Chapter 8: Asking For Help

Words : 1723 Updated : Jul 31st, 2025

"Arthur, Pierce, don't pay any attention to her. Come on in and have a seat." Zachary shot a fierce glare at Rosemary's back, then turned around and welcomed Arthur and Pierce inside. "Pierce, want some tea? I'll make you a cup." "Thanks, Uncle. Just water's fine." Pierce managed a faint smile, acting like it didn't bother him at all. As he looked around, it felt like someone stabbed his heart with a needle. Zachary's place wasn't flashy, but it was upper-middle class. They lived in a spacious apartment of over 180 square feet. The dining room alone was bigger than Pierce's living room. The rosewood table alone probably cost more than everything Pierce owned back home. Three years ago, Zachary's family wasn't doing as well as theirs. Pierce's family had a medical clinic, and his brother and sister-in-law were senior executives at big companies. Pierce was the model student, always getting first place in everything. But three years later, after he went to prison, everything changed. "Zachary, we're not here to ask for money." Arthur looked uneasy, barely sitting on the edge of the couch. He just looked so beaten down. "Arthur, what are you talking about? Even if you were here to borrow money, so what? I'm still in charge around here!" Zachary shot a glare at Rosemary, who was busy with her face mask. "Yeah, Zachary, you're so amazing now, calling all the shots." Rosemary sneered from the side. "You..." "Zachary, don't get mad at her. These past three years have been hard on you." Arthur stopped Zachary, who was about to get up. "We mainly came tonight because Pierce just got back, and we thought it was only right to come visit you both." "Yeah." Pierce chimed in, "Uncle, Aunt, thank you for looking after our family these past three years. I'll remember your kindness and pay it back one day." He could take the shame himself, but he wasn't about to let his parents suffer because of him. Everything he lost three years ago, he was determined to get back. At the very least, he'd make sure his parents didn't have to put up with any more dirty looks because of him. "Good, good, that's the right attitude. I always knew you were a driven kid..." "Driven? What's so great about being an ex-prisoner? Give me a break." Before Zachary could finish, Rosemary cut in, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "Can you just shut up already? So what if Pierce was an ex-prisoner? He's still my nephew!" Zachary fumed. "Go get some fruit. Is this how you treat guests? Can't you see my brother's here?" "I'm doing my face mask, I don't have time." Rosemary stayed put, legs crossed, patting her face, not even thinking about getting up. "You..." Zachary was so mad that his veins were popping on his forehead, but Arthur stopped him. "Don't bother her, let's just talk." Zachary just glared, still fuming but unable to do anything. He was the live-in son-in-law and only started having a say in the family in the past couple of years. Rosemary's family provided him with a job, and even this apartment was a gift from Rosemary's side. Still, Zachary wasn't the kind of guy to forget his roots. "Pierce wasn't locked up. He spent the last three years learning from a mentor and helping out with medical care for inmates." Arthur didn't care about his reputation, but he had to clear his son's name. Hearing that his nephew hadn't been in prison was the best news Zachary had gotten in three years. "He wasn't in prison? That's great news!" Zachary's face lit up, genuinely happy for Pierce. "So, is Pierce just back for a visit, or is he home for good this time?" Zachary turned his smiling gaze to Pierce. "I'm staying." Pierce answered honestly, "These past three years, I've made my parents worry too much. I need to stick around and take care of them and Dallas." "Good, that's the right decision." Hearing this, Zachary looked even happier. "Your parents... Well, let's not talk about the past. Just work hard from now on. By the way, have you found a job yet?" "Not yet." Pierce shook his head. "To be honest, we came here today hoping Ailee could help out. She's a manager at her company. Maybe she could pull some strings to get Pierce a job. He never got his diploma, and he was kicked out of the hospital for fighting, so..." Arthur looked at Zachary with a forced smile on his face. Pierce's heart ached. Even if his dad was asking his uncle, he still hated seeing his parents have to humble themselves. "This can be arranged..." "I knew it. Nobody ever shows up unless they want something. If it's not money, it's favors. You're like leeches!" Rosemary jumped in, her voice sharp as ever. "Keep mouthing off and see if I don't smack you!" Zachary pointed at Rosemary, his eyes blazing. Rosemary went silent on the spot. "We're family. Everyone goes through rough patches sometimes. What's wrong with helping each other out? And I'm telling you..." "Zachary, maybe we should just go. We don't want to mess up your family's peace." Arthur tugged at Pierce, ready to leave. "Arthur, I said I'd help, so I will. Just wait here. I'll get Ailee. She should be out of the shower by now." Holding Arthur and Pierce back, Zachary knocked on a nearby door. "Ailee, come out for a minute, I need to talk to you." "What is it, Dad? I have a lot of work to do." Soon, the door opened, and Ailee, seeing the extra two people in the room, looked annoyed and impatient. "What is it? Make it quick." "Ailee, what's with that attitude? Don't you know how to say hi to your uncle?" Zachary's face darkened as he scolded her. "Where are your manners?" "Hello, Uncle." "Sorry to trouble you, Ailee." Even facing a younger relative, Arthur stayed humble, smiling apologetically. "What do you need? I'm really busy here." Ailee's face looked just like Rosemary's, annoyed. Zachary was frustrated but held back, so he said, "Pierce is back, and it's tough for him to find a job. Since you're a manager at your company, can you help set him up with something?" "Him? You want me to get him a job?" Ailee was unhappy. "Dad, he's an ex-prisoner. If people find out, it could ruin my reputation." "Stop talking nonsense. Pierce wasn't locked up. He was helping treat inmates, trying to make up for his mistakes. He's not an ex-prisoner!" "Seriously, are there any good people in prison?" Ailee smirked, a look of sarcasm on her face.

Chapter 8: Asking For Help

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