Miss Bastien, what do you need me for?

She smiles weakly at him, knowing that my presence it's both a good and a bad thing because I will not accept to be a part of a scheme.

- I was physically assaulted last night. -The both of us, Mr Cunningham and I, look at eachother to try to figure out where this is going. - I don't know who she is, I don't know her at all, but I know she was with my ex boyfriend, Chad. - And there it goes. Chad.

- And what, exactly, happened, Miss Bastien?

- She came at me, I don't know why! She was with him, Chad, and just attacked me! - she said.

- Can you relate the accident, please? - the lawyer asks her.

- I just did. I want to press charges.

- Miss Bastien, I need the whole accident, the place and time, those details.

- You don't need that, I want you to press charges! - Right now she was raising her voice and Mr Cunningham was a little taken aback.

I felt like I had to do something, because this was getting out of hand.

- Lilly, to press charges you need the full story, will you calm down? - I try to sound calm, so that she doesn't take it like a challenge.

- Mr Cunningham, I want you to press charges or I'll find someone else who'll do it for me. - This time, she almost whispered, but her eyes were threatening. Mr Cunningham was now, officially intimidated by a brat.

I had enough of this s**t, this has got to stop.

- Look at me, little b***h. - she eyes me surprised. - I will not stand by and watch you treat everyone like a punchbad. You want to fight? Grow up, find a job and pay for you useless querrels. This was the last time you dragged me or Mr Cunningham to your stupid, dirty problems!

I don't even know when did I get up and started to earn eyes on me, but when I finished she got up and ran out the door.

The lawyer was shocked with my attitude, but probably because he wasn't expecting me to have this kind of outburst in public. I couldn't even feel guilty, I felt relieved. It was about time someone would tell her one or two things.

- Mr Cunningham, will you join me in some other table?

He just nodded. I make my way towards Chad and the red head.