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I hate the ladies from the club. Not them, per se, but what they stand for. They’re rich housewives. They have no desire to work. Their passion in life is to have children who they then pass off to the nanny; shopping, spending time at the country club lunching, with their personal trainers, or drinking their afternoons away is all they care about.
They have no drive in life.
If they didn’t have money, they would be lost.
The same as my mother.
Which is why I have no desire to follow in her footsteps.
My father says he wants me to work for him, but I have a feeling it’s just so he can introduce me to the right people. So he can find someone he feels is worthy of joining our family.
He wants to marry me off, so I can have my mother’s life.
No, thank you.
“I think I’m going to rest today. I’ll drop by the club and visit with the ladies another time.”
“I wasn’t asking. You’ll join your mother this afternoon, so go change into something more appropriate. The driver will be here in a half hour.” Finally glancing up from his paper, he assesses me from head to toe before adding, “And for the love of God, do something with your hair.”
Just another wonderful day in the Newton household where appearances can make or break you, and the only thing more important than looking the part is the balance in your bank account.
COLT: Any chance you’re coming back today?
ME: Nope. My parents have me fully booked until tomorrow afternoon. I’m hoping I can get out of here after that.
“Scarlet Renee, are you in there?”
“Yes, Mother. I’m still in bed. I don’t feel well,” I lie as I read the new message from Colt.
COLT: I didn’t realize they scheduled your activities. Isn’t being on break from school supposed to be relaxing?
ME: Not if you’re a Newton. They live and die by their schedules. Every minute of every day is mapped out weeks in advance.
COLT: How is it that you are the exact opposite of your parents?
I’m not. I feel the need to plan and prepare for things. It’s in my blood. It’s the way I was raised. But going away to school may be the very best decision I ever made. It gave me the chance to see the world through a different set of eyes, and I’ve found a comfortable medium between my parents obsessive planning and flying by the seat of my pants.
“Do you need me to call the doctor?” my mother asks, testing my door handle to find it locked.
“No, Mother. I’m just exhausted. I’m trying to take a nap.”
“You don’t have time for that. You need to be ready to go in less than an hour. I’ll have Martha bring you up some breakfast and coffee.”
“I’m not going anywhere.” Five seconds, then ten pass in silence. After thirty seconds, I know for sure she’s not standing outside my door anymore. Her statement wasn’t up for discussion. I’m going, and that’s that.
ME: I have to get going. I’ll text you tonight after we get back from dinner at the club.
COLT: Or you could just jump in your car and drive back here. I wouldn’t be opposed to having a conversation in person.
ME: I wish. TTYL
As soon as I put my phone back on the charger, Martha is knocking on my door with breakfast. Tossing back the covers, I open the door, her warm smile a refreshing sight.
“Thank you,” I say as she sets the tray down on my side table.
“You’re very welcome, Miss Scarlet. Do you need anything else?”
Shaking my head, she excuses herself, closing the door behind her. Snagging the mug of steaming coffee, I head into my bathroom and turn the shower on. I hear my phone chime just as steam begins to billow out from behind the glass.
