After Ben left Adrian, he jogged to his hotel and ate, got showered and changed then headed to his father's wearing the a pair of blue jeans and a button down collared shirt. Speaking with his family in Montana was difficult they had not expected his trip to be extended, worst off, not knowing if he would be home for Thanksgiving, and Christmas. The arguments he had were erratic, but in the end they all came to an understanding. His family did not like him being there, nor did they like Leo and considering how Ben told them the entire truth of all the events that occurred they all worried if him being there would have a problem on his already fragile state of being.
Many would expect that after hearing about Ricky's childhood, as well as Amy, and Adrian's lives there would be sympathetic, but unlike the other's Ben's family saw with the eyes of a blind man. Unlike some they could feel a story not see it. They felt the pain, the anger, the embarrassment, the loss, and the degradation Ben endured. All of them did research on everyone from Ben's father to Omar, and they had complete access to a sizable chunk of all their personal history. What they discovered still did not deter their interpretation of any of them.
They felt Leo was a bigger fool than Ben, and to them considering his relationship with Ben's mother, and his lack of education they determined he was just the luckiest idiot in the world. When it came to Ricky they felt that he was a victim that turned into a victimiser, who then turned into a con artist. They felt no sympathy for him or his childhood because they sympathized with the many other women whom Ricky treated like Amy who did not have a Ben Boykewich like Amy and Adrian. As for Amy they all determined her to be just selfish, this was a summarization they got from her sister. Adrian was even worse, to them she like everyone else. She had a choice in how she dealt with much of the struggles she had to endure, and found no excuse for her behavior as Ben's wife, and the mother of their late child.
As for Ben, they found him a complete FOOL, one with a heart of gold, but still a fool. However they understood all he did was to help people he cared for, even though it took him too long to realize none of them cared as much for him at all. They understood that Ben allowed Leo's influence to overcome his better judgement. Which is why many were hesitant about him returning. However not all believed that, and some forced the other's to understand why Ben had to return to help his father. But, him staying for so long worried them, because Ben had other issue's to consider before he made this decision, and it could have drastic consequences. They believed Ben had already suffered enough.
Now Ben was going to see Leo to tell him what he had decided to do...
BOYEVICH MANOR ESTATE
November 19, 2024
Tuesday 9:30 PM
Ben knocks on the door expecting to see Chloe, but finds Camille instead shocked to see him.
Camille: Ben sweetie, I was hoping you were going to stop by.
Ben: Sorry I came so late, but I had some important business to attend to.
Camille: (wanted to ask him about what it was, but decided not to pry) It's alright come in, come in, it is chilly out there tonight. (wraps the blanket she is wearing over her arms from the chill)
Ben: It's okay, I've been in much colder weather than this.
Camille: Yes, Chloe told us about how you lived in the desert for a while, it must have been below zero at night.
Ben: It wasn't pleasant, but I have been much colder than that.
Camille: Really. (shocked to hear that news) Well your father is still awake, I thought he would be tired by now. But I think he knew you were going to stop by, or he wanted to talk with Chloe when she got home.
Ben: Chloe isn't here(now shocked to hear this). I thought that she would be here, it is Dad's first night out of the hospital.
Camille: Unfortunately, she and Leo got into another one of their little arguments, and she left to cool down.
Ben: Little arguments, about what?
Camille: The usual, problems with the company, you, and of course. RICKY
Ben: (understood where she was going) RICKY. I think Chloe has a bigger problem with Ricky than I ever did.
Camille: DID. Are you over everything that happened between the two of you. (wondering if he was)
Ben: Actually I am Camille.
Camille: What brought that on.
Ben: A realization that Ricky won.
Camille: Ben this was never a competition.
Ben: Actually it was Camille. That is what this has always been. A competition between me and Ricky to see who everyone would choose. He won, I lost. I just acted like a sore loser. Then I stopped.
Camille: Ben, you can't tell me that after everything that this was all about you losing.
Ben: Hard to believe yes, but it was.
Camille: So are you still a sore loser.
Ben: No, I'm not. It took me a long time to realize, but neither of the prizes we both fought to win, were ever really worth fighting for. At least not to me.
Camille: Ben...(wonders' what he means by that)
Ben: So, can I speak with Dad. I need to go over my new position with him before I do anything.
Camille: Yes, he's in the study.
Ben: (feels awkward being back here in the mansion after so many years as if he is a stranger in the home he grew up in. Knocks on his father's study as he enter's)
Leo: Ben, come in come in. I was hoping you would stop by.
Ben: Considering everything that happened, I thought you would know I was going to stop by.
Leo: I'm learning that I have to start expecting the unexpected these days.
Ben: I'll bet. So are you doing okay since you've been back.
Leo: Yes, I'm well. I even went to a welcome back dinner that everyone threw for me. You should have come, everyone was there and wanted to see you.
Ben: Yes, I know. I ran into Adrian and her mother at Papi's.
Leo: Really, well did you two talk, and catch up?
Ben: We said our greetings, but there was nothing that we needed to catch up on.
Leo: Ben, she was your wife...
Ben: Now, she is Omar's wife and my ex-wife. So there is nothing else for us to talk about.
Leo: What about her son, and her being back.
Ben: I know she had a son, and whether she is back in California or not isn't my concern. Like I said she is my ex-wife, so I have no need to know what she or anyone else is doing.
Leo: (looks at Ben sadly) Ben I just thought that you two could talk about...
Ben: About what? What ever Adrian or I had to say to one another we should have said years ago. We didn't say anything, so there is nothing we should have to say to one another now.
Leo: (breathes deeply the darkness that has enveloped his son's once kind, sunny, and gentle personality) Well I guess you came here to tell me about the position you have been given?
Ben: Yes, I have this situation must now alter our other arrangement. But not as much as you might think.
Leo: What do you have in mind?
Ben: I have been away for a while, and we both know I have no experience running a large corporation, but you did it when my Grandfather died, and had no education only training to do so.
Leo: I have been taking online classes you know, I always wanted to finish college so I could show you it is not that difficult to go back.
Ben: If you mean go back to school, I don't need to I graduated college two years ago with a bachelor's degree in English Lit, and a minor in education. I also took a few online computer engineering courses with an master's of associates degree.
Leo: I had no idea, how did you manage to go back to school?
Ben: It was easy, I just had to do a little grease work when it came to my name, and background. Luckily most colleges don't care about your background education if you can produce a G.E.D. and proof of U.S. citizenship, and that is for school's online and off. I did both. Besides that their like everyone else they don't care anything about you as long as the check clears.
Leo: So you put yourself through college, that's magnificent.
Ben: Yeah, as it turns out I'm more like my namesake than I knew. Now if we can get back to the subject of my position as C.E.O.
Leo: Yes, what is that you want to alter? (looks at Ben with pride)
Ben: As we both know I don't have much experience running the company if any, so I will keep you at close hand to help me muddle over a few situations I might get into. Since this is our busiest time of the year as well as our close out when we manage all account's, and situate the profit margin for the quarterly meeting at the end of January.
Leo: You remember that?
Ben: Of course you used to go gray during that time, it's why I never hassled you for Christmas gifts.
Leo: I always thought you didn't do that because you always got what you wanted for Christmas.
Ben: Actually I did that because the one thing I usually wanted for Christmas I knew I could never have, so I never asked.
Leo: What was that.
Ben: To spend one more day with my mother. Now, can we talk about this new arrangement (angry that Leo made him bring up that bad memory)
Leo: (becomes sad he had never asked Ben what he wanted for Christmas, and he realizes there were many things he never asked his son) Yeah, sorry for interrupting.
Ben: Just don't let it happen again, I have a lot to do tomorrow. As I was saying I will have you as well as Chloe working with me to get all projects and partnerships that we already have on the book be allocated to proper divisions and departmental heads, I don't want any member of the company thinking that I am the final say. The final say will come from you and you alone, I am only acting as a simple figure head until you are better. I will over look any deal that I think needs special attention such as the deal you have with the fast food chain you are developing, and the deals you have with the Farming Commission. I will also try to have some of your development teams look over a few idea's I have had that may be lucrative.
Leo: Idea's like what.
Ben: Like an all natural meat that comes from hunting. The area I live in makes good money from hunting deer, elk, and other wild animals' that is only available during the season. They are experienced hunter's and this will make sure that all hunting will be done for food as well as sport. Too many animal's are killed and are cut apart and just used as trophies while their bodies are left too rot for other animals. It will also ensure that the government will pay closer attention to the area's where hunting is forbidden, and all proceeds' in this venture should go to wild life refuges, and charities that help protect the U.S. Natural Wildlife that is endangered. It will be good press for the company, and for taxes.
Leo: I never knew you were so passionate about animal's.
Ben: I never have been, but I learned to be.
Leo: Did someone teach it too you.
Ben: Don't do that. (gets upset)
Leo: Do what?
Ben: Pry. I told you we are father and son in name only. The time of me letting you meddle in my life is over. You meddled enough when I was younger.
Leo: Ben, I know I made mistakes. I'm sorry. I should have never let you date Amy. But, you made mistakes too.
Ben: Yes, I did. I paid for my mistakes, and hers', and yours, and Adrian's, and Ricky's, and Henry's, and Alice's. I paid for everyone's mistakes. Now I've learned from them, and I will not repeat them.
Leo: I guess you did. (feeling guilty and sad)
Ben: Now, I will stay for the required time of the board which should only be 3 month's or less depending on how long your doctor gives you for recovery. After that I will do what I can to make sure the board is swayed to bringing you back.
Leo: Thank you. Hopefully I can delay the trial for the sexual harassment law suit.
Ben: Which brings me to that. I will see what I can do about the lawsuit as well, I have other people looking into this matter for me.
Leo: Really, who.
Ben: Who is not important, it's people I trust and until they give me news I will leave the matter to our attorney's. Which brings me to our last matter.
Leo: You mean Ricky.
Ben: Yes, Ricky.
Leo: Do you plan on firing him?
Ben: No, I will leave that matter up to you, for when you return.
Leo: Why?
Ben: Because I'm not going to do your dirty work for you. He's your problem, and you are the one who's going to solve it. But, until you return Ricky is "SUSPENDED WITHOUT PAY".
Leo: What? Ben it's the holiday season, and he has a family too support.
Ben: It doesn't matter to me. Ricky is the one who put us in this predicament, and I will not have him rewarded with a paid vacation.
Leo: Ben he's not on vacation he has court cost, and lawyer's fee's. God knows what will happen if he loses his case.
Ben: All of that is his responsibility. For the first time Ricky will have to answer for his crimes, and I will not budge on that. If you can't abide by this, let me know now so I can call Uncle Phillip or Uncle Nate, and catch a flight home tomorrow.
Leo: (is defeated, and sad but submits to Ben's decision) You are right, so I will abide with your wishes.
Ben: Good, since I know that you already talked to him call him again, and let him know I want to see him in the office tomorrow.
Leo: Why?
Ben: Because as C.E.O. it's my job to inform him of this decision.
Leo: You could just let me tell him tonight.
Ben: What would the fun of being Temporary C.E.O, be if I did that? (smirks gets up to leave)
Leo: Speaking of which I wanted to give you something. (Goes into his desk drawer and pulls out a small carefully wrapped gift.
Ben: What's this?
Leo: It's something I always wanted to give you on the day you became C.E.O.
Ben: (opens the box, and finds a Platinum Name plate with the name BENJAMIN F. BOYKEVICH C.E.O OF BOYKEWICH INT. in the box) Thank you, but I can't accept this.
Leo: Ben what are you taking about this is yours, it's something you will need as C.E.O
Ben: I would like to accept it I really would but I can't.
Leo: Why not? Ben
Ben: Because it's wrong.
Leo: Ben I got this for you when I first changed the name of the company, even if this is only for a little while.
Ben: (Is happy to hear that, but his decision is not swayed) No, I mean it's wrong. It says Benjamin F. Boykevich on it. That is not my name anymore.
Leo: Ben it's only temporary I'm sure no will care.
Ben: You don't get it do you. I, know it's not my name, and I care. (gets agitated) I stopped being Benjamin Boykevich a long time ago, and I will never be that person again. So thank you, but no thank you. And I am sorry you wasted your money. (places the name plate back in the box sits it on the table and leaves)
Leo: (for a second that smirk reminded him of how Ben used to be, but this last outburst reminded him he wasn't that person anymore) Maybe you have learned from your mistakes Ben, but somewhere inside you are still my son.
November 20, 2024
Wednesday 7:20 am
BOYKEWICH INT. HEADQUARTERS
OFFICE OF ACTING C.E.O.
Ben: (Walks into the office wearing his blue suit again, and see's Nora) Good morning Nora, are you well today.
Nora: I'm good just nervous about my job, and other things.
Ben: Don't be. I have no intention of firing you, and I hope you can facilitate being my assistant as you have been my father's. If this will be a problem for you I do have another position in mind.
Nora: Ben, I'm gay so that other position had better not be something sexual, or pay a little more, or just.
Ben: (looks at her both disgusted and bewildered he never really found Nora attractive) No...It's not.
Nora: Geez, Ben I'm only kidding a little. But, I'm disappointed you would look like that I don't look that bad for 30.
Ben: 30 Nora? I'm almost 30.
Nora: Okay 35. (Ben still looks at her objectively) 40. (He still looks at her quizzically) Alright 45, but I'm not going any higher.
Ben: Okay, but no the position I had in mind is a liaison between my father and I.
Nora: Liaison?
Ben: Yes, someone who will speak to my father about any issues I have.
Nora: Can't you do that yourself.
Ben: I could, but I would like to keep all interaction I have to do with my Dad to a minimum if I can help it.
Nora: I think I will keep my job here for now, and then see how it goes, Deal.
Ben: Deal. Are there any calls.
Nora: Several. Most are business partners who are eager to meet the new boss.
Ben: I'm not the new boss, just acting manager.
Nora: Like I said we should see how it goes, and my son is waiting in your office to talk with you. He's been here since before I arrived. I hope it's alright, but I allowed him into your office to wait.
Ben: It is, it will only take a moment.
Nora: Ben... (looks at him pleadingly) Please go easy on him. I know you two have a complicated and bad history. But remember it wasn't all bad.
Ben: Nora, I promise I will be as gentle as possible, and yes our history was always bad, at least for me it was. (walks into his father's office now his office feeling awe inspired to have the power that his father once had, it also felt wrong because it wasn't his power)
Ricky: (is sitting quietly with his briefcase when Ben enters gets up) Ben, I heard you're the new C.E.O. I guess congratulations are in order.
Ben: (looks at Ricky and anger, resentment, and fury almost overtake him before he feels the ring of necklaces around his neck.) Ricky, and no congratulations are not in order.
Ricky: Come on Ben you're the new C.E.O, I'm sure that is what you always wanted to be right here sitting in your Dad's chair ready to give me my walking papers.
Ben: (looks at Ricky with a calm yet cold look) Actually Ricky sitting here is the last thing in the world I ever wanted. As for firing you that is not my responsibility.
Ricky: Then why did you want to see me.
Ben: To give you this. (hands him a legal document he had drawn up which bans Ricky from all Boykevich Int. Premises)
Ricky: What's this.
Ben: It's a restraining order or in your case an eviction notice valid in the next 72 hours which should give you enough time to find a new residence and vacate the apartment above the butcher-shop.
Ricky: I don't get it you said I wasn't fired.
Ben: You aren't but you are suspended without pay, and pending investigation you are forbidden from Boykevich Int. Premises.
Ricky: How can you do this I have a family to support Ben.
Ben: Yes, and you may also have another child to support. But that is not my problem it's yours. My problem is to protect this company and the 340.000 employees who's jobs you may have endangered with your wreck-less behavior.
Ricky: My wreck-less behavior. You mean like you did when you got high and burned down a school. Or when you got drunk and passed out at Geoff's. You want to tell me about my behavior.
Ben: That happened a long time ago Ricky, when I was someone different who didn't know any better. But this isn't about me, it's about you. And how you disobeyed the bi-laws of this company.
Ricky: Don't give me that Ben this is about you getting back at me for getting the life you always wanted. With me being with Amy, or having Adrian want me, and me having your Dad like me better than you.
Ben: No Ricky it's not. If it were about that I would have come back a lot sooner than now. This truly is about you, and you violating company policy. Honestly I wish I didn't have to be here at all.
Ricky: Yeah, right Ben I know you. Just admit it Ben you're enjoying watching me squirm and lose all.
Ben: Ricky, how do you know me. If you knew me then did you know I was the one who made Amy call you so you could see John born. Did you know I was the one who forced Amy to accept you as John's father. Wasn't I the one who gave you the money to pay for the window that Adrian broke. Wasn't I the one that didn't tell Amy about the tapes that showed how many women you slept with in that apartment some of which when you decided to not watch John. In all the times I could have watched you burn why did I wait till now when it would do nothing to help me at all?
Ricky: I don't know maybe because you wanted us both to have nothing.
Ben: Ricky, I can assure you I have more now than I ever had when I was here. To be honest, I'm happy you won.
Ricky: Why is that?
Ben: Because you taught me a lesson that I refused to learn. That I should didn't know shit about people. You stood in Grant High Hallway and told me "you would have my Dad, Amy, and the Baby on your side before I said Birth Control". Like a fool I didn't believe you, I actually believed Amy, my Dad, and even Adrian would see the type of person you were. But the truth was they didn't care. They only cared about what you looked like and what you could be. They didn't care at all about what you did or how you treated them. I stood by Amy for nearly 2 years while she was pregnant with your child had your child. It didn't mean anything to her, which what I meant to her. I married her while you sat and watched and said nothing. I asked her a hundred times did she want me or you, and she lied each time. I wasn't even half surprised when she broke up with me and went to you, it was just her way of making sure she didn't look like the bad guy. I was by Adrian through out everything she went through with you, I never believed any of the rumors they said about her, or the names they called her. I gave her my virginity thinking it would show her that she did mean something to me, and to help her understand she didn't need you, and she didn't care. She didn't care when she carried my child, or when she married me she wanted you. She was probably overjoyed when our child died because it meant she could be with you again, and have all the money you two would ever need thanks to her marrying the rich idiot. She didn't even wait before we were divorced to go after you, or sleep with my best friend when you rejected her. She never even apologized. My dad, he always blamed me for everything, even when you lied about being married. My two best friends didn't even give a shit about my daughter dying before they both betrayed me. So no I'm not mad at you. Out of everyone in my life you were the only one who was always honest with me. I'm mad at myself for never realizing that who I was, and everyone I ever loved here was a lie. That's why they wanted you over me, they were all out for themselves just like you. I was just a fool that believed the bullshit.
Ricky: Ben...(shocked and saddened that Ben thinks so negative about all of them)
Ben: So I'm not here to hurt you Ricky I'm here to help you, and thank you Ricky for teaching me that lesson, for showing me how the world works, and who people really are. But as for me being here now I'm here to protect the company, and only the company. As for you the only thing I feel is...
Ricky: Is what?
Ben: Disappointment. Your position here will be decided after my Dad returns from his recovery. Goodbye Ricky and good luck. (Ben then looked down to go over the files placed on his desk by Nora)
Ricky: (realizing he has nothing to say gets up and looks at this new Ben who has no feelings of anything but contempt for everyone, and leaves)
Nora: (listening on the otherside of the door, moves as Ricky opens it and exits) Well, what happened? Did he fire you?
Ricky: No, he didn't fire me. I wish he had. I even wished he had killed me.
Nora: Ricky you don't mean that.
Ricky: Yes I do mom, because I really don't know what happened to him, but I really wish I was dead, so I wouldn't have to see what he's become.