Things do not pass for what they are, but for what they seem.
Most things are judged by their jackets.
-Baltasar Gracian

Chapter 11

1983...

“Yes, Anton, we’ll be at Blair by the time of the ceremony.” Amanda’s voice came through the telephone receiver.

“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. Scanning the crowd, he found his parents and grandparents, and an unfamiliar face. Walking toward the group he waited for accolades that would never come. How could Anton ever imagine he’d receive praises for graduating third in his class? Third, what a disgrace! That his GPA was above the perfect 4.0 and he’d been accepted by every university to which he’d applied were not important. He wasn’t number one.

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 dinner. This is the end of a very important phase of your life.”

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 dinner Marie impressively kept Sharron in line. Anton’s grandmother didn’t yell, complain, or argue. This even affected Nathaniel’s demeanor. He was more relaxed than Anton had seen in years. Anton even saw his grandfather occasionally smile at his wife, who smiled lovingly in return. The look in her eyes, as she focused on her husband was like one peering upon a Roman god. It wasn’t that Nathaniel didn’t deserve the reverend gazes. Anton presumed he did. After all, his patience with Sharron was more than Anton or anyone else witnessed in any other facet of Nathaniel’s life. Nonetheless, Sharon’s praises for her husband were lessened by her ability to remember anyone other than him. Her memory seemed to concentrate on their life, pre-child, before Samuel, before Amanda, and before Anton.

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.