ALMA
"You are a complete magician! How did you even pull that off?" I turned to Rodney as he made his way into the apartment, carrying Velma, who had fallen asleep on his shoulders.
I never would have guessed or predicted Rodney's arrival in Los Angeles. Not one thousand alarms or letters would make me ready for it, but he showed up at the best time. That was when I needed him the most, and he appeared like the heavens knew that I needed help.
The look on Carl's face when Rodney arrived was iconic. It was stuck at the back of my mind, and I'd never seen him express so much shock. What happened to him being a man so composed that he wouldn't even show the slightest bit of pity to his wife? I wonder what happened to that man.
Our little game of pretense earned me another winning point. I didn't know why I was so eager to inflict every form of pain I could on Carl, but he deserved it, and more.
The doors clicked open, and we ventured in while I closed it behind me, and Rodney set Velma onto one of the plush couches. "A magician never reveals his secret. Except when his secret is a little girl who gained access to a phone."
"Velma?"
Rodney clicked his tongue, shooting invisible bullets with his fingers. "Exactly. After yesterday, I just couldn't wrap my head around how you'd go through this by yourself. Not that I don't think you can," he immediately clarified after reading my expression. "I just didn't want you to, so I got on a plane and impulsively headed here."
I grinned, settling next to Velma. "And?"
"And I got to the airport..." he sat, too. "I realized I hadn't informed you, so I started to call repeatedly. No response, even to the texts I sent. I called one last time, and Velma picked up. She clearly told me you two had gone to see family, and I instantly knew where to come. The Jenkins family house could be the easiest location to find on the internet."
"Oh..." my voice faded into nothing. "That makes sense. I was shocked at your arrival, but It'd be a lie if I said I didn't love it. It set the atmosphere quite right. I owe you one again, Mr. Green."
"And I don't collect favors. I mean, what are friends for?"
Friends, huh? I was still haunted by the moment Rodney leaned in and placed a kiss on my cheek. Since my years of knowing him, we'd never attained such proximity. Rodney had shown romantic interest in me, and each time, I diluted it with friendly gestures and feigned oblivion because I'd rather have a friend in him than a romantic partner I wasn't prepared for.
Each time I stylishly turned him down, he'd always move on from it. That was why I couldn't tell whether the kiss from tonight was just an act or Rodney taking an opportunity.
Then again, he wasn't that kind of a person. "Right. What are friends for? You really helped me tonight, Pal. I can't convey how much I appreciate your presence."
The room sank into silence as we were both immersed in our thoughts. I didn't know about Rodney, but the thought that danced around in my head was Carl. Though it was embarrassing to admit that a part of me was still curious about him after how horribly he'd treated me, it couldn't be helped.
I wondered how much of Velma he saw and the ideas he was having. It was impossible to tell whether or not Linda had informed him of my being pregnant. Judging from the kind of person she was, I didn't think she would.
She'd do anything to make it a secret, that simply meant that Carl might have suspicions, but there was no way he could tell that Velma was his. That calmed me a little.
"That was him, right? That son of a bitch?" Rodney's angry voice hit the air in a rush, and I wondered how long he'd been holding it in.
"Yeah..." I responded with a sigh as I sank deeper into the couch. "It was him." There was nothing more I could say. I was driven back to the moment of being under his heavy scrutiny, battling with nerves and that undying urge to smack him at least once.
"I see. Would you...uh-need a restraining order? A bodyguard? If those are too obvious, we could get pepper sprays, pocket knives, alar--"
"Rodney?" I called out with a genial smile. "It's okay. I can handle Carl, and I assure you, he's not even worthy enough to be a threat."
"I suppose," Rodney responded with a half-shrug, his finger rhythmically tapping the edge of a chair. I could almost swear that he was anxious. He ruffled his hair and leaned back. "And you've made the decision to stay, haven't you? The moment I saw you this evening, I could just tell..."
"I think it's for the best. Not only is it good for the company. It is also great for me. It's like...this huge stepping stone that finally pieces everything together. I'm going to stay, Rodney."
"That's..." he flicked his index finger. "That's very impressive, Alma."
I exhaled and continued. "I'd tie loose ends at Velma LTD, and they'd be a relocation of headquarters. I have to sign the documents and have a meeting with the shareholders to decide how the process will go. I just... have to do this right. For myself, for my grandfather, and for everyone who's had faith in the company. It is a terrible place right now, and I am responsible for that."
Rodney looked intently at me, his eyes glinting with what I read to be admiration. "Excuse me," he quickly said, fishing out his phone from his breast pocket and typing aggressively.
"What's that?"
"I just..." Rodney looked up from his screen and then at me. "... bought a house."
My eyes bulged with surprise. "You WHAT?"
"Bought a house," he repeated. "Here in Los Angeles. If you're going to do this, then I'd be with you through the process of it, whether you need me or not."
My mouth fell agape, and I was processing it slowly. I almost couldn't believe it! "That's a big decision! Are you sure you--"
"Yes. I thought it through."
"What about your company?"
"I'd return tomorrow to tie things up, too. It's no big deal, Alma. Let's do this together." The corners of his eyes creased as he laughed, and I could no longer hold mine back either.
This was too big a sacrifice, but I'd never had anyone this dedicated to being on my side. It gladdened me. "Let's do this together," I echoed. "You and me. Thank you so much, Rodney."
"How about we celebrate over a bottle of wine?"
"Late-night drinking?" my forehead creased as I winced. "Count me in!"
*
It was finally the big day, two days after the unsuccessful meeting I had with the Jenkins. On several occasions, it was becoming an insult to be regarded as one of them. This day was my Grandfather's funeral and was also the day his will would be read, and I'd know my place in all these, minus the company that was already in my name.
I didn't know if I should even be there. What more could be in the will that was more important than his very own company? It was a game I'd already won, and as much as I hated the struggle over inheritance, this one came rather easily to me.
Velma and I were ready, and I was waiting for Rodney, who would be arriving in five minutes. His presence was solely for Carl's sake. I wanted him to go as crazy as he wanted, trying to find answers to the questions I inconspicuously dropped. After a few moments, Rodney arrived, and we were set to go.
The anxiety was new every time, and I almost couldn't stop my legs from tapping as he drove. It was going to be a place crowded by business partners and distant family relatives, not to mention, Linda and her nearly paralyzed mother.
"You're going to do just great," Rodney said to me as though he eavesdropped into my thoughts.
I nodded and smiled, mouthing a small word of appreciation. Finally, we arrived at the venue of the remembrance, and the first thing we were met by was ribbons and decorations flying around. It was easy to mistake the place for a birthday party. What happened to having respect?
This must be the setup Linda or her mother had chosen. Of course, it was more of a celebration to them as the will that determined their fate was being read today. I strolled in, holding Velma's hand while Rodney followed me.
Like I was a magnet, all eyes darted in my direction, and murmurs started to fly around. Their whispers weren't as loud as they should be because I still heard them loud and clear.
"That's the granddaughter!"
"She's back?"
"Where did she go?"
"Who's the kid?"
There were so many questions lingering in the air, none that I was bothered to give answers to. It was an open space, covered by a canopy, and we made our way to the front row- I'd sit nowhere else- where the entire Jenkins family was seated. Linda was the first to set eyes on me, and she glared like her life depended on it.
It wasn't until I looked closely I realized Carl was the one seated next to her, and he paid no attention, although she nudged him. Our eyes met momentarily, and I immediately looked away. I hated how he watched me with so much guilt in those eyes. It hurt my stomach and only made me hate him more.
On purpose, I sat at the first chair at the utmost front just to get a reaction out of all of them, including my stepmother, who was seated at the end of the row.
"You have quite the audacity coming here?" Linda declared in a low whisper. At least she was reasonable enough to not draw attention. "After the company was signed to your name, you still want to fish for more in his will? I can assure you Grandpa has nothing left for you, so scram, gold digger!"
I paid her no mind, acting as though I hadn't even heard her talk.
"Sister trouble?" Rodney joked. Possibly an attempt to distract me. "I didn't know it was this bad."
"Oh, this is not the worst," I rolled my eyes. "But that's not why I'm here. Pay her no mind."
"I certainly won't."
There were a lot of greetings and pleasant exchanges going on. I chose to speak with Velma instead, trying my very best to explain the reason we're here without ruining her innocence. It always made me so uncomfortable putting her through toxic situations like this.
A person like Linda should not be around kids, which must be why she has yet to have one. Undoubtedly, she'd make a terrible mother. The feedback from a microphone stung our ears, and our attention was ripped in that direction.
On the very platform was Mr. Page and a black file in his hands. It was finally time. I squirmed in my seat and braced myself for the worst. The atmosphere suddenly got colder, and Mr. Page began to talk.
"Ladies and gentlemen, we shall proceed with announcing the will of Late Sir Charles Jenkins," He glanced at the file and then back at us. Everyone stuck to silence, ears attentive to grab every word of his mouth.
Mr. Page continued, directly reading off the book. "In accordance with the wishes of the Late Sir Charles Jenkins, I hereby bequeath all of my earthly possession, including ownership of Jenkins and Co. Limited, vast expanses of my real estate, and my mansion in all states and countries, to my granddaughter, Alma Jenkins."
What just happened?