When my dad parked the car, I practically ran into the house. As soon as I opened the door, I came face-to-face with Abigail. She looked stunning: her hair pulled into a neat bun, long high-heeled boots, and a stylish black coat. The tension between her and my dad was almost palpable. Ruth and Adam were sitting on the couch watching TV.
"Hi, Mr. Luck. I just wanted to let you know I'm heading out. Today is my day off," Abigail said.
My dad stayed silent, stiff. I stepped in to help.
"Wow, Abigail… you look beautiful. Where are you going?"
She gave a small smile. "My cousin is visiting from Italy. I'm spending the day with her."
My dad finally said something. "Will you be back before dinner? Chad's family is coming tonight."
"I'm actually staying at the hotel with her. I'll be back tomorrow morning. But if you need me, I can come earlier."
My dad cleared his throat. "First of all, I told you to stop calling me 'sir'. And don't worry. I'm hiring a company to handle the dinner. Enjoy your day off."
He walked toward his office. Abigail, looking embarrassed, said goodbye and left. I glanced at Adam and Ruth, both quiet. Adam tossed a pillow at me.
"So… there's gonna be a dinner for Chad's family?"
I smiled. "Actually, it's because my dad knows Chad's mom. I think from a long time ago."
Adam sighed. "Well, it's a good start."
I smiled back. Ruth mentioned Peter, and she looked so calm, almost relieved.
"His voice sounds great. He seems better. We're visiting him in a few weeks," she said.
Relief washed over me. I missed him so much.
"He started painting again," Ruth added.
Adam jumped off the couch. "Seriously, Mom? He hasn't done that in years!"
We were still talking when my dad walked into the room, clearly irritated. I knew the reason. Her name was Abigail. And he was jealous.
"Mr. Luck, if you want, I can cook dinner…" Ruth began.
"No, you're a guest. I already handled everything," my dad replied.
Then he changed the subject.
"Did you tell Adam the news?"
"Not yet," she said.
Adam looked at her, curious.
"I'm going to work at Mr. Luck's company," Ruth told him.
"That's amazing, Mom! Your medical leave was almost over anyway," Adam said.
"And there's more," my dad added. "You'll all be moving into one of my buildings in Edgewater. One of the caretakers left, so you and Peter will take over the job."
I was thrilled. They would live so close…
Adam smiled with gratitude. "Thank you, Mr. Luck. Whatever you need, I can help."
My dad ruffled his hair. "Help by studying. I want to see you and Peter graduate."
Ruth looked at him with so much gratitude it almost broke my heart. I was so proud of my father.
"You'll need to stay here a few more days, though. The apartment is being prepared," my dad added.
I hugged Adam. "Guess we're living in the same house a little longer."
We talked for a while. Adam told my father he wanted to study law. Everyone loved the idea. Later, we went to the pool. Adam and I were talking when Emma showed up.
"I didn't even see you leave," I said.
"I left early. I had pilates," she answered.
Adam pushed her into the pool, and we laughed. I watched them play.
"Next year we're all splitting up… Adam in law school, Emma in med school, and me in veterinary school."
The thought squeezed my chest, but I pushed it away. Today wasn't the day to worry about that.
Suddenly, we felt someone watching us. When I turned, I saw a man and a woman standing by the gate, both with severe expressions. Emma stopped swimming, wiped the water from her eyes, and whispered:
"Dad? Mom? What are you doing here?"
Her mother replied, "Emma, we're going home. Now."
My dad and Ruth approached. My father shook their hands.
"Nice to meet you. I'm Luck."
"Yes, I know. Mr. Hollis, right?" the man said. "We're Emma's parents. Derick Bennett, and this is my wife, Lola."
My dad smiled politely. "Your daughter is lovely."
But the couple remained stiff. Adam climbed out of the pool and extended his hand.
"Nice to meet you. I'm Adam."
Mrs. Bennett looked at him with open disdain.
"You're the boy from the outskirts? The one Emma is seeing?"
Adam didn't flinch. "Yes. With pride. And we're not just seeing each other. We're dating."
Derick's voice tightened. "Dating? Without informing us?"
Emma snapped. "You don't care! When I told you I was assaulted, you didn't even react!"
Her mother answered with icy sarcasm. "We don't care, as long as it's a boy…"
Adam smirked. "A rich boy, right?"
My dad stepped in. "I'm going to ask you both to leave my house. You don't get to walk in without permission and insult my guests."
"Emma is coming with us," Derick insisted.
"I'm not!" Emma shouted. "You don't care about me! I have a dinner that will be way better than being alone, since you'll probably go out with your useless friends like always!"
"Useless? Since when? Ever since you started spending time with these people," Lola snapped, glaring at Adam.
My dad sighed. "Emma, go with them. You can come back later. They're your parents."
My stomach twisted. Ruth gently held Adam's hand, silently telling him not to start a fight.
Emma cried. She looked at me. I nodded for her to go. My dad was right.
Before leaving, Derick turned to my father.
"Funny… you, Mr. Luck, always had a reputation for surrounding yourself with bad company. You and your brother. That's why"
My dad clenched his fist, breathing hard.
"I prefer this company a thousand times over. People like you are the reason I want nothing to do with the elite. I don't know you, and I hope it stays that way.And believe me, we know exactly who you are… and who you were."
Adam let out a sarcastic laugh but stayed silent.
Derick grabbed Emma by the arm and dragged her away. Lola followed. Adam instinctively moved to go after her, but Ruth held him back. When they disappeared, Ruth's eyes were full of tears. My chest tightened with pity.
"Let's go inside," my dad said quietly.
When we entered the house, he looked at Ruth and asked, "You're not bothered by this… are you?"
She wiped her eyes. "Luck… this isn't our world."She turned to Adam. "Emma is a wonderful girl. But you won't be happy with her."
Adam stared at his mother, thoughtful and silent. I walked to Ruth and hugged her. She was so kind, so gentle, so strong… I could never understand why some people needed to feel superior to others.
Back in my old town, everyone was treated the same whether it was the mayor or the humblest worker. And the worst part was realizing that Adam and Emma might be forced apart… because of pure prejudice.