Chapter 7- An Entirely Different Species

Chapter 7- An Entirely Different Species

                Kellan had moved on from hating his mother. After long hours thinking it over, he’d decided that she was merely deluded in regards to him. Catching Princess alone one day, he decided to outright tell her that he was ready for the reins of the family business, and that he would be better suited than Hale to run things. So, why didn’t she just run on over to the lawyer and sign things over to him?

                Princess blinked, and took a deep breath before beginning.

 

                “It’s a dangerous world. There are people who are monsters out there, honey,” Princess told Kellan. “You have to be on your toes. You have to realize people will manipulate you.”

                “They can sometimes masquerade as politicians, even! And you, my boy, are simply not ready for them!”

                “Why, to them, it’s like you’re from the moon! An entirely different species of being than you are is out there, and they will not understand you. They will try to make you like them!”

                Seeing his alarm and confusion, Princess attempted again to get him to understand her thought process.

 

                “The moon, sweetie. You’re from the moon. You’re just not ready for the big world out there.”

                “Your art is something special. It sets you apart, and makes you a bigger person. A better person than almost everybody else,” Princess continued.

                “I helped create the artist in you, and I simply couldn’t bear to see it crushed by the world as it is. You’re not strong enough to face the mean people and what they would do to you. I can’t let you take over from Hale. Hale is not the artist you are. He’s different. And the businesses we own need his level head. I love you, honey, but I cannot pass the reins from Hale to you.”

                Kellan was not pleased, and slightly confused, with the conversation, and as Princess walked away he considered calling her back and arguing his side again. But he did love his Mother and decided to drop it for now. Besides, there were other ways around Hale than with Princess legally signing it all over. He could get Hale to sign it all over, Whitley included. He needed no more coddling. He would do it on his own.

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                Whitley was still on edge after her encounter with Kellan. So on edge that she had a new morning routine.

                The moment she awoke, she went straight to her dresser.

                And got dressed for the day. A shower could come later, but she only went to bed in her night clothes, nowhere else. Her nerves jangled even as she walked across the floor, but she was determined not to let Kellan see her in such a state ever again. He could be as creepy as he wanted to anyone else in the house but her.

                Whitley was feeling particularly nervous that morning and decided a little music would calm her.

                Allowing the sound to wash over her, Whitley felt some of her anxiety melt away.

                Hale stirred, and began to rise. His eyes would not focus as he groggily grabbed his glasses and shoved them on.

                “Dear?” Hale asked.

                “This is nice and all,” Hale began. “But maybe next time, you could serenade my mom awake instead?”

                Whitley blushed, putting the guitar down. “I kinda forgot you were in here.”

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                Billie Imaga had been Princess’ pick for Esher’s partner in life. She was the daughter of a dear friend, as well as a dear friend herself. Billie was also a lead surgeon at St. James’ hospital in town. Princess had invited her over to tell her all the latest news, as well as hopefully introduce her to Kellan. She might still get Billie as a daughter-in-law if she could get Kellan to interest himself in her.

                Princess had welcomed her guest with a thrilling retelling of their recent burglary attempt. She also knew that Kellan was keen to not tell Hale’s part in the story and so she was attempting to get that out of the way before Kellan showed up. Her plan did not work.

                Kellan kept behind Billie, dead-panning at Princess, who hurriedly tried to wrap her story up. Unfortunately, Kellan noticed exactly what she was doing, and did his best to undo her attempts to smooth things over.

                “His mask was only over his eyes,” Kellan raved. “But I could tell exactly who it was. And I could also tell that he was terrified of me!”

                Billie listened politely, but didn’t even attempt to look interested.

                Instead, she turned away from Kellan with a look of disdain. Princess had turned away too, and so didn’t catch the almost pleading look on Kellan’s face. Kellan had just noticed how lovely her eyes were, and knew he had blown his chance of genuinely impressing this well-thought-of woman.