Chapter 5

Maddie

The sun shone brightly as I got out of the airplane, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness. It's been five years since I saw that tree staring back at me. The last time I saw it was the moment I looked back on my life years ago.

I stepped into the limousine, and a wave of cold air from the AC gushed over me.

As the limo drove through the familiar streets of New York, memories flooded back. I couldn't help but recall the challenges, pain, and heartache I endured during my time here. However, I was determined to focus on the positive changes in my life. My decision to pursue the scholarship and move to Italy had been a turning point, and now, returning after five years felt like a triumphant homecoming.

“Where to, Ma?” My driver, Steven, asked.

“The main workshop, please.” I replied to him.

After leaving New York, it was hell. Upon arriving at the college, I was told that after a year I would have to live off campus. I worked two shifts every day after work, even after I gave birth to my babies. Yes, I gave birth to two beautiful boys, Aiden and Caleb. They are both my world, and I would do anything to protect them, including from their father.

When I got to the main workshop, I got out of the fancy car and took a deep breath. The place smelled like creativity and passion, just like I remembered. Inside, the workshop was busy with designers and craftsmen working on their creations.

After my two years of schooling in the school of fashion in Italy, I was fortunate to get a job as a fashion designer with a big fashion industry in Italy. After a year of working there, my boss, Matilda, encouraged me to start mine little by little. After two years in the business, I have been competing with the big leagues, making a lot of money and having good clientele.

Inside, the team greeted me warmly. It was heartening to see some new faces and the growth of the workshop in my absence.

"Maddie, the venue for the show hasn't been approved yet." My assistant said to run to me.

“And why is that?"

“Probably because I thought you would want to postpone,” she said. I looked at her, both shocked and surprised.

“Why would I want to do that?”

“Because the only available venue for the show's timeframe happens to be your father's,” she disclosed.

I swallowed hard when I heard that. Meave has been both my friend and my assistant ever since I started my industry, and we have been close ever since. When I decided to finally move to New York, I didn’t need to ask her. She jumped at the opportunity to move to New York with me. I was just happy to have a friend in my city of woes.

“You mean, in the whole of New York, no one has a venue we could use." I asked with so much bitterness in my voice.

“There might be, but none in the preferred vicinity; your dad's venue is our only choice." She told me. I sensed she could feel my weirdness with the situation.

Ever since my dad threw me out of the house, I haven't heard from him, even before I moved to Italy. I know all this will just be official dealing, but him being the owner of the venue brought a lot of mixed feelings and tears to my eyes.

Maeve tried consoling me, but I stopped her. I was stronger than this; I remembered the saying I had been saying to myself and told Maeve.

“What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.” I cleaned my eyes and put my shades back on.

“I guess we are off to Mr. Thompson’s office.”

I walked down the halls I knew so well, the sound of my heels on the shiny floor echoing. Memories of when things were tough and the determination that kept me going came back. When I got to my dad's office, I took a deep breath and opened the door.

The office looked just like it used to, with fancy dark furniture and a strong feeling of authority. My dad, Richard, was sitting at his big desk with his glasses on, busy with paperwork. When he saw me come in, his face showed a mix of surprise and something I couldn't figure out.

“Hi Dad," I said, trying to keep my voice steady.

“Madison?”. I knew he was surprised to see me because he seemed taken aback. No one has ever used my full name; it's just stated on my birth certificate. I have been called Maddie for as long as I can remember. 

“Madison, Maddie?" That jolted me out of my trance, and I looked at him. He stood up from his table and came at me, taking off his glasses, I guess, trying to be sure I was who I was.

“It's been a long time.” I acknowledged, avoiding his gaze and moving across the room.

“It has; how are you?" From the sound, you could tell he wasn't sure of the question.

“I have been good, but pleasantries aren't what brought me here," i replied him trying to cut the meeting short.

“Of course, I mean, you must feel strange and unhappy seeing me after all these years.”

“Strange and unhappy isn't going to cut it, dad." I wanted to continue but restrained myself.

“But there is no use going back to the past; I'm here for business," I told him.

“Yeah, yeah. How can I help you?" he replied.

“I need one of your venues for a show of mine coming up soon; is that possible?”

“Of course," he said hurriedly. Looking around, I could see the business he ruined my life for wasn't doing so well.

I looked up at him, looking at me, and said,

“My assistant will come in, and you can discuss the details with her,” I said to him with a straight face.

“Have a good day," I said walking out of the office, maintaining a poker face.

“Can you forgive me, Madison?” I heard as I walked out, but I didn't turn to respond.

"Forgive,” I thought.