Page 124 of Breakout
I walk away from Jeeves and make my way through the house. The office door is shut, and I push it open slowly. Dust motes float through the air as the sun shines through the room. Quietly, I shut the door behind me and make my way to the well-worn leather chair that caught my attention the last time I was here.
Taking a deep breath, I sit down and pull out the letter that’s been haunting me for months. I set my bag on the ground and lean back in the chair, making myself comfortable. Carefully I run my thumb over the messy cursive that says my name.
My grandfather’s handwriting.
For months I’ve let the contents of this letter plague me, but it’s time to finally face whatever he wanted me to know. I can’t keep putting it off anymore. Especially with the verdict coming down in just a few short days.
Turning the letter over, I slip my finger under the seal and gently open it. When I pull the letter out, I can’t help but smile at the weight of the paper. Something about it screams wealth. I don’t know if I’ll ever get used to this type of money, but I guess time will tell.
I unfold the letter and take a deep breath. Then I start to read.
My dearest Peyton,
My sweet girl, my biggest regret is not knowing you like a grandfather should and knowing that I failed you just like I failed your father. If you’re reading this, then I’m gone.
I’m sorry. I’m sorry for not taking you in when you needed someone to love you. I’m sorry for dropping this at your feet when you weren’t expecting it. I’m sorry that you will never know me. I could make more excuses and apologies, but I won’t. IfI’ve learned anything in my ninety years of life, it’s that it’s best to let a sleeping doglie sometimes. There are some things you need to know, though.
I was a horrible father. I never learned to balance family and work life until it was too late. I know it’s not an excuse, but I was raised to let my wife deal with the children. My sole focus was to provide for my family. I was blessed in the fact the men in my family had instilled the need to work my hands to the bone and earn everything I had. I finally made it, but the buck didn’t stop there. I had to work even harder to keep it.
When I was home, I wasn’t present in the way my children needed me to be. I should have been there to teach them the same lessons, but I was so busy chasing a dollar, I let them slip through my hands. When I wasn’t working, I spent all my time with my June. My sweet Junie, your grandmother. That woman owned me, heart and soul. When given the opportunity to spend time with her, I took it. If there is one thing I am proud of, it’s the fact that your father never questioned what it was like to have two parents who love each other.
I’m ashamed to admit that I never tried to get to know my son until it was too late. By that time, bridges had been burned, and he had no interest in rebuilding, not that I blame him. It’s true that I tried to force hishand where your mother is concerned. I thought they were too young, not even adults fully themselves when they met. Because of my blindness, I lost my son, by extension you, and that’s something I regret.
After he left, I knew I needed to change. I tried to become the father my daughter Gloria and my son, John, needed, but it was too late. Despite my Junie’s trying, our daughter was not someone we could be proud of. She was entitled and thought she was better than everyone. She thought everyone was beneath her and unfortunately raised her daughter, your cousin Janis, to be the same.
She married a rich man for his money and continued to build on the wealth she felt was owed to her. She stayed in that marriage long after she should have, but that’s a story for another day.
When Gloria died, I tried to be there for Janis, but I just couldn’t. She demanded too much. If given the keys to the kingdom, I think she would spend every dime that generations of Andersons have accumulated in a matter of a week. Gloria raised her daughter to be a viper, and that’s exactly what she is.
Which leads me to you. Oh, my sweet girl. I wanted to take you in. I wanted another chance to be the father I wish I was to your father. I was afraid, though, that Iwould mess you up just as badly as I did my own children. I couldn’t risk your father rolling over in his grave because I did you wrong. I knew that with Janis still around, it would have made your life hell, and you didn’t deserve that. She would have chewed you up and spat you out without question. I needed to save you from that fate.
So instead, I sat by and watched. I had hoped to stay alive until you graduated college. I planned to introduce myself to you then. I know it’s silly, but I was hopeful that you would be grown enough that I couldn’t mess you up. That you would have been strong enough to face your cousin and not break.
You don’t know it yet, but I met you once. It was your senior year of high school, and you were working at the diner. I sat in your section, and it was a slow day. I convinced you to sit with me and tell me your plans.
Despite the hand that you were dealt in life, you had such big dreams, and I knew then that you would fulfill every single one of them. I’m proud of you, Peyton. I know that doesn’t mean anything to you, but I am.
I should apologize for the requirement of you being married to receive your inheritance, but I won’t. It has nothing to do with the fact I think a woman needs a man to take care of her. What it really boils down to is that Ihate the idea of you being alone. During our meeting, you let it slip that you were used to people leaving you. I hope by that stipulation you will realize that’s not true.
I hope your husband treats you well, and on the off chance he doesn’t, don’t worry. I took enough precautions to protect you. Our money, your money, is yours and yours alone. I pray it never comes to that, though.
I love you Peyton, and this was the only way I knew how to show you. I hope you will someday find it in your heart to forgive me for not being there for you.
I don’t know the last time I wrote such a lengthy letter, and my hand is starting to cramp. I’m sure at this point you are curious about the key in the envelope. When your parents died, I went through their home and saved some things that I thought you might like. The key is to the safety deposit box that contains those items.
I love you, Peyton. I can’t wait to see what all you accomplish in life. Just know that your options are endless. I’ll always be watching over you from above.
Love,
Grandpa Matthias
I openly sob as the letter falls to my lap. Out of all the things I was expecting, it wasn’t that.
Scanning the parking lot, I look for her car. As soon as I see it, I can’t help but chuckle. Her car is beat up in a sea of brand-new Mercedes. I’m sure when people see it, they will wonder why it’s here. What they won’t know is that my girl has enough money to buy them over time and time again.
Or she will.
“Hey,” she says as I get out of my car.
