New Beginnings

This is something I did for my Creative Writing class. I don't have to continue it, but surprisingly, I like it quite a bit, so maybe I will just for fun. What do you think? Please critique! Oh, and if you can think of a good name, I just threw in "new beginnings," since I couldn't think of anything better.

Chapter 1

“How long have you been playing foosball?” Craig asked his pretty, black haired, blue eyed companion.

“Probably six years or so; I first learnt back in High School at a friend’s birthday party. I caught on pretty quick, and have always enjoyed the game,” she replied.

“It’s always been something I’ve liked doing in my free time also. I rarely have time to engage in a game as I’m currently tied up in job affairs, but I have to admit, you are one of my biggest competitors. Quite a refreshing change, really. ” He was rather surprised by the fact.

“Oh,” she laughed, “I’m glad you think so! Most people find my habits too technical and dry for their taste.”

“Well if that’s so, I hope they never meet me!” He grinned, enjoying his own joke.

“Puh-leeze, Craig,” she said sarcastically, “you’re not boring at all. I’m sure anyone I know would love to become acquainted with you.” She blushed as she realized the implication of her foolish words.

“Susan, Susan, Susan,” he started in a cajoling manner, amused by her embarrassment. “You may have a high opinion of me, but that is about as far as it extends.”

“What!” She gasped in mock horror, “My opinion is worthless? Now I see how it is…” in a condescending tone.

“You know what I mean,” he stated in exasperation.

“Yeah,” she sighed. “I do.” All former jesting now gone from her expression.

He looked at her quizzically. Did she really know? She sounded as if she did.

“I told you most people think I’m dull company.” she responded to the unspoken question. “They just never wait to get to know the real me before pouncing with strong judgments. I’ve gotten used to it, and now I realize people like that aren’t worth my time.

It’s the truly caring people that count. The people who take the time to actually get to know someone without prejudiced opinions already shading their view. People like that are rare I guess, but all the more special because of it,” she paused, and glancing his direction spoke quietly. “Just like you are special.”

Shocked silence held the air captive till Craig recovered sufficiently to mutter, “Thanks. You really are a remarkable person.” He cleared his throat. “How about we go get something to drink?”

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Timothy Almbrooke was a well respected gentleman. He was known for his intelligence in business deals, and his fair decisions regarding those lower in station than himself. He appeared to be a noble soul; caring for others more than himself. He was thoughtful, and made arrangements for the comfort and security of all those around him – except his family. Little did those who stood in admiration of the wealthy, powerful man realize that his family, while richly blessed in fancies, were sorely lacking in a husband’s love and a father’s care. All Timothy knew was the business world; he was not a family man, and the gaping hole this presented to his neglected family was a sore spot in more hearts than one. He knew in his inner conscience that the deal he was considering would put yet more pressure on his already troubled wife and children. Yet how could he pass up such an excellent opportunity? He couldn’t.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Driving home in a taxi cab after signing the contracts which had so pricked his conscience Timothy was not in the happy mood one would expect. He was in dour spirits, knowing that what he had done would place him further from his home life than ever before. He had no cheerful thoughts when his cell phone pierced the melancholy silence. Who could be calling me? He thought irritably. He checked the user quickly. Susan? Why on earth is she calling? I hope everything’s OK…she better not have gotten into trouble.

Normally one wouldn’t expect a father to be surprised when his daughter called, but this was not a common occurrence in Mr. Almbrooke’s life. After his now twenty-five-year-old daughter went off to college, almost all connection between the two had been severed. Now, with her fancy apartment in New York and time-consuming job, she had even less time to think of her father, and it had been months since the two had conversed together. It wasn’t a family feud. It was merely the lack of time and love the two shared.

“Susan? Is everything all right?” he spoke quietly into the phone, his hardened conscience no longer on his mind. I still can’t believe she actually called me. Insanity.

“Hey dad. Yeah, everything’s fine, I just wanted to call you about…”

“Are you sure? You can tell me the truth. I’m your father after all!” he interrupted in a slightly irritated voice. But I never acted like a father…

“I know, dad. I do, and I was actually calling to tell you about this neat guy I met the other night at a friend’s social.” Susan spoke hurriedly in a flustered tone. Well, dad hasn’t changed. I shouldn’t have bothered calling, I just wish I had a real dad. Someone who actually wanted me to call him and wasn’t so…formal.

“Oh?”

“Mm-hmm, he was really polite, has a great job and connections and is very intelligent and intriguing.” Admiration was evident in her voice. Why am I telling him this? Seriously Susan! It’s not like you need his permission. Her conscience argued back. I know I don’t need his permission; it’s just nice to imagine I need it. To pretend he cares enough to give it. All the neglect of past years washed over her, causing her bitter thoughts. Pah! He’s not really your dad, and you shouldn’t be wasting time on him. You’ve spent your whole life trying to get his attention, so why ask about something simple and easy like this? After all these years of handling everything by yourself you need to suck up to your pathetic excuse of a father? I guess. I’m just sick of the whole thing and, well, telling him about Craig is the perfect excuse to call him…and maybe, well, work something out. But why would she want to ‘work something out’ with this cold father-figure?

“What’s his name?” asked her father.

“Oh! Yeah, um, his name is Craig…”

“Well, that’s nice. Why exactly did you need to call me about him?” He rudely interrupted. I bet this kid wants something. Probably hoping for some deal. Which he isn’t going to get; especially using my daughter.

“…Donaldson, you know from Donaldson Welding and Steel?” She murmured convincingly. “Ah, yeah, he…well, he asked me out.” She muttered nervously. I really shouldn’t have bothered calling him. What was I thinking?!

“Really? What did you tell him?” Timothy suspiciously, “I bet he’s trying to use you to get something from me.”

“I…I told him I’d like to check with you,” she spoke quickly. “And no, he is not ‘trying to use me’.” She continued snidely, sarcasm lining her voice. “You seem to think you’re some huge deal, but sorry to burst your bubble, dad, he didn’t even recognize your name.” Bitter contempt froze over her nervousness as an old anger took place. He thinks he’s some hotshot. It’s not like he’s the only successful business man alive.

“Fine.” He said stiffly. “As you seem so sure he’s not trying to use you, I’m surprised you even took the time to check up with me.” Frustration was evident in his tone. “You obviously are so much more experienced in judging people’s actions than your stupid old father.” He jibed.

“Dad, that’s not what I meant, and you know it. You’re just trying to be difficult.” She snapped. “I was merely pointing out that not every man I meet wants to ‘use me’ to get at you, or even that they know who you are. It’s a big world. There are a lot of other important people, besides you. He didn’t know you, big deal! I thought you’d be glad I was asking your opinion, but I should have known you’d jump to conclusions.” She spouted the hurtful words while venting her frustration.

Tension cloaked the silence, as Timothy silently realized his daughter’s rebuke to be true.

He forced a laugh, “You’re quite right. My mind is always engaged in my work, so I could hardly help feeling concerned.” He conveniently avoided the biting fact that she had just told him he wasn’t very important in the scheme of the world.

He continued in a more natural tone, “If you like him, and he’s an honest gentleman, why did you feel the need to ask? You’re a grown woman, Susan. You are free to go out with anyone you want to.” He spoke in a determined tone; he knew what he said to be true, so why was admitting it so hard? Was he still trying to treat her like a little girl? Who was he trying to kid? I never did treat her like a little girl. I never even paid attention to her, or acted like she was my daughter, other than providing financial needs. How could I have missed that? She’s my child, and now she’s an independent woman, off alone in the world, without a father’s love. Ah, but I did the best I could! She grew up to be successful and has a good work-ethic. I should be proud of my fine job in raising her. No, no you shouldn’t. She’s too much like you; cold, stiff, and works too much. There are more important things in life than money. Yeah, Timothy, like what? When have you ever cared more for money than anything else?

“Thanks. I’m glad you trust me.” Susan’s temper had cooled down, and her father’s confidence in her had lightened the mood. “I guess it just felt right to ask you, before, you know, I started getting serious with someone.” Susan was rather surprised at her father’s confidence in her, but couldn’t help feeling pleased. I can’t believe he actually realizes I’m a responsible adult. Well, no. That he actually knew that I was smart and had good judgment is amazing. I never thought he knew that much about me.

“You’re not exactly ‘getting serious’ on your first date with someone…are you?” Timothy replied, now slightly concerned. I need a chance to get to know my oldest child before she settles down with someone; she can’t just…not care about our nonexistent relationship, can she?

“No! Of course not, dad! That’s not what I meant, I just…” she said, embarrassed. “I just have this feeling he’s someone special, you know? Not like most guys.” WHAT?! Crap! I just told him something totally important and personal! I’m done confiding in him. I bet he’s going to laugh now…oh why oh why did I even decide to contact him in the first place? It was an altogether idiotic idea.

“I hope he is someone special. You deserve a nice man to make you happy and take care of you.” Yeah, especially since she never had one growing up!

“You think so?!” she breathed in relief, “I’m not so sure I ‘deserve’ someone, but luck’s my way, so happy is my day.” She chuckled at her chance rhyme. “And you’re right, I’m not getting serious, but telling him I needed to ask you gave me a few extra days to decide what to wear!” And gave me an excuse to call you…and I can’t believe we’ve kept up a conversation this long, not to mention such a personal one. Dad’s actually not too bad; this is a moment in history! Susan silently rejoiced to herself over the turnout of her brave decision. I actually laughed while conversing with him!

Timothy smiled at the image of his daughter and clothes. Clothing had always been a sore point for her; meaning she always had way too many things that were exactly the same, but she thought they were different, and she never could decide which to wear out of the three choices that were the same. Not to mention the fact that she had an extremely large amount of excess clothing that she never wore, choosing instead to wear several favorites.

“Well, I hope you’ve got that dilemma solved. What are you going to wear?”

“Uh…well, it turns out a few extra days wasn’t enough time to come to a decision. I still don’t know!” she laughed into the phone again, surprising herself. It had never been this easy to joke with dad before. What’s happening here? I wonder if it’s me or him. Little did she realize it was a combination of them both.

“I never did understand girls and clothes.” Timothy threw in, jokingly.

“And I never did understand guys and their lack of clothes!” she retorted in amusement.

“I suppose some things are meant to remain a mystery, so we’ll just leave it at that.”

“I guess so. But this still doesn’t solve my problem with what to wear.” She teased, realizing their talk was coming to an end.

“You’re just going to have to focus, focus, focus on what you want to look like. Imagine yourself in Craig’s eyes. That’s what your mom did when she was dating me,” he paused, “and it always worked. She never did come looking anything less than fabulous.” Lies, Timothy, you’re telling more lies. When have you actually told her what her mom really did?

“Huh, I’ll have to give it a try. I’ll let you know how it works for me.” I never knew mom did that. That’s a cool idea though. She thought musingly to herself.

“OK. Well, have a good time. I should go, I’m almost home.” The taxi cab turned onto his street.

“K, bye.” She said softly, disappointed their talk was over.

“Bye. Oh, and Susan?”

“Yeah?”

“Guys worry just as much about what to wear.”