Disclaimer: I do not own any of the Batman/DC Comic characters. I only own my original characters. No copyright infringement intended.
The nerve of her to show up. With a brand new rock on her finger, no less. Selfish bitch.
I fought hard to keep myself poised in the dark, leather chair, glancing bitterly at the woman that I am rather ashamed to call my mother. She strolled in, looking as unconcerned as ever, and took a seat in the identical, but vacant chair to my right. We sat in silence, waiting, not even bothering to exchange greetings that any normal mother and daughter might do after not seeing each other in nearly 2 years.
To be honest, I barely even recognized her. She used to look like any average, stay at home mom. The kind you would see help organize PTA meetings or drive their kids off to soccer practice. But now she looked like a middle age woman trying desperately hard to be 20 again. I found it rather unsettling, if not completely revolting.
But then again, I reminded myself, I guess those are the so-called perks of being newly engaged to a plastic surgeon.
I did what I could to hold back a groan of disgust at the thought. In an endeavor to remain outwardly calm, I turned my attention to my left-hand side, where my brother currently sat. He gave me a very small, but sympathetic smile. Not because of our mother's new lifestyle, no, that didn't bother him at all. She could do no wrong in his eyes. But the gesture was a subtle attempt of comforting me in our current situation. The situation that brought us all into the same room, united for the first time in years.
My father's death.
It had been roughly 3 weeks since his passing and this was the earliest time the other members of my family could arrange to have his will read. Of course we had had the funeral already, but my mom wasn't able to make it. Or should I say, she didn't want to go. Either way, I still couldn't believe that it took so long for this meeting to be held, but a part of me was grateful. It gave me some much needed grieving time. 6 months is far too short to say goodbye to someone you love so dearly.
I had always been a daddy's girl, and when my dad was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer half a year ago, I promptly dropped everything to be by his side for his last few months. I quit the prestigious job I had just received at an architectural firm in Connecticut, being a fresh graduate from the Yale School of Architecture, and moved back to my hometown of Gotham City. A very tiny part of me sad to leave that all behind but that sadness was choked off by the overwhelming devastation of my father's poor health.
The door of the room swung open, interrupting my thoughts, and in walked a man who looked like he was in his late 40's, complete with a graying comb-over, a well-arranged suit and a black leather briefcase.
"My sincerest apologies for being late everyone," he greeted politely, "my name is David Carmichael. I was the late Henrik Stone's attorney and I was also appointed as the executor of his last will and testament."
My eyes followed him as he walked behind the mahogany desk in front of us and placed his briefcase on top of it. With a rather loud clicking noise the case was opened and Mr. Carmichael reached in, taking out a few pieces of paper which were held together by a paper clip. He shut the case, locking it up again and sat down in the large chair behind his desk.
"Now then, let's not waste anymore time." David cleared his throat and picked up the first piece of paper on the pile. He started reading.
"This is the last will and testament of Henrik William Stone. I, Henrik William Stone, direct that my entire estate, as well as all my valuables, possessions and assets be left to..."
There was a long pause and my mother, brother and I held our breath.
The executor continued, "my only daughter, Madison Hayley Stone."
My mouth dropped. He left everything to me?
"To my wife, Stella Stone and to my son, Jason Henrik Stone, I leave only the many wonderful memories we shared. If my daughter, Madison Hayley Stone, does not survive me, I would like the value of my possessions and assets be given to the Gotham City Cancer Society."
I glanced over at my mom and her face was stricken with shock and disbelief. I could understand why my father didn't leave anything to her, though. Less then a week after he was diagnosed, she left him for her current man. While my dad was understandably heartbroken, I was absolutely livid that my mother would do something so selfish and cruel. I was pretty happy with the fact that he left nothing for her. She most definitely didn't deserve it.
My brother on the other hand, didn't look as surprised by the will. I would have thought for sure dad would have left something for him. Something must have went down between them. I made a mental note to ask him about it later when we had more privacy.
"Now Madison," David turned his attention directly to me, "I have some papers for you to sign, if you don't mind."
"Of course," I nodded.
"Since there wasn't anything really left for Stella and Jason, you two are free to go," the lawyer sounded almost nervous when he addressed my mother but I could tell he tried his best to conceal it.
"This must be some kind of joke right?" Stella spoke up now, not sounding entirely pleased.
"I can assure you Mrs. Stone, this is no laughing matter."
Mom opened her mouth to retort back but I beat her to the punch. "You can't honestly believe that he would have left something for you." I didn't bother trying to hide the disdain in my voice.
"I'm his wife, of course I expected something. And that is no way to speak to your mother."
I scoffed. "I would hardly call you much of a wife or a mother," I muttered, my words dripping with poison. I don't think I could ever forgive her for what she did.
Stella was about to say something again when Jason stepped in, "Ok you two, enough. Mom, let's just go." My mother grumbled something, got up and stalked out of the building. My brother then turned his attention to me, "Hey do you want to meet up for dinner later? Maybe catch up a little bit."
"Yeah, sure that sounds good." I honestly hadn't seen him much since I had been back in town, even though I had been in Gotham 6 months already. But then again, he is a cop, which would take up virtually all your time and energy in a city as crime-ridden as Gotham. I'm sure he would have liked to been there more for dad, but I can understand why he wouldn't have had much of a chance.
"Alright, I'll call you later sis," he winked at me as he also left the room, leaving Mr. Carmichael and I to our business.
After signing a number of papers, making everything of my father's officially and legally mine, he reopened his briefcase and put the forms neatly back in, but I noticed he also took out 2 envelopes, one was letter-sized while the other was a large and brown.
"Inside this bigger envelope is duplicates of all the documents you just signed as well any other paperwork you may need for your father's bank accounts and whatnot. However, I'm not exactly sure what is in this smaller envelope but Henrik specifically instructed me to give it to you directly and privately." He handed me both of the envelopes and I took them with a thankful smile, but I don't think my eyes could hide my curiosity.
What on earth could be in that envelope that has to be kept so secretive?