Copper
I could tell Dad was still as confused as ever. Mom and the man have barely said a word to each other, yet he was smiling as if he said it all.
"Grace," he started, "It's been a long time since we've last talked to each other like this, face to face."
"Mom, I'm hungry," I interjected before she could respond. "We should go home soon before it gets late." I said partly looking at him, but kept my demeanor calm and oblivious.
Until he turned to stare at me, then I couldn't help but frown. To my dismay, he started smiling and coming over to where I was. I took a step back. "My, is that Copper? You've grown so much I couldn't tell."
Dad placed his arm over my shoulders. He eyed the old man up and down. "Sweetie, who is this?"
My mother rested her hands on her hips and sighed. Some students passed by, too lost in their conversation to find anything wrong. "Daniel, this is Mister Harmony, Johnathon's father. And Copper's-"
"An unknown stranger that left us to suffer," I interjected. I stole a glance at Daniel. Oddly enough, he didn't seem surprised compared to when he had no idea who he was. Dad composed himself, lips pursed into a firm line. But overall, he didn't release his hold on me. However his gaze lingered between that man and Mom as if he was sorry he wasn't beside her. She only shrugged.
Upon seeing this, that old man had the audacity to smile. "Nice to meet you. Good to know that these precious ladies are in good hands." He lifted his arm as if he expected Dad to shake it. Daniel, too nice for his own good, did just that, looking into his eyes while smiling politely. "Nice to meet you too, sir. Did you need time to speak with Grace alone? Me and Copper were just going home."
I pinched from behind. He didn't say anything but reached behind to pat my hand away. Mr. Harmony shook his head, that silly little smile never fading. Urgh, was it glued to his face?
"No need. I was hoping I could have a chat with Copper as well. However..." He looked in my direction.
I took my father's example and chose to hold my head high, faking the nicest expression I could come up with.
"No need," I said, mimicking him. Then I turned around to emphasize my point. "Now, if you'll excuse us. My family and I have little at home and need to go shopping in order to have something to eat tonight. It's not like anyone is going to help us. Or ever did." Giving that man a side eye, I tugged on Daniel's arm. For some reason, he looked calm and even proceeded to smile. As if he were proud of me. A part of me felt a little happy then, knowing that I finally did something that he approved of.
"You heard the lady, we have a place to get to. But please, enjoy your talk." That's when he started walking off, passing Mr. Harmony and the entrance to the school with me right beside him.
Right. No matter who he was and what he wanted, we had no obligation to listen to it. When Mom and I needed him after John passed away, he wasn't there. When I fell sick as a child, he didn't even visit. Just sent some money for a bill.
"Well then, see you when we see you," I waved and continued down the road with dad.
_________
When I said we were going grocery shopping, I didn't mean "we" as in everyone here!
But now the man who called himself my grandfather was stationed beside me with a pint of raspberry ice cream in hand, smiling as if he had nothing better to do. His guards took it upon themselves to tag along as well, two taking up positions outside the store while another followed him around like a lost dog. I sighed.
As much as I refused to let him pay for me (yes I was as broke as I was the day before, doesn't mean I don't still have my pride), Mom didn't seem to have the same idea.
She made her way to the counter with two carts full of flour, meat, dry ingredients, cleaning supplies, and a bunch of other things we haven't been able to but for months now. Daniel followed along with a stacked cart of his own, mostly containing snacks, cereals, mac & cheese, bread and milk. From the look on his face I could tell he wasn't the happiest with his wife's plan. Me too, man. Me too.
In the end I shrugged and allowed that old man to put some sweet things on the counter. Wasn't like I was the one paying for them anyway.
"You should also try this," he said, holding up a packet of candied dried fruits. "I always have one of these with me to keep me sated while I work."
I shrugged, which was good enough for him since he added it to the pile. It took a whole fifteen minutes for the cashier to ring up everything, and when she was done I had to stop myself from flinching at the price. Mom, stood to the side, arms folded expectedly. After the price coat that man took out his card and gave it to the cashier, turning to me with a smile. I followed my mother's lead and folded my arms, letting him know that he wasn't out of the mud just because he paid for a couple salaries worth of food. And he chuckled. Again! As if he didn't take my glaring eyes seriously! The nerve!
Once outside, Mr. Harmony took it upon himself to invite us for a ride home in his car. As long as he didn't try to murder us. That's how we ended up on cold leather seats with him and Daniel sitting side by side, facing us. Our bags locked away in Mr. Harmony's enormous trunk.
"I haven't been the fairest to you, and that's the first thing I realize I should've said before forcing you to let me accompany you," he says with a sigh. Mom rubbed her arms, but she never let down her head. In the meantime, Daniel's squirming kept me entertained. If I was stuck between a guy the size of a mountain and some rich dude he doesn't know, I would be uncomfortable too.
Grace shrugged, tucking a lock of hair behind her ear. "Yeah, well, it's a couple of years too late for formalities," she said. Harmony nodded. "I understand that. Regardless, I want to say 'I'm sorry'," he gazed towards me as if making sure I knew that it was me he was speaking with. "There are reasons why I couldn't claim you as my own nor remain in contact with you for long. I am fully aware that this is not an excuse for abandoning family. And I'm willing to accept any resentment you hold towards me."
I was so glad he said that! There were more than a phew words I've imagined yelling at him since I was young. However, one of my two braincells that actually worked, told me to keep my mouth shut and think for once.
Right in front of me was my well off, estranged father's father (I refused to call him my grandpa, cause that is something he is not). Instead of going at him and letting him think my mother didn't raise me well, I could take advantage of the fact that he was here and hopefully gaining some kind of benefit.
So I did the smart thing and calm myself down. Only then did I choose to respond.
I shrugged, sinking further into the seat. "You're good," after saying those words dismissively, I turned my body to the window. Mom knew him best, let her handle him before I make a mistake.
And that's exactly what she did.
"Nice to know that you're aware at least." Grace rolled her eyes. As much as she would deny it, I knew I got my attitude from her. "But why are you here now? That's all we want to know."
Poor Dad attempted to stretch his arms, but got stared down by Harmony's bodyguard, so he stopped in the middle of stretching, stuck in an ackward position.
The old man nodded. "Right. Well I think you know why I am here, Grace. It's time for Copper to return to the estate and take her rightful place."