Chapter 15 - Fury(1)

Thankfully Elena didn't make a big deal out of the shop encounter at home.

The next couple of days passed in a blur for me. I spent my time counting down the days until my birthday and graduation in hopes that everything would come past smoothly. Since there was nothing left for seniors to do at school, I spent my time shuttling to and from Ibrik, working on my portfolio and making sure I was ready for graduation.

Today was June 16th. Graduation was in 2 days on the 18th. I had my speech prepped and my formal gown and outfit ready for the big day on Saturday.

I was in my room doing a final review of what I wanted to say when someone knocked on my door.

"Miss, the family head would like to see you in his office."

"I'll be right there." Sighing, I dragged myself into my father's office.

"Sit."

I sat. The room was the same as I remembered, and my father was sitting in the same position doing paperwork on his desk.

"Do you remember what I said the last time?"

"Yessir. You said to not make trouble," I replied calmly. Last time I had checked I hadn't done anything notable unless Elena finally decided to tell him about our conflict at the mall.

"And you have proceeded to ignore my words. It's bad enough you were caught with a married man at your sister's engagement party. Now you've decided to associate with his sister and fight with your own sister in public. Do my words mean nothing to you!"

"Sir- I didn't-" I began protesting.

"Be quiet. I am ordering you now, you will not be attending graduation. Since you insist on disgracing your sister and your family. You are forfeiting your right to attend and speak at graduation! Your sister will speak on your behalf. You will stay home and reflect on your behavior."

"I will not! I worked hard to have this opportunity and it will not be taken away from me!" I retorted, standing up angrily.

"Sit down!!!" My father roared, shocking me back into my seat "You dare talk back to me? You will do as I ask or regret the consequences! For the next week I do not want to see you leave this house, am I clear?" he demanded, eyes cold and disdainful as he regained his cool

"I... cannot agree to that. I worked really hard for this. It's my graduation and I've done nothing wrong." I protested.

"Canary! As long as you're under my roof you will do what I say! When you are gone from my house you may dally along and make your own decisions. Until then my word is law!" My father shouted, his fist pounding against his desk scattering papers everywhere. "Go to your room and don't come out unless you are called for, understood?!?"

"Crystal," I replied through clenched teeth. I got up rapidly, almost knocking my chair over in my hurry to escape.

"Wait," My father paused then looked at me speculatively, "What is your relationship with the Rockefeller girl? Your sister said she argued with her over you." I could see him calculating how he could use and abuse the supposed relationship.

"There is no relationship." I replied numbly, "The argument wasn't over me."

"Probably not, you offer nothing valuable anyway." He replied callously. "If I catch you out of the house within the next week you will be in serious trouble. Now, get out."

I left.

I entered my room, locked my door, and immediately called Avery's Assistant.

I needed to get out of here. Now.

"Miss Blackwell, I'm Mr. Rockefeller's assistant Alissa. How may I help you?" a soft feminine voice answered immediately.

"Hello Alissa, I'm not sure how much you know or how much you can help. I was supposed to begin interning this summer. I wondered if you could expedite my process to move into my housing. A situation has come up."

"I'm aware of your situation. We can begin and finish the process in as little as three days. Would that work for you? Anything quicker and I would need to consult Mr. Rockefeller."

"If possible, I would like to move in sooner. If not, 3 days is fine. I will spend the time in a hotel." I replied in relief.

"I will find out and update you in an hour. Would you need movers, or would you be fine without? This service is included of course at no cost to you."

"Movers as well please although I don't have a lot to take just a couple large items."

"Understood, I will call you with updated results in about an hour."

She hung up and I paced around the room.

I hated this family. Why was always blaming me for things outside of my control?

There was no way I wasn't giving my speech on graduation day and no way I wasn't attending my graduation. I had been through so much getting to this point that I had to see it through.

I was going!

On the verge of tears, I decided to begin sorting the things I could take with me. Ideally, I would be moved out by tomorrow. I would spend the next couple of days outside of the house. Attend graduation, the gala, and turn 18 away from my family's influence. Once I was free, I had no plans to return at all.

I had no attachment to these people or this place. They could all just fuck off.

Less than an hour later, my phone rang, and I frantically picked it up without looking at the id

"Who is it?"

"It's Avery, my assistant told me you want to expedite your move in."

"Yes, it's due to personal circumstances." I didn't bother to elaborate.

"That's fine, my company owns the space. Movers will arrive at your address by noon. No need to move furniture, it's fully furnished. Your start date will still be the 27th so you're completely free until then."

"Okay. Thank you."

"No need for thanks. And here's an early congrats for graduating and being the valedictorian. I look forward to your speech."

"If I even get to go," I muttered darkly

"Pardon?" was his sharp reply

"Nothing!" I clarified. What if he started giving me the beat-up people talk his sister gave me.

"You're one of my employees now. We talk down to others and don't let others talk down on us. If anyone is bullying you, let me know and I'll squash them. That's the brand of the Rockefeller name and Clear Horizon." was the cool reply. While I'm sure he wanted to sound cool, I couldn't be impressed as all I imagined was his sister's silly serious expression repeating those same words.

"Yes yes, I'll let you squash them. And… Thank you again for the help and sorry for the trouble."

"It's not a problem. If that's it then goodbye." he quickly cut off.

Sighing in relief, I couldn't help but smile at the phone. Maybe things would work out after all.