CHAPTER 6 - TOBIAS
Marcus closes the door behind Beatrice and the room drops another ten degrees since he walked in. Ever since the end of summer two months ago, my father has had a colder view on me. It includes more talks about the future: my college choices, my life after college, and who I will marry.
"I want you to marry someone with lots of money and power," he told me quietly one night in bedroom while my mother put away the left-overs from that night's meal.
"What if I want to marry someone who is 'middle-classed?'"
Marcus grabbed me by the collar and slapped me in the face so hard that I was surprised my mother hadn't heard it. Marcus shoved me away and glared.
"You will not marry anyone below our status. You will go to college and study law or medicine. And when you begin to look for a wife, you will only choose the highest woman in society there is. Go into the city and find a good doctor for all I care. Just marry the money." I shook my head.
"No. I won't. This is my life; not your's. I am going to choose what I want to do with myself. Not you."
I shouldn't have said that. Marcus came at me so fast I could barely react or scream. He grabbed me by the collar again and slammed his fist into my jaw. He covered my mouth with one hand and held me by the neck with the other. When did he learn to fight like this? I was terrified.
Marcus kept his hand over my mouth.
"You are my property and you will do as I say. Starting with Beatrice Prior. You will end your friendship with that brat. Tell her you have a new best friend and have no feelings for her whatsoever. If I see her with you alone ever again, you will have a bullet in your skull that night as you sleep."
My jaw throbbed. I could never hurt Beatrice like that. Never. She was my closest friend and like a little sister to me. We did so much for each other. I was family to her.
Her words still rang inside my skull.
I like you too Four. I always have.
She has liked me this entire time.
Marcus snaps his fingers in my face to snap me out of my thought.
"Why was Beatrice here? Are you two dating?" I shake my head.
"No Dad. She just stopped by to ask about Evelyn. That's all."
Marcus frowned. "Why does she care about Evelyn's condition?"
I cross my arms across my chest.
"Evelyn is like a second mother to her. That's why."
"Not anymore," Marcus mumbles quietly. I give him a look.
"Excuse me?"
Marcus drops the keys on the tray by the door and slips off his shoes.
"Your mother is dead."
He says it so simply, like it doesn't matter to anyone.
The words burn into me, making me feel empty.
My mother is dead? No. It can't be. She has to be alive.
I get up, walk to the door, and slam the door behind me.