“In the event of my death, I wish for my Granddaughter Charlotte to inherit my share of Smith and Stanton Lawyers. I insist that she be appointed as partner of the firm immediately, provided she is currently a practicing solicitor of the firm.” It had only taken two weeks for Mum and I to pluck up the courage to do Grandfather’s Estate Administration. Mum had a pretty good idea of what was in the will, but there was some addendums that we hadn’t seen before. Everything was left to Mum, with the exception of their New York apartment, which he had already given me but it was officially stated that I was now the owner. Additionally, a sum of money has been added to the trust account they’d set up for me.
“So, I’m a partner now…”
“It would appear so. And you’re only 24.”
“This isn’t really how I wanted it to happen.”
“I know Char, but we don’t always get to be choosey. Your Grandfather would be proud of you either way.”
“Yeah, I guess you’re right.”
“Your mother is always right.” She says, flipping through some documents.
“Sure sure, Mother.” I shake my head at her, rolling my eyes.
“I was wondering how you feel about your father and I going back to Peterborough soon? It’s just sad being in that big house without my parents. I mean, I grew up there and not having them around is just making it more painful. We need normalcy. So do you, I think it’s time for you to go back to work, and back to your apartment. And for God’s sake call Harry and thank him for what he did.”
“I already thanked him.”
“No you didn’t. Did you?”
“Well, not in so many words. But I acknowledged his existence via text message so that’s close enough.”
“Honey…”
“Mum, I told you what happened. There’s literally no reason for me to get involved with him again. I want what you and Dad, and what Grandma and Grandad had. I’m not going to find that with Harry, too much has happened.”
“Oh please, you act like it’s always been smooth sailing for your Father and I. It hasn’t been, but who would want it to be? Things like this are trying, but it’s getting through them that makes the connection that much deeper. Your grandparents were the same, there’d be things about their relationship you’d never want to know. But look at how happy there were. I know your Grandfather died from a heart attack, but I honestly think he died from a broken heart. He was never the same after Mum passed, and I knew he’d never be truly happy again. That’s how I feel about your father, I’d be lost if he was gone. I don’t know how long I’d be able to go on without him. I think that’s the measure of a soulmate. You honestly don’t feel that way about Harry?”
“I used to. But not anymore. I’m doing fine with out him. Look at how well I’m doing at work since he left me. I put myself back together without him, I can go on without him.”
“You’re choosing to be without him. Your Grandfather didn’t get to choose.”
“You can’t seriously be comparing my 8 month relationship with your parents 50 or so year long marriage.” I scoff.
“I wouldn’t compare them if I genuinely didn’t believe there was similarities. I just want you to be happy.”
“I will be. Just not with him.”
“If you honestly believe that, then okay.”
“Okay.” I imitate her and she scowls at me across the desk.
YOU ARE READING
Strangers
Fanfiction"@CharJones: Distance is relative to the time that it takes to get on a plane or make a mistake" The third and final installment of the Friends Trilogy. Lola started off sure of herself and her path in life only to have it all crumbling down when...
