Story 57/1001

• land
• raw
• discount

Marlon Winters was the wealthiest man in town. He had the factories and the bars in his pockets. He strolled through town with a smirk, greeting only those he deemed worthy. But there was one thing he couldn’t get.

“Father, why must I go?” His young daughter asked, holding her dress a bit above the muddy ground.

“Helena, you are a beauty, just like the woman we named you after. It is time you use your charms for the family.” Marlon smiled, revealing two gold teeth.

“Do you really need this land?” Helena scoffed, covering her nose. “This is just a filthy farm.”

“This land is our future, Helena.” Marlon frowned. “Today this is just a farm, but tomorrow, it will be the main attraction.”

“Are you alright, father?” Helena looked at him, confused.

Marlon sighed and continued walking. Helena reluctantly followed, and soon they were in front of white doors. Marlon coughed, clearing his throat, and straightened his coat. Helena looked around, not hiding how disgusted she is by the smell of cows and pigs. Marlon knocked a few times, and a young man opened the doors.

“I’m here to see Richard Browns.” Marlon said.

“It is he.” Marlon frowned again.

He wasn’t able to get the land through auction because of a boy. And now he had to come to his door, like some kind of a beggar.

“Might we come in?” Marlon said, looking at his daughter. She smiled at the sight of a muscular, young man in front of her.

“Sure.” Richard answered and let them in.

The house was spacious, with two floors, but it didn’t have much furniture or details. The only things Richard really needed were a place to sleep in, and a place to eat in. Marlon and Richard sat around the small kitchen table, while Helena stood next to her father, eyeing Richard.

“I’m going to be straightforward with you, boy. I wanted this land.” Marlon said.

“I know.” Richard said, catching Marlon off guard.

He cleared his throat and looked at him.

“The truth is, I have the money and the power for this place to flourish.”

“Why would someone like you want this place? There is nothing but cows, chickens and pigs here.”

“And you.” Helena whispered, giggling. Her father gave her a stern look.

“And you think you can handle all that by yourself?” Marlon asked.

“That is what I’ve done ever since my father died. You see, this land connects to my father’s. And now, both are mine.” Helena blushed at his words, playing with a lock of her hair.

“Why don’t you sell them and move to the city? A strong, handsome man like yourself can make a life there, one that is easier than this one.” Marlon said.

“I don’t want to.” He answered.

Marlon was angry. He thought he would not only sell the land, but be happy to give a discount. Just when he was about to show his wealth and power, a thought formed in his mind.

“Why do you want to keep the land, Mr. Browns?”

“I believe this land is a great investment.”

His answer made Marlon get up and walk to the door, without saying goodbye. Helena smiled at the young man and shyly waved her pale hand. Marlon couldn’t keep his composure or his manners. Somehow this farm boy had more brains than his educated daughter.

Marlon was sure Richard knew about the road that was supposed to be built here next year. He didn’t know whether he would hinder the process or profit from it, but just knowing this, made Richard a danger to his plans.

When they passed the gates and entered Marlon’s car, he cursed.

“Father!” Helena scolded him.

“Helena, what do you think of that boy?”

“Me?” She giggled, but quickly straightened her back in an attempt to keep her composure. “I- I believe he is not a simple farm boy. I mean, there is something raw about him, but-“

Marlon glared at her. He didn’t know why she was infatuated with him, but maybe that wouldn’t be so bad for the family.

Marlon smiled.

It is time she returned the investment he made in her appearance.