Lucas stopped, turned to look at me, and said with a frown, “Are you still bothered by this issue? That’s not like you. I’ve always thought that you wanted a loving family. Isn’t it good to have a father?”
Lucas had always been a good friend. He had read my situation very accurately; I did yearn for a close and affectionate family where there would always be someone who cared for me. Surprisingly, when it was revealed that I was Mark’s daughter, I found it hard to accept and actually felt uneasy. Was it because the weight of the name Goldstein was too much to bear?
“I do wish for a loving father, but, oh!” I sighed softly. “Perhaps it is too much to wish for, and it’s rather unbelievable. After all the twists and turns, I’ve finally become your cousin. Isn’t it incredible?”
“Nothing is impossible. You are now a member of the Goldstein family. Just enjoy the power that comes with it and do whatever you wish to. You can be willful and difficult and even raise hell. You can be sure Uncle Mark will be there for you,” Lucas told her.
He showed such certainty that I was sure that he knew about the relationship between Mark and me long before this. I felt a little confused and whispered, “Do you regret being so good to me before? After all…”
Lucas had been treated very badly by Mark and though I did not say it, Lucas had sensed it. He broke into a hearty laugh and said, “Has this got anything to do with you? Aren’t you going to be friends with me anymore?”
Lucas immediately put me at ease. He is such a charming and charismatic man. It’s no wonder that I can never forget my first impression of him lying on the sickbed and laughing away despite his depression.
I punched him and said with a smile, “You are a real buddy, Lucas. You told me that I can raise hell. Well, let me know whenever you are in trouble and I’ll raise hell together with you.”
“Remember your words,” said Lucas as he looked deeply at me. “When the time comes, don’t make excuses.”
“Shall we make a pinky swear then?” I said. “My intention is magnanimous and I am ready to go through hell and high water for a friend, but your words are like pouring cold water on me.”
To my surprise, Lucas put out his little finger for the swear and said seriously, “He who lies is a puppy.”
I gave two woofs in agreement and said gently, “If you don’t always put on that melancholy look, I guarantee you’ll be the best of friends with Chris.”
“If I say that I’m not interested, will you beat me up?”
“Get lost!”
I felt much better after Lucas’ comforting words. Even the knowledge of Crystal and Isabelle going to a spa beauty treatment together did not bother me anymore. They had their common interests, all of which did not appeal to me at all.
Perhaps Mom is thinking of using Crystal to help the Tanner family. Despite the love and hate, I somehow get the feeling that Uncle Nathan has a special place in Mom’s heart.
I made up my mind to be an ostrich to keep my mind at ease.
That night, while I was in bed chatting with Christopher over the phone, there was a knock on the door. This was Isabelle’s favorite time for a milk bath and I thought it might be the housekeeper bringing the clothes over. I shouted for her to come in and went to run the bathwater.
“I’m going for my bath now. Love you, Darling. We’ll talk tomorrow.” I was about to take off my clothes when I saw Crystal’s ghostly figure. I almost yelled in fright.
“Crystal, what the hell are you doing acting in this ghostly manner? Well, let me tell you, I’m not afraid of ghosts,” I said angrily.
“I didn’t want to disturb you as you were on the phone.” Crystal seated herself on the couch in a familiar manner. She said in a half-smile, “Aunt Isabelle doesn’t like the Lane family, and here you are carrying on furtively with Christopher. Do you think that’s acceptable?”
“That’s none of your business. I don’t care what you do to get into my mom’s good books, but I warn you, Crystal, don’t you dare get funny ideas in your head. Lady luck does not smile on you all the time.”
