chapter 17

This. was. the. worst. time. to. get. lost. in. this. building of a house. What kind of a quirk are you Sophie? I would have given more attention while running, now I was in the middle of a room I have never seen before.

Is it a room?

I am standing beside a transparent glass wall. The only occupants in this long, hallway-looking room were flower pots with huge plants, and of course numerous bright ceiling lights. Outside revealed another part of the garden I usually see outside the kitchen. I am probably near the kitchen then.

"...Sophie?" An audible and deep male voice called.

It seemed like my heart suddenly started pulsating because I could feel the hasty thump in my chest. I turn to look at him.

"What?" I instantly looked away. I wonder how high his ego would be right now, I'd rather not even look at him.

He muffles a laugh and cleared his throat. "I'm sorry, it is just funny."

My hands were folded, my fingers interlocked for some strange reasons. I turn and squint at him. "What is funny?"

"Never mind. Let us head back."

I didn't move. "Why did you come after me?" That was so cheesy, why did I ask that. I prayed silently that he would reply positively.

"Is that how to thank me? well, I do not enjoy making people feel uneasy and more ominous, me being the reason.''

I bit the inside of my mouth. Better stop that stupid inner growing smile, Sophie. "Well, no need. I couldn't care less." I noticed my hands were on my hips...Should I bring it down? I bring my left hand down and shift my weight.

"You probably have another reason for excusing yourself then." His hands were in his pockets, he was not even looking up. He was busy, shuffling his right foot.

I watch him. His luxury white sneakers, grey sweat pants; with his hands in their pockets."come on."

My chest grew bigger as I tried to steady my breath. He had walked away, towards the left. I was tempted to go the other direction, but I might not be lucky this time. How did he even know around here?

We didn't talk after that till the dinner was over. During that time I was either quiet, listening, or eating. Nobody really talked to me only when necessary, and I preferred it like that.

Aaron didn't really talk either, but they continuously brought him into conversations. It was all such an awkward and edgy juncture for me, and I am relieved it is over.

Surprisingly, I didn't return aloft to my bedroom. I had decided to stay back and support Martha. She had declined at first, insisting that I go and rest. But, I persisted.

......

"Are you even listening to me?"

I turn to look at her, a pang of guilt creeping into my expression.

Martha gave a one-sided smile,"...Thinking about the dinner huh? ... I understand.

"Yeah."

"You know, Mackenzie kind of made the conversations spirited." Martha chipped in.

"...She kept talking about herself which was fine by me...At least I didn't have to talk about myself, I had nothing to say."

I adjusted on the marble counter I was seated on. It had just been cleared and cleaned by Martha who is now busy packing dishes into the dishwasher.

"It is a fine venture. You better get accustomed to it, Miss Rodrigues's daughter dwells in this house quite often."

Hmm... I wonder why that is so. What about her parents?

"What...About her parents?" I questioned.

"You see," Martha picks up a hanging dry towel. "Her father is never around...her mom is seldom around. She customarily stays with her nursemaid, but sometimes, her grandmother sends for her." Martha dabs her wet palms on the towel.

"Oh..."

"She communicates with them quite often though, and they sometimes arrange and come by for short holidays.

The contemplation of seeing my dad after a long period brought me to a shudder. To preclude the persisting frown that wanted appearing on my face, I smiled. It was too unnatural. Hugging myself, I turn my face away. My toes were clenched but you wouldn't see them as I heaved a personal sigh.

There was a mintage shadow at my front. The light scent of lemon dishwashing soap and strawberry shampoo also made me know that Martha was beside me.

"One day, when we become really close and you have gained my trust, you are going to tell me all about it." She said. Her calming voice was serene and charming, like an angel.

I turned to her, a real smile on my face. It felt like I had not smiled in a long time.

She reverted the smile and touched my arm.

"Umm...Excuse me," Pitched a female voice.

We instantly spin towards the kitchen entry and spate Mackenzie.

She is positioned at the portal, wearing a short white satin robe, and a towel was captive around her head. "Can I get a glass of water? A bottle rather...I'll be in the parlor." She walked out, a queer look on her face.

She looked like she had a long high-temperature water bath. I instantaneously yearned to have one too, my body was achy...Speak more of Martha...

I watched as Martha headed in the direction of a shelf and took out a bottle of water.

"Why can't she get it herself?" I asked in susurration, in dread she will hear me.

Martha shrugged. She took the bottle in a tray and left the kitchen.

I gaped at her in scandal until she left.

Martha came back. "That's my job, Sophie."

She was smiling. How? Why? What was there to smile about?