Chapter 30: Chapter Thirty

Life is full of choices. Right or left? Love or hate? It’s like playing a game but without the rules. Rules used in a game don’t apply in the real world. So, is it the right or left? Love or hate? Chad Montgomery, or a tub of strawberry ice cream?

Hushed words were exchanged between them. I remained quiet in my seat, watching my mom across me stir the silver teaspoon around her cup of coffee. The investigator occupied the seat in front of Dad’s desk, papers scrawled on top of the table as they discussed the possible suspects. Harvey was tucked in bed a few hours ago.

It had been like this ever since Dad encountered the same people who harassed us. Two days had passed, and yet there was still no progress on finding out who they are. However, Dad remained vigilant. This only made Mom worried, always by Dad’s side. Tonight, I joined her, despite having a long day’s work, knowing how she wanted company.

“Seriously, they should stop,” Mom mumbled under her breath. “It’s almost midnight and I’m sure your father is tired.” At her words, I turned my head to stare at Dad. True enough, his shoulders were slumped: a sign of exhaustion.

“Why don’t you tell him to retire early?” I suggested softly. “I’m sure Dad will understand. He seems beat.”

Mom shook her head and took a sip of her hot beverage. “Your father won’t listen. It’s just the same as when I tried to convince him that the Montgomerys mean no harm.”

Immediately, my thoughts went to Chad. What is he doing right now? Based on the time, he must be asleep. Good for him.

“What about you, dear?”

“Huh?”

Mom gestured to the grandfather clock ticking softly by the side. “It’s obviously late and didn’t you say you’ll be busy tomorrow? I suggest you go and rest now.” Just as I was about to protest, Mom set her cup down on the coffee table, stood from her seat, and pulled me up. Soft protests left my lips as she continued pushing me to the door.

“But, Mom—”

She hushed me before opening the wooden door, gently pushing me out. “It’s all right. If you have a date with Chad tomorrow, I’ll keep it a secret from your father,” she mumbled. Wait- what? I stood there in shock, even after she smiled and closed the door.

Did she just…? I scratched my head in bewilderment before chuckling to myself. Seriously… Does she think I’ll be on a date with Chad tomorrow? Who told her that?! Heaving a sigh, I made my way back to the comfort of my bedroom. Down the dimly lit and quiet hall, I couldn’t help but let out a sleepy yawn, reminding me of my own exhaustion after today’s work.

The scent of vanilla hit my nostrils once I stepped into my room. At last! I grinned wearily and closed the door behind me. My feet left my fuzzy slippers on the floor, and my body flopped down on the bed. I languidly removed my silk robe and tossed it somewhere in the room. Taking my pillow, I hugged it to my chest and waited for sleep to come.

However, it didn’t—much to my annoyance.

Groaning, I rolled over and wrapped both my legs around the pillow. It must be the position—I can’t find a comfortable one. A few minutes passed, and even after shifting a few more times I couldn’t sleep. Exasperated by this fact, I turned to face the ceiling with a small frown. What’s wrong, Rachel? You’re tired, yet you can’t sleep. What’s keeping you awake?

“If you have a date with Chad tomorrow, I’ll keep it a secret from your father.”

A soft whine emerged from my mouth as I sat up from tousled pillows, half of the comforter laid on the ground. Get it together, Rachel! Don’t let your mother’s words get the best of you. It was just an assumption!

Images of Chad flashed before my eyes, which only made me groan. I ought to erase him from my head or I’ll go crazy! Turning the lamp sitting on the nightstand on, I resignedly eyed the mess I’d made. Picking up the fallen pillows and arranging the comforter, I laid back on the mattress softly. I didn’t realize soon enough that the words he’d said to me that day played over in my mind.

“I’m tired of you keep pushing me away when all I wanted was to know you better. I want you to open up to me.”

“I won’t ask you what happened. I’ll wait for you to tell me.”

“Until then, take care.”

Hands absentmindedly playing, I narrowed my eyes at the space above me, imagining it was Chad and not the ceiling that often greeted me in the morning. The blond man smirked down at me, looking more handsome and egotistical than ever.

“You manipulative jerk,” I seethed. “I can’t believe you’ve tricked me into telling my past, often making me drunk and whatnot.” Raising my fist, I punched the smug-faced man. “I’m never going to let that happen again.”

The next thing I did was point an accusing finger at him. “And friend? Who on earth kisses his friend on the lips? Oh, that’s right—you! Try to find an excuse just to lock lips with me? You pervert…” I shook my head at the beaming, handsome man. “Sure, you’re good-looking and such, but your behavior is another story. Is that the way a man your age should act?”

The memory of Chad mentioning another girl and how he broke up with his ex-girlfriend made me laugh. “Seriously, you dated a lot of women and I thought the media was exaggerating! Today’s Heather, and tomorrow, who’s it going to be? A woman named Jane with brown hair and blue eyes?” Bursting out in a fit of laughter, I held my stomach. “I can’t take it anymore, you’re literally playing with me! I was so close to falling for you!”

I let out a chuckle each time I landed a fist on the imaginary Chad, when all I got to hit was air. But it felt good, releasing my pent-up emotions towards this man. Tears started to pool in my eyes before rolling down my cheeks. Despite my teary state, I continued to laugh. Getting tired, my punches ceased and resulted in me throwing my pillow at the ceiling as an alternative.

“That’s right, get hit in the f—”

“Rachel? What’s going on in there?”

After scrambling to take the fallen pillow, I sat up straight at my mother’s voice. “N-nothing! My pillow fell off the bed,” I rashly explained, voice so high-pitched that it hurt my own ears. Not waiting for a reply, I hurriedly fixed my bed and buried myself under the warm comforter. “Goodnight, Mom!”

Her words were muffled, yet she didn’t bother opening the door. I lifted the comforter to glance at the light underneath the door, only to see the shadow of her feet had disappeared. The pitter-patter of her feet was now faint. Certain she wasn’t in ear shot, I let out a sigh of relief and laughed at my own actions.

“I must’ve gone insane…” I muttered, amused at my own antics. Shaking my head, I lay on the mattress once more and hugged a pillow close to my chest. Maybe… My monthly friend is arriving tomorrow. I stared at the lamp with half-lidded eyes for a few seconds before snuffing the light and welcoming the dimness of the room, which lulled me to the unconscious world.

***

The moment I woke up I found that my friend had definitely arrived while I was asleep, and seeing the time made my mood instantly drop. Rolling on my side, I let out a tired groan and basked in the dimness of the room. Back aching and having period cramps was something I didn’t want to deal with at work. “Can I just…go and…sleep forever?”

Unfortunately, that wish would never come true. The proof of it came when someone knocked on my door in a familiar tune. The tune of cartoons and such. I didn’t have to guess who was behind the door.

“What is it, Harv?

The sound of the door creaking open made me roll to see my brother approaching, still in his pajamas. “Are you all right, sis?” I let out a squeak when he sauntered towards the curtains with purpose. “No! Don’t, Harvey!” He frowned slightly at my words. Seeing his confusion, I motioned for him to come near.

“What’s the matter?” he questioned with concern. I mustered a smile, reached up and stroked his head.

“Morning, Harvey.” The boy observed me for a few seconds, waiting for me to answer his question. I heaved a sigh. “You know I’m a woman, Harv. I obviously have that visitor today…”

Taking in my words, Harvey’s eyes went wide in understanding. “Oh.” Luckily, I didn’t have to explain much to the boy since he practically learned it in school. However, some guys just don’t get it. And this is one of the many reasons why I love my little brother.

“Do you…need anything?”

The images of chocolates and ice cream entered my head, tempting me. “Actually…there is something.” I grinned at the suddenly stoic boy in front of me. Well, he shouldn’t have asked me in the first place! Thank you, Harvey, for being my brother.

“All right, let’s hear it.”

After babbling about the chocolates and the tub of ice cream waiting to be devoured in the refrigerator, Harvey couldn’t help but sigh. “Sis, you know it’s early in the morning. At least eat breakfast before attacking the sweets.” He went silent for a few moments, a thought running through his head. “Actually, tomorrow’s Halloween. If I’m correct, Mom will be hosting a party tom—”

I shook my head and let out an agitated grunt. “Harvey, give me those sweets and that ice cream sitting in the freezer. If you do, I’ll accompany you to trick or treat tomorrow evening.”

He gave me a nonchalant stare. “Mom’s not going to be pleased about it. You know very well how she wants us to be at the party, mingling with the stuck-up guest we have to entertain.”

“Please!” I begged. “I’ll try to convince her! If she doesn’t, I’ll make sure we don’t have to talk to her guests. I’ll make up an excuse and we can go out to the park.” Yeah, I’m sure that’s all right. But I don’t think Mom will host a party tomorrow, especially with what’s happening right now. Dad won’t allow it. Eyes scanning Harvey’s face, I bit back my words. But, if she does, it’ll probably for appearance’s sake. To ensure that Harvey won’t know what situation we are in right now.

What will she do?

“Hey, sis? Are you listening?” Breaking out of my train of thoughts, I laughed softly. “Sorry, the idea of eating ice cream seemed so appealing, I got lost.” Mentally slapping myself for sounding stupid, I observed the boy’s expression. From confusion, it turned to something akin to amusement. When he chuckled, Harvey nodded a few times.

“Geez, fine. I’m taking that tub of ice cream. But, if Henry catches me, you go and explain your…situation.”

“Oh, trust me, Harvey. He won’t trouble you,” I reassured him. In fact, I doubted Henry would even inquire why. The man had been in the family for as long as I could remember—surely he knew why I was asking for that ice cream so early in the morning.

Once Harvey left the room, I stretched in the lethargic waves of my comforter and stood up. Eyeing the stain on the mattress, I hurriedly went to the bathroom to take a bath, not liking the sensation of having monthly menstruation.

What did we women do to deserve this again?

The refreshing bath proved to be very endearing as I climbed out of the shower with a small smile. After dressing, I walked out of the bathroom while drying my hair. Harvey stood there in the middle of the room, a bowl of strawberry ice cream in his hands. I rushed to his side and hugged him tight, taking him by surprise.

“Thank you, little bro!” I widely grinned, giving his face chaste kisses. Ignoring Harvey’s tiny groans, I took the bowl and tasted the cold soft-serve. A hum of satisfaction escaped my lips. Ice cream, indeed, is the very best!

Another knock resounded from the door the moment my bowl was empty. Harvey swung the door open to reveal Henry. “Oh, hey, Henry.” Harvey waved at the tall old man, who only nodded at the boy.

“Good morning, too, Master Harvey.”

Lifting his gaze from Harvey, his eyes landed on me and I smiled sheepishly when he regarded the bowl in my hands. “Hello, Henry.” I waved softly.

“Breakfast is served.”

The guilt in me slowly grew the moment I reached the dining room, where my parents were sitting in their respective seats. Dad sat at the head of the table and Mom by his right. A sheepish smile made its way over my lips as I sat down across from Harvey, whose face was beaming a smile at Mom.

“Rachel, you know eating ice cream early in the morning—and without breakfast—is bad,” Dad pointed out, a cup of steaming coffee in hand, the white smoke dancing in the air before fading into nothing. Watching the housekeepers pour water on our glasses, I mumbled an apology and began eating.

It was in the middle of brunch when Harvey broke out the question. “Um, Mom… Can I go trick or treating tomorrow?” I almost dropped my spoon but covered my almost slip-up by smiling. Mom appeared absolutely astonished before tousling Harvey’s hair.

“Is that what you want to do tomorrow? I was planning to host a party tomorrow evening.”

Harvey pouted. “But, Mom, I want to enjoy Halloween like all the other kids!” His eyes landed on me, begging me to help him out.

“Um, Mom… I can accompany Harvey tomorrow,” I suggested. “If you’d like, I can bring Francine and Patton with me.” Seeing Mom’s guarded eyes made my heartbeat go wild. No backing out on this one, Rachel—you promised Harvey. No backing out!

Dad was the first to respond, shattering the silence that enveloped us for a few minutes. “Is that what you want, Harvey?” The boy put on a brave face and nodded, reminding me of a soldier facing his superior. “I want to go and have fun this Halloween.”

Mom shifted her gaze between us, clearly troubled at the situation, her eyes begging our father to reconsider Harvey’s request. Nodding at his wife, Dad turned to Harvey and gave him a gentle smile.

“We’ll think about it, Harvey.”

Taking this as a positive answer, Harvey beamed and continued eating his pancakes. Unbeknown to him, the three of us were staring at each other in absolute secrecy, making a mental note to discuss the subject later.

“Rachel, you’re not heading to work?”

Munching on a slice of apple, I swallowed and cleared my throat. “I decided to go this afternoon.” Since I’m still feeling appalling due to this friend of mine… Mom nodded silently, getting the message. Suddenly, the memory of me punching an imaginary Chad came into mind and made my cheeks go red. I put the tomatoes in the refrigerator in shame.

However, morning went on as usual. That is, until I was called to Dad’s study by Henry before he went to work. Closing the heavy door behind me, I gazed upon Dad and Mom, who occupied the couch. Silently, I approached them and sat down across them, hands folded on my lap, preparing for what they had to say.

“Rachel, accompany Harvey tomorrow night.”

I let out a gasp in surprise at Dad’s words. Well, I guess I should expect the unexpected now. Mom exhaled loudly.

“I’ll still be hosting the party tomorrow. Your father has a plan.”

I raised an eyebrow in query, my head reeling with possible ideas. “What kind of plan?”

Dad folded his arms on his chest and inhaled sharply. “We’ll host a party tomorrow and I’m sure those criminals will take the opportunity to invade our home since it’ll be crowded. I’ll talk to the police and arrange an ambush.”

“And you want me and Harvey to be away when that happens?”

Receiving a nod from Dad, I couldn’t help but feel a tug on my heart. The possibility of someone getting hurt was high. Even if there were police under a guise, it still didn’t guarantee the safety of the place. Mom couldn’t help but hug herself.

“Damon, what if the plan goes wrong?”

Dad emitted a sigh. “Helen, the plan hasn’t been commenced yet. And there’s a possibility that the police will alter it to ensure that no one gets hurt.” It was a gamble, really. No one knew what was going to happen if we chose this or that. We either choose the best option and get casualties…or choose the safe and be unable to apprehend the villains.

“Let’s do it.”

And that was that. Dad nodded and proceeded to stand. “I’ll tell the department about this. Rachel, go and buy Harvey a costume that will hide him physically. Something that won’t give his identity away.” The image of a mummy appeared in my head. I’m sure he’ll approve of it. Mom kissed Dad on the cheek before he took his briefcase and left the room.

Mom sat down once again, eyes downcast. “I hope this will end tomorrow. I’m tired of pretending in front of Harvey…” I reached out and took her hands in mine, casting her a smile of assurance. “I’m sure it will, Mom. Don’t worry.”

At the strike of nine, Mom left for work, leaving me, Harvey and the rest of the staff at home. Entering Harvey’s room quietly, I giggled inaudibly at the view before me. The boy was currently lying on his bed, a book sprawled open in front of him. Glad that I hadn’t disturbed him, I closed the door and headed for my room.

After changing, I contemplated myself in the mirror and smoothed out my white pencil skirt. Putting on my blue trench coat over my long-sleeved blue blouse, I slipped into black strappy heels and headed out, bag in hand.

“Percy, I’m heading to the mall,” I announced. The man nodded and went out to fetch the car. Just as I was about to leave through the door, I pulled out my vibrating phone.

Chad Montgomery: Care to have ice cream with me? I’m currently at the mall.

Tempting…

“Miss Maxwell?” I looked up to see the car waiting. I strode towards it, the cold wind biting, and climbed in. His offer stuck in my head, replaying. It was when the car drove down the road that I made up my mind.

To: Chad Montgomery Sure. I’ll be right there. I have errands to run.