The Evening brought about much happiness, laughter and positivity. Derek was happy to sit with his dad at the table, discussing business with his employees. There was a group of them there, not just Penelope's parents.
They had reserved the room at one of the most expensive restaurants in town, which also happened to be one that they owned. A business meeting such as this deserved a five course meal with all the works. Since family was important, they had left it open for spouses and children to join, but there was work that had to be discussed and that was exactly what had been done. It was near the end of the night already, and they were about ready to wrap things up and call it.
Penelope's step-mother had spent the evening talking about herself and her boys to Derek's father. She left Penelope out of the conversation until Derek forced her. "Well what about your daughter? I saw her when I went to the sandwich shop yesterday. She seemed really nice. I'm surprised she's not here with you."
"Oh... You mean Penelope? That girl is a troublemaker, Mr. Filmore. I don't know what to do with her." She sighed.
"Oh?" He asked.
"Yes, she has such a smart mouth and never minds her manners. And she is so mean to her brothers. I can't ever get a break from her!"
"Penelope isn't that bad." Her father interjected. "She's a typical teenager with typical hormones. And she just needs some guidance to do better, like all teenagers do."
Mary gave him a death stare that looked like it could melt through his crisp suit, but he pretended not to see it.
"Well, I know how teenagers can be." His dad chimed in. "I raised three of them, after all." He chuckled. "I'm sure she will turn out fine, just like mine did."
"Thank you, Mr. Filmore." Her father replied.
Well, at least the girl's father didn't put her down. So maybe things at her house weren't as bad as he thought the might be. "Penelope did make me a pretty good off the menu sandwich today. I kind of want to reach out to Sub Haven's corporate office and see if they will market it. It was pretty good! She has a talent for making interesting creations."
"Yes, she is very smart. Gets the best grades in her class. She will be starting her senior year this fall. I think she may be her class valedictorian, if she keeps going the way she is." Her father beamed.
Mary's face began to turn red with anger at the topic turninf into Penelope.
"Well that's great!" Derek exclaimed. "You know, the Filmore Foundation gives away a hundred grand in scholarships every year to students who are high academic achievers. You ought to have her apply. If she wins, she'd be able to go to any school she wants when she graduates!"
"I'll let her know, thanks."
"Oh yes, that's certainly exciting. I'll tell her about it in the morning before she goes to work." Mary said "I'm sure she will be very interested in it!" If her tone was more fake, she'dwin the world'sworst actress.
Somehow, Derek didn't believe she would actually say anything about it to her. It was no matter, though. He already had another idea...
Mary changed the subject, turning instead to ask "Does the Filmore Foundation do football scholarships, too? My son is the star of his team, you know! They win almost every game!" she bragged.
"Well, no..." Derek said. "Typically, sports scholarships are scouted through the colleges with teams. He can still apply for our scholarship if he meets the qualifications, though." Was this girl serious? How dumb could she be?
Mary continued bragging on and on about her son and his football skills.
Derek became so fed up with it that he was about ready to make an excuse to go to the bathroom when his phone rang. Grateful for the distraction, he excused himself and stepped outside. But it had stopped ringing. When he saw the name on the caller ID, he immediately called her back.
Sticking his hand in his pocket, he began to pace up and down the sidewalk as they talked. She sounded nervous. not just nervous because she was a nightmare school girl talking to a boy, but nervous as if she were afraid she might get caught. Still, there was a sweetness to her voice that warmed Derek's heart as she replied to her question about his hobbies.
When they hung up, Derek went back into the restaurant with a smile on his face. Such an innocent girl! It was hard to believe that what Mary said was true. She sounded like the step mother who hated all the other kids in the house but her own.
When he sat back down at the table, he made a decision that he wasn't sure if he would regret or not. But he would worry about that, later. The conversation around the table had steered in a different direction and he felt relieved. The rest of the meal, Derek was completely distracted. He knew in his heart of hearts that this girl needed his help, somehow. Just how much she needed was a different story.
On the way home, Derek turned to his dad. "What are your thoughts on the Marks family?" He asked.
"Well Mr. Marks is a fine employee. He looks like the best candidate for that marketing promotion. The wife and her boys? Absolute tools! I don't know how he manages to live with that thing."
"You said it, not me." Derek flatly replied. "They say love is blind, though... if thats the case, Mr. Marks is screwed. And so is his daughter."
"What do you mean, son?"
"Did you see how Mrs. Filmore acted when she was brought up? She hates her! And the girl is so scared when I see her. I think something is wrong."
"Do you think the woman is abusing her?"
"I don't know, dad. Her dad says shes at the top of her class but her stepmom says shes a bad kid? She's nothing but polite when I see her, and shes a hard worker, too! I've tried asking her questions about her life, but she won't say anything. Seems terrified to! I offered to take her out and she clammed up, saying she wasn't allowed to date anyone. I know she's not quite eighteen yet, but we're really close in age. I really like her. And I want to help her."
"Well, son, if shes almost eighteen you're close enough that it is legal for you to date her. But there is nothing you can do to help her situation unless she speaks up or somebody witnesses something. Just keep talking to her. Give her a reason to trust you, and eventually she'll open up."
"Thanks, dad. I'll try. I hope I can get through to her."
"You've got a solid noggin on those shoulders, Son. You're a good man, too. You'll get through to her."