Page 8 of The Walls of Levi

“Katie, good morning. Are you still in bed?”

“Yes, Dad.”

He grunts. “Don’t you remember that you have a luncheon to attend this morning?”

“I do remember, and I have time to get ready and be there on time.”

“Make sure that you do.” I roll my eyes. You would think by the way he talks to me, that I’m a ten-year-old little girl.

“Is there another reason you called this morning, Dad?”

“Yes. Do you remember Wilson Stables?”

I roll my eyes again. What is this – the fourth time this morning? My eyes may get stuck in a roll today.

“I know Wilson.” I already know what’s coming.

“He’s asked me if he could take you out on a date. When is a good time to set that up?”

I bury my head in my pillow before the scream that is dying to get out, explodes through the phone and into my father’s ear.

“Dad…”

“Before you turn him down, give him a chance, Kathleen.”

Kathleen. I don’t like for him to call me Kathleen. It always means that he is already thinking of doing something that I’m not going to like.

“Whenever is fine.” There is no excitement in my voice because I am not excited about this. I know Wilson. Wilson is an ok guy, but he is not the guy for me. Wilson is just like my dad. He’s into management with his father and they think they are the most powerful men in the city, right next to my dad.

“I’ll set it up for tonight. It’s not like you have plans or anything.”

It’s sad how he’s right about that. I should have plans. I should have a life, but he’s made it impossible to have that for myself. He has basically kept me a prisoner by keeping me by his side.

“You’re doing the right thing, Katie. I will talk to you after the luncheon.”

With that, he hangs up. I throw my phone on the floor and let that scream, that is sitting in my throat, loose. This is my life. This is what it has come down to.

My mother died from cancer when I was in high school. My dad was always hovering over us both from what I remember, but after mom got sick he began hovering more. I know that he was coping with losing his wife. I know that he was scared, and he was trying to hang on to us both. But the thing about my dad is… he doesn’t lose things very well. When she passed, he thought dictating everything I did was what he was supposed to do. To keep from hurting him more than he was already hurting, I let him. I allowed him to dictate my life. I was grieving too and didn’t really care about anything. It was easier for both of us to let him take over. Now though, I regret that. It’s been going on way too long. I’m going to have to talk to him, and I am dreading it.

I climb out of bed. I need to go to this luncheon. Oddly enough, it’s one that I like. It’s a mix of women - doctors, lawyers, and business owners - who are working together to raise money for the hospitals in the state. I get a lot of information about different things when I’m around this crew of people. I actually feel like it’s the one place I fit in. These ladies are from all over and each one has a different personality. With everyone at different ages, there are many stories to tell.

I get dressed in record time. After going to countless social events and looking a certain way for the public, I’ve made getting dressed properly into a sport. I try to beat a certain time for everything. It’s all about speed. What can I say?

I’m dressed in black designer dress pants and a cream-colored blouse. Paired with my favorite black heels, I look like I spent a while getting ready.

Giving myself a little smirk, because I beat my best time this morning, I make my way out of the house. The luncheon is being held at an event center a couple blocks over.

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I walk into the same thing I see every time. White linen table cloths that are starched perfectly, and centerpieces made from fresh flowers by the local florist. Only the best will work for these events. It’s almost ridiculous to spend all this money on trying to impress people that don’t really care what the decorations are.

Well, let’s just say I’m like that. I am sure there are a few in the crowd that would complain if the table clothes weren’t ironed just so. I don’t particular know those people that well.

“Katie, it’s so good to see you.” Walking toward me is Julie. She’s a local lawyer that I have admired since she opened her own practice. My dad told me multiple times that she wouldn’t make it six months in this town or any town. “A woman doesn’t make a good lawyer,” he said. Of course, he doesn’t know what he’s talking about.

Julie has been practicing law now for almost five years now. Her case load is more than she can handle too. Everyone comes to her from miles around. She’s good at what she does, and she puts her clients first. She cares, and that is what the legal system needs. This town is crawling with criminals. Sometimes, it gets scary here.

“Julie. I’m glad you’re hear. Now I know who to sit by.” We laugh as we make our way to our seats. I’ve known her since we were young. She’s helped me a lot with my ideas of going to law school one day.

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