Chapter 36

ANGEL SINCLAIR.

Today's classes ended at 12 noon, releasing all students after that time. I invite Ashley to lunch at the mall, but she refuses. Ashley almost always has an appointment after school, and today is one of those days.

So I go straight home, but I really want to avoid looking at my father. And to my surprise, Bryan is here too. I thought he'd take the opportunity to go out with his new friend. I don't know if it was worse that he stayed here to give me hell or if it was better that he didn't go out with Cedrid.

I just sit down at the table and help myself, without looking at any of them, least of all my father.

"We're here if you haven't noticed," Bryan's voice echoes through the kitchen over the clatter of cutlery.

"I see, I'm not blind," I reply, without looking at him.

"Manners, Angeline," my father corrects me.

"Dad, you're the last person who should be correcting me right now, okay? I have my reasons for being like this," I say and he falls silent.

"What happened?" Madison asks.

"Oh, you mean you don't know? Ask your husband and your dear son," I reply.

"I don't see what all the fuss is about, Angeline. Your father and I thought about doing this for your own safety, but it seems that your ingratitude blinds you and doesn't let you see it. Have you ever stopped to think if that madman went berserk inside the room and did you any harm? Once it's done, there's no undoing it".

"It's funny that you talk like Matthew's a psychopath," I laughed, but nervously, "He did something stupid, but he doesn't mean me any more harm. Stop acting like he's a threat, because he's not."

"You're only saying that because he's playing nice to you, but we're men and we know how things work in our world," Bryan says, thinking he's super-experienced.

"I agree with you," my father says, "He's trying to take advantage of your innocence and I'm not going to let that happen."

"Neither am I," Bryan adds, "In fact, I still think you were a bit of a dick by accepting his visit the other day. It was the day James had gone away with my mother, wasn't it?".

The fork slips out of my hand the moment Bryan says that. I really can't believe he's remembering that moment. It's too mean.

"What are you talking about? Did you let Matthew Sparks in here, Angeline?" my father asks, confused.

"Not only did you let him in, you got a box of chocolates from him," Bryan adds, "I forgot to tell you this important part, James. I can assure you that we made a good decision in changing Matthew's class. A few more days and Angel would be back with him, and that's not what we want."

"I can't believe you're involved with that disgusting boy again!", my father, his expression easy with anger, "Don't you remember all the bad things he did to you? Don't you remember the ridiculous role he put you in? And you still manage to think it's bad and turn against me because I want your good."

"I didn't turn against you, Dad, I just didn't agree with your attitude. You don't take my word for it, you don't believe me when I say that I no longer have any feelings for Matthew. You'd rather believe a stranger who's just arrived at our house than me".

I get up and leave the dining room. Not just out of the dining room, but out of my house. I get into my car and walk to the tennis club I usually go to. I go to the changing room and take out a little outfit that I left here the last time I wore it. It's a cropped top and a short white skirt. I put it on, ponytail my hair and put on a white visor.

I need to de-stress and forget my problems somehow. Between shopping, swimming, golf and tennis, I prefer tennis this time. Dad and Bryan won't take my peace away. A few hours here doing what I like and I'll be brand new.

I join a group of boys who are playing, among them a boy who physically resembles Bryan. I've never seen so many alike. I hope he's not similar in personality too.

"Do you want some help? We can play doubles," he says, approaching me.

"Oh, yeah. Are these guys your friends?" I ask.

"Yes, don't worry.

Blondie starts playing with me. The two of us against his two friends. He's actually quite nice and funny, he made me laugh a lot. When we'd finished watching the game, we sat down on the benches and he handed me a bottle of water.

"Thanks," I reply, taking a drink.

"Are you from the neighborhood?" he asks, also sipping his water.

"Yes, I am," I reply.

"Me too, but I've only been here a short time, so I've never seen you around."

"Strange that we've never seen each other, I've always frequented this field."

"What's your name?".

"Angel Sinclair, and you?".

"James Sinclair's Sinclair?" I nod, "I know your father, he's my family's partner in the company. My name is Lorenzo García".

"Oh, so you're the son of the couple who recently got married?" he nods, "I was at the party, but I didn't see you".

"It's a shame we didn't see each other there. There were so many people that I didn't even notice the guests."

"You're not American, are you?" I ask to make sure.

"No, I'm European. My father, mother and I used to live in Madrid, but we moved here because of the companies. Your father is a great partner."

"Thanks, he really is a great professional," I smile weakly, "Are these friends of yours European too?" I ask, seeing the boys standing further away from us.

"No. I made friends with them right here in the camp, but I don't know them very well."

"I see. Do you work?".

"No, I was born to be an heir," I laugh.

"Look, I'm not going to judge you, because I was born to be an heiress too. I just need to finish school to be a trained heiress," Lorenzo laughs.

"I finished my studies last year and it was in Madrid."

"Your English is very natural. If you didn't tell me, I wouldn't even know you were European, because you speak it so well."

"It's been years of studying, I'm glad I did it", I laugh, "Do you have anything to do later?".

"No, I'm free".

"What do you say we go out?".

"Where to?".

"I was thinking of a mall. Do you like it?".

"Yes, I like it.

"Give me your number and I'll come and pick you up at 7pm".

"Okay."

After giving Lorenzo my number, I said goodbye. He could really do with it now. It'll help my dad stop giving me a hard time and it might even get me away from my forbidden relationship with Bryan. Lorenzo came at just the right time.