Michael (9 page)

“I guess next you’ll argue that your mother had just as much claim to my mother’s things.” Liam shook his head. “I was born and raised in this house Michael.”

“So what! I was raised here, too. But Patricia made this place home. Does twenty years of faithfulness to our father mean nothing to you?” I was done arguing.

“I don’t need the house, Michael, Leah. I’ll be okay without it.” Patricia said with tears in her eyes.

“That’s not the point, Mama.” Leah stated. “This is your home. The home you built with Daddy. The place we want to be able to share more memories.”

“Then you keep the house, Leah. I think I want to let it go. I want to do a little traveling. And when I’m ready to settle down, maybe I’ll look to the east coast.” Patricia smiled warmly.

“If that’s settled…” the lawyer finally got a word in, “Michael, you receive the entire car collection minus cars that have been previously purchased for your siblings and/or Patricia. All other assets including the boats, the helicopter and planes that are NOT listed under the company names are to be divided between you three as you see fit.”

“What the hell was he thinking leaving me hotels and houses? I didn’t expect anything yet alone hotels and two vacation homes.”

“You were his wife.” I chimed in. “You should have gotten more.”

“I’m not finished.” Larry, the lawyer interrupted. “Foreign property. Mackenzie gets the Italy home, as previously stated, while Patricia keeps the homes in France and Chile. Michael gets the house in Brazil and Liam gets the one in Austria, Leah you get the one in Spain.”

“Any questions there?” He flipped the page.

“Yeah,” I interjected. “When the hell did he buy all of these places?”

“Shortly before his passing.” Larry replied. “Shall I continue?” We nodded and he continued. “All bank accounts in his name shall be divided 30/30/30/10 between his children and wife respectively. All trust shall be maintained by his children and managed until grandchildren are of age. Any questions?” Larry closed the last page of the file and looked in our direction.

“Can I give up some of my inheritance? Like the hotels? I don’t know what to do with two hotels.” Patricia sighed.

“Absolutely. I can draw up papers for transfer or sale.” Larry said with a smile.

“You don’t need to give them up. The Scott Group manages them. Your only responsibility will be showing up to meeting every now and then.” Liam stated.

“Are you sure?” Patricia looked scared.

“Positive. We’ve always managed them.” I said crossing my legs towards her. “Keep them. Just because Dad is gone doesn’t make us any less of a family. You’re still our mother and we still will make sure everything is good with you.”

Tears ran down Patricia’s face. The truth of the matter was that our dad married Patricia when we were all adults. She didn’t raise us but she supported our endeavors and treated us as a mother would treat her children. She was our kid’s grandmother and an important part of our father’s life. We wouldn’t disown her because he was gone.

“Thank you, Larry. We are headed out of town in the morning, Eric and Leah can forward any paperwork.” I stood and shook Larry’s hand, my brother and sister did the same.

The plane touched down in Toronto and I was ecstatic to see Abi waiting for me outside the gate.

“Sorry for your loss.” Abi embraced me, kissing the top of my head. It was unexpected and welcoming at the same time.

“Thank you.” I allowed him to hold me in that moment, the feeling of having my own family had been forgotten so long ago.

“How is everyone? Is Michael holding up okay?” He grabbed my bag from me and we headed toward the exit.

“They’re holding up pretty well. Michael, especially. They are headed back home today.”

“It can be a tough thing losing your father. I know that all too well.” Abi said with a sad smile.

“Tell me about it.” I gave the same smile back thinking of my own father and how much I missed him.

“Well,” he opened his trunk and placed my bag inside and then opened my door for me. “maybe you’ll get a second chance at having one.”

“What do you mean?” I begged as he shut my door and climbed into the truck on the other side.

“I mean, you don’t know who your biological dad is, he could still be alive, he may not even know about you.”

“I hadn’t thought too much about that. I just want to meet Amita. I mean I want to know who he is but I want to focus my energy on her right now.”

“I don’t want you to have high expectations for this, Krishna. Like I told you before, my mother isn’t in her right mind. I wanted you to see that for yourself. I wanted you to meet her to get whatever information you’re seeking. Don’t expect much more than that. And I know that sucks but that’s just the reality of things.”

“I won’t get my hopes up, I promise.” The truth was that they were already sky high and I couldn’t retreat them now. Not when I was so close to being in the same room as the woman that gave birth to me. “I’ll take it as it comes.” I smiled. Abi nodded on agreement and we headed towards his place.

His home was modest; four bedrooms, two bathrooms on a small piece of land. The inside was very masculine with wood, leather and steel furnishings in the main rooms. The bedroom where he sat my bags down had been the complete opposite of the downstairs; a bright down comforter, a white head board and feminine mirrored side tables. I appreciated the size of the room before changing into jeans and t-shirt and joining Abi in the kitchen for lunch.

“Did you want to go see Mother today?” he asked sipping his latte and biting the edges off of his sandwich.

“Definitely. I’m so nervous. I mean I have pictured her for years and I’m in shock that I’m actually doing this.” I tried to imagine the woman. Abi left the table and returned with an album taking the seat next to me instead of his seat across from me. He leaned in opening the book and pointing to a grainy picture.

“That’s her at your age.” He smiled warmly looking between the photo and me. He flipped the page. “That’s me when I was like ten, and my father.” He pointed to the stern looking man who in no way could have been my father.

“You look a lot like him.” I said browsing the rest of the album.

“Yeah, they say that. My mother has about two dozen albums, you should look through them. She loved scrap booking and just collecting photos in general.” He closed the book and set it aside. “Krishna, I hope you get the answers you’re looking for today. And I hope that if you don’t, we’ll continue to build on our relationship regardless.”

“Of course we will. You’re my brother. I’ve always wanted siblings.”

“Me too.” He smiled and took our empty plates to the sink. “Go grab your shoes. We’ll go see Mother and then I want to take you out.”

I took the stairs back to my room and slipped into a pair of knee boots and threw on a sweater. I grabbed my coat and scarf from the closet downstairs and met Abi in the garage. He was holding the door waiting for me.

My nerves rattled as we approached the nursing home. I was about to meet Amita and the only thing I could think was whether or not my hair looked okay. I was suddenly self conscious of everything I had worn, my makeup and my choice of shoes. I wanted to impress her and was feeling like I had already failed.

“Ready?” Abi asked as we walked toward her room.

“Not really.” I reached for my brother’s hand and he grasped mine tightly before stopping to face me.

“Krishna. This isn’t about her, it’s about you. You are here for answers and you deserve that. Don’t think too hard about what she will think of you because in the end, if she doesn’t have the best opinion, who cares because she isn’t really entitled to it anyway.”

“Okay.” I took a deep breath. “Thanks, Abi. I know you have your own life, but thanks for taking time out for this, for me.”

“I wouldn’t miss it for the world, Sis.” He hugged me. “Now go get your answers.” He let go of my hand after we took a few more steps and inched me towards the room. “I’ll wait out here.”

My stomach dropped. I smiled at him and turned towards the room. I watched the shadow of a woman move around the room through the slit in the doors opening. I knocked.

I hugged Daniel tighter than usual when I dropped him off at soccer practice that Sunday. I hated that he had missed practice and a game because of the funeral. But I knew my son was good player and that was the last thing on his mind as he pulled away from me and gave a wave heading towards his friends who were all in the same red, white and blue soccer uniforms. I was excited for the next game; I knew the Capitols would have a good season.

I got back in my car and looked back at the kids. Lincoln sat with her foot propped in her seat trying to tie her shoes. I looked at the mirrors on the head rest to see that the twins, Tristan and Torrin were awake and giggling. I pulled off into traffic headed to the office.

It would be my first time setting foot into the offices in months. Parts of me missed my life as a high-class business man signing multi-million dollar contracts, the other part of me, the man driving with his three kids, didn’t miss it one bit. Besides, Nathan was more than capable of running the business. He proved that time and time again.

I arrived at the office and pulled into Nathan’s old spot. I pulled Lincoln from her seat and she waited while I grabbed the twins. I held them by the hand, having to bend down, as they attempted to steadily walk into the building. By the time we reached the elevator Torrin was crying to be picked up but Tristan was determined to make it on his own. Lincoln pressed the button to our floor as if she had done it a thousand times. And when the doors opened she bolted for Nathan’s old office. I stopped and spoke with Lisa before catching up with Lincoln in what was now a daycare. I laughed and dropped the twins off with the sitters.

“A daycare?” I said busting through the doors of my old office.

“Well, it’s a family run company, Unc.” Nathan stood and shook my hand. “I want to make that statement clear. You have no idea what kind of business that last contract we signed bought in. I’m talking national baby brands. Not only advertising either; parties and charity events out the ass. We took on four paid interns this month. Business is booming. Tell me you want in.” He sat. I liked the familiar cockiness in his tone. The kid knew his job all too well and I was proud to call him my successor.

“I kind of do actually. And having an onsite sitter makes the prospect a whole lot more attractive. You’re a genius.” I replied getting comfortable in the leather seat across from him.

“No rush, just saying it’d be nice to have you back. I’m manning this ship alone.” Nathan said. I felt like I had definitely abandoned ship. Liam and I put the weight of our company on Nathan and it wasn’t fair.

“I’ll be back. Until then hire real staff, not just interns. Find an impressionable kid to mold. I did that once and it’s still paying off.”

“Very funny.” Nathan laughed. “But seriously man, take your time. I know you have a ton on your plate right now. How are you feeling? How are Liam and Leah?”

“Leah is still in heavy grief right now. But Liam and I are okay. I think we’ll all be okay. It’s just going to be hard getting to the accepting part of this whole ordeal. But we’ll all get there.” I leaned back in the chair watching Nathan’s eyes avoid my own. And then his finally locked with mine and he spoke.

“I hope Mackenzie gets there too.” He said, his face turning pale.

“What’s going on, she seemed fine on the plane.”

“Yeah, well she was until she wasn’t. She’s been in bed since we got in yesterday and I don’t know what else I can do or say. She’s falling apart. She misses him and is beating herself up for not being around more.” His eyes were watering. “It’s killing me to see her like that; it isn’t like her to be so distant.”

“I’ll go see her later. I get what she’s feeling completely. I think we are all feeling it. It isn’t until it’s too late that that feeling sinks in. She’ll be okay, Nate, just be their when she needs to talk. You know?”

“Yeah I know. I’m trying. It’s a lot to deal with.”

“I bet. How’s your bother?” I knew things with his brother weren’t so good and I was amazed how well Nathan was handling a situation that would have landed me back in rehab or therapy.

“He’s strong, he’s fighting. It’s still early. I have faith.”

“That’s all that matters.” I stood. “Let me know if you guys need anything. I just wanted to stop by and see everyone. I’m going to go mess with your interns and see what they are up to. I’ll let you know if any of them are promising.” I laughed as Nathan waved me out of the door.

After spending over an hour in the office, I headed back to the soccer field and pulled into the closest parking spot. I spaced out watching the blurs of kids run back and forth on the field.

When the door gently opened I looked at the beautiful woman before me. In my head she was an old woman with grey hair and wrinkled brown skin. But in reality she was a sixty something woman with jet black hair down to her butt, flawless gently aged skin and a beautiful smile. She stood there silent. I assumed she was taking me in the same as I was taking her in. And then the tears fell.

“You are certainly a beautiful child, Krishna.” She smiled.

“Thank you.” I said wanting to wrap my arms around the stranger.

“Come in, have a seat. Wow!” She looked at me from head to toe.

“It’s so nice to finally meet you. I have so many questions.” I sat in the arm chair at the table where I assumed she knitted. A basket of yarn sat of the floor, a bucket of needles sat on the table.

“I bet Abhishek,” she said in a heavy accent, “I bet he told you I was all sorts of crazy in the head. I can tell you for fact that I’m not crazy. I was just tired of dealing with him. He took way too long to grow up.”

“And you refused to see him all these years?”

“Have you seen him? He’s a spitting image of his father.”

“I’ve never seen his father in person. In photos, yes, he favors him.”

“Well, I don’t want to be reminded of his father.”

“It must have been an amazing marriage if you have forsaken your only child because he looks like the man you loved.”

“Yeah but he still wasn’t my first love.” She said with a grin. “He was but a man I was forced to marry. It took me until Abi was born to appreciate the man and years more to love him. And then when he died I realized I was robbed of so much.”

“Like?” I responded looking at the woman as she pulled a chair closer to me.

“Like knowing my only daughter.” Her cold hand grazed my face. “I wish I had watched you grow. I wish I could have had you and my first love and to have still somehow have had my son.”

“Who was my father?”

“Your father is a good man. He does good things around the world for all sorts of people. That’s why I loved him.”

“Is a good man?”

“I don’t know him to have passed. I’d say, with his personality, he’s still traveling the world doing good deeds in the name of his church.”

“Can you tell me about him; what’s his name? What does he look like?”

“He had eyes as blue as the purest ocean. That’s the first thing I saw when I met him. I was doing volunteer work with my college and there he was carrying trash bags to a dumpster. He glanced at me and his eyes pierced my soul and broke my heart at the same time. And when we finally talked I knew I would be shunned from my family for loving a white man. I knew it but it didn’t stop me. And when we found out about you, we both freaked out. We were two college students from opposite worlds. I had broken family laws to be with him and he was ready to give up his life to take care of me and what did I do? I let my father convince me that my only option was to give you away. So I did and I have thought about you ever since.”

I was shocked as images washed through my head. My stomach churned.

“Who was he, Amita? What was his name?”

“He swore that things would be okay even if I did let you go. He swore that you’d have real parents to love you that no matter what he would see that you were alright. And I trusted him to see to that because you were his little blue eyed angel. Those blue eyes of yours haunted me in my sleep for years. I spent so much of my time wondering how you were and—.”

“Who is he? Tell me!” I was crying shaking my head knowing that I had been in contact with my biological dad most of my childhood.

Amita just shook her head and continued her rambling. I left. I had to leave. I had to get Abi’s house and search those albums. I bolted from the room and down the hall. Abi caught up with me grabbing my arm and pulling me to a stop.

“I shouldn’t have come here. You were right she is crazy. Let’s go back to the house.” I cried.  And Abi didn’t ask questions, he just drove with me in silence to his house. I thought my head was going to explode. I felt so betrayed and lied to. My own mother and father had spent their lives covering up my true identity.

I broke into a sprint through Abi’s house. I searched the dining room and living room crying.

“Where are the albums Abhishek? Where are all her photo albums?”

“Her what?”

“The albums, the scrapbooks, where are they?”

“In there.” He pointed to a small bedroom off of the kitchen. I hadn’t noticed the room before. I hadn’t paid attention when he grabbed the album earlier. I opened the door to the room and looked around at a wall full of books.

“Is there is rhyme or reason to the way these things are organized?”

“No, why? What are you looking for?”

“A picture of my father, my birth father.’”

“I don’t think they’d be in there.”

“Have you heard how she speaks of him? He was the love of her life. If he was important to her, their life together is in these books, I have to find the answers, I have to know who he is.”

“You look as if you already know. The look on your face when you left, like you’d seen a ghost.”

“I’m hoping what I think isn’t right because I don’t want to feel robbed. I don’t think I could forgive my parents if he is my father. I wouldn’t know how to forgive them.”

I ripped the first book of the shelf and began flipping through it. Abi left the room and returned with a bottle of wine and glasses. He sat the glasses down on the floor and poured us both wine before grabbing a handful of books from the shelf and settling them on the floor in front of me.

“Now tell me, what am I looking for?”

“You’re looking for him!” I said showing him the picture I had on my phone of the man holding me as a toddler.

“Okay.” He said picking up the first book. He paused. “Are you alright?”

“I’ll be fine once I know if this man is my father.” I closed the first album and tossed it to the side.