Leah: I can't believe you finally agreed to do this.
Leah says, still staring at my parents house. This place is enormous but somehow, it makes me feel suffocated.
Ashton: Yeah well, I had to pick up my stuff; I'm moving in that new place tomorrow.
Leah: Can you give me a spare key?
She probably should have it as my manager. I hand her the spare key the realtor gave me.
Ashton: Here you go.
Leah: Thanks!
What's with that happy face? It's not like she's accomplished something. She's still a silly kid. Just as I'm thinking this, my Butler, Christian, approaches me.
Christan: You've arrived 'Young Master' and Miss Leah.
Ashton:... Don't pick on me like that! Long time no see!
Christian has been serving my family since before I was born though he's barely 16 years older than me.
Christian: So it seems. Anyway, your parents are waiting inside.
Huh, he could've at least said 'Hi' though it's just like him to be brisk yet kind with me.
Ashton: Then let's head inside.
Christian leads us inside. I'm so nervous; eight years ago, I practically ran away from this place, from reality. I lift my hand to my shirt's button but Leah grabs ahold of it. She mouths 'It's gonna be okay' and smiles at me gently. Her smile sets me at ease. She holds my hand till we reach the common room. Christian opens the door for us and I see my parents seated on the couch. I gulp with anxiety blooming inside. I quickly shake away Leah hand before they notice.
Mom: Ashton!
Dad:....
Dad expression doesn't change and Mom rushes towards me and hugs me tightly with tears in her eyes. I hug her back.
Mom: It's so good to see you! I was so worried you know!
I wipe Mom's tears. Oh God, that expression on her face is gonna make me wanna cry too.
Ashton: I'm sorry.
Mom: Don't give that to me! You packed up and left overnight! But, seems like you are doing well after that... 'thing'.
Ashton:... I guess so. And, um, Dad I-
Dad: When are you going to stop playing around?
Ashton: What?
Dad: This acting rubbish. You should be serious by now and take over the family business.
Rubbish? So many things changed since I was last here but, he's still stubborn about one thing, me being the heir of the company. I clench my fists tightly.
Mom: Don't be like that, Honey. He's visiting us after so long.
Dad:... Sit down over there.
This scene is the same before too; Dad's indifference towards me and Mom's caring nature. I never got along with my father since he was always out for business when I little and never there for me unlike Mom who supported me all along. He's just disappointed to have had a son like me but, I've long accepted that fact. I sit down across my parents and Leah takes a seat beside me. Wait a second, why didn't they greet Leah as well, she hasn't met them for some years as well. My eye brows twitch and this doesn't go unnoticed.
Dad: Irked to be around me?
Ashton: What?! No!
Relax, relax, relax.
Dad: What are you? A kid? Fiddling around when you talk to someone?
Fiddling? Oh right. I quickly pull my hand down.
Ashton: Um, why haven't you greeted Leah too? She hasn't been home for years either.
My question is replied my astonished faces of my parents and Leah.
Ashton:???
Leah: W-Well, I'm just like outsider here you know! There's no need to greet me!
Ashton: But...
Mom: Did you have tea yet?
Ashton: Huh? Yeah, I have.
Mom: Oh really?
Mom looks disappointed. Is it only me or are they trying to switch topics?
Dad: So, what are you planning to do next?
Ashton: I don't know, I guess I'll just go with act-
Dad: That's just a hobby. I'm asking you about your job.
Ashton: Acting IS my job.
Dad: Still not getting over that brainwashing are you?
Ashton: Brainwashing? What do you mean?
My parents look at Leah.
Leah: U-Um! Excuse me, I need to use the restroom!
She runs away in a rush. What's up with everybody here? They're all acting weird.
Dad: *sigh* That moral- lacking girl's words are still working on you, huh?
Ashton: Moral-lacking? Who do you mean?
BAM!
Ashton:!!!
Dad bangs his hands on the table with anger.
Dad: Don't act innocent in front of me!! That whore manipulated you and you didn't realize it all these years?!
My heart is beating so fast it feels like my chest is going to explode. I really don't what this is about but Dad's rage has me frightened to the core.
Ashton: I really don't know what or who you mean!
Dad: You don't know?! That scheming girlfriend of yours!!
Scheming girlfriend? There was only one girl I dated while I was still in the city and that was....
Ashton: You... You don't mean Claire, do you?
Dad: Finally remembered I see. That slut has done nothing but run behind your money! She even turned you against us!
Mom: C-Calm down, Ethan.
Dad: If it weren't for-
Leah: Uncle, I think Ash is really tired right now, he just finished an interview before coming here. We'll come back another time.
I turn around to see Leah standing at the door, one hand on her waist.
Leah: We just came here to collect some of his stuff. It's getting late and we have a meeting tomorrow morning. So, Ash and I'll take our leave after picking up the stuff he needs.
Mom:.... I understand, you both do as you wish.
My parents say nothing else as we leave the room.
Ashton:....
Leah:....
I still can't process why they want to convince me that Claire is a.... whore or money milker. Does this have anything to do with why she broke up with me 8 years ago? And what was Dad going to say before Leah abruptly interrupted him? 8 years ago, Claire was a pure and innocent girl who promised me that she'll wait for me to come back even if it took decades, but then suddenly broke up with me. She hurt me and I admit it was harsh but, she never had the lust for money; she would ask to split the bill than let me pay for her. Why would they accuse her of such things? The uneasy feeling in my chest increases with every step I take to my room.