Dreamlike State (The Magic of Black Forest Book 1) (13 page)

Chapter 10

It was late when I pulled into my driveway. I tried to be quiet but failed miserably as I stumbled through the doorway. I flicked on the living room light to find Melissa cowering in the shadows of the darkened hallway with a baseball bat in her hands. She looked terrified but I couldn’t help but laugh at her.

“Don’t beat me, Meliss!” I said hysterically as I raised my hands in the air as if to surrender.

“Natty, you’re home!” She dropped the bat with a thud, and then crashed into me, giving me a huge bear hug. “I’ve missed you so much. You scared the crap out of me. Why didn’t you call and tell me you were coming home?”

“Sorry, I forgot. Everything okay? What’s up with the bat?”

“Security of course. I’m not used to being by myself at night, still getting used to it.” She hugged me again. “I’m so glad you’re finally home.”

Instead of unloading the truck, we sat down to catch up. Melissa had been sleeping on the couch. She said she found it less frightening to be closer to the door where she could hear. I’d forgotten that this was the first time she stayed alone somewhere other than her home. She said she appreciated experience, but was grateful it was over.

She filled me in on everything that had happened since I left. She also reminded me to call the lawyer as soon as possible. I would definitely do that tomorrow. I wanted to get that over with as soon as possible. Oh and my aunt planned on stopping by next weekend. Great… that was going to be awkward. At least I had plenty of time to mull that over. I’d cross that bridge when I got to it. After a few hours, I was too exhausted to keep my eyes open so I went to bed.

I almost forgot where I was when I woke up. At first, I just laid there staring up at the ceiling. Finally, I had to blink my eyes into focus. Realizing where I was, I got up and stretched my body. Suddenly, I felt sore all over. My body had aches and pains in places I didn’t think possible. Unbelievable. I didn’t want to do anything but lounge on the couch, watch TV and sleep. Instead, I forced myself to get in the shower and start my day. I was definitely going to need the next few days to get back into the groove of things.

I thought coming home would be dreadful, but it turned out to be the total opposite. Relieved, yet I felt like this was my old life, like I hadn’t lived there in years. It still felt like home, but different somehow. I felt like a different person, definitely not the same person I was before my parents died. So much had happened, so quickly, it had changed me permanently.

Before Melissa went off to work, we had breakfast together. I told her about my vacation and about meeting Bradley, Colleen, Jesse, and Dave. I even told her about Anthony. She just sat there…wide-eyed and mouth gaping.

“Why did you let him go? You should have stopped him,” she said confused.

“He was too beautiful to be mine, Meliss. Besides what was I supposed to do? Drop to my knees and beg? He said it was a mistake.” I tried to put on a good face, but I was heartbroken. “He’s probably enjoying his nights with the fake eyelash chick.” Purely words of jealousy that if challenged I would never admit to.

“That really stinks, Nat. Maybe he’ll show up here begging for your forgiveness.” Shrugging her shoulders and raising her eyebrows as if to gesture…you never know.

“You had better get going or you’ll be late for work. Give me a call tonight.” I was eager to get some good quality alone time.

After Melissa left, I unloaded the truck and locked the quad up in the garage. While unpacking, I found an envelope in my pillowcase. On the outside it read:
Natalia.
The penmanship was elegant. Inside was a note from Jesse and pictures of all of us. I don’t remember anyone ever having a camera except for me. I flipped through the pictures…Colleen and I arm in arm; we were at the Star Party. There was a picture or two of me and Jesse.

Finally, what I hoped to find was there but the second I saw his face my heart dropped, causing my chest to ache. I didn’t recall this picture being taken of the two of us but I remembered the moment it was captured. We were at a show and during their break he played a song on the jukebox just so he could dance with me. His glorious smile, the fun night…how I missed every bit of him.

I put my new photos in frames, and placed them around the house, putting the picture of Bradley next to my parents on the nightstand in my old room. This way I would see him every morning when I awoke and he’d be the last thing I saw before I went to sleep. I sat there staring at the picture until I remembered the note that accompanied them.

Natalia… don’t stay away too long. You know as well as I that you belong here. Things will be as they should upon your return. Hurry home… Jesse

Oh no! I forgot to call them when I got home. Darn. Immediately I dialed Jesse’s number.

Before he had a chance to finish saying hello, I start talking. “Hello, Jesse, it’s me Natalia. Thank you for the pictures. I’m sorry I didn’t call you when I got here.” There was no response. – “Hello?”

My heart sank as I heard Bradley say, “Jesse, it’s for you, she said something about pictures…” he didn’t even talk to me. I knew it was him. Just the sound of his voice caused my stomach to flutter.

“Hey, Natalia, it’s about time you called us. We were
all
getting ready to show up on your doorstep,” I heard a sigh of relief. “What about pictures? Wait Colleen’s here let me put you on speaker.”

“Sorry I didn’t call you sooner, I got in really late yesterday. I ache all over so it took me all morning just to get unpacked. That’s when I found the pictures and your note, which reminded me to call you. Thank you for the pictures, it means a lot.” I tried to sound as excited as I did when I first called but just knowing Bradley was there made it hard.

“I thought you were on tour?” I wasn’t talking to Colleen or Jesse but Colleen tried to cover for him. “Colleen please don’t do that, I know what I heard.” When Bradley didn’t respond, I told them I had a lot of things to do and that they can call me later tonight. I didn’t want to call there just in case he answered the phone again.

“Natalia… wait… please.” Bradley’s voice sounded as sad as mine, except this was his choice so he had no right to sound that way.

“What?”

“One second, Natalia, I’m going to take you off speaker.” After a brief pause I heard, “Hello, you still there?”

“Yes.” It was all I could say. I didn’t want him to hear how sad and heartbroken I was. I didn’t want him to feel guilty. I wanted him to be happy, even if it was without me.

“How are you doing? It must be hard for you to be home.”

“I’m fine and you.” I ignored his concern about my coming back to my parents' house, trying to be cordial, but it wouldn’t last long considering the emotional turmoil I was under.

“Not so good. When you didn’t call, I came back. We were going to go look for you. I-I-I was worried.” Hearing him stutter, his voice sad, I knew this was hurting him just as much as it was me. Again, he had the power to change it.

“Well, Bradley, I’m no longer your concern. Like
you
said the past month was a mistake, I see that now. There’s no need to burden yourself thinking I’m pining here waiting for you. Oh no need to worry about Anthony either, I’m sure he’s lost interest in me as well... just another flatlander to mess with.”

“Natalia, please…”

Before he had a chance to say anything else I cut him off. My voice cracking and tears starting to fall I could only say, “Goodbye, Bradley. I’m sorry you felt that way. Thank you and I’ll always love you.” Then I hung up. I didn’t even give him a chance to reply, to change his mind, or defend his words.

Seconds after I hung up the phone, it rang. It was Jesse’s number so I didn’t answer it. Instead, I cleaned up the kitchen and found the lawyer's number that Melissa had written down for me.

Apparently, Mr. Smith wanted to see me, today if possible. I thought,
why not?
If I sat here, I would just pine over Bradley. Anyway, the sooner I got this over with the sooner I could move on.

***

The office was in the city, on Market Street, and rumor had it that this was where all the good lawyers were, here or in New York. Unfortunately, I didn’t trust lawyers, no matter where they were from. Mr. Smith’s firm had its own floor. Not just an office on the floor, the entire floor. Immediately after I exited the elevator, the receptionist greeted me. She instantly knew who I was and greeted me as such.

“Hello, Ms. Middleton. Please follow me.” She guided me to Mr. Smith’s office. “He’ll be right with you.” All the office furniture matched. It was made of mahogany, and was beautiful and prestigious. This firm no doubt was quite successful. The décor; warm and comforting, which was not at all what I expected.

“Hello, Natalia… may I call you Natalia?” It was odd that he did not extend his hand to greet me. That’s quite odd for someone in this profession not to do.

“Sure, no problem, Mr. Smith.”

“It’s a pleasure to see you again. You’ve grown so much since the last time I saw you… well before the viewing and all. I used to come to your birthday parties when you were younger you know, before you became a teenager and no longer wanted adults at your parties.” He let out a hearty laugh.

“I’m sorry, I don’t remember.” The situation felt very uncomfortable. I didn’t even remember meeting him at the viewing but there were many people there that I didn’t know.

“Understandable. Well, let’s get down to business. Your parents’ Will is very straightforward. Everything they owned is yours. The house, cars, stock, retirement, and deposit accounts. Per their request, I will continue to monitor and invest the funds already in the stock market. The retirement funds are to remain as such. Those monies are to be used for your “official” retirement. As of today, it totals about one hundred and fifty thousand dollars.” –
Official
, what did he mean by that? – “The deposit accounts have been closed and combined, totaling just over two hundred thousand dollars. I will wire these funds into your current bank account. The funds will be available tomorrow.” – I gasped with disbelief. – “Yes that is a lot of money. You should be very careful with it. If you go too wild or don’t pay attention it will go quickly.” He paused at this point to let me digest it all.

“They also had insurance policies that you are the beneficiary of. They total five hundred thousand dollars. Per the Will, I will invest this money in a trust account and deposit two thousand dollars a month into your account, beginning two years after their death.”

I was unable to say anything. I had no idea my parents had so much money. We’d always lived comfortably when I was growing up, but still I had no idea.

“It’s a lot to digest. They wanted you to enjoy life without having to worry about money. I have strict instructions to monitor your funds to ensure that their wishes are fulfilled. I loved your parents dearly and I will keep that promise to them. Natalia, they were never clients to me. They were my friends.”

“Does that mean you’re waiving all the fees and your services are free of charge?” My goal was to lighten up this very intense moment. It’s overwhelming and a lot to digest.

He laughed aloud then said, “You have your father’s sense of humor. He would have said the same thing, just to lighten the mood. I don’t charge my fees but I do charge the retirement fees and secretary fees. It will cost you about a thousand dollars a year for me to manage your funds. I promise to do it wisely and keep you informed, and when necessary, I’ll even make decisions on your behalf. Do you have any questions for me?”

“No. Thank you. For everything.”

“Wait. Your father told me that you didn’t trust lawyers and there was one way I could prove myself to you.” I swallowed loudly when I saw him extend out his hand for me to take. “Go ahead. Like I said, we were good friends.” I took his hand and I could see why my parents trusted this man. He was a good loyal friend that was all I needed to know. So as not to invade his privacy, I was about to let go but then I saw my parents. Harvey knew my parents all their lives. I saw their history together flash before my eyes. I even saw him holding me several times as a child and playing catch with me when I was older.

As the tears started to fill my eyes, I pulled my hand from his. “Thank you for letting me see and hear my parents again. I truly miss them.” I took a tissue and dabbed my cheeks dry.

We went over a lot more legal stuff before I left. It felt like I signed my life away. I was also amazed by how much money Uncle Sam was taking. Soon they’ll tax you just for dying. Unbelievable!

***

By the time I got home, it was dark already. When I walked into the house, I was numb from all the news I’d received today. Harvey said that I should think about quitting my job to find something more fulfilling to do with my life, especially now that I could take the time to figure that out. That was one thing that I was going to do. I dreaded going back to work. I enjoyed the company I worked for, but I felt burned out before I went away, now I had no interest in going back at all. I will go back and give them sufficient notice, I owed them that much. They’ve always been good to me.

After I got ready for bed, I called Melissa and told her about my appointment with the lawyer. She agreed and said I should quit my job to do something I would enjoy more. As of now, I had no idea what that was.