Chapter Ten
Late afternoon in London, Hallie was driving home. Hallie was almost home when she pulled off to get gas.
Hallie stepped up to the counter and opened her purse for some money. As the cashier, a man in his mid-twenties, rang Hallie out, Hallie stared at the football ticket in her purse.
"Just gas for today?" asked the man. Hallie acted as though she didn't hear him. "Annie or Hallie, is gas all you want?"
Hallie looked up in a surprise manner. She then asked, "What? Oh, yes." She took out the money and handed it to the man. "Gas is all I need. I'm Hallie by the way."
"Hallie, do you think your mother would give advice to someone that would like to get into the field of fashion design?" The man put the money in the cash register and pulled out the change.
"She might. Do you know someone that designs clothes?"
"My sister does." The man handed Hallie her change.
"Are you working tomorrow?" Hallie dropped the change in her purse.
"Yes."
"As soon as I get home I will ask my mom if she would and tomorrow I can come by here on my way home to tell you what she said."
"That would be great, thanks."
"You're welcome." Hallie began to walk away. "Bye."
"Bye, Hallie."
Hallie stepped up to her car and opened up her purse for her keys. She hesitated before grabbing her keys as she looked at the ticket. She quickly grabbed her keys and got into her car.
As Hallie was leaving the gas station she went back into the direction she came.
Several minutes later she was parking her car in the stadium's parking lot.
A short time later Hallie was walking towards the entrance. Hallie stopped a short distance from the guy at the gate. Hallie spoke under her breath, "Okay, I can do this."
"Miss, can I help you?" asked the man at the entrance.
Hallie walked up to the entrance and said as she handed the man her ticket, "Yes, I'm going in."
The man took the ticket and tore off the stub. He then dropped the ticket into the container; handed the stub back to Hallie and said, "Enjoy the game."
"Thanks," said Hallie. "Oh sir, can you tell me which way to go?"
"Can I see the stub again?" Hallie handed him the stub. "Okay just go to the right and you will walk down the third set of steps. Once there you should be able to find your seat."
Hallie took the stub and said, "Thanks again."
The man nodded.
Hallie held on to the stub as she walked through the crowd. Minutes later as Hallie noticed Helen second in line at the concession stand. Hallie walked up to her and said in a loud manner so she can be heard over the crowd, "Hey Helen."
Helen turned to look. She then said, "So you made it."
"Yep, I'm here. So which way is it to our seats?"
"If you hold on a minute you can walk there with me. I could use your help to carry things back anyway."
"Okay. Oh order me a soda when you order."
"Are you sure you don't want a brew?"
"If I wasn't driving I would, but I'm driving, so no. I will stick with the soda."
"Okay." Minutes later Hallie and Helen were walking to the seats while carrying drinks and snacks. "Hey everyone, look who I found."
Hallie saw an empty seat between Colby and Spencer
"Hey Hallie, welcome," said Lawrence. "You haven't missed too much of the game."
Hallie passed out the snacks she was carrying and then took the seat between Spencer and Colby.
"I'm glad you decided to join us," said Colby.
"I do feel uncomfortable for being here, but I decided it's time to overcome some of my issues," said Hallie.
"So you won't be leaving anytime soon?" asked Colby.
"My plan is to watch by quarters."
"What do you mean?" asked Spencer.
"I will force myself to watch this quarter of the game and then I will decide if I would like to try to watch another quarter," said Hallie.
"Well, I hope you stay for the whole game," said Spencer.
"So do I," said Hallie.
As the game progressed Spencer and Colby noticed that Hallie got into the game. She would get up and cheer along with everyone else when the home team would score.
After the game, Hallie went with everyone to a club not too far from the stadium. Hallie was quiet as she listened to her friends. Spencer tapped her on the shoulder to get her attention.
"Are you okay?" asked Spencer.
"I can't just sit here," said Hallie. "Let's go play pool or darts."
"I'm up for a game of pool," said Spenser.
Colby noticed Hallie and Spencer as they were standing up. He then asked, "Hallie, are you leaving?"
"No, Spencer and I are going to play pool," said Hallie.
Colby slightly grinned as Hallie and Spencer walked towards the pool table.
Hallie and Spencer played several games before Hallie called it a night and went home.
The following morning at Oxford University Hallie noticed as to how well Spencer was dressed as they were approaching each other. When Spencer was close enough Hallie said, "Wow, you look nice."
"Thank you," said Spencer. He then talked in a quiet manner. "Hey Hallie, have lunch with me today. I know where there is a real nice restaurant."
"What is the name of the restaurant?"
"I would like to surprise you with that. I will tell you it's almost an hour away from here."
Hallie thought for a moment. She then said, "Sure, why not." Spencer just grinned. "Well, we have better get to class."
At Harvard, Annie was eating breakfast as Samantha was walking up to her while carrying a newspaper. After Samantha dropped the newspaper in front of Annie, Annie looked up at her. Samantha then said, "Read the section I highlighted."
Annie picked up the newspaper and read aloud, "Corruption in our universities. A football player from Harvard University came forward two days ago about corruption of college sports. A man, who remains unidentified, was arrested yesterday afternoon on suspicions of buying wins to university football games." Annie stopped reading and looked up. "Samantha, is there a reason you are showing me this?"
"According to the rumors I've been hearing Lloyd Taylor was that football player. He was being paid off to lose games. So if he was being paid off it stands to reason that Michael Bowman was being paid off too."
"So now you believe me about Michael losing games."
"I do, and I'm also taking what you said about Scott being murdered more seriously. Now don't take this that I want to become friends with you, but I want to be in when you go after proof against Michael."
Becky walked in and noticed Annie talking to Samantha.
"I would never mistake your cooperation with friendship." Samantha just showed a distasteful grin. "I have plans to leave for the airport at five O'clock. If you can't make it then you need to let me know now."
"Just be at my van at five O'clock with whoever you are bringing with you."
"We'll be there."
Samantha walked away without her newspaper. Seconds later Becky took a seat next to Annie and asked, "So what did she want?"
Annie held up the newspaper and said, "She reconsidered about helping us when she found out that I wasn't lying about Michael being paid off,"
"So we have a van this Saturday?"
"We do."
An hour away from Oxford University, Spencer was pulling into a parking lot of a romantic restaurant. Hallie wasn't sure how to react and asked, "Is this where you're taking me?"
"I heard this place had great food," said Spencer.
"This place is not exactly known for its great food. You also have to make a reservation almost a day in advance."
"I took a chance that you would say yes and made the reservation an hour after you showed up at the football game. That's what took me so long when I left to get some chips. So should we go in?"
Hallie turned to look at the restaurant before she spoke. Hallie then opened the door and said, "Let's go in." Minutes later while they were waiting to be seated Hallie noticed Spencer fidgeting. "What's wrong?" Spencer looked at Hallie as if he was scared to answer. "Spencer, what's wrong?"
"There is someone here I really don't want to be seen by."
"Who?"
Spencer gestured towards Bradley Russell, Donald Russell's nephew. At the same table Audre Murdock, Bradley's employee, sat across from Bradley. He then said, "I don't want to be seen by that man at the far table. He is sitting with the woman in the gray dress."
"Who is he?"
"His name is Bradley Russell." Spencer remained quiet for a brief moment. "Hallie, I'm not sure how much you know about me or how much Helen has heard of me, but my grandma use to be a chambermaid to that man's uncle."
"Helen had mentioned to me about how your grandma had received inheritance from Donald Russell. What about it?"
"So you know I'm not from a rich family. In fact I'm actually from a poor family."
"Spencer, you are definitely not a poor person."
"Hallie, if it wasn't for the inheritance I would probably be working at a low paying job right now and living in a rat filled apartment, and if it was up to Bradley Russell that would be exactly where I would be."
"It doesn't matter as to how you got on the road you are on. What matters is that you're going to Oxford University to become a lawyer, and I will be very upset with you if you allow Bradley Russell or Helen to belittle you."
"Well, I can hold my own with Helen."
"And I want you to hold your own with Bradley Russell also." Hallie saw the maitre d' as he was walking up. "When we take our seat I don't want you to hide your face from Bradley Russell."
Spencer just grinned.
The maitre d' walked up and said, '"Mr. Prescott, your table is ready." Hallie looked at Spencer in a curious manner. "If you and your lovely lady will follow me, I will take you to your table."
As Hallie and Spencer walked behind the maitre d' Hallie said, "Spencer, I was curious what your last name is."
"My full name is Spencer Andrew Prescott, and I don't know why I told you that when I don't let too many people know what my middle name is."
As Hallie and Spencer were approaching the table Hallie said, "There is nothing wrong with your middle name."
"In school from the third grade through the seventh grade I was called Sap," said Spencer.
"Ah," said Hallie.
"Here's your table, Mr. Prescott," said the maitre d'. The maitre d' pulled out Hallie's seat for her to sit down. He then pushed the seat in again as Hallie was taking her seat.
"Thanks," said Hallie.
"The waiter will be in shortly," said the maitre d'.
"Thank you," said Hallie followed by Spencer.
As the maitre d' was walking away Hallie and Spencer looked over the menus. Hallie then asked, "Spencer, I don't mean anything by this, but can you afford to be at this restaurant?"
"I will be explaining things to my grandma when the visa bill arrives, but yes."
"Spencer, I would be just as happy to go to a fast food restaurant with you. You don't have to try to impress me."
"Hallie, I like you…"
"And I like you," said Hallie.
"No, I mean I have feelings for you and I would like to be more than friends. I'm hoping by doing romantic things with you, such as bringing you here you would start having feelings towards me."
"Spencer, I have been having strong feelings for you when you started telling me poems, but I'm not ready to have a relationship with you or anyone."
The waiter walked up and asked, "Sir; Madam, are you ready to order?"
"Yes, I'm ready," said Spencer.
"I'm also ready to order," said Hallie.
Hallie told the waiter what she wanted. The waiter turned towards Spencer and Spencer said what he wanted. The waiter then picked up the menus and walked away.
"Hallie, I would like to ask you something, but I'm not sure as to how you will react to my question" said Spencer.
"Ask me."
"Why did Scott's death affect you as much as it did?"
Hallie looked at Spencer as if she was trying to decide what to say. She then said, "Spencer, the last night Scott and I were together we were at a romantic restaurant. After we got done eating Scott told me as to how much he loved me. He was just about to ask me something, but I got real nervous of his question, so I interrupted him and confessed something about myself that made him change his whole opinion about me…"
"May I ask you what you confessed?" asked Spencer.
"I was getting to that. Scott had this phobia about dating a twin that started back in high school, so he never knew I was a twin while we were dating. When I told him about Annie he stormed out of the restaurant. When he wanted to think about things he would go flying. I found out two mornings later he was flying his plane around the airport. I went to the airport to see if I can talk to him, but just after I got there I watched him crash. It's my fault that Scott was killed. If I was upfront with him about me being a twin then Scott would be alive now."
"Hallie, what happened wasn't your fault."
"Indirectly it was. I am feeling better about myself, but I still feel guilty of what happen to Scott. Until I can really feel good about myself again I won't be dating anyone."
"Is there anything I can do to help you feel better?"
Bradley Russell walked up to the table as Hallie said, "You are already doing it."
Bradley said, "Excuse me sir, I know you, but I can't seem to place you."
"I'm sorry, but I believe you have mistaken me for someone else," said Spencer.
"I never forget a face. We have met. If you tell me your name, it may help me to remember."
Spencer saw Hallie looking at him as if not to hide who he is. Spencer then said, "Actually you know my grandma." Bradley looked at Spencer in a confused manner. "My grandma was a chambermaid for your uncle."
"You're Spencer Prescott. Well, I can see where my uncle's money is being squandered on."
"Bradley…" Spencer was then interrupted.
"You are to call me Mr. Russell."
Spencer saw Hallie slightly shaking her head.
"As I was saying, Bradley, I don't care what you think of me, so you can go back to your table and pretend you never saw me."
"Well young lady, I see you pick yourself a winner."
"He is very much a winner."
"I just hope you're not with him for his money."
"Spencer asked you to go back to your table and I would appreciate it if you do just that."
Bradley looked at Spencer and said, "Well, at least I know you or your friend can't afford to come here on a regular basis."
"I really hope you get over your constipation," said Hallie.
Bradley looked at Hallie in a curious manner and said, "I'm not constipated."
"You must be; you're obviously full of it."
"You just watch yourself, young lady." Bradley then walked away.
"I see he's a real charmer," said Hallie. "I'm willing to bet that he tried to contest his uncle's will."
"He and his dad both tried to contest the will, but the will was older than Bradley was, so the case was quickly thrown out. Hallie, would you know where the restrooms are?"
Hallie looked around for a second. She then pointed and said, "It's over there."
Spencer stood up and said, "I'll be back in a minute."
Spencer was gone for a short time. As Spencer was retaking his seat, Hallie looked pass him and saw her dad walking into the dining area.
Hallie said in a delightful manner, "Oh my god."
As Hallie was standing up Spencer asked. "What's wrong?"
"Nothing's wrong." Hallie noticed Bradley walking passed her. "My dad's here. Come with me and I will introduce you to him."
Spencer stood up again and said, "Okay."
As Hallie and Spencer were approaching Nick, Nick and Bradley were shaking hands. When Nick saw Hallie, Hallie was looking at him in a curious manner. Nick then said, "Bradley, I would like to introduce you to my daughter."
"Nick, you brought your daughter with you?" asked Bradley.
"Actually I didn't know she was going to be here. She is standing right behind you." Bradley turned and faced Hallie and Spencer. Bradley looked at Hallie in a concern manner. "Bradley, this is my daughter Hallie. Hallie this is Bradley Russell."
"Dad, we actually met moments ago."
Audre walked up. Nick glanced at Audre for a second. He then looked at Hallie again and asked, "Hallie, how did you two meet?"
"Hallie, can I talk to you in private?" asked Bradley. Nick looked at Bradley in a curious manner.
"Absolutely not," said Hallie.
"Hallie, what's going on?" asked Nick.
"Dad, before I answer that I would like to introduce my friend Spencer to you. Spencer this is my dad Nick Parker."
Spencer stuck his hand out to shakes hands and said, "Nice to meet you Mr. Parker."
Nick shook hands and said, "Likewise and you can call me Nick. Now Hallie, what's going on?"
"Dad, I don't know why you're meeting Bradley Russell, but he is a contemptuous person."
"I think there has been a misunderstanding," said Bradley.
"There was no misunderstanding," said Spencer. "You always snubbed your nose at my grandma for being your uncle's chambermaid and when she and the other staff members received your uncle's inheritance that snobbish feeling you had turned into hatred. When you figured out who I was, you done everything, but called me a loser. You even snubbed Hallie for being with me."
"Mr. Russell, I won't be signing with your advertisement firm after all," said Nick. "I will be taking my advertisement campaign elsewhere."
"Mr. Russell, you will also be receiving my resignation," said Audre. "I have decided to take Carl Milton's offer."
Everyone noticed that Bradley wanted to say something as he looked back and forth between Hallie, Nick and Audre for a brief moment. Without saying a word he turned and walked towards the exit.
"Mr. Parker, I would have liked to have met you under different circumstances," said Audre. "My name is Audre Murdock."
Nick stuck his hand out to shake hands and said, "Nice to meet you Ms. Murdock." They shook hands. "When you talk with Carl Milton tell him to give me a call. I would like to talk to him about his firm handling my advertisement campaign."
"I will certainly do that. Well, I have better go call myself a taxi. My ride left without me."
"Goodbye Ms. Murdock," said Nick. Audre nodded her head, turned and walked towards the exit. "So Hallie, why aren't you at Oxford University?"
"I had three hours between classes today, so Spencer brought me here for lunch. So Dad, would you like to join Spencer and me? We just ordered a short time ago."
"I don't want to intrude."
"Dad, you won't be intruding."
"If you're certain I won't be intruding then I would like to."
"I'm certain, Dad."
Nick followed Hallie and Spencer back the table.