Chapter Three

 Chapter Three

Connie Simms was a 19 year old college student who lived with her mother, brother and stepfather. Her 42 year old mother Lora Simms moved-in with 47 year old James Bradwell three years ago almost five years after the death of her father. James was like a hero who rescued them from the almost destitute life they were living.

Their life of luxury took a downhill turn soon after the death of her father forcing her beautiful mother who was used to a comfortable life to end up working in a diner to support her kids. The money she earned was just enough to keep them from living in the streets and for clothing, as for food, she would make sure every night to bring leftovers from the diner. 

It was while she was working at the diner that she met the middle aged fair looking James Bradwell who had been divorced a few years back and had no kids. James immediately swept her off her feet and they both agreed to live together before tying the knot a move that infuriated Lora’s family. James totally changed their life that Lora had to quit working at the diner and almost started living the life she was used to. Connie and her brother got enrolled at better schools.

‘What time is it young lady?’ James Bradwell barked from the living room

Connie’s relief was short lived as she recognized the voice talking to her. She was already half way up the stairs so she just froze on the spot.

 When he switched on the light, Connie was horrified when she noticed a beer bottle in his hand and it was obviously he had drunken himself to stupor waiting for her and she knew better to stay away from his path whenever he was in that state. 

‘I…I, I didn’t realize that it was this late and we had a bit of a transport problem, I am sorry dad, I won’t repeat it again.’ Connie stammered in a soft voice afraid to face him in the living room and deep down she was silently hoping that her apology will get through his now thick heart.

 ‘Shut up you lier! You think I don’t know what you young girls are usually up to at this hour. I don’t know where you get the nerve to disrespect me in my own house but I will not tolerate it. I have set the rules here that must be obeyed, if you can’t abide by them, better move out or go stay at that graveside where your father is buried. Next time if you are past your curfew time don’t bother coming back home’ James shouted as he walked from the living room to where Connie stood and he pointed a finger in Connie’s face.

For a moment Connie’s heart began beating fast she was afraid that he was going to slap her and she could feel her legs tremble but instead James staggered past her as he continued upstairs. Hurt by his words Connie sat at the base of the stairs all strength gone from her. She began to weep uncontrollably. Things were better when her dad was around but unfortunately his untimely death affected them financially, he left so much debt that they ended up losing everything he had ever worked for, the house, the car and most of his savings. 

Too tired to do anything else, she headed upstairs her mind filled with thoughts of running away. Just then her phone began to ring and she was annoyed when she realized it was Trish but picked it up anyway and they were both tired so their call was brief. 

As soon as she hung up, there was a light knock on her bedroom door and Connie knew from the sound it was her mom but now was not the best time to talk to her. Lora Simms was a loving parent but to Connie she had taken a more supportive and defensive side for James choosing to overlook whatever he does wrong.

Whenever  a situation came up and Connie tries to bring up her grievances against her step-dad, Lora would have none of it she always makes it a point to remind Connie of their life before James and where they where today because of James. No matter how she tried to tell her mum how she feels, her mother always sided with her man.

“Connie darling can we have a small chat if you are still awake’ Lora whispered from the door. She was awakened by James loud voice earlier and out of concern she had come to check on her daughter.

‘Mom, please I am already in bed. Can we chat later when its daybreak? Connie asked in a calm voice.

‘Ok, I thought I heard you talking on the phone earlier but that’s okay, have a goodnight then’. Lora said as she started walking towards her own bedroom.

Glad that her mother was gone, she ran herself a quick bath and went straight to bed  and just as she was about to turn off the light her phone began to ring, she had completely forgotten to switch it off  like she usually does every night. Trish had already called so she suspected it had to be Emma they were her only possible callers at that hour. After the way she treated her at the club a part of her thought of just ignoring it but on second thoughts she dragged herself out of bed to where she had thrown her phone. Her heart skipped a bit, it was an unknown number calling her.

‘Hello,’ Connie murmured.

‘Surprise! Didn’t I tell you I will find you?’ Nick barked into the receiver

Connie drew a sharp breath, fear crippled her voice. How the hell did he find my number she thought to herself.

‘I am one guy who don’t tolerate people who lie to my face so I called to tell you that we have to talk,’ he growled

Connie felt her anger rise and she said ‘About what? I have no wish to speak with you any further and don’t dare come near me again.’

‘Or what..Huh? Tell me what will you do? You know damn well what I want, so stop insulting my intelligence by denying it further.’ Nick spoke in an icy tone. He was getting infuriated by her hypocrisy.

‘I don’t think I have to listen to anything you have to say.’ Connie snapped. She was getting tired of his insults

‘Why are you so unreasonable?’ Nick demanded ‘Now, you listen to me on Sunday you will show up for lunch at the place and time I will send you.’ His words sounded more like a command than a request which made Connie more furious.

This guy has some nerve, whatever makes him think I want to see him again. There is no way I am going to spend another minute in the company of this stubborn and arrogant guy. He has an audacity to show up from nowhere raining accusations on me and now he is commanding me to lunch with him, that is not going to happen,’ she thought to herself.

Not wanting to tolerate this conversation further Connie snapped ‘What if I don’t, what will you do?’

‘You either show up or face the consequences,’ He stated flatly before he hung up the phone.

Connie was left staring at her phone that felt heavy in her hands. Switching it off she lightly placed it on her bedside table. She didn’t know what to make of what was happening to her and the worst part was she had no idea who this Bruce was and whether or not he was dead. The thought of him dead terrified her.

Her whole body felt tired and slumping on her bed she tried to sleep but even sleep was hard to come by but after some time she eventually drifted to dreamland.