I'm Blind Not Fragile

Chapter 23

My father led me through the household, once again with his hand on my back. His words were ringing into my ears, tonight I represent Lewis Corp. As I will in the future, Howard told me he had already started the paperwork of getting me a position in the company. He told me I should be grateful that they're finding a position for someone disabled as I am. And I agree. I had no future a couple weeks ago. When Eric went to college what would have happened to me? I am grateful for my father taking me under his wing as he has. Even after all I've done to him.

We walked toward the sound of talking. A man and a woman, probably Eliza then, as we got closer I recognized Mr. Chamberlain's voice. I wonder where the older Chamberlain sibling is? Maybe he decided not to come tonight, I remember there being some tension last time we dined here.

Mr. Chamberlain stopped his conversation with his daughter and greeted his newest business partner. "Ah Mr. Lewis! So good to see you again! I am glad we could have another one of these dinners to celebrate our new deal and even newer friendship." He declared.

"I believe in the spirit of our new friendship you can call me Howard." My father said in a tone I hadn't thought he possessed. It implied genuine friendliness which was a shock to me.

"Well from now on Howard I hope you will call me Mark. Now lets head into the sitting room. There's been a delay in the kitchen so dinner is going to be about a half hour later." Mr. Chamberlain said with a tad bit annoyance.

"So hard to find good help these days." My father responded, "Why don't we get into that wine collection of yours everyone's always fishing about" He continued.

"You know what? I think that may be the best thing you've said my friend." Mr. Chamberlain said as he approached us and clapped my father on the shoulder and strode form the room like the thickest of thieves. It's strange witnessing my dad act like this.

"Raine! Oh my gosh I though they would never leave. How have you been? I know we saw each other just the other day but I feel like we hit it off, you know?" Eliza exclaimed as soon as our fathers left the room. I felt myself smile, just a bit at her enthusiasm. My recent days have been filled with so much darkness I'm glad at least someone is living her best life.

"Hello Eliza its nice to see you again. Please call me Gertrude, I've taken a liking to the name. Raine is such an undignified name and it doesn't really fit me" I parroted, I'd heard my father say the exact same words, except instead of it not fitting me, he said it didn't fit the Lewis name.

"Alright Gertrude, I don't care what you call yourself, I'm determined we be friends. My dad won't let me into the wine cellar until I turn 20, which is completely unfair since he let Hans in there like last year when he was 18. He claims that until I learn how to appreciate what I'm drinking he won't let me anywhere near the good stuff. What is it with dads and never assuming we're mature enough to for something?" Eliza ranted

"I understand, My father is giving me a job at his company, but I'm pretty sure its just so he can keep an eye on me." I chuckle and Eliza joins along.

"Well c'mon my dad doesn't let me get into the good stuff but that doesn't mean I don't have my own stash." She says as she grabs my arm and pulls me.

We walk for a couple minutes the entire time Eliza is chattering. I offer the acknowledgement when it is necessary but other than that I'm pretty quiet. My teachers always warned us about underage drinking. Not only is it detrimental to my health and can stunt my brain growth, but they warned that being intoxicated makes you less aware of your surroundings and that's a very dangerous thing when you're blind. How do I politely decline Eliza? I'm only 16 and its my choice when I decide when to drink and I don't think I'm ready!