What in the actually fuck, did he mean by in exchange for me. Is it possible to take a person as an asset. His eyes where fixed on me, still unchangingly cold. I'm not even worth have a million. What exactly does he need from me. Mom raised on her feet, her hands fisting into tight balls.
"What do you mean by my daughter in exchange for the money ?" She yelled" She's a person for god's sake ". She was pacing now in the room, pulling her hair. My heart ached. I felt a jabbing pain in my heart as I watched her. She turned immediately, her head facing the man in front of us. She was glaring at him . She gave him the look that always made my siblings and I, tremble like chickens in the snow. But he didn't flinch. Didn't blink. He met her gaze evenly. He didn't seem like he was backing out.
"Is there anything else we -"
"I'll do it " I cut her off before she could finish her sentence. I knew what she was about to do. What she always does when things hit the rock. She was going to beg him. I wasn't letting that happen.
I could feel my mom's eyes on me but my eyes were glued on his. I think I saw a flicker of something. Surprise maybe. He was surprised at my answer. Well, that's no news, even I am in shock too. What the heck was I doing.
Mom held my hand and pulling me out of the living room to the kitchen.
"What the hell was that?" She yelled. I'm pretty sure he could hear her.
"What do you mean?" I asked .
"You know what I mean, Annette. What do you mean by ' you'll do it ' "
" You heard what he said mom, all that money could go away. And all he wants is me". Her face was turning purple with frustration now. She pulled her hair.
"No Annette. No . You are not going anywhere with him. Do you have any idea what he wants with you?" I clearly have no idea. He didn't give any clues. Just sat there like he owned the place.
"You don't have to do this. We... We'll find some other way ", she muttered. "We'll figure something out".
"How ", I asked" Beatrix is in med school, with a whole bunch of student loans. Evan just got into college. Nikki is in highschool now ", I sighed. " We are barely surviving right now. Mom. If I don't do this, we'll end up homeless on the street. We'll lose everything."
A tear slipped free, but she wiped it away immediately. Since Dad fell sick, I've watched my mom struggle . When I graduated from highschool, I got a job to assist her, but it felt like the more we tried, the more our problems increased . And now, we finally found solid ground and a chance to start afresh. I'm not letting anything or anyone take that from us. I am willing to do anything for my family, even if it means selling my self to the devil himself.
I held her hands, turning her to face me.
"Mom. I've got this ", I tried to assure her. She squeezed my hands.
"I'm so sorry Baby. This is not the life I wanted for you or your siblings ". She sobbed .
"I know ", I whispered "I'll be fine ".
Well, that was a lie. My heart was in my mouth and my head was fuzzy. I had no idea what I was doing and I'm scared as fuck. She searched my face, then gave a tight smile.
"I don't know what I'd ever do without you. You're all grown up now, making your own decisions". I smiled. I wasn't certain if I made the right decision though.
"Shall we get back to Mr Patrizio?". She nodded.
We went back into the living room. He was sitting there unfazed. His eyes trailing my every movement. My stomach tightened, I started to question my sanity. I don't know if he heard anything we said, but am certain if he did, he did a good job hiding it. He raised his brows as we stepped in .
" We.... have decided to accept your proposal ". My spoke, her voice still cracked.
"So what now?", I asked, clearly uncertain what happens next.
"You'll be staying with me, at my penthouse ", he paused. Then stood up. I knew he had long legs but, I didn't think he was this tall when he was sitting. He should be a six footer. I suddenly felt smaller. I've always known I was short. As height goes in the family, I've got the last share. Evan got the biggest share, followed by Nikki, then Beatrix.
"I suggest you start packing ", he added.
"What!. Right now?" . This was moving too fast, my head is spinning.
" How about you give me your address, then I'll meet-"
"No."He cut me off. "You're leaving with me."
" But I've a lot of stuffs to pack. You can't just expect me to rush, I need time to organize my self. I need to make sure I have everything with -".
"I'll get you new ones ". Why does he keep interrupting me.
" I also need to bide my family farewell and spend a little time with them - ".
"You can do that now ". My jaw dropped. This man clearly has no patience.
"I'll wait for you in the car. Ross will come pick your stuffs up ". And he was out the door, taking his towering features with him. And here I thought I could buy myself some time, to prep myself , build up some courage and pray to the good lord for strength. I inhaled deep and let out a huge breath.
"I guess I better start packing. Wouldn't want to upset Mr grumpy ". I joked.
The air was quite, thick with emotion. She didn't speak. Didn't need to. I could feel the crack . The tension. It wasn't easy for her. She was my mother after all, and I'm certain if she had a way, she would never let me leave. But this was my choice, and she was respecting it. Whether it was stupid or not. Even if it was crushing her.