Chasing the Shrew

Last Hurdle

When Chris dropped Amelia back at her house his chauffeur was already there waiting to pick him up. After walking Amelia to the door like a proper gentleman, he walked back to his car and his chauffeur opened the back door for him.

After the door closed hiding his face behind tinted glass, his face froze, cold and hard. His eyes drew to slits and he seethed angrily. The piece of s**t Dustin… it’s time the Rogers realize that they aren’t the only powerhouse in the world.

He picked up his phone and texted to his group chat:

CF: Guys, I need a favor. Need to make some serious trouble with Roger Inc., Is anyone down for some dirty work?

GG: Isn’t that your cousin’s company?

CF: Second cousin…

BG: I got your back. We do some business with them. I can delay shipment.

CF: Thanks, I’ll cover any losses you will incur.

BG: No need, they need me more than I need them. Plus, Dustin is a dirtbag, love to make him sweat a little.

HT: I’ve been sitting on some negative publicity on the company; I can push it through to the anchors tomorrow and have it hit the morning news. A good way to start a Friday. It’ll stew all weekend. Kekekeke

GG: Meh, I got nothing better to do. I guess I can go pick at some of the equipment they sent through and make a fuss about the quality.

CF: I owe you guys…

BG: So why the sudden hit notice? Did a Roger piss you off?

CF: Dustin hurt my future wife and is harassing her. I need to create some work for him to keep him busy while I save my damsel in distress.

GG: You should have started with that. I’ll take the ruckus to their front door.

HT: Tell me when and I’ll send over some cameramen for a live broadcast.

BG: Wow, when are we meeting her? Would love to see the woman who tamed Chris Farley.

CF: I’ll invite you guys to the engagement party.

Chris smirked, this ought to keep the shithead busy for a few days.

***

As the car pulled into the driveway, Chris noticed his butler wringing his old gnarled hands, pacing the porch. Chris got out of the car and walked up to the old man.

“Sir, your parents are here.”

Chris sighed, he had a premonition that his mother failed to convince his father. He knew it was a tall order but his mother probably did most of the work; all he had to do was drive the nail home.

He quickly walked in to face the last hurdle.

***

Henry heard the car outside and listened for the footsteps; strong measured beats, the sound of a determined man. He smiled and then quickly wiped it off his face. It’s no time to smile. The rascal is bringing home trouble, what’s there to be happy about!?

He glanced over to the far side of the room where his beloved wife sat facing away from him drinking tea. Since his explosion earlier at the news of his beloved son marrying the notorious ex-wife of Dustin Roger, his wife had ignored him. She packed a light bag and came over to her son’s house to “live for a while.”

At first, he held his ground refusing to give in… but after a few minutes when he saw that she had left, he got worried and chased over. Since then they have been sitting in the same room but both in their little worlds.

Henry was eager to finish this stupid war so he could go home with his wife.

He muttered under his breath, “Damn Chris! I hope you trip walking on even ground, choke when you drink water, and bang your head whenever you get out of a car!”

As he spoke he heard a tumble and soft swearing outside. Surprised he quickly tried to cancel his little curse. Maybe it was a warning to be careful about what you wish for.

Chris came into the room and sat down rubbing his shin. Henry eyed him haughtily, “What’s with you?”

Chris mumbled, “ No idea, I just tripped a little and bumped into something. Why are you both here?”

Helena stood up and sat next to her son, “I am running away from home. Can I live with you?”

Chris threw a glance at his father who shook his head furiously and smiled, “Sure, Mom. As long as you want.”

Henry glowered at his son and cleared his throat, “So I hear you want to marry Dustin’s ex-wife?”

Chris looked solemnly at his father and nodded.

Henry slammed a fist into the armrest, “Are you insane!? That woman is notorious for being a slut and was so negligent she got a miscarriage!”

Chris glared at his father, “Dad, stop saying bad things about Amelia! You don’t even know her! Also, how can you trust anything those vipers in the Roger family say? They have no credibility! Do you trust them more than Mother and I?”

Henry paused, there was truth in that statement but he still doubled down on his position, “Fine, even if she’s not as bad as they say— she has two children which I assume are Dustin’s… are you going to fight Dustin for custody?”

“I am going to fight so Amelia can keep her children. Dad, you know how brutal Dustin and the damn Roger family could be. If Amelia is taken back, the children will be considered illegitimate and Amelia is going to be kept as a mistress!”

Henry scoffed, “What kind of nonsense…”

“It’s true!!!”, Chris shouted, “I heard Dustin tell Amelia that he would rip the children from her if she didn’t come willingly and even if she came she would only be a kept woman!”

Helena gasped and Henry looked her way. His mouth twitched, “Still, what does that have to do with you? You can help her without marrying her…”

“Dad, I thought you and Mom were one of a kind. Some sort of fantasy romance couple that doesn’t exist in the real world. That was until I saw Amelia. Over the past two years, I have tried to pursue her and now I finally get a chance. I will do anything to be with her and if you don’t want to help me at least don’t get in my way.”

Henry saw the resolve in Chris’ eyes. He groaned; if only the woman Chris fell in love with didn’t come with so many flaws. He looked at his wife again. What would he do if he couldn’t be with his wife? He couldn’t imagine living a day apart from her.

“Fine. I won’t stop you from marrying her. I hope you know what you’re getting yourself into.”

Chris smiled and looked at his mother. She beamed at him and pulled a ring box from her purse, “Take this, my dear, this is the engagement ring passed down to the Farley women. Give it to her with my blessing.”

She stood up and walked out without looking at Henry.

Henry was shocked. Shoving his pride aside he pushed his wheelchair frantically, “Honey!! Honey! Where are you going?!”

Chris watched his father chasing his mother. He sighed; somehow he had a feeling this would be himself and Amelia.