Time skipped by as Dave enjoyed a rare and heartwarming moment with his father. The two of them wandered around the mansion, talking and laughing, exploring rooms filled with memories and stories of the past. For once, Dave felt at peace—free, even.
Suddenly, he felt his cheap Nokia phone vibrating in his pocket.
He reached for his phone and glanced at the screen. It was Jennifer Lawrence, his college classmate. Dave couldn't figure out from all the people why Jennifer Lawrence would be calling him, but out of curiosity, he decided to answer.
Sorry, Dad. "Can I have a second?" he asked politely.
"Of course, son," Mr. Jorge replied with a gentle nod.
Dave stepped aside and answered the call. "Hello?"
Suddenly, a small sarcastic chuckle came from the other end. "Is that Dave?" she asked.
"Yes, this is Dave. "Why did you call, Jennifer?" he replied.
"Oh," she laughed as she spoke, "I can't believe you're still alive!" I was scared no one would answer. I thought maybe you had died from starvation.
"Well, I give you credit for still remembering my name correctly. "So, how's your horrible life going?" Jennifer said, mockingly to Dave over the phone.
Jennifer used to be one of the people who always made fun of Dave for being poor when he was still in school. She and her brother were a pain in his ass. Her brother, Jeffrey Lorrence, along with his friend Marcus Michael, would always bully him because they knew Diava was poor and had no one to stand up for him. They loved beating him up and making him do their dirty homework.
Jennifer always found fun insulting Dave because of his background. She would make fun of him everywhere until Dave became the laughingstock of the school.
There was even a time when Dave's mom was sick with a fever. Dave couldn't afford the medicine prescribed for his mother because of how poor he was. So he decided to beg his schoolmates for money, but no one helped. Jennifer started making fun of him all over the school. She and her brother, Jeffrey, even planned on accusing him of stealing money from them, just so they could beat him up like a beggar for fun.
Remembering all the cruel things they made him go through back then, Dave's blood boiled as he heard Jennifer's voice over the phone. He snapped, "What do you want?"
"Oh, don't mind me," Jennifer said in a sarcastic tone. I just called to remind you that tomorrow night is our college reunion. It wouldn't be a proper party if a clown like you wasn't there to make us laugh—or entertain us. So, make sure you attend. Everyone's going to be there.
She added, I will send you the location and time. "We wouldn't want you to miss it." A mocking chuckle escaped her lips before she ended the call.
Dave stared at his phone for a moment after the call ended. His fists clenched tightly. Damn, just hearing that bitch's voice made him want to punch a hole in the wall.
Dave hadn't planned on going to the college reunion before, but after Jennifer mocked him over the phone like that, he decided he would show up. Now that he's stinking rich, he was determined to show them who the boss is now. He wanted to get back at everyone who made fun of him at college, especially Jenifer and Jeffrey.
He turned and walked back to his father.
Mr. Jorge immediately noticed the change in his expression. "Who was that, son?" he asked curiously.
Dave hesitated. He wasn't sure what to say. mmm... that was Jenifer, he replied quietly.
"Jenifer? Who's Jenifer?" Mr. Jorge asked.
"Oh, she's just an… old friend of mine," Dave replied, brushing it off. He didn't want to burden his father with details.
"Oh, that's nice, son. But you know what the Wayne family always says?"
"What's that, Dad?"
Mr. Jorge chuckled. Never trust a friend, no matter how close. They can always stab you in the back. Just take a look at your grandpa—after your grandma passed away, he went to marry her friend. Guess what? "She poisoned him!" ha ha ha...
He laughed as if it were some absurd joke.
Ha! "That's messed up," Dave replied with a grin, shaking his head.
The two continued walking through the mansion, sharing stories, laughter, and a growing bond.
All right, son. I know you must be tired. I'll let you rest. "You can go get some sleep—it's already late," Mr. Jorge said warmly, truly cherishing the time he had spent with his son today.
"Okay, Dad. But let me help you get to your room first. "You need some rest too, especially with your condition," Diava replied gently.
Mr. Jorge laughed as he heard his son's concern.
"Oh, come on, son. I'm not a kid—I'm just sick. I'll be fine. You go get some rest."
"Okay, Dad," Dave agreed, not wanting to stress the man by arguing further.
The next morning, Dave overslept. It was the first time in a long while that he had slept in a gigantic bed. Back at the Lapis home, he always slept on the hard floor—sometimes, they even pushed him outside to sleep. It had been a nightmare. But now, he could finally rest in peace, lying on a soft, luxurious bed big enough to fit ten people.
Dave woke up and stretched his body while still lying in bed. He glanced at the time—it was 10:00 AM. Just then, he heard a knock on his bedroom door.
"Come in," he called out.
Good morning, young master. "I hope you're enjoying your stay here," said Danny politely as he stepped in.
"Oh, Danny. Good morning. "Yes, I am," Dave replied with a small smile.
"The master sent me. He'd like you to join him for breakfast."
"Sure. Tell my dad I'll be down in a second—I just need to freshen up."
Okay, young master. "I will inform him," Danny said as he bowed slightly like a proper butler before leaving the room.
Dave quickly got up and took a shower, not wanting to keep his father waiting. After drying off, he checked the drawers in his room, hoping to find some fresh, decent clothes to wear. But they were empty. With no other choice, he put on his old, saggy clothes and headed downstairs.