My world had finally settled down. My mother had summoned me home after I sulked for a day. When I walked through the door I had felt instantly comforted. 

“You’re finally here.” 

Her smile was cheerful, but somewhat guarded. 

“You look too grown up today. It makes me a little sad.” She was now standing in front of me dusting off my shoulder as I took off my shoes. 

“Before you were born your father and I had different wishes. He told me day in and day out that you absolutely needed to take after me. I of course felt the opposite. However, when I saw you after you were born, I totally agreed that it was much better you took after me. I mean, look at you, a great combination.” 

She laughed happily as she saw how I softened up hearing her joke around. 

“Now you look like yourself again.” She hugged me tightly and patted my back.

“I’m sorry you found out this way.” 

I patted her back as reassurance that I was okay.

We didn’t speak much about it past that. My father of course followed suit, awkwardly at that.  I was becoming all the more aware that there was something they weren’t prepared to tell me. I accepted that it wasn’t time. It was something I was sure I wasn’t ready for either. Things seemed to fall back into place, though worry was creeping in slowly. 

I found myself finally stepping into my role that following Monday. If only I’d known what a disaster of a morning it would be. 

Astrid showed up with coffee in hand for my first day, stating she would escort me personally. Our relationship had returned back to normal. One might even say we had become even more comfortable than we were prior to this revelation. The streets were alive. People were pouring into the crosswalk as we waited for the light to turn. Astrid was preoccupied changing the music on her phone. 

I found happiness in small moments like this, it was pure serenity for me. It seems that those moments seem to solely exist because of her. 

“The light changed, Alistar.”

As we pulled into the parking lot, people were happily walking into the building. It was finally sinking in that I’d made my dream come true. How odd that I am more nervous than excited after all this time. 

“It’s easy to get caught up in the rush of people at the beginning of the day, so stay close to me.” 

She gave me a reassuring smile before linking arms with me. Like a pro she guided us to the front door I entered alone just a week ago. She wasn’t exaggerating, people were everywhere, going in every direction. I’m sure that the extremely popular bakery that existed inside the lobby wasn’t helping. People raved about this bakery that had locations pop all over the country. This was their first location and of course it was invested in by my father. She slowly and excitedly guided me to the seating area of the bakery. 

“Here you are.”

All of the happiness of the morning had quickly diminished upon hearing that sentence. It was a stern and arrogant voice that had soured my mood instantly. Astrid had stopped dead in her tracks and hid behind me. Her grip tightened around arm and I felt her her shrink behind my frame. I was already infuriated by his presence, but feeling her become so small fueled me with more rage than I’d ever felt before. I lightly squeezed her hand and whispered softly for her to go ahead without me. I felt her slink away into the crowded café. 

“As I’ve explained countless times, there is no reason for you to seek me out, especially not here.” He ignored my remark and continued to look past me. 

“If I had known all it would take to get you to work for me was to hire a girl I would’ve done that. I didn’t realize it was so simp-”

“What a ridiculous remark. For years, you have been more than aware of my wishes. I’ve turned you down more than I can possibly count when it comes to your job offers. We share different views, so just accept that rather than coming up with absurd reasons.”

At this point I was standing in front of his view of the café. I strategically positioned myself to have him face away from the cafe all together. His expression showed that he was somewhat amused, but it also shared a hint of fury. 

“One would think that you hate me.” His expression had fully shifted. He was clearly ticked off by my persistent stance.

“I don’t hate you.” He seemed to let off a small smirk before I continued. 

“If I hated you, that would mean I even spared a single thought for you. I haven’t once thought of you enough to feel such a strong emotion for you.” His dark eyes flickered with rage, but immediately seemed to settle. Suddenly his hand was placed firmly on my shoulder and he gave me a million dollar smile. 

“You know, you say that, but I still seem to like you. It’s too bad though. I really wanted you to work for me.” This all came out in a whisper as he stayed close to my ear. His voice carefully raised with his next sentence.

“Well, I have to say I’m quite proud of how far you’ve come. I look forward to what’s next.” I was puzzled with his sudden change. People were now starting to look at our interaction. I could tell his presence was not welcome and it felt like suddenly mine wasn’t either for knowing him. Before I could respond someone quickly approached. 

“I have to say, I never thought I’d see you here.” 

Darn it. What terrible timing. 

“Oh, well I had to offer my congratulations to an old friend.” When I saw his eyes as he removed his hand from my shoulder I came to the realization that I’d played perfectly into his hands. 

As I turned to face my father, he was completely calm, but the quietest storm was raging in his deep blue eyes.