The Freshman (College Years 1)

“Oakland,” I answer after I swallow, reaching for my mimosa and taking a sip. It’s more champs than orange juice, and the alcohol tickles my nose.

His right brow shoots up. “Why the fuck were you in Oakland?”

Lauri reaches out, settling her hand on his arm. “Brian. Please. Someone might hear you.”

He breathes heavy, his nostrils flaring. I continue eating my omelet, though inside I’m quivering. I didn’t think he’d be so angry.

“Do you know what time you got home last night?” he asks, his voice tight.

I set my fork on the edge of my plate and meet his gaze. “Yes, Daddy.”

“I’m assuming you weren’t alone when you went to Oakland.”

I shake my head, remaining silent.

“You live on your own when you’re at college, but when you’re here, you’re still under my roof, and you must follow my rules. Do you understand me?”

I nod and bow my head, keeping my gaze downcast. This is what he wants. The obedient daughter, taking her punishment by him making a semi-public spectacle in the middle of a restaurant. One of the most elegant restaurants in the entire city. There are business associates of his in here. Men he plays golf with. Women he’s probably slept with. This is his domain, and I’m just lucky enough to be allowed inside.

“Who were you with, Hayden?” This comes from Lauri, and I barely lift my head, glaring at her. This isn’t part of the script, and I don’t like her interfering. In the past when I’ve gotten in trouble like this, if I immediately agree that I was bad, my father doesn’t search for the answers. He forgets all about who I could’ve been with, and what I might’ve been doing.

Is this because he doesn’t want to know? Doesn’t want any sort of vision of what his oldest daughter could be doing when she’s out late at night? That’s my assumption.

Lauri is just flat-out curious. Worse, she’s probably worried I was with her precious Joseph.

When I say nothing, Lauri, the big mouth, continues. “Joseph left soon after you did.”

My instincts were right. I say nothing still. I just let my lips curl into a tiny closed-mouth smile.

Her eyes shoot daggers. Jealousy is not a good look for her. At all.

>

When I glance in my father’s direction, I see that he’s visibly relaxed. The tension is completely gone from his shoulders. He’s probably pleased with the assumption that I was with Joseph in Oakland. Doing God knows what. I hope Lauri envisions the two of us entwined together, naked limbs clinging like vines. She deserves it, for being tempted to cheat on my father.

If he ever catches her with Joseph, there will be hell to pay.

“You’ll come with us to the party this afternoon,” Dad commands, as if I have no choice in the matter.

“I need to get back home. I have school tomorrow. An early class.”

“You stay up all hours of the night on a daily basis,” he counters. “You’re going to that party. You can return back to your apartment later.”

I blink at him, letting my gaze slide in Palmer’s direction. She’s too busy eating, acting like whatever’s happening right now isn’t.

I envy her youth. The expectations are high, but not the same. He just wants her to get good grades, excel at her sport and do what he says, no questions asked. It’s easier when you’re young. When you haven’t tasted freedom yet. Palmer doesn’t know any better.

Though I was nothing like my sister when I was her age. I was rebellious. Defiant. I strained beneath my father’s demands, rather than giving in to them. I never caused a public scandal, but I tended to do what I wanted, despite his protests.

I got in plenty of trouble with him. Phones and laptops and cars taken away. He broke me early on in my senior year, only because I wised up to his game and knew if I did what he asked, and behaved how he wanted, I would be granted freedom.

It’s been two years since I’ve moved out, but my wings are still clipped. I’m only free when I’m not here. The moment I return home—and he demands I do often—I’m caged. Locked away. Reminded of my place, of my duty.

I am a different person when I’m gone, and I prefer that version of myself.

“Am I making myself clear?” he asks, interrupting my thoughts.

I meet his gaze once more. “Yes, Daddy.”