Eleven: Secret Affair

If Emma doubted what I said it clearly didn't show on her face. She was very quite, her eyes are now serious. Her hand reached out to me and touched my cheeks.

"Then it shouldn't be difficult to choose. You are certain about him?"

I nodded, feeling very helpless. "I can't get him out of my mind, I kept hearing his voice over and over again. I see his face wherever I go." I sighed, "But he doesn't really want me for who I am. He... I remind him of his dead lover." I wish I could tell Emma that the man I love is probably dead too. His remains just haven't turned up yet.

"Oh dear. That's terrible. You deserved to be loved for exactly who you are," she brushed off a stray strand of hair away from my face, "you have a remarkable face. Strong, witty, alluring...and you're very honest. He can't possibly ask for more."

Her compliment was overwhelming. "Thanks Emma."

"Did you tell him how you feel?"

"No! I.. I don't think I can.."

"Well sweetie, if you think he only likes you because he reminded you of someone else, you have to tell him how you feel. So that you'll know what you are to him. If he can love you back the way you love him. Don't torture yourself."

"I'm not sure if he wants to talk to me.. its been days since.." since I first saw him and talked to him and kissed him. "I don't think I can face him again."

"That's not the Krista I know, who is girl in front of me? Showing cowardice at the first instance?"

"You.. you think I'm brave?"

"Of course you are dearest. You just don't realise it yet."

"Oh Emma, you just know the right things to say to me. What will I ever do without you?"

She smiled, I swear she gets prettier evertime I see her. "That's because I care for you Krista. I promised your Dad that l'll be there for you always."

"And he's the luckiest guy to have you."

That made her blush. Opps, better stop right there. "Say, why don't we order pizza?" She asked me, we don't eat out a lot because Mom wanted to monitor my eating habits. "This talk about men is making me hungry for some serious carbs."

"Peperoni?"

"You got it." We both slid off the bed and went downstairs. Oggy trailed behind.

Few days later

I spent the rest of the week meeting up deadlines for essays and reports. Coach Randy allowed me to leave earlier after I told him there was an emergency at home. I hated lying but I need to get to the airport as soon as I can, plus I wanted to avoid Enzo.

Though he stopped calling, he'd stalked me at school. Sharing my table at the cafeteria, stopping by at my locker and passing by my classroom. I hated him for it, with all the attention I was getting from his exes and rumoured flings. I might as well have a shooting target on my back and they were just waiting for the right time to strike. I can't let that happen.

Fridays are the busiest for commuters, so I planned to catch a bus. My books and papers crammed on my bag, no time to leave them in my locker. I'll just drop it at home, pack a few clothes and gather Oggy. I can't leave him with Emma though she loved him dearly, she's very busy and I don't plan to be a burden. I almost ran towards the exit by hurrying so much, I didn't realise someone else else passing thru. It was too late when I bumped into Carla Springer.

"Hey! Watch it!" Her high pitch voice rang on my ears. Her books scattered on the floor around us.

"I'm sorry. I didn't see you.." I went down on my knees and started picking up her things. She just stood there watching me.

"Wait. I know you.." she leaned closer to get a better look at my face, "you're that girl Enzo's been playing around with, aren't you?"

My cheeks burned with the accusation, I will kill that bastard. I stood up and handed her books on her outstretched hand, "I don't know what you're talking about."

Carla gave me a devilish smile, she'd been pretty when we were in junior high. Was crowned little miss Richmond when we were kids. I bet she was one of Enzo's blondie girls. Now, she didn't look so pretty to me, with her blond hair that was darker than others often mistaken as brown instead of blonde. Her skin was pale despite the make up she wore, dark circles formed under her eyes and her forehead was getting wider everyday. She should try out some bangs.

"Of course you do. Who wouldn't want to be Enzo's girl huh?"

"I don't."

That shocked her. Her winged eyeliner looked crooked for a second because her eyes widened so much. "You're kidding right?"

"Nope. I don't like Enzo."

"Is this a game you're playing? I heard Enzo liked to chase girls who play hard to get. Can't blame the guy, with a lot girls fawning over him he'd certainly show interest with people like you."

I raised my brow, "People like me?"

"You know, plain looking nerdy smarty girls. My, you're not even blonde." She flipped her hair, "I get it you're in the swimming team and got great bod, your Dad's rich and your mom's well-known. But I wonder what he's seen in you. Its not like him to change preferences."

I really don't have time to exchange banters with her. "If you're done I gotta go now.." I tried pushing against her and grab the door. But she caught my arm.

"Stay away from Enzo."

"You tell him to stay away from me, Carla." Her eyes widened, she must've thought I don't recognise her. "I don't date players because as you said I'm a plain looking nerdy smarty girl. Plus, I'm not even blonde." I snapped my arm back and turned my back from her.

This week is just the worst. I can't wait to be away from toxic people and bury my nose in old books. In this case, documents about Lucian. I pictured the Baron's face and somehow my spirits rose happily.

Later that day

"You get back here young lady!"

I draw the phone away from my ear as Dina had yet shown another one of her hysterical episodes, "Mom-"

"I let you go last weekend because you promised you'll be as soon as you can. But you didn't. Your father told me you stayed at that horrible house. You are not going back!"

"Mom, I'm already at the airport. My flight's in 15 minutes. I was going to call you earlier but I had to take the bus, which is really crowded and I know hate me talking on the phone in public."

"What bus?"

Oh shoot. I didn't tell her I don't use the family car anymore. "The public bus, Mom. I just couldn't wait for Eddie to come pick me up." That's another lie in one day. Eddie was at home and could've driven to school early to pick me up. But I told him I love the bus, my independence—and the old man was happy to grant my wishes.

"I don't like this Kristania. You're turning rebellious."

"I am not. C'mon mom, I know you got a lot of things to do, you'll get more time if I won't be there."

"Its like you're saying I'm better off without you, is that it? I'm still your mother Kristania, you can't talk back to me like that."

I hate it too when I reason with her. But I am not having the best of days right now. "Mom that's not what I mean. I'm thinking about you as well, look, Dad and Louie will be at the house and its not a horrible one. Its in a very good condition actually, I'm comfortable there and safe. Dad's almost cracked this project, I wanna help him. As soon as we wrap it up, we'll be back to the old days."

Dina sighed heavily, "You're almost eighteen Kristania, you won't be needing my permission to stay here anymore. I wanted to spend at least the weekends with you before you go on with your own life. Can't you make reconsiderations? I can refund your ticket, just get in here sweetie."

It was tempting and I was feeling guilty already. I understand she wasn't the most affectionate mother ever, but she didn't ditch me either. "I'm sorry mom, I really am." I heard my flight was announced, "I just... I gotta go. But I promise I'll make it up to you."

"Can't stop you eh? Alright baby girl, be safe. Tell your daddy I said 'hi'."

I stood up and pulled Oggy, "I will mom. Bye." The flight attendant was just finishing the last two people's tickets and I still a few paces away. "C'mon boy, we gotta catch that flight." Oggy was just happy to be able to run.

At Penthurst Manor

"I just spoke with your mom."

"Please tell me she didn't yell at you." I just arrived at the manor and Patrick was already feeling down.

"No.. she uh, she thinks I'm doing this to separate you from her." He meant his research.

"She drew the legal age card on me, saying as soon as I turned eighteen I would stop visiting her." I sank on the chair feeling very tired, "I feel guilty because I actually planned to do so."

"You don't mean that sweetie.."

"I don't know Dad. Maybe I'm just closer to you than her."

"Perhaps next weekend you can make it up to her." He slid a plate of freshly baked cookies to me, we both love chocolate chips.

"Why? Are you this close to cracking the mystery?"

"Well, I can't say solved right now. But you don't really have to be here, Louie and I can take care of it. Plus, Tristane is helping."

"I want to help Dad, I want to be with you when you finally solve all of this. I don't mind the travelling. I told mom that the sooner we wrap this up I'll book my weekends back to her." Plus Lucian is calling out to me, I can't fail him.

"But we don't know when we can wrap this up Krista. Plus you have your studies, the competition and Oggy." The latter raised his head hearing name. We paid him no attention. "Get back to your mom, its the least you can do for her."

"Perhaps if you guys didn't split up I won't be torn between you two. I am not a child anymore, I can decide for myself at least just once." I may have raised my voice but my emotions are getting ahead of me.

"Krista!" Patrick slammed his hand on the table, the cookies jumped. Great, now we're both angry. "Your mom and I, we had our differences. We tried to work it out for you. I am as guilty as you are for leaving her." He sighed. "I do want you to have your own life, the one you'd want."

"And by telling me to go back to her is the life I want?" I snapped back. "Have you even asked me what I want?"

Patrick clenched his jaw, he won't hit me right? He never did. But the way his eyes sparked with anger, I may need to reconsider my options. But instead he turned his back on me, "Go to your room. You've had enough for one day."

And I did. I was so angry my tears were falling immediately. I was practically sobbing while climbing the stairs, Oggy ran after me and we entered my room at the same time. I laid on the bed fully dressed, the pillows barely muffled my cries.

I didn't dream that night and I was sad, I missed Lucian's voice, his warmth and his kisses. It might to late for us.

Morning came...

Dad didn't wake me but I heard him moving around the next room. We've never argued before, nothing serious that drifted us apart for long. But my heart was still heavy from last night, I don't think I can face him without getting into another fight.

I pulled the covers and curled myself into a ball. Maybe I can stay here all day, until Dad's anger passes.

"Krista?" I heard Louie behind my door, he didn't knock. As if he knew I was awake. I ignored him.

"Krista I know you don't oversleep, Oggy will be restless if you leave him there. Will you open up please?" He tried the knob but I bolted it. Oggy moved towards the door and began scratching.

My dog's whining pulled me off the bed, I can't let him suffer because I had an argument with Dad. I opened the door and Oggy ran outside immediately. I heard his feet hurrying down the stairs.

Louie stood just two feet away, he moved backward after Oggy pushed against him. His hand resting on my half opened door.

"You okay kiddo?" His looked concerned.

I tried to smile and managed a little, "I'm good. Just had...a tiring day yesterday." I didn't move to let him in, I was still wearing the clothes from last night. "Will you watch over Oggy while I shower?"

He gave me his famous smile, "You sure its not the other way round you want me to watch?"

"Not funny Louie. You know I'm your boss's kid right?" I looked at him directly, "Plus I'm a minor. Stop pushing pedo."

"Ouch. That hurts Krista, I'm just trying to cheer you up. And you don't look like a kid anymore, you're almost eighteen. You're very much a woman right now. Trust me, you drive a man crazy." He pocketed his hands, "I'm not talking about just me, I've seen how Tristane looks at you too."

I can't help but blush. I've been so used to Louie's jokes that it was hard to take in he said something so serious just now. I feel so ashamed I snapped at him.

"Thanks, I guess. I'm not really cranky when I wake."

He rewarded me another smile, "That's fine. I often forget my manners when I'm around you and your crankiness snapped me back." He tousled my hair, "Go get dressed. I'll make you breakfast. Dr. Neville is in town, might be back this afternoon."

I only nodded and watched him walked away. What a strange guy.

Kitchen

"Hey.."

Louie looked up and smiled, he's just jolly ain't he? I grabbed a chair and poured myself a cup of coffee.

"I made pancakes. Try to eat, you didn't touch my roasted chicken last night."

I was already stuffing my mouth with a spoonful of delicious food. Caramel oozed and spilled on the mantle.

"Oops. My bad."

"Don't mind it, here eat." He flopped another one into my plate. He continued until I ate my fifth piece and finally barfed.

"I'm stuffed. Thanks Louie."

"Feeling better?"

"You bet. If Emma learns you can cook, she'll cage you in the kitchen. Better not stay long at the house of you visit."

"Emma is a dear, I'd love to cook for her." He took my plate and wiped the table. "Not as much as I love cooking for you; of course."

I couldn't say anything and was thankful the phone started ringing. I ran towards the living room and snatched it up, "Hello?"

"Krista? Hey, its Tristane."

My heart yelped, its nice to hear his voice. I caught myself smiling and stopped. I recalled what Emma said, I must clarify things between me and Tristane. Still, I couldn't ignore how he made he feel.

"Hey, you just missed Dad. He's in town, its just me and Louie here."

"Oh," he sounded sad, "can I come over? Will Louie mind?"

I twisted my head and peered at Louie, he was still in the kitchen doing the dishes. "I'm sure not. We'd appreciate the company and...I want to talk to you as well." I lowered my voice a bit feeling shy and uncertain.

"Sure Krista, I'll be there in a bit." That means in 2-3 minutes, he'll be curious as to what I have to say. Probably expecting a good news. And I would hate to break it to him that its not good at all.

"Who was that?" Louie's voice drifted into the hallway.

"Tristane, he'll be here. He did say he found something about the Baron and he wanted to personally bring it here."

Louie frowned, "Why didn't he say so? We were here all week, he could've just dropped by. Unless," he trailed off while wiping his hands on his jeans, blotting the cloth with soap water, "he wants to use it as an excuse to see you."

"I'm sure he means well. C'mon lets finish those dishes before he arrives." I dragged him back to the kitchen.

5 minutes later

Tristane arrived driving the same red truck, the fence out back was left open and he drove in easily. I greeted him at the door, he brought daisies this time.

"The sunflowers aren't blooming till next week. Figured you'd like something else." He handed me dozen of pink and yellow daisies. His hand brushed mine swiftly but I knew it wasn't on purpose.

"Thanks. Come on in." I pushed the door wide and he followed me inside.

"Louie's in Dad study getting some things, we can talk here." I gestured at the tea table in the middle of the living room. There was a futon and a couple of pillows. We'd be on the floor but comfortable.

As if in cue, Louie appeared carrying his laptop and some papers. He smiled at Tristane and we sat down. I took the futon and the men took the floor, Oggy stayed on the carpet.

"So, what'd you find?" I asked Tristane.

He pulled out a small envelope from his jacket pocket. It was thick, like it was filled with marked money.

"I found these in Dad's things while I was cleaning their room. I thought I could find another set of keys for the stuff left at the attic." He opened the envelope and extracted old papers, he spread them on the table, "These are letters from the Baron to his mistress."

Louie moved closer and inspected the letters, "They're in English. Unlike the ones we were translating," he meant the ones from the attic we found last week, "the handwriting doesn't match though. Did he write down the woman's name?"

"No, he only called her his love. And none of these are from her, he either hid them or she simply never responded."

"Wait, which Baron are we talking about?" I asked. Was it Lucian? Are these letters for the farmer's daughter?

"Clayton Norwood. He wrote his initials here and sealed the letters with his insignia. Galbraith didn't inherit the ring, it was lost. Elizabeth decided to have another one made for him, but until he disappeared he never wore any rings." Tristane pointed the Baron's initials in every letter, despite the paper wrinkling away I could make out the texts. Just below the Your servant, C.N. was inscribed.

"He was having an affair, but with whom?" I asked again, trying to find any clue on the letters. Nothing mentioned a woman's name.

"I'm guessing...it was Letecia." We stared at Tristane, shocked.

He regarded our silence for a minute then explained, "Think about it. Why would a governess, an educated woman stay in the manor and accept a servant's duties? She could've worked for another aristocrat and govern another highborn."

"Maybe she was well liked and the Norwood's decided she can stay." Louie interjected.

"Or she could be having a secret affair with the lord of the manor. To keep it a secret he gave her another responsibility. It makes sense." I thought about it, feeling excited, "You did say she was educated, can read and write. That's why the Baron wrote to her. No other servants could've read the letters even if they wanted to."

"Exactly. And that's probably why these letters are in the family mementos. She must've kept them hidden and no one ever found out." Tristane held up one of the letters, "She was in love with him."

"And since she was in charge with the household, she had excuses to meet him at his study to discuss the things needed for the house. The food, clothing and many others. They were doing it under Elizabeth's nose!" I wanted to include that they might be doing more than just meeting and talking but I realised it wasn't needed. You get the picture.

"Alright, alright. Given your theory is correct, that Letecia had an affair with Clayton so that she can stay at the manor.. why didn't she leave after he died? Why stay?" That's Louie for you, always throwing questions. That's why Dad liked him.

Why indeed? According to Claus's journal Letecia stayed as a counsellor to Lucian. She managed the house since then even after Lucian disappeared.

What was Letecia planning? Was she hiding something else? Did she have anything else to do with Lucian's disappearance?