Coming Home
Chapter Four: Graham Mellark's will
I shook my head quickly to ward off the painful memories that continued to invade my mind and focus on my reality.
Hawthorne was on the couch opening his briefcase on the coffee table. He put on a pair of eyeglasses and pulled out a file. At that moment I understood that I would have to deal with him, whether I liked the idea or not. I had no choice, so I decided to save my feelings of hatred towards the guy for another appropriate time and work with him for Prim's well-being.
"Would you like to drink something, coffee, tea, water, orange juice?
"A coffee would be great, black with two sugars please." he answered without taking his eyes off the documents he was examining. I nodded and went quickly to the kitchen where my sister was having breakfast and I poured two cups of black coffee and a plate of orange-cranberry scones that my father had surely baked yesterday morning. He was a successful attorney, but he loved to bake as his mother taught him. Memories of him teaching my five year old self how to measure ingredients to make my mom's favorite baked treat for Mother's Day breakfast hit me like a thousand stab wounds in my heart.
"Baked yesterday morning."
How our life had taken a 360 degree turn in less than 24 hours! Gale was right about something, my father was a great man and there was no doubt about how much he loved his kids and specially our mother. She wasn't easy sometimes, but he loved her, I could tell. My eyes moistened at the thought of not seeing or hearing my beloved father again and I reclined from the kitchen counter to try to compose myself.
Suddenly I felt my little sister's arms around my waist and her head resting on my back.
"I'm going to miss them too. You know? Last night I dreamed that daddy came to my room dressed in a white suit, and he told me that I had to be a good girl and be brave to help you, and that you shouldn't worry so much because he had made sure we were going to be okay. Mommy was also there with him and she kissed and hugged me and said she loved both of us a lot and that she would take care of us always."
I smiled at the innocence of my little sister, so I turned and knelt to embrace her.
"We're together little one, and of course we'll be fine, I'm going to do everything necessary to make that happen, and that's why Gale is here, you don't worry about anything honey."
I heard her sob softly with her head resting on my shoulder, so I stroked her beautiful blond hair to comfort her.
"Hush baby girl, I'm here for you. I'm always going to be here for you."
"But what's going to happen with your college studies? Peeta, you still haven't finished and Mrs. Coin is not going to let you go without sending me to a foster home!"
"Don't worry about that Prim. I'll think about something, I'll probably have to drop out, but it doesn't matter—"
"It does matter Peeta!" —she cut me mid-sentence— "Dad always said how proud he was of you because you were studying the career that you loved, and Mom was excited to think that you were going to open your own art gallery in the city and that you wouldn't have to stay to live in this small town, because you were destined to do great things. That she had made sure nothing was going to stick you here."
I frowned at that statement. "What did my mother mean with that?"
"We'll talk about that later little one. I have to go speak with Gale now. Finish you breakfast and go to clean and dress yourself. We have a busy day ahead." I didn't know what that day would bring, but I wanted her ready.
She kissed my cheek and went back to her breakfast. I took the tray with the scones and coffee and walked towards the living room. Just when I was opening the kitchen door, Prim called my attention again.
"Peeta? Last night, in my dream, mommy also told me to tell you that she was very sorry, but she only wanted the best for you."
For the small grin that appeared on my little sister's face, I'm sure I had a dumbfounded expression in my face. "Was that even possible, that my parents were speaking to Prim in her sleep? Nah! Her grieving is probably playing tricks in her dreams, just like it does with my nightmares. Better for her to have nice dreams." I thought.
I put the tray on the table and ofered Gale his coffee.
"Thanks, you are a lifesaver." —Gale said gratefully. Looking at the plate full of scones, he took one with a sad smile— "Your dad always brought these to the office for Monday morning meetings. We already miss him a lot. To Graham." —He said lifting the scone, took a big bite and washed it down with a good sip of coffee. With a gesture of approval, he put the cup on the table and rubbed his hands.
"Okay, time for business. Your father had foreseen to leave a will in case something bad happened to either him or your mom. He was an extremely organized man, and his affairs are very much in order, so there is a lot of stuff you would not have to worry about. This house for example, being the main residence for you and Primrose, your parents' life insurance will cover the entire mortgage, as well as pay for your father's car, although that last one may take a few months since we need to present the required documentation and you know how insurance companies work. Your mother recently purchased an SUV. It is second handed, but it's in excellent condition and has a low millage. It was paid in full, so you have a car available to move around immediately. It's your decision if you want to buy another one once the insurance pay for your father's car, since Prim is not old enough to drive a car and wouldn't be for another five years."
"Uff!" —I thought. This will take away a lot of weight from me because I will not have to worry about paying the mortgage and I will have a means of transportation. I didn't know that my mother had acquired another car; I haven't looked to the garage yet since we got home so late last night. But it surprised me nonetheless because mom always said that in this small town it wasn't necessary to have two cars, and that one was more than enough for us. I didn't agree with that; during my high school years it was my friend Finnick who took me to and from school everyday because she never allowed me to have a car. She even got angry with my father every time he lent me his to go out with my girlfriend. "Shit! There she is again in my thoughts." Gale continued talking and I shook my head to focus on his words.
"The only thing you need to cover will be the upkeep of the house, which is about 1% per year of the cost of the property, taxes and utilities. Prim has a college fund that she will have access to when she goes to College. Yours is untouched, since you didn't use it because of your scholarship, so you have that money at your disposal immediately. It's a solid amount, and I believe that might help you to manage everything for the next couple of months until all the paperwork is done and you receive the insurances and the social security stipend for Prim."
"Insurance and Social Security stipend?" —I asked surprised.
"Yes. Your father also had a $150 grand life insurance, which will be split equally between his heirs, that's $75 grand for each one of you. Prim can access her part when she gets 18. You will have it available as soon as we present the... death certificates to the insurer and the declaration of heirs. In addition, the social security will pay you a monthly stipend for the maintenance of Prim, until she reaches the age of 18."
I didn't understand anything about finances or legal procedures, let alone inheritances; that were my father's expertise, and I was never interested in law. I always lean towards the arts, just like my mother. That's why she was thrilled with the idea that I would be able do what she couldn't do when she got pregnant with me in her sophomore year and had to leave College so my father could finish his career —although it seemed that history would repeat itself—but I decided to leave my pity party aside and ask all the corresponding questions to clear my many doubts.I hated to look like an ignorant idiot in front of Hawthorne, but not asking will make me look even worse.
"Isn't social security like a retirement fund?"
"Well, yes and no. It is rather a fund for when you are unable to work anymore, and that is why it is withheld and paid directly to the government by your employer. People are not allowed to benefit from it until they are 65 years old, unless they have a proven disability that does not allow them to continue working. Your father —sadly— died very young, he was only 42 years old, and having a daughter under the age of 18 the government grants her legal guardian the monthly allowance until she reaches that age."
"That will help a lot." —I said nodding my head and breathing a lot more relaxed. It wasn't that bad after all.
"That's why a lot of unfitting people apply to be foster parents —not everyone, there are also good hearted people— but many of them do it just for the money they will receive for raising an orphan kid. And we need to keep your sister out of that system."
"Yes Gale. I'll do whatever I have to do." —I answered sincerily.
"I know you will. And I'll help you, but need you to trust me." —he said looking at me straight in the eye.
I took a deep breath and nodded. Gale continued.
"So, in summary, financially speaking, you are going to be quite comfortable. It's not a fortune, but at least you'll have enough time to finish your studies if you want to do it and get a job. That will reassure Coin a bit and will prevent her from walking on your heels for a while. I will take care of the paperwork and you will only have to go to the office to sign some documents in front of the Public Notary."
"All right." I answered relieved.
"Okay. Your parents named you sole guardian for your sister. That gives you a strong leverage. But, you are a 22 year old unmarried college student. No matter how great your financial situation is, CPS always takes into account the environment in which your sister will live. And that evaluation depends a lot on who is the social worker assigned to the case. Unfortunately, we have to deal with the strict old fashioned Alma Coin. She is very…moralist, and will not grant you many liberties. Having said that, I need to ask you, do you currently have a girlfriend?"
For all the relief I felt knowing our financial situation was under control, I felt the anger rising through my whole body. — "Do I have a girlfriend?" —that is a question that wouldn't bother me to answer it to whoever asked. Except this guy. My body language apparently gave him the message.
"I'm sorry to ask, but I need to know. It's nothing personal."
I sigh and decided to tell the truth, there was no point lying to keep appearances.
"I'm seeing someone but not steady. On and off."
Gale was bold. "More like a friend with benefits?"
I shot him with a murderous look.
"More or less." —I said sarcastically— "Want to meet her? Maybe you will like to dip your tongue in her mouth a few days after she dumps me, because I highly doubt she will hang on to me now."
He took off his glasses, sending me daggers with his eyes.
"Listen to me, I'm not going to fight with you over that, Mellark. If you don't want to listen to anyone and keep believing what they made you believe, good for you. I only came here to help —not because of you; you're an adult— but because I care about that little girl that I know you love so much, and because your father, whom I respected and admired, gave me this assignment. And I'm not going to fail him. I asked for your trust just a few minutes ago, and I thought you agreed."
I knew I was behaving like a douchebag and it was wrong. The guy was trying to help. So I got up and walked a few steps around to put myself together and "pull the stick out of my ass."
"I'm sorry about that, Hawthorne. I know you are here to help me through everything and I really appreciate it. If my father had you in so high esteem to put you in charge, I don't have any reasons not to trust you. Please forgive my stupid outburst and let's continue."
He put on his glasses again. "Okay. It would be good for your image either to have an official partner, or not to have one at all. If Coin knows you are fooling around with random girls, she will say that you are not setting a healthy environment for Prim and you're putting her at risk. She would deem you "unfit" to be Prim's legal guardian. During the next months, or at least until the court grants you official custody, you'll have to abstain from parties, alcohol and one night stands. It will help you if you get involved in Prim's extracurricular activities. Get to know her friends, teachers and maybe the members of the PTA."
I nodded. "Mom had always meticulously kept a calendar in which she notated everything. That would be a great help."
"Good. I also would recommend that you enroll in an on-line program or in the local Community College that allows you either to complete your current major or to do another one. It will look good to them that you are still trying to finish your education, and it will help you also in the long haul. You don' need a full time job right now, so you can work part time and study too. You have to show CPS that you may be young, but you are taking your responsibilities very seriously."
"That possibility already crossed my mind. It wouldn't hurt to have two majors if someday I am able to finish my current Degree. I have some credits approved in graphic design. That might come in handy."
"Okay, that's great! We're heading to a good start so far. One last thing, our boss, Mr. Heavensbee, appointed his personal assistant, Ms. Effie Trinket to help you with all the funeral arrangements. All the expenses are going to be covered by the firm, and Effie will take care of everything and make sure things run smoothly for you and Prim. Here is my card with my cellphone number. Don't hesitate to call me anytime if you have any questions or anything happens. Remember, I am you legal representative. Don't answer any questions from CPS without consulting me first. I will to be here for Coin's first visit. I'll give them a call informing any communication between you and their representatives has to be through me, and to set the date for Coin's inspection visit. Allright?" he said handing me a card and closing his briefcase.
As we got up, I nodded and shook his hand with a sincere smile. At the moment, I couldn't feel anything but grattitude for the guy.
"Thank you Gale. I'm sure Prim will be more than happy when I tell her about our conversation. And don't worry, I'll do everything to ensure my sister's safety. We'll be in touch."
"I know Peeta. We always knew how protective you are of your sister. There is no better guardian for her than you."
I opened the door for him and he stepped outside. Suddenly, he turned to me.
"You know? In six months, I'm marrying the girl of my dreams, whom I have been together with for four years, Madge Undersee. And for the record, I was never with Katniss."
I was stunned by his revelation. "Madge? Four years? Wh…what do you mean?"
He shrugged.
"I was never with Katniss. Not everything is as it seems Peeta. Her phone number is still the same. I have a hunch that you still know it by heart."
"Why don't you tell me what happened then."
He gave me a sad smile. "Because it's not mine to tell."
Hi there everybody! Here delivering Chapter 4 as scheduled.
This was full of legal technicalities —if some of them are not correct, sorry, I'm not a lawyer, just did a little research, besides...this is fiction, we can make our own rules!— What I really intended here is to plant the seed of trust between Peeta and Gale. Their bonding will be very important later on. Peeta is fighting to keep his emotions at bay. You know I always write him OOC; an imperfect normal guy. And I am loving to write an OOC Gale, this level headed serious guy so different from canon Gale, who is so impulsive and hot headed.
I'm sorry for not bringing in Katniss yet...she'll be here, soon.
Please, let me know what do you think. As always, your comments always help to develop new ideas.
Chapter 5 is in editing and will be post next Thursday.
Until then, XOXO
Lizzyvb