Chapter 9 REX CRASHES

On that same night, Rex threw a party at his house with some of his friends, including Jimmy Turner. Unaware of the fate of his parents, He got drunk, high, and danced all night until he fell asleep. Many of the people who attended the party left that morning, but Rex didn't wake up till 10 am.

Jimmy was sitting in the living room watching the news when he saw the headline that stunned him.

"Hey, Rex! There's something on the news, see?" He said as Rex walked downstairs to the living room.

"Why in the world would I wanna check the news?" Rex said, but his eyes widened as he saw the headline boldly written. "DR AND LADY FLEMING DEAD AS PLANE EXPLODES."

"A tragedy has struck citizens of Phoenix, Arizona as two of its most important citizens, Dr. Steve Fleming and Senator Sylvie Fleming, died in a plane explosion on their way to Azerbaijan for a convention. According to their entourage and emergency services. Both Steve and Sylvie Fleming died as their jet exploded on its way to Baku. A search for their bodies has begun, although there was no mention of the pilot who is dead." The news reporter said as Rex took the remote and turned off the television.

"I can't watch any longer," Rex said with tears filling up his eyes. He held his head, a million negative feelings running through his head. He took a seat. "How could this happen? What am I going to do next?"

"Relax man, people die every day and by the way, you didn't even like your old man," Jimmy replied, and this annoyed Rex.

"What's that supposed to mean? So, what if I didn't like him? He might be an asshole to me, but he's still my fucking father!" Rex said, boiling internally and holding his head with his hands.

"You need time for yourself. I think I should leave you." Jimmy said and walked out the door while Rex sat down and broke into uncontrollable tears. His parents were dead, and he didn't know what direction he would go.

The death of Steve and Sylvie hit the world with even the president of America, Donald Trump, showing remorse. Steve and Sylvie had touched the lives of many with Steve's gadgets and innovation affecting many countries with important technology while Sylvie led campaigns for women's empowerment as well as providing amenities for women and children who were suffering in America. Rex aside, there wasn't anyone else more affected than Mark Toney, who was so hurt that he announced he was closing down FT industries for 2 weeks. Stella also melted down, having seen Steve as a father figure sometimes. A lot of Steve's colleagues and business partners also grieved for his passing.

The next week, they held a funeral in their honor, and everyone came. Every employee of FT industries, every one of Sylvie's Congress members and allies, all of Rex's friends, some of the biggest and most renowned names in Phoenix, even the vice-president, made an appearance. It was an enormous event with a filled up cathedral to mourn Steve and Sylvie. Rex sat at the front seat of the funeral, sitting quietly. He had been like this for days, pushing out everyone who had approached him and had been rude and hostile. Constant thoughts were flowing through his head, and it was almost like he couldn't understand any single thing around him.

"Dear brothers and sisters, we gather today to honor and celebrate the time on earth of Dr. Steve and Senator Sylvie Fleming, two people who have affected our lives. Steve was a visionary, he saw things from a different life and he only believed in doing things the right way as he used his great intelligence to bless not this country alone but the world." The funeral director said. "And Sylvie Fleming, a role model for young girls and women around the world and a blessing to the city of Phoenix and Arizona as a whole, she believed in doing good and helping in all ways and they shall both be missed." He added and some minutes later the pallbearers walked in with 2 coffins which had the dead bodies of Steve and Sylvie in them, an organization that finds victims of disasters found the dead bodies. They placed both coffins at the edge of the altar and different people from the crowd came up to speak good about Steve and Sylvie.

"Steve was my brother. He helped me in the most difficult period of my life and he was a partner," Mark said.

"Dr. Fleming treated me like I was his child. He was a caring and understanding man who left a great hole in our hearts through his death," Stella said, and many other people spoke. When Rex was called to speak, he refused. The rest of the ceremony went on, including a reading of their biography, singing of hymns, then the funeral mass and then the church ceremony ended.

Later that night, they took the bodies to the graveyard, and the congregation moved there. Their bodies lay in the grave dug for them and they placed a tombstone with the words "STEVE AND SYLVIE FLEMING (1971 - 2021)" inscribed on it.

"May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace." The priest said and everyone in the crowd picked up a flare and sent it into the air, all revealing a big letter F in the sky for Fleming as they paid their final respect to Steve and Sylvie before closing the ceremony.

Once the service ended and everyone had left, Rex walked up to the tombstone, knelt, and cried next to it, wondering where his life would lead. He was unsure of where his life would go, but it also hurts him he was now alone.

People could only describe the next few years as a total rollercoaster for Rex. Still grieved about his parent's death, he refused to enroll in a university rather turning to gamble and an alcoholic behavior, and with nobody to control him, he took it overboard. He had occasionally tried to contact Natasha but her number had been unavailable, making it clear she had changed her number, but she also did not reach Rex. Rex would party all night with his friends, go to clubs to smoke and get drunk, he wasn't particularly one with the ladies despite a lot of them being interested in him, this he did with the last money he could get from Sylvie's PayPal as Steve never shared Bank details nor financial information with Rex. None of Steve's relatives attempted to reach him at all and the only FT industries employee he still kept in touch with was Stella, who frequently tried to advise him against his attitude, which he constantly ignored. He would spend his weekdays at home doing nothing beneficial, either playing video games or hanging out with his friends, Jimmy, Collins, and others, spending money on them. On weekend mornings, he would bet on sports, mostly soccer and basketball. He supported Chelsea and the Suns, and on weekend nights, he would party and drink.

This behavior went on and on for over 2 years and showed no signs of stopping until something dawned on him when he tried recklessly spending again, he had gone completely bankrupt. He couldn't believe it and neither could his friends.

"What do you mean you're broke, Rex?" Jimmy asked. "You can't go broke, you're Fleming's son."

"Well now, I'm broke, I'm fucking broke man, I don't have a thousand dollars on me now." Rex replied, fuming a little.

"Hey Rex, didn't your old man leave you some shares in his company for when he dies or something?" Collins asked.

"You talking like his old man knew he was close to death? He was only like 50." Jimmy fired back.

"No need to go hard on me, man? But with the way the old man gave big R things frequently, you'd expect him to leave something behind." Collins responded.

"Nah. My dad never loved me like that, plus I never gave two shits about the company, anyway." Rex said, taking a swig of alcohol. "But I could inherit his shares."

"Then do it, bro. You could sell the shares for some good green since you never cared about the company, anyway." Collins pressured him on.

"You know what? Collins's right. I'm heading to FT to demand my dad's shares of the company."

"And what if they don't?" Jimmy asked.

"They won't fucking dare," Rex said, putting down his beer.

The next day, Rex got to FT Industries to ask now sole-CEO Mark Toney about acquiring his father's shares in the company. As he walked towards Mark's office, he came face to face with Dr. Grant Griffin, Dr. Stella and other employees who knew him very well.

"It's Rex Fleming!" an employee said, and as they gossiped amongst themselves, Dr. Grant confronted Rex.

"Rex Fleming, what brings you to work today? If I didn't know better, I'd think you didn't know this company still existed." Grant said.

"I'm not here for much chit-chat or greetings sir, I want to gain my father's shares for the company." Rex sternly replied, provoking a shock reaction from Grant. "So please get out of my way, doctor."

"I'm sorry, but I'm unaware of which one of your drinks gave you the nerve to walk in here and demand things," Grant replied, walking closer to Rex.

"I don't want to get in any trouble with you! I just want to inherit what belonged to my father. You don't have to stress me out." Rex said as he tried to move past Grant, which only made the doc chuckle. "What's so funny?" Rex asked, growing with disgust.

"It's that even though your father was so self-righteous, at least he had intelligence and became great," Grant said. "You." He added, pointing at Rex. "Are a downgrade on his name!"

"Rich for you to talk about downgrades, you went from my dad's employer to his employee," Rex said and Grant responded with a big right-hand slap to Rex's cheek.

"Manners!" Grant roared, which only fueled Rex's rage even more. He tightened his fists and despite his mind telling him differently and Stella signaling him not to, he lifted his fist and struck a jab straight to the face of Grant which knocked him down in front of multiple employees who gasped in shock. Grant signaled for security who dragged Rex out of the building and at the request of Grant, Mark placed Rex's name on the blacklist, banning him from FT industries.

Rex tried to go to the bank but couldn't find anything left for him and got in a verbal fight with the bankers, with a banker calling Rex an "uncultured swine!"

Out of instant fear and anger, Rex sold his parent's mansion and their 2 cars and rented a place owned by Maximilian Romano, an old friend who Steve helped through University. He sold them for less than value and used the money rather moderately, although he still failed to set up any profitable investment rather than using the money in more failed gambling attempts. It only took him 4 years to be empty financially as he had no money, and empty socially as he lost all of his good friends as they avoided him the moment they knew he was bankrupt. He still refused to get a job, instead choosing to eat and drink his days out. But he had collapsed. He knew it and everyone knew it. Rex looked at his phone and tried calling Natasha, but as usual. It didn't go through. He checked his Instagram and Twitter if she had responded to his DMs but still nothing. He threw his phone down and groaned, drinking another beer.

5 years after departing for England, Natasha finally returned to America with a grand reception. The moment she arrived at the airport, a swarm of journalists rushed towards her. She became a woman of her own since she left for the UK, radiating class in her dressing and mannerisms. She also held a degree in N.P.T.S. As she dragged her suitcase, a herd of journalists who bombarded questions on her followed her.

"What is next for you now, Miss Toney?"

"Will you take over FT Industries?"

"What are your thoughts on the current situation of Rex Fleming?" They asked these questions and many more towards Natasha, who just waved them away. She brought out her phone, took out her shades, and immediately ordered a cab to take her home. The cab took her from the airport to her place in Phoenix. The cab dropped her off at her parent's address but not after taking a selfie with the driver who requested it. She unlocked the gate and knocked on the door, which was opened, and inside stood a very excited Zaynab.

"My Girl!!!" Zaynab said as she jumped and hugged Natasha immediately she entered.

"I missed you so much, mom!" Natasha said as she tightened the hug on her mother before they separated.

"Wow you're, you're so big!" Zaynab said as he held Natasha's face, struggling to hold back the years of Joy.

"Five years is a long time to grow up, Mom, but you haven't aged a day!" Natasha said.

"Awn... You'll always be my little girl Lily." Zaynab said. "I should prepare you something to eat. I know the trip must've been stressful."

"Oh, really Stressful," Natasha replied, observing as the house seemed emptier than before. She followed her mother to the well-arranged kitchen. "Are we moving? And where's dad?" She asked.

"Nothing to worry about dear, he will be here soon. I sent him a text already," Zaynab answered, breaking an egg and putting it on the pan to fry. "So, an MSc in N.T.P.S., what does that even mean?"

"Natural, Theoretical, and Practical sciences mom!"

"Well, I can't even use words to describe how I feel so proud of you!"

"Mom!" It's all thanks to you and Dad. You guys increased my determination and supported me all the way."

"Well, you've certainly kept a noble name in this family, and it has fully impressed my parents and siblings," Zaynab said as she sat next to Natasha and held her hand. "You know my parents didn't raise me like you and I nearly went down a wrong path but then you showed up and from that moment, you became my sole priority in life!" Zaynab said this time failing to hold back the tears while Natasha patted her back.

"It's fine, mom! It's okay, don't worry, this is just the beginning. I promise I won't stop doing everything I can to make you happy." Natasha replied, hugging her mother once again and heading to the kitchen to finish what her mother was cooking, and then the doorbell rang.

"I'll get it, dear!" Zaynab said as she walked to the door and opened it, and it was none other than Natasha's father, Mark Toney.

"Honey, you're home!" Zaynab said as she hugged him.

"Yes, honey. Now, where's my girl?" Mark asked.

"Dad!!!" Natasha said as she ran to hug her father.

"There's my new scientist! Congratulations Natasha."

"Thanks, Dad. When do I assume my role at FT?" Natasha asked curiously.

"We can talk about work later, but first, Zaynab and I have big news for you," Mark said.

"That's right! We're moving to a new and better Mansion." Zaynab said.

"Wow, that's great!" Natasha said excitedly. "Wait, so what do we do about this?"

"IT'S YOURS!" Zaynab said, and Natasha's face opened her mouth in silence for a while before screaming like a child.

"Wait! This house is mine, including the lab?" Natasha said, unable to control her excitement.

"Nat! You're an adult now, you turned 23 this year, you're gonna need a place for yourself." Mark said.

"Plus, we figured it would be a way to reward you for your impressive performance in school," Zaynab added.

"I can't believe it. Thank you so much!" She said as he hugged both of them together and let go. "I can't wait to perform all forms of experiments, maybe with Dr. Stella or even Rex!" Natasha said as she paused. The name Rex rang a lot of bells. It just dawned on her. She didn't speak to him throughout her time in England. Her mind raced back to the question the journalist asked her about Rex, and she immediately responded to these thoughts.

"Rex! WHERE'S REX!" Natasha asked, and Zaynab told her everything she knew happened to Rex. "Mom, do you know the address?" Natasha asked and Zaynab wrote it down on paper and handed it to Nat. "I'll be home for dinner!" Natasha said as she ran out and jumped in her mother's car, started it, and sped out to Rex's current address.

When she got to the address, she looked for his room and knocked on the door.

"Come in! It's not locked." Rex said from inside and Natasha came inside. And was stunned by what she saw. Beer bottles, food wrappers, and the house were untidy. Rex laid on his chair but got up once she arrived. "Yeah, who's that?" He said, and his face froze when he saw Natasha.

"What have I done?" Natasha said to herself.

"Who are you?" Rex asked as he angrily walked towards Natasha.

"Rex, calm down! It's me, Nat," Natasha said, trying to calm him down.

"WHAT DO YOU WANT?" Rex shouted and before Natasha could say anything, Rex already responded. "GO AWAY!"

"Rex, I can explain," Natasha said as Rex already rushed to open the door.

"I want no more of your lies, Nat. I heard enough before. LEAVE!" Rex said, and Natasha left. Rex sat down on his couch while Natasha went into the car and sobbed.

Barely a year after returning to Phoenix and resuming work at FT industries. Great fortune came towards the way of Natasha on her 24th birthday, May 29th, 2027. It was a Saturday. Rex had ignored Natasha constantly and even refused her offers to help, acting very hostile towards her and shunning her out of his life. Rex lay on his bed that morning, frustrated as he had always been, he picked up his phone and saw a text from his landlord Mr. Romano warning him to pay the rent which was already 4 months due, he quickly deleted the message and came online to twitter hoping to see something to cheer him up, he saw a campaign for Dwayne Johnson to win the next election to extend his tenure as America's president and some pointless debates online before he saw a headline which shook him.

"STARTASHA TONEY. NATASHA TONEY PROMOTED TO CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER AT FT INDUSTRIES AFTER A YEAR BACK IN THE COMPANY." Rex couldn't believe his eyes, so he clicked the article to read further.

"As confirmed by Dr. Mark Toney, CEO of FT industries, his daughter Natasha Toney will now assume the role of COO at the company. Mark Toney said this to the press."

"It was always the will of myself, the will of the company and the will of my late business partner Steve that Natasha who had been working and showing interest in this company since she was 13 would assume a great role in the board and in a year that saw our profits skyrocket since her return, it gives me endless joy and pride to announce Dr. Natasha Toney as the new Chief operating officer of Fleming and Toney industries." Rex, at the sight of 'Fleming' instantly closed the article and threw his phone on the bed. He didn't know how to feel. It was what she always wanted, what she had dreamt of and he wanted to be happy for Natasha, but he couldn't help but feel angry at her. He still hadn't forgiven her for abandoning him. He picked up his phone and opened another article, this one with a headline reading,

"KAI ROLLINS ALSO EARNS A PROMOTION." Kai received a promotion to General Manager despite not having any vast scientific knowledge and had only worked as an intern for Mark Toney, who explained the reason for Kai's promotion as a reward for his loyalty and Service. Rex closed the article again, threw his phone on the ground, and punched the wall in pure rage.

"IT SHOULD BE ME!" He shouted in anger as he couldn't bear it anymore. He fell on his bed and sobbed for some time before falling asleep.

After some hours of sleep, a call from a private number woke him up. He was shocked and didn't know if he should answer it or not. After three more calls, he put his phone on vibrate to avoid being disturbed, but he rejected the first call. Eventually, after a loud groan, he answered.

"Hello. Who's this?" Rex asked.

"Rex, it's me, Nat! Please don't hang up!" she said to him, pleading.

"You have 1 minute!" Rex said.

"As you know, I got promoted today, and the company is holding a party for me."

"Oh, so you called me just so you can rub it in my face. Goodbye!"

"Wait, Rex!" she said, "It's not about me. I wouldn't call you to the party for me, but please come. There's something you might find out at the party."

"Why should I attend the party of a company I'm banned from?" Rex asked.

"Just trust me and come. I promise you won't regret it."

"I said tell me why!"

"TRUST ME REX!"

"Fine! Text me the address," Rex said, hanging up the call.

Rex attended the dinner party held by FT industries at the Aiden hotel. Natasha drove her car to Rex's place, and they went to the party together. Rex refused to speak to Natasha during the trip, although he complimented her beautiful blue ball gown when he saw her. They got to the hotel and entered the Great Hall for the party, but before they entered, Natasha said something to Rex.

"I know you're angry at me even though a year has passed, but if anyone decides concerning you, PLEASE ACCEPT!" Natasha said as Rex reluctantly nodded and they entered the hall.

While inside the hall, the other guests looked at Rex in unpleasant ways and some even gossiped about him with one of them saying out loud.

"I thought this party was FT industries exclusive. Why do we have this fellow here?" The person said out loud and some others laughed. Rex was beyond uncomfortable at every part of the party, even refusing to eat his dinner. After, Mark Toney gave his speech to Natasha and Kai. It was time for Natasha to give her speech as she climbed the stage.

"Dear esteemed scientists and staff of FT industries, it's a true honor to be standing here as the new COO, it's something I've been building towards for over 10 years and it gives me nothing but total joy to be standing here, I always try my best to deliver to the expectations set to me and I see this as a motivation for me. My father, the great people working with me, and everyone associated with this company, has my gratitude." Natasha said as she continued her speech with every word, making Rex more and more uncomfortable. When she was done with her speech, Mark Toney walked up back to the stage.

"And now, as a special token to our new COO, she will make her first decision in her new position right now, so Natasha please come up to the stage and let us know what it is," Mark said as Natasha got up and whispered into Rex's ear.

"Say Yes!" she said as she walked back up to the stage. "Can I decide anything?" She asked.

"Anyone and I will immediately approve it," Mark said.

"What if I decide to become CEO?" she asked with a faux deep voice and the crowd burst out with laughter except for Rex, who wanted to throw up on that spot.

"Not that far, Miss!" Mark tipped her off.

"Alright.... My first decision will be..." she said as she looked at the crowd, gathering her confidence. "...... employment." She added as the crowd gasped and murmured among themselves.

"Okay, but we will have to review his resume before we can make him our scientist," Mark replied.

"It's not a scientist but a member of non-scientific staff." She said,

"Okay. Do you have his application here?" Mark replied, feeling confused.

"No... But he's here!" Natasha said and gave a glance to her father, which he instantly understood.

"Approved! Kindly introduce this person to the crowd." Mark said with a little smile growing on his face.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to employ, as my first decision as COO of FT industries, REX FLEMING!" she said as the crowd went silent and Rex's face became stunned. "Please come up to the stage Rex." Rex, still surprised by what he just heard, walked up towards the stage as everyone in the crowd looked in equal shock. "Do you accept this, Mr. Fleming?" Confusion enveloped Rex. On one hand, he was unemployed and broke, but he was also afraid of how they would treat him, considering the disrespect he displayed to them in his youth.

"I accept!" Rex said, and the crowd clapped while Rex rolled his eyes at Natasha.

"Very good Mr. Fleming. You begin work on Monday." Natasha said and Mark walked towards Rex and shook his hand.

"Not like he could reject it anyway!" Kai shouted from the crowd, and this offended Natasha, who glared at Kai. Rex just stood there filled with mixed and confusing emotions. Natasha turned towards him and spread out her arms and Rex hugged her immediately.

"Thank you!" Rex said, and Natasha patted him on his back.