I felt a surge of panic at the thought of being sent away to a foreign city where I knew no one. “You can’t possibly do that to me, Dad. I know no one in Paris,” I protested, my voice shaking slightly.
My heart raced as I thought about the unfamiliar streets, the strange accents, and the loneliness that awaited me. “That’s why it’s the best place for you to be,” he replied, his voice firm but calm, his eyes fixed on mine.
I shook my head, trying to process his words. “Where no one knows you and cares about you. Or would you rather prefer Africa? I hear it’s an exotic place.” His suggestion was like a punch to the gut, leaving me breathless.
“Dad!!!” I exclaimed, my voice rising in disbelief. “Africa? With beasts like mosquitoes? You can’t possibly be serious. I’ve never even been outside the country before.” I felt like I was trapped in a nightmare, with no escape.
“Exactly,” he said, his expression unyielding. “You need a change of scenery, a change of pace. You’ve been stuck in this same old routine for too long, and look where it’s gotten you.” His words felt like a slap in the face.
I felt tears prick at the corners of my eyes as I thought about my life, my friends, and everything I’d leave behind. “I don’t need a change of scenery, this, all of this will pass soon and I’ll go back to my normal life, like none of these ever happened,” I said, trying to convince myself more than him, tears already forming in my eyes.
He sighed, his shoulders sagging slightly. “You still don’t know the gravity of all of these, do you? Your reputation is on the mud, our company is wavering because of you, and yet you think you still have the right to act selfish?” His words cut deep, like a knife to the heart.
“I understand I’m in the wrong, Dad, but.. but sending me far away is just too much,” I said, feeling a lump form in my throat.
“People send their children to foreign countries every day, ours shouldn’t be any different,” he replied, shrugging his shoulder, his expression unyielding.
I shook my head, trying to process his words. “I can’t even speak French, Dad, how am I suppose to live in a place where I can’t communicate with people ?” I protested, feeling a sense of desperation creeping in.
“That’s why it’s necessary for you to go,” he said, his voice firm. “Someday, we’ll need a representative in our company who can help us strike deals with foreign men and women who speak French, by then you’ll be more familiar with the language, so you see.. you should look at the brighter side of all of this.”
I felt a wave of frustration wash over me. “There’s no brighter side here, Dad, there isn’t..” I said, my voice barely above a whisper.
He stood up, his movements deliberate. “Oh, dear, there is. You’re just not seeing it yet. I’ll keep sending you money for your upkeep. If possible, stay away from anything called social media, cut your communication with all of your friends and acquaintances.”
I felt like I’d been punched in the gut. “Dad!!” I exclaimed, my voice rising in horror.
“Yes, in fact, get a new phone, you can choose a new name if you want, blend with them, and get a new life for yourself,” he continued, his words cutting deep.
I felt tears streaming down my face as I realized the magnitude of his plan. “This isn’t fair, Dad,” I whispered, feeling like I was losing myself.
“It’s for the best,” he said, his expression softening slightly, but his voice remaining firm.
“Paris,” he confirmed, tapping on my shoulder lightly,”I’ve already made the arrangements. You’ll be leaving tomorrow morning.”
“Tomorrow ?” I exclaimed. “Hell no Dad.”
“Hell yes, the earlier the better. You don’t have to leave the house, I was told reporters are lurking around your apartment, your things will be sent over later, pack up and get ready.” He said leaving the study.
I was still in shock finding it difficult to believe all of these..
“Ahhhhh!” I screamed, tossing a flower vase next to me on the wall. The sound of it chattering gave me a little bit of satisfaction, one of the particles flew and gave me a little cut in my arm, however the pain I was feeling right now is greater than the minor cut.
There’s no way I’m going without a fight, Raymond must have an explanation for all of these.
I brought out my phone from the pocket of my shorts, I dialed the number again and this time it went through, he picked up on third ring, “Ray..” I said, skeptical if it was actually him.
“Yes.” His voice was firm with no emotion.
“We need to speak..”
“I have nothing to say to you Nora.”
“What do you mean you have nothing to say to men.” I said almost yelling.
“Because there’s nothing for us to discuss.”
“I don’t believe this is you speaking, I’m not in for any games, whoever is with the phone please pass it over to Raymond McLaren and tell him Nora is on the phone and needs to speak to him, this can’t possibly be Ray speaking..”
“Nora, calm down.” He shouted.
“Don’t you fucken shout at me and tell me to calm down.”
“It’s me talking, and I think it’s best we don’t communicate anymore..”He said his voice more calm.
“You aren’t serious are you ? What happened to all of these meant something to you ? Huh ?” I said yelling even more, however he said nothing, I went on regardless,”All of a sudden it doesn’t and you want to throw all of it away, is that it ?”
“You know what, I don’t believe you, you’re just cowarding away behind your phone. If you really have something to say to me then come say it to my face otherwise I won’t listen to a shit you say. I’ll see you by 7pm tonight, I’ll text you the location.” I said hanging up the phone before he could say anything else.
I ran my hands through my hair, feeling more frustrated than I was five minutes ago.