Molly was anxious as Andra kept staring at her in disbelief.
“Say something.” She urged. “You’re just gaping at me.”
“Why won’t I gape at you?” Andra responded. “Can you hear the words coming out of your mouth? That I should get a man?”
“You should and I mean it.”
“Listen, I have no intention of doing that. I’m not one of those girls who desire to get married in my twenties. I want to enjoy my single life. I will consider settling down from the age of thirty. That means, my enjoyment is just beginning.”
“Stubborn tomboy,” Molly mumbled.
Somehow this jibe often gave her some comfort because Andra’s views most times, exasperated her.
“I heard that,” Andra informed her.
Andra was used to the jibe. She knew that Molly often used it on her whenever she was adamant about something.
“I know you did. But I insist you get your own man and bring him home before your father beats you to it.”
“I will do no such thing.” Andra refused firmly.
The drowsy feeling had completely left her and she was now fully ready to conclude this unpleasant subject with Molly in hope that Molly would finally let her have some rest.
“He sounded serious.” Molly reminded Andra in a dire tone.
“He always sounds serious.”
“He was very angry.”
“That’s not new.”
“He slapped you for the first time.”
“Look, anger has different levels. Maybe his anger level hit a hundred percent and that’s why he slapped me. So what? Anger is anger. When people are angry, they make threats or say things they probably never meant. My dad was just doing these things. I guess I’ve explained this to you before. Stop making me talk. I’m tired.”
Andra went back to laying on her side, believing that Molly would now back down because of the ensuing silence that followed.
“Quit worrying over nothing and making a mountain out of a molehill.” She added dismissively.
She heard Molly sigh and doubted that Molly had let it go. Sensing this, she tried to prevent Molly from speaking about the subject again.
“Please, I need to rest. I’m exhausted from last night, so come off this subject of yours and let me rest.” Andra pulled the duvet over her body, her actions succeeding in dismissing Molly who got up and left the room.
***
The next morning, Andra was fully rested and back to her lively self. She sat with Molly at a table in the living room.
They were planning the purchase of Molly’s home studio gadgets which she had promised to pay for.
Molly had a pen and paper in hand, crossing out what she already had and circling the ones Andra promised to pay for.
“I suggest we get the other stuff online but the guitar should be bought here,” Andra said.
“I prefer everything to be bought online.”
“Stop looking down on the stores here. I prefer we go to the place and you try it out yourself. That’s how I see it. At least, let’s go and try. If you don’t like it, then we can go online.”
Molly gave Andra’s words a moment’s thought. “Fine. Now that I think about it, you’re right.”
Their attention was caught by the presence of Duke and Carla. The formally dressed couple emerged from the top of the stairs and made their way downstairs.
Andra and Molly rose to greet them. It seemed like there was still tension over Andra’s recent clubbing issue. The faces of the couple showed no signs of joy, especially Duke’s.
“Good morning.” Molly and Andra cautiously greeted them politely.
Carla responded to their greeting with a wave and a barely audible ‘good morning’.
From the stoic expression on her face, it seemed like she had joined her husband, Andra reckoned. The couple was always supportive of each other in the end even if they argue at first which was rare.
Andra hated their synergy. She was not in favor of her stepmother even though the woman was always nice to her.
Andra shifted her ill feelings about her stepmother and focused on her father. It slightly bothered her that he was cold.
Duke’s eyes traveled coldly between the two girls. Then he silently walked away towards the main door, with Carla following behind him.
Both girls sat down as soon as they were out of the door. The two were disturbed by the cold reception and they stared at each other for some time.
“See, your dad is still angry,” Molly stated. “This matter is serious.”
“I can see that now. But then, I have already apologized. What else does he want from me?”
“Well, can you at least change for his sake? You saw the video. You saw the comments. A lot of people are questioning his personality and eligibility to be mayor of this city.”
Andra’s expression turned indignant. “Why do you sound like I do what I do on purpose? Am I the only one who goes clubbing? Or am I the only one who dances and drinks? The problem is not me. It’s the evil bloggers who won’t mind their business. They are always trying to paint a horrible picture of me and making me look like the bad guy. But I am not the bad guy. Those nosy bastards are the bad guys. They are.” She pointed at the window as though the bloggers were standing out there.
Molly shook her head in amusement.
“Look, considering that your father is who he is, you should at least try and not give them a reason to do what they are doing. If an ordinary girl does what you do, the media may barely notice. But like it or not, you’re tied to a public figure. That’s why you need to care.”
“Life is too short to live it in a boring manner.” Andra pointed out. “You can’t deprive yourself of having fun because of people. I say fuck them all.”
Molly frowned with disapproval. “I hate when you swear.” She complained.
“Whatever. But hey, didn’t you notice how daddy didn’t mention the marriage thing? That means, he was just angry and is still angry, which is why he ignored our greetings. After some time, he will cool off.”
Molly briefly considered Andra’s words for a brief moment. “You might be right.” She conceded. “I think so too. He probably just said that in his anger, considering the other threats he has made in the past that he never carried out.”
Andra smiled. “Now, we are on the same page.” She said but the smile quickly left her face as an unpleasant thought entered her. “The only problem I have in this house is that wife of his. I don’t like her. She is nothing but a gold digger.”
“Oh, Andra, not again.” Molly cautioned.
“It’s true. Look, I’m only being polite to her because of daddy.”
“You have said this countless times. Let it go. You should not say such things about your stepmother.”
“I have said that I do not like her. Period. She married my father because of his money.”
“Andra, they have been married for three years. For me, she loves him.”
Andra rose sharply, offended that Molly could not see things the way she was. “This conversation just got boring.” She said and started walking up the stairs.
“I understand,” Molly responded sarcastically. “No one likes to take a bitter pill.”
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Duke and Carla were riding in the back seat of their SUV. The driver drove smoothly along the streets around their residential area as he navigated the vehicle toward one of the main city roads. They passed by a billboard that featured Duke’s campaign poster. Across the road was his opponent’s campaign poster. Duke eyed both posters and sighed. “She is going to ruin my career.” He bitterly lamented.“I am beginning to see things the way you do,” Carla confessed as their vehicle progressed further.“I’m glad to hear that, Sweetheart,” Duke replied. “Anyway, I have been wondering where I can quickly find a young man who can be able to handle Andra. I mean, from what profession? Perhaps a uniformed person? Because he needs to be strong.”“Certainly, he needs to be.” Carla agreed.“Exactly. Perhaps a military man, air force, navy, or a cop.”“I agree that’s where you can find tough and disciplined guys, because of their training but you will agree with me that toughness can also do with
“Fine,” Duke replied. “Thanks.” “You’re welcome, Sir.” For the first time, Duke noticed his polished accent. The driver did not sound like an averagely educated person. He sounded well-educated and Duke could perceive an air of confidence oozing out of the young man. Duke often found that impression to be true about persons who are well-traveled or perhaps schooled outside the country. And in Auckland, only the wealthy could afford to school abroad. The only other persons who were opportune to school abroad were those who happened to be favored with private or government scholarships. “I hardly find people who sound well educated doing the job that you do,” Duke commented observantly. “Why do you assume that I am well educated, Sir?” “You speak well. You have a poised demeanor that is barely found in the uh…streets so to speak.” “Oh, thank you.” The young man replied without commenting on Duke’s words. Duke saw this as intelligence. The man was not ready to yap about his life
Duke continued presenting his desire to Dominic. To him, it was now or never. “I need you to fake an open proposal to her. This has to be done publicly.” “But what is your reason for this uh…unusual request?” Dominic was still shocked. “Because my daughter is out of control.” Duke didn’t see any point in mincing words. The guy had to know what was needed to know. “She is wild and badly behaved. And trust me, it is not because I have been a bad parent. It is just how she has turned out. And the sort of wayward behavior she constantly exhibits is a threat to my political goals. People no longer judge me by my personality. They are starting to judge me for her disgraceful behavior. If I don’t do something about it, I will lose my chances at becoming the mayor of Auckland just because I have an unruly daughter despite my good intentions and plans for this city.” Dominic folded his arms and continued listening to Duke. He was still shocked but gradually he was starting to understand the
The morning was bright and sunny with white fluffy clouds drifting across the sky. In Andras’s home, she was playing a platform game on her laptop in the living room. A knock sounded at the door but she was not ready to attend to whoever was there. She was wearing a beanie over her hair which she had braided into a single strand. Her oversized t-shirt flowed over her mid-thigh shorts, making it look like a t-shirt was all she had on. Her cousin passed by with a drink in her hand. “There is no difference between you and a boy.” She commented teasingly. “Leave me alone.” Andra retorted, ignoring Molly who went her way, letting her be. Andra heard the knock again, firm, in the classic three-knuckle given pounds. She fleetingly wondered who was out there. She was already engrossed in the game and didn’t see herself pausing or being distracted so she could keep her character in the game, alive. The knock sounded again, offending her. She groaned with impatience and continued with the
Dominic relaxed and waited. He let his eyes observe the sitting room. It was affluent without being extravagant. For a man of Duke’s caliber, it was decent. He had seen more lavish homes of politicians and top business owners. That could mean that Duke was probably not as vain as many politicians. Andra returned and sat down with her laptop. She ignored his expectant gaze and fiddled with her laptop. “I’m expecting feedback.” She heard him say in that unnerving clipped tone of his. She gave him her attention and rolled her eyes. Her heart froze as he narrowed his eyes disapprovingly at her. “I’m expecting feedback.” Dominic repeated. He could barely stand her but then, he had been forewarned. “He will be with you shortly.” She replied haughtily and focused on her laptop. “Why are you staring at me again?” he asked, forcing her gaze back to his. “I wasn’t.” she denied hotly. “You have been staring at me like someone who has not seen an attractive man before.” Her cheeks flushe
Andra stared at her father in shock. She could hardly believe the words coming out of his mouth. If Dominic was not there, present, she would not have even tried to comprehend what he was saying. She could feel her heart jumping, pounding against her chest. “This has got to be a joke, right?” “I mean every word I’ve said,” Duke replied decisively. “Like I’ve said time and time again, you are going to ruin my chances in this forthcoming election with your reckless and wayward lifestyle if I don’t do something about it. I told you that I will take drastic action. This is it.” Andra’s heart fluttered with fear as she considered the seriousness of the situation. “So, you’re forcing me into a fake arranged marriage with a stranger just to save your career?” Andra was appalled. “It will give the media something positive to write about this family.” Andra’s expression turned stony with fury. “Daddy, this will not happen.” She protested. Her father was unaffected by her demeanor but c
Andra tried, but she could not picture herself looking for a job. She could not picture herself losing her inheritance. She didn’t know how to hustle. She had never tried and she was not about to try. If her father disowned her, she was finished. She would not be able to party because there would be no money. Neither will there be a car. She would be done for. She thought about the deal and decided it was safer. At least all parties involved in the deal knew it was a fake arrangement, so she had nothing to lose. Andra wiped the tears from her eyes as her decision became firmer in her mind. “Daddy, I want my own rules in this whole bizarre arrangement.” She negotiated. “You are free to bring your rules as long as they don’t interfere with my plans.” Her eyes were glued to his and she was speechless. Duke turned his attention to Dominic. “Dominic.” He said. “Sir.” “I have a contract already prepared that the both of you will sign. You will both study it for today and we will fin
The following day in the early part of the afternoon, Andra stood outside her balcony, deep in thoughts about her current situation. She was wearing soft combat trousers and a tank top with a face cap that she wore backward. Her hair fell around her shoulders, framing her face. Now that the contract had been finalized and the deal was set for execution, she got increasingly disturbed, unable to believe what her father was subjecting her to. Well, she didn’t blame him. If she had not been dependent on him, she would have been independent by now but here she was, having no choice in the matter. Besides, she told herself, why would she have to work when she had a father who could provide all her needs? And why would she have to lose her inheritance over this matter? Molly emerged behind her and knew she was thinking about the situation as she came to stand beside her at the railing. “I told you your dad was serious.” She said. “I still cannot believe he would give me out to a strang