“What’s going on?” I asked as he sighed.
“They’ve been fighting a lot. Dad’s been extra aggressive going after businesses and Mom found out that it’s affecting her friends. It’s just causing some friction.” He told me as I shook my hand.
“He’s already fucking rich. Why does he work harder to get more money?” I asked as I looked back towards the kitchen.
“That’s Dad,” he offered simply with a sad look in his eyes. We returned to the living room and chatted with Grady and Boyce until the women came back into the room. They brought us dessert, and we enjoyed that as I stared at Mom. She kept the conversation going and seemed cheerful, but I could see something dark in her eyes.
When everyone headed home or to their beds, I stopped Mom.
“Are you okay?” I asked her as she smiled weakly at me.
“I’m fine, Sterling.” Mom told me as she yawned.
“Are you sure?” I asked, pulling her into my arms for a hug.
“Just tired.” She replied holding me tight. I knew there was more to it, but I let her walk away and go to bed by herself. Dad was still in his office. He was always in his fucking office if he wasn’t on the phone. I headed up to my room and dropped on my bed, grabbing my phone from the charger. There were some messages from a few friends as well as some hookups. I ignored all of them when I saw Rosie’s name, opening her text.
R: I got into a fight with Dad. He keeps pushing Rich on me, working for the business. I hate him, Sting. I really hate him.
S: Are you still awake?
R: Yes. I can’t sleep.
I thought for a moment before I pulled my shoes on.
S: I’m leaving my house now. Can you sneak out?
R: Yes.
I slipped my phone into my pocket and stepped out into the hallway. The house sounded quiet, and I walked quietly down the stairs. I knew that Dad might be up and looked that way as I edged towards the front door. I was glad that we didn’t have an alarm as I stepped outside and ran down the driveway. It was cool and dark out as I jogged down the street towards her house, I paused at the edge of the driveway, looking closely at the house before a small figure walked my way. Rosie was dressed in leggings and a loose sweater with her hair up in a messy bun.
I pulled her into my arms and held her tight.
“What’s going on?” I asked as she sucked in her breath.
“He’s just being a jerk. I told him I want to write for a living and he said that I’m on my own if that’s the choice that I make. He’s in such a terrible mood and I don’t know why.” There was a tremble in her voice as I stroked her back before leading her down the street away from the houses.
“It must be contagious. Shit is weird at my house too.” I offered as she looked at me. I held her hand as we walked to the small park down the street, watching as she sat in a swing. Rosie was beautiful even when she was stressed, and I watched as she stared up at the sky.
“Remember when we used to play here as kids?” Rosie asked softly as I laughed at the memory.
“I do. Those were good times, running down the street in a group screaming at the top of our lungs. I think everyone probably hated me.” Rosie laughed with me as gave her a small push. She held on tight and I pushed her again. We talked about the old days in soft tones for a while before she stopped the swing with her foot.
“I miss that.” I watched as she stood and walked over to the picnic tables.
“I do, too. Things were so much easier in some ways and hard in others.” I mused as she turned to face me. “Violet is moving back to Texas after she graduates, and I can’t afford an apartment on my own. I’ll be looking for a job same as any other student. That means I’ll have to live at home with them where he’s going to put my idea down every day. How is that fair?” Rosie stepped forward to nudge my chest with her head, sighing softly
I hadn’t decided at a school for the same reason. Dad entertained me getting a bachelor’s degree because he was expecting me to go into the business once I worked college out of my system. I kept pushing for law school and wanted it more than ever, but it was risky with my family threatening to pull my money. Even though Rosie and I didn’t love our parents, they did have us by the balls. I pulled her into my arms, stroking her back gently as she cried softly. I hated seeing Rosie cry. I longed to have my own funds to take care of us both, but the trust fund wasn’t available until I was thirty. I suspected that my dad had something to do with that. Gram never would have made that limitation, knowing that I had dreams.