Benton came out of his dressing room, dressed, primped and feeling happy for a change; heading back into the kitchen to pour himself another cup of coffee, he waits for his daughter Frieda to finish getting dressed. Going over what his business partner informed him earlier; Benton gets out his cell phone and makes a few calls.
Frieda was in her room trying to figure out what to wear. Already wearing bra and panties from Awareness; Frieda was trying to decide whether the dress she got from the same store as her undergarments or the tight pants with matching purple blouse. Deciding on the dress from Awareness; Frieda finishes her outfit with a pair of white socks and a pair of black flats. Heading back into the kitchen to grab her cellphone off the charger; Frieda see her father wearing one of the suits she got for him yesterday.
“I knew you would take to the suits,” Frieda grinning.
Benton doesn’t answer at first he informs the individual on the other end that he expects and answer within an hour. Hanging up he looks at his daughter.
“Well someone is feeling summery,” Benton seeing the brightly colored dress his daughter is wearing; “won’t you be cold, it is getting chilly outside.”
“If I get cold, I have a handsome furry were-panther to keep me warm,” Frieda winking at her father; I’m referring to Eric Anderson.”
Benton rolls his eyes, “Come on; let’s get you to school.” Leading his daughter to his Lamborghini they both get in and Benton races down the driveway.
“Father can I ask you something,” Frieda speaking up; “why did you give Tachibana a blank cheque to the Anderson's?”
Benton stops the car to look at his daughter; “how do you know that?”
“I had a Skype chat with Spencer and Eric last night,” Frieda answering; “Eric heard Tachibana talking to his parents as he was in his room. He overheard her handing them a cheque you asked her to fill in the amount that she felt was fair.”
Benton was silent for a moment; digesting what he just heard; “did Eric overhear the amount written on the cheque?”
“Two million dollars,” Frieda looking to see if her father was about to flip his lid; “father, are you okay?”
“I’m fine,” Benton displaying no emotion; “I just didn’t expect that matter to be dealt with so quickly.” Looking at his daughter; “anything else you want to tell me Frieda?”
“Uncle Lance thinks I should be tested for-,” Frieda is interrupted before she could finish.
“Bi-polar disorder,” Benton finishing; “Lance and I already talked about it last night. When do you want to get that taken care of? After school today or Wednesday?”
Frieda was taken aback from what her father just said; “I guess today if possible,” Frieda responding. “But I can wait to have it done on Wednesday.”
“Okay,” Benton putting the car back into gear and driving to the school; “One other thing, your grandparents are coming to town. They will be here in a few days; partly to discuss certain issues with me. Issues pertaining to my being diagnosed with being Bi-polar. The other reason is to meet you for the first time.”
Frieda was floored at what her father just said. Not only did he not react to the huge sum of money on the cheque, but he didn’t even try to fight her in getting tested for bi-polar; a disorder she knows she doesn’t have, thanks to the bond she has with Spencer and Eric. And to top it off, her grandparents; Benton’s parents coming to visit.
“What’s next dad,” Frieda trying to provoke a reaction; “you going to invite Daisuke Tachibana to dinner on Friday?”
Benton laughs, “now that’s funny little girl;” Benton really laughing. “Why don’t I gouge out my own eyes with a spoon and put them in a blender along with my liver?” Getting serious, Benton looks at his daughter as they pull into the school drop off spot; “For the time being my daughter, I ask that you try and not provoke me. I have a thousand issues racing through my head. While I’m doing my best to stay calm in light of the situation; I am currently on an emotional roller coaster.”
“Your taking your meds right,” Frieda asking.
“Yes,” Benton pausing; ”but I’ve only been taking them since last night. It’s going to take a while to see if the dosages I’m on are working or need to be adjusted.”
“All right,” Frieda responding; “I guess I’ll go then. My friends are waiting for me.”
“One moment Frieda,” Benton grabbing something from his suit pocket and handing it to his daughter; “that’s the ceremony for tomorrows were-panther gathering. Please give Spencer and Eric a thorough rundown on what to expect. The dos and don’ts as it were.”
“Dad,” Frieda grabbing the paper; “It’s no different than my induction. They come forward wearing robes; disrobe, shift, say a few nonsense words and then we all go find a secluded spot and screw each other silly.”
“Frieda,” Benton looking shocked; “please brief them on what to expect. Yes you three will be,“ Benton shuddering; “screwing each other, but you and your friends are expected to mingle and socialize. Sex can wait for an hour or two.”
Frieda doesn’t answer as she gets out of her father’s car; ignoring the catcalls and wolf whistles as she collects her bag, Frieda see her friends waiting for her.
Benton just watches his daughter for a few minutes as she talks to her friends; driving off to the hospital to visit Amanda as she recovers from her car injuries, stemming from her passing out Friday evening. Her losing consciousness stemming from being infected with hookworm through tainted civet coffee; stopping at Café Luna, Benton picks up two large coffees. One for him and one for his wife.