Truth

“It starts at two,” he reminded his mother.

“We know that. You know Nathaniel would never be late.”

That went without saying; Anton’s family was punctual. “Mother,” Anton hesitated, “is Grandmother coming?” He debated voicing the question but needed to know. After all, his relatives portrayed the perfect family. That image was becoming increasingly difficult to depict with Sharron Rawls’ erratic behavior. Besides, he had enough issues with his classmates. He didn’t need a crazy grandmother added to the mix.

“She is. It will be fine. I promise.” Anton didn’t answer. Amanda continued. “Nathaniel hired Sharron a private assistant. She accompanies your grandmother everywhere. With her assistance, Sharron is doing much better. It keeps her organized and focused.”

Anton liked the sound of that. “That’s good. I’m glad to hear it.”

Two days later, dressed in his cap and gown, Anton peered out into the auditorium searching for his family. Bright lights shone directly onto the stage, limiting his ability to see the audience. However, he knew they were there. The Rawls may be many things, but undependable or unreliable, were not among their list of inadequacies. If a commitment were made, it was completed.

Following the ceremony, Anton met his family in the grand hall of the Center for the Arts. It was the perfect location for graduation from this prestigious private academy. Sca

Feeling the slap on his shoulder, he turned to see his father’s reserved, yet kind eyes. “Congratulations, Son, we’d like to take you out to di

Anton nodded in his direction; it was a form of acceptance. He looked toward his grandparents. Nathaniel’s expression revealed nothing. If he were proud, if he were disappointed, Anton wouldn’t know, until later. Sharron on the other hand appeared quite content. The young woman on her arm whispered in her ear as Sharron smiled and nodded.

The only positive aspect of the day, Anton could salvage, was his grandmother’s new sense of calm. His mother gently touched his elbow, “Anton, this is Marie. She’s Sharron’s personal assistant.”

Anton presented his hand, “Hello, Marie, nice to meet you.”

The young woman smiled bashfully and presented her hand, “Hello, Mr. Rawls.”

He noticed Marie’s sweet smile and soft eyes, contrasting the dark in the members of his family. He wondered her age and guessed not much older than himself.

What credentials did one need to be a personal assistant? She must have some education beyond high school, mustn’t she?

During di

Being Anton’s graduation, he thought it would be nice if he were the subject of someone’s compliments. But of course, the weather was a more important subject.

On multiple occasions, Marie reminded Sharron of her duties at hand, and the elderly woman immediately refocused. It was obvious, Sharron wanted more than anything to make her husband proud. She could in fact do as she was told, with some assistance. Sharron could follow the rules.

Samuel gripped the edge of the table. His mother was no child. She didn’t need a damn nurse, and she sure as hell didn’t need to worry about his narcissistic father’s concerns. Sharron Rawls should be concerned about herself, not anyone else!

Of course, each time Samuel tried to discuss this with her, she’d smile serenely and ask about Nathaniel; where was he? When would he be back? And oh, yes, what was your name?

Between his father’s business deals and his mother’s declining mental health, there were days Samuel thought he should be the one to go completely insane. Thank god he had Amanda to keep him stable and Anton.

It went without saying, they were very proud of their son. Anton graduated third in his class from a prestigious private academy and would attend Columbia University in the fall, majoring in business and computer technology. It was no secret his son inherited a prowess for business. Samuel only hoped Nathaniel wouldn’t ruin Rawls Corporation before Anton could get his feet wet. There were so many wrong decisions being made.

Seeing his mother’s sudden agitation he started to help. However, Marie immediately assisted. It surprised Samuel to witness his mother’s sudden composure. Perhaps having a non-emotionally involved assistant wasn’t a bad idea. Although young, the girl seemed to possess a sense of calm the Rawls admittedly lacked. In some ways it reminded Samuel of his mother, before this terrible illness took hold.

In the face of the storm, otherwise known as Nathaniel, Sharron calmed the winds, rains, and rough waters. His entire life, Samuel wondered how she did it. Rarely, did he ever witness a disagreement between them. Superficially, she appeared to submit to his every demand. Yet, there were times when they looked at one another and Samuel knew, without confrontation, Sharron had made her feelings and desires known.

Samuel failed miserably in that category. He didn’t have the ability to communicate nonverbally with his egotistical father. Their confrontations were predictably loud and boisterous. Perhaps, it was a two way street. Nathaniel needed to want that communication. He accepted the glances and body language from his wife, but not from anyone else, even his only son.

Samuel believed his parent’s union had a history of rough patches, yet Sharron never complained. And now, as her mental facilities slowed, hell – derailed – the reality in which she chose to dwell was not that of a mother, or grandmother, or even a wealthy businessman’s wife. She saw the world as it had been when she and Nathaniel were first married. She looked at her handsome, yet aging husband and saw the twenty year old soldier she loved.

Samuel supposed on some level, he resented Anton for looking so much like his father. It wasn’t as though Anton could control his genetics. That would be Samuel’s doing as well. It was only that when Sharron looked at Anton, she smiled so sweetly and her eyes melted into the liquid calm reserved for her true love. Yes, it was Nathaniel she saw. Nonetheless, she never asked Anton his name; she only called him Nathaniel.

How in the world Samuel found Amanda, and had forged out some semblance of normalcy was beyond him. Talk about nature verses nurture – shit, he was screwed either way. Peering at his son, Samuel prayed Amanda’s influence would overpower the messed up Rawls blood flowing through Anton’s veins.

Yes, although the mother he once knew was rarely visible, Samuel knew Sharron’s influence was his saving grace. Therefore, if this young girl helped Sharron transition from her world of make-believe to the present, maybe Samuel could learn to accept her.