Chapter fifty two

Chapter fifty two


Drayton

I've only been here once ever since this school year started, the night I agreed on the bet with Jack and pushed Arielle into the pool. It was ironic how my presence here now was for the same reason as the last time. The stupid bet.

I slammed the car door so hard it almost fell off its hinges. Todd rushed out the front door immediately he saw me, but I didn't need him fussing over my bruises. It was particularly the reason I didn't go to my aunt's. Penny would freak out if she saw me like this.

“I'm fine. No one say anything about this to Jonathan.” I said sternly.

It was merely a warning. If Jonathan asked them, they had no choice but to tell him. He was their boss afterall. I was fairly Coach had called him immediately Jack and I left his office. I hated that everyone kissed that man's ass.

“But sir, your father is on–”

I didn't let Todd finish before walking into the beach house. All I wanted to do was stand under a hot shower and peel my skin further. I didn't want to hear about Jonathan. I'd already had a shitty day.

I brought out my phone as I walked in and shot a text at Chuck informing him of my absence at work today. I would have to come up with a believable excuse when he asks why I didn't show up. But right now, letting him know will have to do.

I wasn't sure if Arielle went to work today, but I wasn't cocky enough to think she would skip because of me. I decided to send a text to Suzie and Brett, telling them to carry on with our plans for the dance showcase.

Brett and I were supposed to go try to convince the dance instructor today. But he would have to go with Suzie or Arielle instead.

I really hoped he chose the former. Brett has been hitting on Arielle since she started working at Chuck's. Although, I knew he didn't really like her like that, he was generally a flirt to everyone. But I still didn't want him getting close to her.

It's not like I had any say in who she gets close to when there was a high chance she would never talk to me again. I groaned as I remembered the colossal mess I had created.

I headed upstairs but halted when I heard heavy footsteps approaching. I immediately turned and sure enough, there he was in all his glory. Jonathan fucking King.

“You do realize you have a mansion that's three times the size of this house. Why are you always here?” I hissed in irritation as my father walked towards me.

I wasn't sure if it was because of my black eye or he really looked worried, even tired. His usually perfectly styled hair was disheveled as if he'd ran his fingers through it many times, and his shirt buttons were loosened.

“Jesus Christ, Drayton.” He sucked in a breath as he glared at me. I simply arched an eyebrow in question.

“You’re coming home with me right now.” he said firmly.

I let out a dry laugh. I guess my temporary freedom was over. He was probably tired of being questioned over and over about his estranged son. Now he wanted me back on a tight leash. But I'd be damned if I let him put me on a leash again. I took that power away from him when I moved out.

“Last I checked, this is my house. You can't barge in here and start throwing orders around. You can go back to your million dollar mansion if you want to act bossy.”

“This isn't a joke, Drayton. I need you to come with me.”

“And I said no!” I yelled. “I don't know what sort of life changing realization you suddenly had, but I've had a really shitty day and the last thing I need is you barging in here and trying to play father.”

“Shitty day, like punching your friend into a coma?”

My brows furrowed and I stared at him in confusion. Jack was totally fine when we left Coach's office together. There was no way he was unconscious.

“Jack fainted shortly after your fight. Apparently, he had some medical condition that the doctors won't talk about. He's regained consciousness now but he has a mild concussion. I managed to stop your principal from suspending you and offered to pay for his treatment.”

My head went blank. I hated Jack, yes. But I didn't want him to die. I only intended to let out some steam when I started the fight and maybe hurt him a little, but not to the extent that he needs medical attention.

Jonathan must have read my face because he said,
“Of course, you didn't know. Because all you cared about was winning the fight. You could have killed him, for fuck’s sake. But thank God, I took care of that. I will call Penny now and inform her that you will be staying with me from now on.”

“I am not staying with you. I'm eighteen, I can decide where I want to stay.” I said. “I appreciate you covering Jack's medical bills but it's not going to make me stay with you. I'll make sure to stay out of trouble and save you from being summoned to my school again.”

“This isn't up for discussion. I can't have you spiraling out and almost killing someone again.” Jonathan insisted.

“It was a fight and we both hurt each other. Of course, I'm not the one in a hospital bed right now, but as you can see, I didn't exactly get out unscathed.” I gestured to my battered body.

“But as always, you seem to only care about the fight your son was in and how it affects your name.”

“You think I left a board meeting because my name would be dragged because of my son's brawl?” He thundered.

“Yes, so go back to your fucking board meeting and get the fuck out of my life. You've done a perfect job staying out of it all these while, let's keep it that way.” I yelled back.

If I wasn't looking at him, I would have missed the hurt that flashed through his eyes. I'd seen my father angry many times, I'd seen him happy when my mother was alive, but I've never seen him hurt.

“I do care about you, Drayton. You're my son.”

“No, I'm your investment. I'm one of your possessions that you couldn't allow bring disgrace to you. If you did care about me, you wouldn't have tried to lock me up.” I whispered the last words.

The main reason behind the drift between us. Neither of us have discussed it in two years. After I moved out, we both acted like that night never happened.

“You hated me that much that you tried to send me away forever.” I couldn't recognize my voice as I spoke. It was too vulnerable and I didn't like it.

Jonathan shook his head, his posture becoming more disheveled.

“I did it because I love you. Do you really not remember what happened at all?” he asked dejected.

“I remember you trying to get me committed.” I scoffed.

“Because you almost lost your mind.”

“It's called grief! My mother just died and I was grieving. Not all of us can sweep our feelings under the rug like you.”

“It's not grief when you tried to–” he sucked in a breath, cutting himself off mid sentence.

“Say it!” I screamed. But as I expected, he hesitated. “When I tried to what?” I pressed.

“It's not important.” He averted his gaze, his jaws tightening.

“It is important! I’m slowly losing memories of Mum and I have very little memory of you. You tried to send me away right after mum died and I don't know if it's because you didn't want me in the first place. And now, you're hiding things from me. Talk to me, please!” I said with raw emotions.

It was the first time in years that I had spoken to my father without hatred or anger in my tone, just pure vulnerability. And for a moment, it seem like he would open up to me. But then his face tightened and he said the most ‘Jonathan King' thing ever.

“I'll give you the opportunity to talk to Penny yourself about this. You will visit Jack in the hospital and apologize to him.”

Then he walked out the door, and my life, without looking back.