CHAPTER 17

THE STORM

Herald pulled into a gas station where he saw Reighley leaning against the wall of the building. He pulled his vehicle up in front of him and gestured for Reighley to enter. Reighley was nervous, but he knew exactly why. The path that was laid before him was not an easy one to follow. Opening the passenger side door, Reighley sat inside the vehicle.

“I wasn’t expecting you to reach out to me, Master Summers,” Herald stated. Reighley braved himself and looked into Herald's eyes. Seeing his ice-cold aura, sent a chill down his spine.

“I… have something I must do and I need your help,” Reighley said, his voice becoming involuntarily shaky. There was silence. Herald didn’t say a word. “No amount of time can get me used to the chills this guy gives me. Is he like an ex-assassin or something? Well, now that I mention it, that would explain his insane tracking skills,” Reighley thought.

“Your conviction seems to be built upon a poor foundation Master Summers,” Herald claimed. Reighley recognized that Herald was right yet again.

“He’s right… If I can’t even handle his butler, then don’t have a shot at Jim himself. If I am serious about this, then I can’t be scared of him or Jim won’t take me seriously.” He encouraged himself and took a deep breath to calm his nerves.

“Very good. Now, what is it that you want?” Herald asked.

“I must speak with Jim Young,” Reighley said. Herald showed concern from that answer.

“What will you say when you do?” Herald questioned.

“I’m going to tell him to be there for his daughter on her birthday,” Reighley explained. Herald frowned, he was conflicted by this. At first glance, it seemed like a noble cause, but he was almost positive it would backfire on Reighley.

“I do not believe that that is a wise choice. As someone who has worked for the Young family for a long time, I know better than anyone that he does not like being told what to do.” Herald suggested.

“I kind of figured that one out already,” Reighley said sarcastically.

“Then why go through with it?” Herald asked.

“Because not trying anything is even worse,” Reighley said. These words moved Herald’s heart. There were plenty of times he wished he would have advised Jim to spend more time with his daughter, but chose not to, for everyone's best interest.

“Very well. I will get you an audience with Jim Young but on one condition.” Herald said.

“And what’s that?” Reighley asked.

“You promise to make Freya’s birthday a memorable one, regardless of whether or not her father is there,” Herald said.

“Heh. I planned on doing that anyway.” Reighley stated. The two left the gas station and headed toward the Young family’s estate.

Meanwhile, Officer Templeton was in Jim’s office giving his report. When he entered, Jim turned in his chair and clapped several times to Templeton. Behind Jim, on his computer, were monitoring cameras of class 2-B. It was zoomed in on Reighley’s distraught face.

“Well, well, well. Congratulations Templeton. Did you see the look on Reighley’s face? Your suggestion of separating the two went just as you said. Look forward to a promotion in the near future.” Jim praised.

Thank you, sir! Templeton saluted. “Yes!” Templeton pumped his fist. “Finally! After all my hard work it finally paid off. My future as Mr. Young's right-hand man is just within arms reach.

“Now that that punk is no longer classmates with my daughter, Freya should return to normal. Well. You can leave now. I’m a busy man.”

“Of course sir!” Templeton answered and left as told. While walking away he had a flood of emotions rush through him.

“I’m only a few moments away from winning it all. It's so close… and yet... why don't I feel happy about it?” He thought.

("Perhaps we should stop for today…” Elise said.

"No. Not yet... I can do this... besides, I want to make her birthday a memorable one.")

Templeton recalled what he had heard prior. If Reighley was truly just using Freya, it didn't make sense for him to try so hard for her sake. Templeton began to doubt whether or not he was in the right in all of this. Would getting a promotion matter if it meant trampling on the innocent? His entire worldview was shaken to its core. It was so easy for him to despise Reighley because he thought he was a bad person, but no one would trip and fall, over and over again simply for someone else’s happiness. Eventually, Templeton headed towards the exit of the mansion, and standing by the door drinking from a glass of wine was Prismarine. Once she had finished she lowered her glass and glared at Templeton.

“Just so you know, whatever you two are planning is affecting real people. Real lives. That is not something to mess around with.” She said, “Also, Reighley is allowed at the party just so you’re aware.” She said scornfully.

“Understood,” Templeton said as he walked past her and out the door towards his vehicle. As he began driving away he felt guilty. He had seen Reighley’s criminal record and knew exactly what had happened to him during middle school and yet he couldn’t call the boy he had seen today a violent criminal. Unsure what to do, he went home for the day.

Shortly after, Herald and Reighley arrived at Freya’s home. Reighley was in awe to see such a place. It was magnificent beyond anything he had seen before.

“It’s a bit weird to come over to Freya’s house without her being here, especially since it’s to speak with her father. Isn’t that something you normally do when you ask for a marriage blessing?" A sudden thought stumbled into Reighley’s head. “What if he thinks I want to get married to Freya!? I’m not ready for that. I have too many women in my life to take care of right now anyway!?” Reighley began to appear very worried and impulsively started to freak out a bit.

“Master Summers, calm yourself. There is no turning back now.” Herald said. Reighley looked at Herald and nodded, taking a big gulp. He steeled his nerves as the vehicle pulled up to the entrance. The entrance was like a hotel. It had several pillars holding up an awning. With a built-in carport. The surrounding area was filled with hedge trees, neatly snipped, and flowers in full bloom. The mansion was massive. Reighley couldn’t believe that it was all for one family. Finally, both Reighley and Herald exited the vehicle. Reighley looked down at his school uniform and began to wonder if even that was presentable enough for this household. He felt underdressed.

“Follow me,” Herald said. Once inside Reighley could see that the interior was something out of a movie set. He felt like he was in a castle due to how fancy things were. Maids were scattered about, dusting and tidying things that already seemed spotless. In the foyer, the floor had a red carpet that led towards two spiral staircases, and the areas without a rug were clean to the point where you could see your reflection. Leaning on the wall next to the entrance doorway was a woman in a red gown who was drinking Moscato wine. Herald walked over to the mistress and whispered something to her. Suddenly, the mistress spit out her wine, losing what was left of her composure.

“Oh my, so you’re Reighley. Freya sure knows how to pick’em, doesn’t she? I’m Prismarine, but you can call me Mom, or Mother. It’s nice to meet you, young man. I’ve heard all about you!” Prismarine said excitedly.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you,” Reighley said. “Ahh! What should I say? What has Freya told her about? How should I conduct myself in front of someone of this status? Do I shake her hand, or should I kiss it? Never mind that’s stupid. I’ll go with a bow.” Reighley was like a robot in how he conducted his mannerisms but politely bowed.

“Relax, young man. There is no pressure here. Like I said. I’ve only heard good things about you from my daughter.” Prismarine insisted. Reighley attempted to loosen up but it was difficult for him.

“Thank you,” Reighley said.

“You know, you are the first boy my sweet Freya is serious about. She tells me all the time how sweet you are.” Prismarine explained. Reighley could only turn red from embarrassment. Despite talking himself up, nothing could have prepared him for this. He looked towards Herald for help, but the butler ignored his glance.

“Thank you,” Reighley said, again unsure what to say. He was simply as red as could be. Reighley was reminded of advice his mother gave him when looking for a future spouse.

“If you want to know what the girl you like will look like in twenty years, just look at their mother and that’s what they’ll turn into.” He was surprised to see how true that was. Freya’s mom looked exactly like Freya, just more mature. Reighley tried to picture in his head a life ten years down the road of what life would look like if he and Freya were together, but couldn’t. The only image that went through his mind was the look on Freya's face when the two would inevitably call off their deal. It saddened him slightly, but also reminded him why he was here. To let Jim know what was going on.

“I would love to chat, really, but I need to speak with your husband about something important,” Reighley stated. Prismarine’s playful demeanor changed to a sober one. It was as if the comment burnt the alcohol that was in her bloodstream.

“You’re going to ask for my daughter's hand in marriage!?” Prismarine asked.

“No, no, no! I was going to-” Reighley was interrupted.

“So you don't want to marry my daughter!?” Prismarine accused.

“No that-” Reighley tried to explain himself but it was like he was caught in a web of misfortune. He watched as Prismarine let out a smile as if she got all the information she needed from him.

“Good. I expect you to treat her well and take good care of her for the rest of her life.” Prismarine said.

“We aren't getting married!” Reighley covered his face in embarrassment and Herald could only hold back a laugh off in the distance.

“Oh whatever you say son-in-law” Prismarine teased. Reighley immediately understood where Freya got her teasing from and couldn’t help but just accept the consequences of coming here. However, accepting it didn’t make it any less unbearable. “Now in all seriousness. Be very careful what you say to my husband. He is, well… a very serious individual. I’ll be cheering you on from a distance for sure,” she advised.

Reighley lifted his head and nodded. “Thank you for the warning.” Then he followed Herald upstairs. When he reached the top he saw a giant portrait of the Young Family hanging on the wall. Its frame had many grooves and etchings. In the photo was Freya who looked several years younger. She had a big smile on her face when it was taken and standing behind her was Jim who had a fake smile. Reighley had finally seen what Freya’s father had looked like. He was only slightly taller than Prismarine in the photo and had black hair. He appeared to be a mix of Asian and caucasian, with a chin-strap beard. Seeing him beforehand didn’t make any of this process less nerve-wracking. Eventually, the two made their way down an incredibly long hallway and Herald advised Reighley to wait outside of the door.

Jim was working inside his office. He was currently on the phone with an assistant preparing a flight for his next business trip. It was scheduled to last the rest of the work week.

“Yes. That should work just fine.” Jim said. When Herald knocked on the door, Jim finished up his phone call quickly and hung up. “Yes?” Jim asked.

“It's me, Herald, Master Jim,” Herald stated.

“Come in,” Jim said. Herald entered and Jim got straight to the point. “What is it?” he asked with an annoyed tone.

“You have a guest wishing to speak with you,” Herald informed.

“If it’s Templeton, let him know I have nothing more to say to him.” Jim turned away from the door. He assumed it was the officer returning to butter him up for a bigger promotion.

“It’s someone you’ve never met before sir. It’s Reighley Summers. He wishes to speak with you.”

He turned back to Herald giving him his undivided attention. “Bring him in. Now.” Jim snarled as he commanded.

“Yes sir,” Herald said.

Meanwhile, Freya was riding along with Elise. The two had been driving around for quite some time. “Um… Where are we going? We just missed our turn to go home.” Freya asked. Her woman intuition was tingling. She could just tell that something was off as the two had been driving for some time now.

“Oh, did we? My mistake...” Elise lied. She could only stall for so long. The truth was that she was driving in a large circle. Freya was usually on her phone during the rides home so it was easy enough to distract her until now.

“Elise… What is going on?” Freya had a bad feeling.

“I was told to keep you out of the house for some time. That is all I know.” Elise lied again. She was convincing though. These words left Freya feeling awful in the pit of her stomach.

“Take me home, now!” She commanded.

“I’m afraid I cannot do that, Lady Freya,” Elise said. “This is all for your sake.”

“What do you mean!? Is it about my outfit? Did Herald tell you to make sure Jim left before I got home so he couldn’t see me dressed like this?” Freya said frustrated.

“No, it’s-“ Elise couldn’t get a word out.

“I’m sick and tired of people doing stuff for my sake. I can take care of myself! Now take me home.” Elise paused and let out a sigh.

“Alright… Very well, but don’t say I didn’t warn you,” Elise said.

You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.

“I’ll be fine. He can’t hurt me anymore.” Freya claimed. However, Elise knew that wasn’t the truth. Freya wasn’t entirely broken by her father's actions. Elise truly believed there was still hope to salvage things between the two.

Reighley walked into the office and stopped only after a few steps. The pressure in the room was immense. It was beyond anything he had ever felt before. He froze like a deer in headlights when he looked at Jim. There was a grim atmosphere in the room and it all stemmed from the aura that appeared before him. It was blood red. It felt like Reighley had a knife to his throat.

“Is this the type of person you need to be to be on top of the world? Does power make you cutthroat to an almost literal degree?” Reighley asked himself.

“You. Sit down.” Jim ordered.

“That isn’t necessary. I won't be staying for very long.” Reighley answered. He stood in front of Jim’s desk and couldn’t help but think of the dream he had recently that was similar to this situation. The office was almost the same as the one he had dreamt about. The thought of Isebelle and Herald coming out of the corners of the room actually lightened the scenario for him.

“You have some nerves. Do you have any idea the amount of strife you have caused in my household? Don’t think for one second that I don’t know all about your little rampage in middle school. You spent an entire year in a juvenile detention center for what you did.” Jim scorned. It was as if the knife held to his throat was pressing into his skin right out of the gate. “Let me make myself clear. I want you out of my daughter's life, is that understood?”

Reighley calmed himself, taking a quick breath. The thought of Freya being happy gave him courage. “Sir, that’s what I’m here to talk to you about,” Reighley said.

“What?” Jim asked, confused.

“I came here to tell you I planned on ending things with Freya after the birthday party,” Reighley explained. “You’re right. I am the cause of the problems that have been happening as of late, but I’m not the reason Freya has changed. You are.” Reighley claimed.

“Excuse me…” Jim’s face was expressionless.

“Freya just wants to spend a single day with you. Just one and yet you haven’t made any time for her since before I met her. No one should go that long without their father showing they care! I know that better than anyone. You weren’t there to see her face after you separated her and Destiny. Did you even consider that? Ripping her best friend away from her? I bet the thought didn’t even cross your mind, did it?” The accumulation of his nerves over the situation, combined with the desire to protect Freya from going through the same ordeal as his sister, helped push back Jim's oppressive aura.

“This isn't about me! It's about her, and her happiness. It's about her father being there for her on her birthday. I don't want her to go through what my sister does each year, so do your job, but put your family first before you lose everything you hold dear.” Reighley scorned. Every accusation directed at Jim had the conviction of a knife. Stabbing at the hurts that only a neglected child could know. These words came unbidden to his lips as it was his own father that he saw before him.

After his outburst, there was silence in the room. Jim looked at Reighley with daggers for eyes and pointed towards the door.

“Get out,” Jim said. His aura was stagnant. Like a silent wrath was about to unfold.

“Just because you ignored how she felt before, doesn’t mean her feelings have stayed the same. That’s why I am taking myself out of the picture. So there is no one else to blame but yourself. ” Reighley said. “I’ll see you this weekend,” Reighley lifted a hand while walking to the door signaling he was heading out.

Reighley stepped out of the room and Herald was waiting for him with his fingertips placed on his forehead.

“Master Summers, that may have been the least tactful way to have approached that. I think you may have started a war.” Herald said. He looked like he had a headache.

“Yeah, but we have to fight for those we care about, right?” Reighley asked.

“Well, said, but did I hear you correctly? You plan on ending things with Freya?” Herald questioned with concern.

“Yes. I think if I’m out of the picture, Jim will see that some of the problem is his fault.” Reighley confided.

“I see…” Herald realized that being in the picture himself may have been part of the problem. He encouraged Freya’s independence, only lessening her need for a father over the years. He considered Freya as a surrogate granddaughter, and let his personal feelings get in the way of the objective right decision.

“I think this is for the best…” Reighley said.

“It will be awkward at school you know?” Herald said.

“I’m aware,” Reighley said.

“You’ve grown quite a bit over the past month young man.” Herald commended him and turned to lead Reighley back down the hallway to the staircase. On their way out, Prismarine was still at the door waiting with a fresh glass of wine.

“So how did it go?” She asked.

“Not favorably. I wouldn’t be surprised if I was never allowed to step foot in here again.” Reighley answered.

“Reighley sweetheart, you are welcome here anytime you’d like. I don’t care what Jim says." Prismarine encouraged.

“Thanks for having me.” Reighley waved goodbye and he and Herald departed from the manor. By the time Freya had returned home, Jim was en route to the airport. Freya stormed into the house with her punk outfit on and looked around the lobby, paranoid.

“Oh, hi dear,” Prismarine said. At this point, she was sitting on the floor leaning up against the wall. She had mascara running down her face. She was wrapped in a blanket so she stayed warm.

“Mom!” Freya said, rushing towards her side. “What happened? Are you okay?”

“Oh, it’s nothing. Your father just left again. What about you? What’s with your outfit? You could poke someone's eyes out with those things.” Prismarine said while poking the tipped spikes on Freya’s jacket.

“Let's put the wine away,” Freya said, taking her glass and setting it aside.

“Aww is my baby going through a phase,” Prismarine said while pinching Freya’s cheek.

“It’s not a phase Mom...” Freya claimed while picking Prismarine up off of the floor. “I’m rebelling. There’s a difference”

“Oh yeah. Your boyfriend came over today.” Prismarine said. Freya, out of pure shock, dropped Prismarine on the floor.

“He what!?” Freya shouted. “Oh… uh here sorry mom.” Freya picked her mom up one more time. “Elise, can you help me?”

“Of course Lady Freya,” Elise replied.

“Did you know about this?” Freya interrogated.

“Yes,” Elise answered. She had no more reason to lie.

“He was so sweet. He told me he wished for my blessing to marry you!” Prismarine said.

“There is no way… He wouldn’t do that, right? Marriage? I’m too young.” Freya placed both her hands on her cheeks blushing. Elise caught the weight of Prismarine and offered her a shoulder.

“No. Reighley wished to speak with your father.” Elise explained.

“With Jim? But why?” Freya asked.

“He came here to convince him to stay at your party,” Elise said. Freya froze. No one had ever stood up to her father for her before. She had completely given up on him being there for her.

“He did that for me?” Freya asked herself. “Why? I don’t deserve that. He saw a problem and tried to fix it and didn’t care about what would happen to him.” Something stirred in Freya’s heart. She couldn’t believe someone would try to do something she thought was impossible. “He really is a keeper, isn’t he? We must be able to work things out between us right? I don’t want to lose him after the deadline. He must feel the same way. Why else would he try this hard?” Freya was halfway up the staircase when she slapped the cheeks on her face, strengthening her resolve. “Alright. I’ve decided. I’ll try to talk him out of the contract and remove the clock from expiring us.”

Once in her room, Freya walked straight toward her bed and flopped down on it, lying on her stomach. She couldn’t help but miss Reighley from not seeing him the entire day. “Ugh. I miss you.” She said, looking at the photo of Reighley she stored on her phone. “Does that make me clingy?” Freya asked herself.

“Yes, but that is not a bad thing,” Lily answered. She was cleaning Freya’s room off in the corner before Freya had entered.

“Lily! Uh… how much did you hear?” Freya frantically asked.

“Oh my darling Reighley, how I’ve missed you,” Lily said, imitating Freya.

“Hey, don't forget who you work for,” Freya said with a grumpy expression.

“I see how it is.” Lily pretended to scoff.

“I’m kidding. I would be miserable without you around Lily. Who else would do everything I need for me.” Freya explained. Lily didn’t answer. Instead, she became much more serious.

“Freya, I’m sorry. I wanted to apologize for not telling you in advance about Master Jim’s plan.”

“I’m not mad at you. It’s not like you could have said no anyway.” Freya sympathized.

“I know, but still.” Lily frowned.

“Hey, just forget about it. Instead, how about you help me study for the midterms? I’ve been trying to teach class 2-D. Ulysses is in there you know.”

“I… knew that already,” Lily claimed.

“Don’t break his heart, okay? He’s a good guy and is trying his best to impress you.” Freya suggested.

“I wouldn't plan on it,” Lily confirmed.

Once Templeton arrived home, he fixed himself a TV dinner and imagined it was prepared by Ch@mberMade. However, while eating, something didn’t sit right with him. The fact Jim was boasting about Reighley’s face during the event in class 2-B bugged him. Templeton wanted to see for himself the look on Reighley’s face when things went down. He was fairly lazy after a long workday so he kept his laptop he had on the couch. He picked it up and put it on his lap. Once he logged in, Templeton pulled up a video feed of class 2-B. He searched through the footage and quickly found the moment he was looking for. When he viewed the recording he zoomed in on both Freya and Destiny's faces when the event happened. Their faces looked horrified. Like someone had ripped the joy straight out of them.

“Wait… This isn’t right… It… just hurt these girls… We just hurt these girls…” Templeton thought to himself. Templeton then zoomed in on Reighley’s face and realized what he believed was a lie. The distraught on his face wasn’t from being separated from Freya but came from him seeing the girls in pain. “And yet, Jim only cared about what happened to Reighley.” Templeton was troubled. He couldn't let things stand as they were. So he sent himself the footage he had witnessed and logged out of the security feed.

The rest of the week went by and not a single student nor teacher had time to spend together due to a tremendous workload. When midterms finally ended. Lily was called into the teacher’s office for questioning. She knew exactly why she was brought there. It was to see if she had caught Reighley cheating.

“Welcome Lily. Please, have a seat.” Mr. Rugborn gestured towards a chair in the center of the room. Lily sat down and found herself surrounded by a multitude of staff and faculty members. Many seemed to be anticipating Lily’s observations, with a few exceptions of course. Lily specifically noticed both the school’s nurse and math teacher were displeased by the meeting. Behind the teachers was her boss, Jim Young up on a screen. He was watching in silence.

“Ms. Monet. Thank you for coming.” Mr. Rugborn said. “We have some questions for you regarding your assignment. Are you ready to answer?”

“Yes,” Lily replied.

“Well. Let’s start with the first question. Did you notice any unusual behavior from Mr. Summers?”

“No,” Lily said. She was straightforward and honest. She had fulfilled her job and took it very seriously.

“I see. Are you sure?” Rugborn pressed.

“Yes,” Lily answered.

“What about during the tests? Did you perhaps see him with answers written up his sleeve, or with an extra piece of paper that no one else had?” Rugborn interrogated.

“No. He didn’t have anything of the sort.” Lily responded. She looked over towards Jim Young up on the screen and she noticed a dismayed look on his face. She found it unusual as Jim was a stoic individual, who rarely showed signs of worry.

“What about his phone? Did he check his cellular device, before, during, or after the test?” Mr. Rugborn was beginning to show passion behind the questions.

“No,” Lily answered. After this, many of the adults in the room began to chatter with one another about the validity of this test.

“I think she’s hiding something.” Teacher A whispered.

“How do we know she isn’t lying.” Teacher B asked.

“What is up with these guys? It’s like they can’t accept ‘no,’ for an answer.” Lily thought, attempting to hide her look of annoyance.

“Quiet!” Jim said. Immediately everyone hushed to the sound of his commanding voice. “Lily is a reliable source of information and for you to doubt her, is for you to doubt me.”

“Of course, of course, Mr. Young, but let’s be reasonable. The boy is a violent criminal, who just got lucky enough to be picked for this school.”

“That isn’t true!” Kaede exclaimed. “He earned his scores in this school and has maintained them since.”

“It’s true. Reighley hasn’t dropped a single score point from the top spot in any curriculum.” Cynthia announced.

“Oh, come on now. None of us were able to hold perfect scores above the board. It’s simply not possible for someone like him to manage that. So, Ms. Monet, let me ask you a different question. Reighley, hasn’t by chance, threatened to harm you if you spoke out about him, did he? You can be honest with us. You’re in a safe environment. That’s why you can’t tell us right? Reighley said he would do terrible things if you exposed him.” Mr. Rugborn questioned.

“Hey!-” Kaede shouted angrily.

“Mr. Rugborn!-” Cynthia was heavily upset by the claim. However, both Cynthia and Kaede were interrupted.

“No he did not, Mr. Rugborn.” Lily corrected. The teachers were astonished. Everyone began to look around the room, hoping for someone to step in and say something that could prove Lily wrong, but none did.

“Tch! That can’t be right. Ms. Monet, you can’t be serious. Just be honest with us.” Mr. Rugborn uproared.

“I think I’ve heard enough. Mr. Rugborn, the behavior you displayed this evening is beyond childish. That goes for all of you… Miss Clevens, Nurse Kaede, you did well to believe in our students. The boy in question, despite how you all feel about him, is not a cheater. End of discussion. That is all.” Jim said, ending his transmission.

The teachers were left with a bad taste in their mouths as that wasn’t what they had expected. They began to gossip to each other about the truth. Instead of chatting, Cynthia and Kaede walked to Lily.

“Thank you, Ms. Monet. You can go now.” Cynthia bowed.

“No need to thank me. I only did as I was told. If Reighley was cheating, then I would have said he was.”

“But you don’t believe that he would, do you?” Kaede questioned.

“No… I do not.” Lily replied.

“Then thank you for believing in him.” Kaede bowed as well. Lily nodded and walked out of the room with new understanding.

“Geez, Reighley. It must be tough to have everyone against you. Well… not everyone I guess.” Lily thought.

Jim was sitting in a hotel room highly irritated by the meeting that had happened. The conduct of his teachers was highly unprofessional. This bothered him because these were Freya’s teachers. He had hand-selected them himself, and despite his better judgment, he chose poorly. Beyond that, Reighley’s words looped again and again in his head. He kept thinking about all the times he picked up the extra shifts, extended business trips by another week, and pushed himself beyond limits all for his little girl. But one day, he had come home, and Freya wasn’t little anymore. She was a teenager, and he had completely and utterly missed her childhood. Still, he blamed Reighley since he was the reason she was growing up so fast. Jim was on his laptop in the back of a personal taxi and looked through Freya's official social media posts on SocialLight. While scrolling, he found the one that advertised Freya’s upcoming birthday. He looked at what time it started and calculated that he had less time than he thought. He would only be able to stop by for a brief thirty minutes before heading back to work.

“She’ll understand when she’s older,” Jim reassured himself. He continued to scroll through the event page and noticed some of the attractions that would be available to those who attended.

(Sixteen Michelin Star: Gordan Romsly)

(Ballroom Dance: Formal Attire)

(Core Temperatures: Laser Tag)

(Ice Sculpture: Freya-Two)

(The One Hundred Zombie Run!)

The event that caught Jim’s eye was the Zombie Run. It was said to have one hundred paid actors in professional makeup that would chase you down as you went from point A to point B. The winner of the race would get a single dance with Freya Young as she was the prize. This was an eye-opener for Jim.

“This is what she’s spending all my money on? More importantly, what is that prize!? No one is allowed to dance with my daughter. Period.” The thought of Reighley slow dancing with Freya ignited a burning fire inside Jim’s soul. “He mustn't make it to the end. How do I make sure that doesn’t happen?” Jim asked himself. He looked back at the details and had an idea come to mind. “One hundred paid actors, huh?” Jim pulled out his cell phone and made a quick phone call.

(“Hello, this is One Hundred Armed Security. How may I help you?”)

(“This is Jim. I have a request to make to my security team.”)

After the phone call, Jim noticed he had an email in his inbox that he had yet to open. A brief glance at the sender reminded him why he didn’t bother to open it.

(From: Templeton.)

(Subject: Video Attachment.)

“That’s odd… I thought this would be about his promotion.” Jim thought. He clicked on the attachment and a video pulled up on his screen. It was footage of Freya. He watched as his daughter became mortified by what was said to her and the camera tracked Freya as she screamed and exited the room. After, it showed Destiny and her reaction. The girl was almost in tears by the end. It was hard to watch. Jim remembered what Reighley had told him.

(“You weren’t there to see her face after you separated her and Destiny. Did you even consider that?”)

“Tch!” Jim scoffed while closing his laptop.