Impulse: Book One

AFTER ALL IS SAID

 

“Impulse: A sudden inclination or urge” 

The American Heritage dictionary

By Mezzo
mezzosmelodramas@msn.com

DISCLAIMERS (see Installment One )

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<o:p></o:p></span>

<span style='font-family:Garamond'>The next four years went by in a flurry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"></span>Victoria decided to take over the international divisions of Hull Enterprises.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"></span>Acquisition after acquisition were acquired and assimilated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"></span>All of the skills that were taught to her were second nature to her now adding a few of her own.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"></span><o:p></o:p></span>

<span style='font-family:Garamond'><![if !supportEmptyParas]><![endif]><o:p></o:p></span>

<span style='font-family:Garamond'>If she decided something was good for the company there was nothing that would stop her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"></span>Hull Enterprises had grown in leaps and bounds under Victoria’s unofficial direction. Richard watched as his daughter, without hesitation, made steps to take on the role of CEO to the company that had been in his family for four generations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"></span><o:p></o:p></span>

<span style='font-family:Garamond'><![if !supportEmptyParas]><![endif]><o:p></o:p></span>

<span style='font-family:Garamond'>Ian was with Richard in their New York office, while Stephan operated the Los Angeles office. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes"></span>Jessica, the youngest Hull, ran Hull’s Arts and Antiquities Division in San Francisco and Victoria, almost single handedly, ran every thing else from their London office.<o:p></o:p></span>

<span style='font-family:Garamond'><![if !supportEmptyParas]><![endif]><o:p></o:p></span>

<span style='font-family:Garamond'>As proud as Richard was of Victoria, this was not the little girl that he had raised and loved with all his heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"></span>Richard tried to get Victoria to stop and open up to him many times.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"></span>However, he had always received the same answer time and time again, “Father, I’m only doing what is best for the company and what is expected of me.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"></span>She would run the company well. There was no doubt about that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"></span>But where was the little girl who used to share everything with him? The one who had always approached things with childlike wonder?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"></span><o:p></o:p></span>

<span style='font-family:Garamond'><![if !supportEmptyParas]><![endif]><o:p></o:p></span>

<span style='font-family:Garamond'>Many nights he worried over her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"></span>Worried that the Victoria that he knew would soon be lost.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"></span>Never was this company meant to be an empire.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"></span>It was intended to provide security and stability for their families.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"></span>But the company was now so far past that. <o:p></o:p></span>

<span style='font-family:Garamond'><![if !supportEmptyParas]><![endif]><o:p></o:p></span>

<span style='font-family:Garamond'>Victoria was devouring everything and everyone in her path.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"></span>His children were constantly working and, quite frankly, more than one was beginning to complain about Victoria’s demeanor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"></span>Richard couldn’t remember the last time he and his family were in the same country together. Much less the same state.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"></span>Victoria always refused to come home claiming there was too much work to be done.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"></span>She threw herself into her work and at times bordered on obsessive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"></span>She hadn’t been to a family gathering in years only going to California to visit or the family would see her in London. <o:p></o:p></span>

<span style='font-family:Garamond'><![if !supportEmptyParas]><![endif]><o:p></o:p></span>

<span style='font-family:Garamond'>The company was so successful and so large that if they were to sell it now this generation and future generations would never have to work for years to come.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"></span>He knew Victoria would be an incredible CEO someday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"></span>But she was losing that balance that she always seemed to exude when she was growing up. <o:p></o:p></span>

<span style='font-family:Garamond'><![if !supportEmptyParas]><![endif]><o:p></o:p></span>

<span style='font-family:Garamond'>What was most disturbing to him now was her growing reputation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"></span>Too many times he had walked into a boardroom and caught the hushed whispers about his ruthless conniving daughter. Where was this coming from? This lust for power?This hunger in Victoria that never seemed to be satisfied? A decision had to be made as far as Victoria was concerned. This could not go on. <o:p></o:p></span>

<span style='font-family:Garamond'><![if !supportEmptyParas]><![endif]><o:p></o:p></span>

<span style='font-family:Garamond'>In the past, the Hulls were known for their business practices.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"></span>They always tried to be fair in their dealings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"></span>It was not the quantity but the quality that set Hull Enterprises apart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"></span>A family based business that brought the same respect that they had for each other into the work place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"></span>He was always proud to stand up as the head of his family and as the head of the business. Although lately, these values were slowly slipping through the cracks.<o:p></o:p></span>

<span style='font-family:Garamond'><![if !supportEmptyParas]><![endif]><o:p></o:p></span>

<span style='font-family:Garamond'>He made a promise to his wife that his kids would always come first and he was damn well gonna do it. Too many times Richard had seen power destroy a human soul.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"></span>But what he didn’t know was what was driving his daughter to do exactly that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"></span>What was behind that tortured look that he saw in her beautiful blue eyes?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"></span>Who was the person that had hurt his daughter so badly that she was willing to shut out all forms of love including his?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"></span><o:p></o:p></span>

<span style='font-family:Garamond'><![if !supportEmptyParas]><![endif]><o:p></o:p></span>

<span style='font-family:Garamond'>He made a silent wish to Dominique that she would help him bring things under control again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"></span>Somehow getting his answer, he picked up the telephone and arranged to get his daughter back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"></span><o:p></o:p></span>

<span style='font-family:Garamond'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>

<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span>************<o:p></o:p></span>

<span style='font-family:Garamond'>Victoria woke to the insistent ring of an unforgiving telephone, “Damn it! What time is it?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"></span>The telephone rang again. “Whoever it is on that phone had better have a damn good reason for waking me up at this awful hour.” <o:p></o:p></span>

<span style='font-family:Garamond'><![if !supportEmptyParas]><![endif]><o:p></o:p></span>

<span style='font-family:Garamond'>“Hello…” Victoria answered without holding back the anger in her voice. <o:p></o:p></span>

<span style='font-family:Garamond'><![if !supportEmptyParas]><![endif]><o:p></o:p></span>

<span style='font-family:Garamond'>“Victoria, its Dad.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"></span>Richard winched when he heard the agitation in his daughter’s voice.<o:p></o:p></span>

<span style='font-family:Garamond'><![if !supportEmptyParas]><![endif]><o:p></o:p></span>

<span style='font-family:Garamond'>“Dad? Do you know what time it is?”<o:p></o:p></span>

<span style='font-family:Garamond'><![if !supportEmptyParas]><![endif]><o:p></o:p></span>

<span style='font-family:Garamond'>“Yes, of course sweetie.I had an awful itch to see you and I caught an evening flight out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"></span>I should be at your place in about an hour.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"></span>Richard replied in as soft a voice as he could muster.<o:p></o:p></span>

<span style='font-family:Garamond'><![if !supportEmptyParas]><![endif]><o:p></o:p></span>

<span style='font-family:Garamond'>Finally comprehending what her father was saying, she looked over to the other side of her bed and remembered she was not alone. “ Uh, um… oh, okay. Uh, well I’ll see you in a few.”<o:p></o:p></span>

<span style='font-family:Garamond'><![if !supportEmptyParas]><![endif]><o:p></o:p></span>

<span style='font-family:Garamond'>All she could see was a mop of golden blond hair sweeping across her pillow and a very exposed leg strewn across the top of the comforter of her bed.Victoria Hull, what is wrong with you? Play hard, pay hard, do you even know what her name is? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes"</span>Tori racked her brain trying to remember. Oh, What was it Mandy…, Sandy…., Candy….. Oh who cares.<o:p></o:p></span>

<span style='font-family:Garamond'><![if !supportEmptyParas]><![endif]><o:p></o:p></span>

<span style='font-family:Garamond'>Getting up Victoria went over to the other side of the bed and reached for the covers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"></span>With no remorse, she unceremoniously ripped them off the bed.<o:p></o:p></span>

<span style='font-family:Garamond'><![if !supportEmptyParas]><![endif]><o:p></o:p></span>

<span style='font-family:Garamond'>The girl jumped up in complete horror. Totally appalled at being awakened so rudely and so suddenly. She tried to keep from falling to the floor but was unsuccessful in her attempt. “What the hell is your problem?”,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">s</span>he yelled as she got up from her position on the floor.<o:p></o:p></span>

<span style='font-family:Garamond'><![if !supportEmptyParas]><![endif]><o:p></o:p></span>

<span style='font-family:Garamond'>“Look. My Father’s coming and you have to leave! …..Now!”,Tori barked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"></span>Without waiting for a response, she turned on her heals and headed for the bathroom.<o:p></o:p></span>

<span style='font-family:Garamond'><![if !supportEmptyParas]><![endif]><o:p></o:p></span>

<span style='font-family:Garamond'>“Hey love. Why can’t I just hang out up here? When he leaves, we can pick up where we left off?”<o:p></o:p></span>

<span style='font-family:Garamond'><![if !supportEmptyParas]><![endif]><o:p></o:p></span>

<span style='font-family:Garamond'>With unbridled anger, Victoria turned around and, if looks could kill she would have disintegrated this girl on the spot. The girl was taken back by the terrifying look she had received. “I AM NOT YOUR LOVE. I AM NOT YOUR ANYTHING. YOU WERE JUST A LAY. Now get out of my home before I throw you out.”<o:p></o:p></span>

<span style='font-family:Garamond'><![if !supportEmptyParas]><![endif]><o:p></o:p></span>

<span style='font-family:Garamond'>Obviously uncomfortable but a little slow on the uptake, the girl replied “Geez… You weren’t complaining last night.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"></span>She took her chances again. Reaching out, she tried to caress a very alluring body part. “Come on baby….You know I can make you feel good.” 

Victoria grabbed her wrist and roughly pushed her away. <o:p></o:p></span>

<span style='font-family:Garamond'><![if !supportEmptyParas]><![endif]><o:p></o:p></span><span style='font-family:Garamond'>“Okay… okay”, the girl replied with her hands up. “I know when to say when.” But obviously not knowing when to shut up. “I know I’m going to see you again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"></span>I have seen you tortured types before. Hot and bothered in the morning, but oh so hot at night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"></span>When you find the need ….and I know you will…” Giving Tori a wink and a smug look, “You know where to find me.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"></span><o:p></o:p></span>

<span style='font-family:Garamond'><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"></span><o:p></o:p></span>

<span style='font-family:Garamond'>“GET OUT!”,Victoria screamed. Where does this girl get off talking to me like that?<o:p></o:p></span>

<span style='font-family:Garamond'><![if !supportEmptyParas]><![endif]><o:p></o:p></span>

<span style='font-family:Garamond'>With that, the girl gathered her clothes and left. However, her words rang in Victoria’s ears well after she heard the slam of the door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"></span>Was she really so predictable?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"></span>Had her life truly become a string of one-night stands?<o:p></o:p></span>

<span style='font-family:Garamond'><![if !supportEmptyParas]><![endif]><o:p></o:p></span>

<span style='font-family:Garamond'>Quickly reprimanding herself, she spoke aloud. “I don’t have time for this.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"></span><o:p></o:p></span>

<span style='font-family:Garamond'><![if !supportEmptyParas]><![endif]><o:p></o:p></span>

<span style='font-family:Garamond'>She made her way to the bathroom and looked in the mirror. That’s right, Victoria. Sweep it under the rug like every other despicable thing you’ve done over the years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"></span>Pretend it doesn’t matter. But we know better. Don’t we?<o:p></o:p></span>

<span style='font-family:Garamond'><![if !supportEmptyParas]><![endif]><o:p></o:p></span>

<span style='font-family:Garamond'>Tori stepped into the shower and tried to wash away the remnants of her latest conquest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"></span>No matter how hard she tried, she could never completely wash it all away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"></span>Bit by bit she was becoming less and less the person she once was. <o:p></o:p></span>

<span style='font-family:Garamond'><![if !supportEmptyParas]><![endif]><o:p></o:p></span>

<span style='font-family:Garamond'>When did you stop treating people with respect like you’d been taught?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"></span>How long do you think you can keep this up before you have to pay the piper?</span><span style='font-family:Garamond'><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"></span>She knew that time would come someday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"></span>But God help her, she didn’t have a clue how she’d survive the aftermath.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"></span><o:p></o:p></span>

<span style='font-family:Garamond'><![if !supportEmptyParas]><![endif]><o:p></o:p></span>

<span style='font-family:Garamond'>No sooner had she thrown on some clothes did the doorbell ring announcing her father’s arrival.

TO BE CONTINUED. Installment Seven

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