Elena Parker POV:
'The number you are calling is unreachable please try again'. I lowered my phone, and my heart jolted with fear. I can't reach dad, what is wrong? is he alright? My concern deepened when he didn't reply to my messages, even my calls are not answered.
Worry washed over me, there is something that isn't right. Oh God what shall I do, I paced at the room going back and forth trying to figure out something. I spoke to him last week and he seemed fine, now am not sure.
"Come on dad, pick up!", this the sixth call that he doesn't answer, there is something wrong I know it. Was Mr. Rutherford right with what he said? dad never told me if he was struggling at his business, and I never sensed it in his voice. He seemed completely fine.
I threw the Phone furiously at the bed and bite my nails since it kind of released my stress. I think I need to go visit him, my gut twisted when I thought of him being harmed or something bad happened to him. I shouldn't have left him alone.
Guilt washed over me of thinking of bad odds, or possibilities. My mind stopped and I can't think of anything. I need to drive to our town, I can't wait anymore.
It's 4:30 PM, it will take me four hours to drive home. I have no time to waste, I gotta go and check on him, I can't stay here waiting for him to answer my calls. God, please protect my dad in your grace, I lost a mom I can't lose my dad.
I quickly took off my car key, grabbed a handbag, and stuffed it with my charger, a pepper spray for emergencies, and some protein bars. "Hey, I'm leaving, my dad doesn't answer my calls, so I'm heading home," I sent a voice message to Laura, informing her.
I closed the door behind me and jerked the lock with keys, locking it. My heart is beating rapidly, I heartily wish that he is fine, and am just assuming the worst. Cool breeze greeted me, and I shivered while making my way to the parking.
I stuffed my hand into the bag, reaching the key. I opened my truck door and got in, it has been long since the last time I drove her. Staying at campus makes driving a rare thing, unless am heading home.
I started the engine and drove out of the place. The highway was nearly empty, and the sun is close to the horrizen. It will set soon, and I will be driving alone at the dark. My heart skipped a beat of the thought, but I quickly reminded myself that my dad could be in a bad condition, and in need to my help.
My father didn't have friends or many acquaintances at the town, so the possibility of someone checking up on him is poor. The sky is sunless by know, and its quite dim, I should have took Laura or James with me to accompany me, since the road is turning disimal.
Pressing the radio button, country music is playing. Not my cup of tea but whatever. I decided to call my dad once again, but he still didn't pick up. My worry increased by now, what could possibly gets wrong?
The sky is dark now, and a few cars passes from time to time.
After what took like ages I saw the exit of our town, I turned the car and took it. I was greeted with faint lights that are recognisable. Finally am here, I passed few houses and took a turn to get to our neighborhood.
Our house is located at the end of the street. The white woody house lights are on, and my dad car is parked near the porch. He is here then, my heart raced as I turned of the car and took my hand bag.
Slamming the car door, I made my way to the door. I patiently ringed the bell, and waited. For a while no one opened, until I heard steps noise coming from the inside. The door knob twisted and I was greeted with my dad.
Dark circles rested underneath his eyes, his grey hair is messed up. He was surprised to see me, "Elena dear," he said before hugging me.
I was overwhelmed in his embrace, and questioned why my father is such a state. "hey dad, I have been calling you, is there something wrong? are you akay?" I asked while gently resting my hands on his cheek.
He sighed and his brown eyes darted away, avoiding looking at me. He widened the door, and I came in. The place looks nothing like it was when I left month ago, there is no furniture except for a one person couch.
I questionably looked at him, wanting to hear anything that denies what Mr. Rutherford said earlier. But nothing came out.
So I guess he was right, and I knew nothing about this. "What is it dad?" I pleaded.
He sadly looked at me with grief and sorrow, "I don't know what to say dear," he whispered.
It was clear now that the professor was right. Shame took over me since I didn't realize this earlier. "Why didn't you tell me?" I questioned.
He remained silent, and then said "I didn't want to disturb your study," he said helplessly, while lowering his gaze.
"I want to hear everything," I demanded, while I'm broken that my father is struggling here and I never knew. The thought that a stranger knew about this made me feel uneasy. I tried to tie things up but nothing made sense. What does Mr. Rutherford have to do with my father.
How did he even know, my mind was crowded with questions, and my body was exhausted. I loosely sat on the floor while my dad was on the coach.
He looked at me for a while before saying, "I don't want to involve you in this," he gently said while patting on my head.
"I'm no longer a child dad, I will do my best to help," I said and there was a knot in my throat, I was so close to cry.
He nodded his head and began, "The bookstore wasn't doing well for a period of time, the income wasn't enough to cover the staff salaries. I had to take a loan from someone that I used to know. I loved that place and couldn't let go of it. It has my memories and youth."
He paused and then carried on, "Few who I know told me to give up on it, but I can't. Its my father precious thing, I can't give up on it. The debt that I took is huge, and the profits are no less. I was left at no choice but discharging the staff. It wasn't enough, I had to sell the furniture to pay for the rent."
His eyes are now gleaming with moist, and that wrenched my heart since I never saw my dad cry. Even at my mom funeral he stayed strong, he didn't want his five years old daughter sees him crying. This is serious, my dad never was this fragile, I know that the bookstore means a lot for him.
"Now the company that lent me the money has been asking for it, but I have nothing to pay with. That's how things turned and when you were calling earlier this day, I didn't have the courage to face you."
My heart sank when seeing my father this broken. "How can I help dad?" I asked, "I can drop school and find a job," I suggested.
He was amazed for a few second before saying, "I have another thing to ask from you," and he shamely lowered his gaze.
"Anything for you dad, just ask," I truly said, I would do anything for my father. He stayed quite and then added, "I might get in jail if I dont pay it."
I gulped when the thought of my father behind bars crossed my mind. No! I can't let that happens. It's just that I don't know how exactly I can help him.
"There is one thing that can save me," he hopefully looked at me. I nodded my head encorouging him to carry on.
"Your professor reached to me," he said with a blank face. My forehead wrinkled in confusion, my professor? then it hit me, recalling Mr. Rutherford weird request, and deal. My mind went blank.
"You know, Mr. Rutherford, he offered a deal," he quietly said, his gaze is still lowered. "I know this is hard to ask, and I dont obligate you with anything, but...." he looked at me expecting my reaction.
But my face was expressionless. Nothing was written on my face, "and? what was his deal?" I asked coldly.
"He wants you as his wife, and he is willing to pay my debt in return of that," he answered heavily.
My breath hitched and my eyes clouded. I looked at my father wanting to see denial in his eyes, but No! what I saw was hope. I hardly got up to my feet, and barely put a fake smile on my lips.
"Then the matter is settled, I will agree to Mr. Rutherford deal."