The Tale of Scarlett Ross

Chapter 1 - The Beginning

Do you know how many times I've heard this? How many times I've been stuck in this same exact place, hearing the exact same words? Ten. Yes, you heard me. Ten. I guess this doesn't make any sense to you considering the circumstances. I guess I need to start from the beginning.

I'm Scarlett, I am 19 year's old, I live in reasonably sized 3 bedroom house on the outskirts of St Paulo. I live with my parents, Mike and Sandra and my slightly younger *he's 16* but more importantly my younger brother Zedenik. Did I mention that I'm also due to become the Managing Director of Ross Precision Engineering Limited... or as I like to call it, the annoyance of my existence in 6 months?

I was 16 when my dad Mike told me it was going to happen, he sat down one day at the clear rectangle glass table on the solid oak wooden bench, looking towards my mum for his cup of coffee.. black no sugar no cream and then finally his gaze settled on me; "Scarlett, you know how hard things have been recently between your mum and me, especially considering the business is now entering a new market which could make us a huge supplier of large heavy good vehicles to the military?"

His bold dark blue eyes gently reminded me I was supposed to be paying attention to his words "Yes dad, I know for the 100th time, I really hope it happens but why are you telling me this? It's like 7 am and you haven't let me drink my tea?" His dark blue eyes sharpened at my words as though he assumed I understood what I am expected to do, the type of person he wanted me to become. "Scarlett when you turn 20 years old, I want you to join me on the Directors board, to stand by my side and aid the business to enter new markets. To join me as the company develops and grows so we can run the company together. Do you know how much that would mean to me to have you by my side, and to have your support?".

Truth is, I didn't really understand his fascination.

When I was growing up my father was working 24/7, 7 days a week, working 3 jobs in order to get enough money together to not only put food on the table for us but to also secure a loan to get the family business up and running.

I remember the day he eventually managed to get enough money together in order to start Ross Engineering after a long hard 9 years he managed to get the business started in a small warehouse on the local industrial estate with the work being provided through word of mouth where his friends started to endorse him for LGV and HGV strip downs, rebuilds and repairs. Within 6 months, the quality and longevity of his products started to show to the full extent that a MoD officer recently approached my dad to become the sole of their vehicles repairs, maintenance and rebuilds as well as assisting with project testing.

I was so happy and ecstatic for him that my heart almost burst through my chest. I always understood that my dad's determination and commitment caused the company to drive him to success because it was his sole aim, his purpose and his personal project. I remember his gaze shining all the pride and love he has for me in that instant, deep down I knew what he wanted.

He wanted me to become a younger, female version of him.

"Dad, if it makes you happy I would happily take you up on that offer and join Ross Precision Engineering. To join you on the board of directors" said my younger, naive self. My dad's eyes were so full of happiness and joy that when he left for work that day, I could wait for him to return.

Since that day, I have worked my arse off to keep my GPA high, getting As in all my tests and exams so that I can go to Princeton and get a degree in Business Management with a specialism in Engineering. Actively working there during the holidays and days off, I have taken on additional duties in order for me to build my knowledge and understanding of the feelings of the employees and how the hierarchy is made up from shop floor to management.

So here I am, 6 years later about to tell you my story about how I went from a straight grade A student with a 1st class degree, to the shell of the person I am now.

Less than 6 months the ago, my dad and I were driving home after I received my 1st class degree from Princeton university where I achieved 92% across the board for the full 3 years, I remember feeling the relief consuming me because I put so much effort and dedication into it to achieve the grade I did and make my dad happy.

I remember how we were laughing and talking about how proud he was and how he always knew that I could achieve the grade I did, how I was his little girl and he was so proud of the person I've become. He knew I was unsure of where I wanted to go and who I wanted to become, therefore I remember how he pushed my start date back by 6 months to allow me time in order for me to pass my driving test and learn about the world before I joined the company.

I remember being super excited to share this with my mum, because throughout my study she has always supported my decisions and taken my side when I needed her.

I remember we were about to turn left on the last T Junction before the straight run how, a black 4 X 4 started to approach us at 80mph and before I knew it... the approaching car collided with my dad's side head on flipping our car over multiple times until we ended up in a ditch on the side of a quiet dual carriage road. I remember screaming my dad's name over and over again hoping for some life to show from his unoccupied body, seeing the glass shattered around his frail, motionless body like fragments of his soul from that moment on, I remember absolutely nothing apart from darkness swallowing me up and a single sentence; "Never forget me scar".

A/N - Thank you for reading! Leave a comment if you are wanting to know more and wanting to explore her future with her. Don't forget to star this chapter if you enjoyed it and remember to follow me for post updates! *Edited on the 16/08*