Chapter 113: Start Anew
"Following my years of service, I officially announce my retirement. It has been a memorable and challenging years, serving my country, but the time has come for me to give my attention to my lovely wife, Sarah, and to my daughter," Announced Winfield Davis as he stood in front of a podium.
Flashes could be heard around the military stadium where many of the reporters were invited to witness the General's official statement as he stepped down being the head of the nation's armed forces. Finally, after two years of requesting from the government, Winfield was granted the chance to retire early and spend the rest of his time with his family.
"And with my official retirement, I am proud to reveal the next general to follow in my footsteps!" Added Winfield.
The crowd cheered and gave their applause to the newly appointed general, who happened to be one of Winfield's trusted men.
In the front rows, Samantha, Ethan, and their entire family, including Amanda and Daniel, came for the event, wanting to support Winfield in his humble decision.
Sarah and Matilda, who were also seated next to Samantha, were teary-eyed following Winfield's speech. They were both proud of what Winfield had achieved and at the same time, they were happy that they were finally going to spend more time with each other.
While the rest of the ceremony resumed and the crowd took their seats, Samantha took the chance to speak to her mother. She asked, "Mom, is it true that you are moving out of the military camp?" Sarah turned to Matilda, regretful of their decision.
"It's okay, Sarah. I have decided with you both. Let us all start anew and we can also live closer to Samantha and the children," told Matilda, urging Sarah to tell Samantha of their plans.
Shifting her gaze back to Samantha, Sarah answered, "Well, I tried Sam. I really did. For two years I tried my best to get over it because I knew how the mansion in the military camp mattered to your grandma and to your father, but the thought of Catherine having lived there - I - I just could not be fully happy."
"I could see and feel your father's sincere regret every day of my life as he spares me as much time as he could, taking every leave allocation he could while still in service. In fact, you know how he often brought me with him in his trips to other states, but whenever I come home to the same place, I - I just could not call it home anymore," revealed Sarah. "In fact, I was always more comfortable when we were traveling and when I stayed with you."
"So... we bought a new home - your father did. Winfield, he bought the penthouse at the First Diamond Hotel," Sarah finally revealed. "We will be moving there tomorrow."
"Oh!" A smile reflected in Samantha's face and she said back, "That means I'll see you every day!"
Sarah's expression turned delightful before she answered, "Yes, and I can easily see the kids too. We would have wanted to live in the same neighborhood as you, but there weren't any houses available." "Oh, Mom. I am so happy and I also did not like my latest memory in the old Davis' mansion, anyway. So let it be," said Samantha. "Besides, it looks like the Davises will slowly leave the military." Only a few of Samantha's relatives were in the service. The ranks practically died down after she left the military school.
Leaving the military camp was bound to happen. That was how Samantha saw it.
The mother and daughter talked some more until the ceremony had finally ended.
On the stage, the entire Davis family, including that of Ethan's family, were gathered to have photos with the former General Winfield Davis.
In front of the guests and valued government officials, pictures were taken of the family where, included in the scene, were Samantha's children; Kenzie, Kyle, Kate, and Kaleb.
Several remarks were made of how the General's family, especially the achievements of his own daughter, was so remarkable. That the same footage was featured on the afternoon news on TV.
***
From inside a woman's correctional facility, it was Annie and Catherine's turn to clean the day room.
Both had sweat on their foreheads, sweeping and mopping the place while in their prison uniform.
One of the inmates suddenly remarked, "Oh, look. General Winfield is retiring."
"Wow, is that his daughter? She is just so beautiful!" One other prisoner praised Samantha.
The general's wife is also beautiful."
"The entire family is a dream!"
"The children are so adorable!"NôvelDrama.Org content rights.
"Wait - wait. Didn't Catherine here claim to be the General's wife? Haha!" One inmate managed to notice Catherine observing the television behind them.
The group of inmates that were present mocked Catherine, comparing her worn-out self to Sarah Davis.
"Dream on, Catherine. Look at the General's wife. She is far more beautiful than your rugged face!" Suggested one other prisoner.
"It's true! I used to be the General's wife!" Catherine countered, screaming while she was at it. "Stop mocking me!"
"Enough, Mom! It's hopeless," scolded Annie. "Let's just finish here and get some rest."
Annie was utterly stressed in prison.
First of all, they were locked up in a highly secured facility. It was as if they were a great danger to society Pa that her foster father had locked them up to where they would suffer the most!
The worse part was how she shared a prison cell with the bully!
Following dinner, Annie returned to her chamber utterly lifeless. She looked around and everything was just ugly in her line of sight, even the woman who had several tattoos on her body, one with whom she shared
the same space with.
Annie just ignored her inmate and proceeded to the bathroom. To her shock, however, the toilet was full of dirt that she wound up throwing up.
She came out coughing and nearly out of breath. She complained, "What the fuck?! Can't you ever clean up!"
Her co-inmate just sneered at Annie
before answering, "Why would I? I have a personal maid." The woman stood up and glared at Annie before commanding, "Make sure, it is polished clean... Don't forget to wash the dishes too!"
For seconds, Annie just stared blankly at her co-prisoner. The next thing she knew, tears fell down her face.
She tried several times to request for another prison cell, but every time, she was denied. She understood how this was Winfield Davis' doing.
Annie wiped the tears on her face and questioned, "Why? Why is this happening to me?! Why?"
"Shut up, bitch, and clean! I'm going to get some sleep!"