Chapter 2 – Daddy Say What?
I used to think that hate was something I only felt when a bigoted teacher would give me detention for "talking back", but I was struck by this emotional typhoon every time I had to meet with my father. For most people who are in my situation – living with a single parent – they are excited whenever they get to see their other parent. It's usually a time for hug exchanging and catching up on missed experiences. When my father, or Jeb as I call him, comes over, I lock myself in my room.
Today I was trying to be a big girl, because it is my first day of high school, so I was going to meet with him.
After Mom pushed me towards the steps, and a minute of hushed argument, I stoically descended towards Jeb. Yup, I'm a natural bravado.
I entered the living room, my eyes scanning the room frantically for means of escape if necessary. I could always use the stairs again, but I was certain Mom was up there to shove me back down if I ran away. A tall, lean figure was standing with his back facing me, examining the wall next to the kitchen. That wasn't a huge surprise, seeing as that's where all our family photos were. He was especially taking interest in one of me from my last horse show taken about a month ago.
"Ahem," I coughed to get his attention.
He turned around with exaggerated slowness, knowing that it annoyed me. I never understood why he always did that, but it was really testing my patience. When he faced me, I couldn't help but see the man I could never think of as my father. He was professional looking, always in his tweed suit that only looked good on a guy with his slim build. Silver-rimmed wire glasses hung low on his nose, and his sandy gray-streaked hair was combed into submission. Although the part that I can never forget are his eyes – the ones that always examined me with some sort of inexplicable fascination, and yet an unimaginable admiration. I didn't understand what Mom ever saw in him when they worked at the same genetics lab together, but I was fortunate that nothing ever came out of that relationship.
Jeb smiled at me affectionately. "Hello, Max. It's been a while."
I didn't smile back, or even frown, but I stood with my arms crossed over my chest glaring at him.
"You've grown so much since the last time I've seen you."
I kept silent.
He sighed; this had been my recent response to his presence. "I know you aren't pleased to see me, but I am your father and we have a lot to discuss."
Yeah, let's discuss how much I hate you and that I want you to leave now. I resisted the urge to roll my eyes since that would break my code of silence and lack of emotion.
"There are some important things I think you should know," he continued, acting as if I cared about what he had to say. "A lot is going to change, and your life will never be the same –"
"Please, please let this not be a puberty talk!" I exclaimed with horror. "You may be the doctor, but Mom actually has experience in this department. Besides, I had this talk when I was ten."
"That's not what this is about," he said with patience.
"Well, if you came to say that any guy who gets too close will get beat up, I hate to tell you that these fourteen-year-olds could smack you into next week."
He sighed again, a sound I was used to hearing. "Dating isn't as big of an issue to me when the fate of the world is at stake."
Say what? Come again?
"You, Max, were destined for greatness. The maximum, if I must say." He chuckled at his witticism. "You were born to save the world, and we gave you the means to accomplish this." Who's we? What the hell is he talking about?
"You're crazy," I said, my heart racing madly. He had to be smoking something; a fourteen-year-old girl can't save the world. I laughed like a mad person. "How can I save the world? How was I 'given the means' to do it? You must have some serious issues. I knew there was a logical reason for why I don't like you."
He seemed disappointed, but also like he expected this reaction. "I can't tell you too much, Max, but everything will become clear. You may not notice, but I already see the potential, what makes you different. No matter what you think or say, you will face this challenge head on. What sets you apart makes you great. Don't fight your nature."
"Okay, so let's say I am going to save the world." I took a few steps backwards toward the staircase, trying to look natural. Let me tell you, that was surprisingly difficult when you're in the same room with your lunatic dad. "How am I supposed to do this? I can't do something like that on my own."
"The opportunity will rise, and you will meet that challenge head on, sort of like the woman you based your last name off of. It may not seem clear at first, but everything around you will remind you of your mission." He paused, mentally calculating something. "And you won't be alone while you do this. There are others that have already entered your life or will in the near future that will join you on your quest."
Despite all his cryptic remarks, there was one thing that was becoming increasingly clear to me. My father, Jeb Batchelder, was clearly insane. Why would fate frown upon me in such a way?
"I don't know what the hell you're talking about, but I can see that you are seriously deranged! I'm not 'special', I don't have a destiny, and I am definitely not saving the world!" I was shouting toward the end, releasing all the anger that had boiled up inside of me at him. "Now get out before I call the police!"
He smiled sadly. "I'm sorry you feel this way now, Max, but I promise you will believe me soon." He walked away from the wall and toward the front door. "Tell your mother and Ella I said 'goodbye'." With that, he was gone. I sighed in relief.
The only grandfather clock in the corner tolled. I had already been up for three hours, but I was probably going to be late for my first day of school. Just peachy, ain't it?
I updated soon so that I could keep the story circulating through the archives so more people could read it. Thanks to the two who have reviewed so far!! I'm working a couple chapters in advanced so I can update about every other day, but I have to say that I'm gonna be out of town next week so I might not have time to post anything new or even write in that time. If people review, than I'll try desperately to update while I'm on the road.
-biteoutoflife