Slade to Herondale: A Son-in-law's Rise to Power

Allen Slade was engrossed in his phone, his fingers flickering up and down the screen when his mother-in-law stormed in unannounced, and he flinched.

“Why is the house so unclean!” she screamed in disgust like a lion ready to pounce on its prey. She was never satisfied with his cleaning whenever she came for visits.

Ever since Allen lost his job two weeks after his wedding, he has been at the mercy of his wife Katherine and her family, depending on them for survival.

“Are you deaf?!” She screamed louder this time, her ruffled breath easily heard.

His eyes scanned the job listings on his phone for what felt like a thousand times that day as he was already tired of depending on the Wellingtons and his small cleaning job. Just one job was all it would take to change his life and he wasn't going to quit.

“I’m sorry, I was so busy and I wasn't expecting you this early,” he apologized hastily, while silently wishing she would end it.

“A jobless thing like you that doesn't even have a reasonable job is busy?” she asked, laughing in a mocking tone. “What do you expect my daughter to eat when she comes back from a long and stressful day of working hard because of your uselessness?” she added, making herself comfortable on the sofa, her face displaying an ugly grin. “I've told Katherine to leave you. You do not deserve her!”

Allen's heart sank, sadness overwhelmed him but he was already used to her unending rants and complaining so he quickly left for the kitchen to prepare some food. While he was on it, Katherine’s car honked from outside notifying them that she was back from work. Unlike him, Katherine was successful, working in a million dollar company which was able to pay for their bills.

After exchanging pleasantries with her mother, she met Allen in the kitchen. His mood brightened immediately he sighted her in her corporate black dress, her stilettos announcing her arrival. She pushed her long black hair slightly to a corner, her brown eyes reflecting in the light and her light make up enhancing her beauty. His eyes fell on the Birkin bag she claimed her rich boss gifted her, and he tightened his fists as a scoff left his lips.

“Why would she take gifts from him? He is just her boss and there's nothing going on behind the scenes right?” his mind raced.

“You still accept gifts from him. Don’t you?” He finally asked, slumping on the kitchen counter in disappointment.

“You obviously can’t afford it so why wouldn’t I take it from someone who can?” Katherine responded, rolling her eyes.

“Katherine, I always tell you to be patient. I will change our lives one day,’ Allen said, as he stirred the food on the cooker, a hopeful smile crept to his face.

“You want to change our lives with your cleaning job?” She replied with a scoff, taking off her stilettos and flinging them to a corner. “Pick these up when you're done!” she said, rolling her eyes and pointing at the stilettos on the floor.

Allen was eager to change his situation and surprise Katherine. He had been saving up to buy her a gift for their anniversary which was the next day. He imagined how happy she would be after receiving his gift as he arranged the food on a tray.

He could feel his mother in law's eyes assessing his worn out shirt before shaking her head in disappointment. He served her with a bold smile then left for his room to continue his job search.

“I must make money and win the Wellingtons over,” he muttered, as he pushed the door open.

The next morning, he got up very early to clean and prepare breakfast for Katherine. He had taken the day off from work because of the anniversary but Katherine on the other hand seemed to have forgotten.

She stomped her feet loudly as she walked down the stairs, heading for the dining table.

“Allen, can't you cook any faster?” she asked, jerking her head towards the direction of the kitchen. “I don't want to be late!”

“Coming…coming,” Allen responded in a loud tone as he rushed out with varieties of meals. The aroma of the food filled the house.

“What are all these for?” Katherine asked, unimpressed, her mouth slightly curved to a smirk.

“Don't tell me you forgot our anniversary day again,” Allen said calmly as he arranged the meals on the table. She forgot every year.

“You mean the cursed day I got tied to you!” She raged, her gaze cold and detached. “I’ve lost my appetite,” she said, slamming her hands on the table and then making her way to the door.

“At least eat. I spent hours making this please,” he begged, his head down with two hands holding the table for support, as she shut the door loudly. He could hear the sound of her car driving out.

“What will I do with all this food?” he muttered, as he watched her drive out through the window.

Just then, he saw his poor old neighbor walking across the street.

“Hey Mr Calloway. Wait,” he waved, trying to get his attention. When the man saw him, his face lit up with excitement.

Allen quickly packaged the food as the old man walked slowly towards his house.

“Thank you, son,” the old man said with gratitude as Allen handed it over to him. Allen made it a norm to give him food and other things he needed.

“Don't worry Mr Calloway,” Allen said. “When I make money, you will never go hungry.”

“Soon my boy. I know you mean well for me,” the old man said with joy before leaving. Allen watched him go until he was no longer in sight.

He remembered he was supposed to get Katherine’s gift from the store before she returned home. He put on his old shirt and a pair of boots, squeezing three hundred dollar notes in his palms with a smile as he made way to the store.

Getting there, he went straight to the necklace section. The lights in the store shone brightly reflecting on the beautiful pieces of jewelry which caught his attention but he couldn't afford most of them.

“Quit searching, Allen. It's obvious you can’t afford any,” a female voice said from behind him.