XIII. Friendship over

Chapter 13

Judy and her husband, Jacob are already gone by morning for they have some personal business to attend. Judy kissed me a goodbye and assured me she'll be back as soon as possible.

"Don't worry, I'll buy you a gift," Judy said just before she left.

"That's not really necessary, Judy," I replied for I am kinda shy to let someone buy me gifts although frankly speaking, I am excited for I have zero clues on how Victorian ladies gift.

I mean, letting me wear her beautiful pink ballgown last night was far more than enough. Really.

Half of me is wishing she'll give me a book for I miss reading so much while another half of me is wishing she'll just throw me one of her beautiful gowns for I am growing tired of wearing this boring maid's uniform.

Call me ungrateful but it's just the way I am.

For today's work, Martha asked me if I could clean the living room instead of washing the dirty dishes.

I instantly gulped when I heard her say that, being in-charged in the living room means you'll have to pay for whatever fragile things you'll break. Living room is where all the treasures can be found so that the guests would drool about it.

Making sure i'm alone, I let out a loud sigh as I stroll towards the Victorian paintings, clutching the feather-dust hard. Sighing in public is consider inappropriate so I need to watch my actions more carefully.

It perhaps took me about half an hour to finish like two enormous paintings for I cannot stop myself from sneezing because of the dusts the paintings had gathered. I replied a broad smile at the sight of two dust-free landscape paintings.

After the paintings, I proceeded to the hardest yet prominent part which is cleaning the delicately-made vases. I began with the smallest one up to the biggest.

I guess I am so focused on my work to the point I didn't notice someone enter the room and hollered, "Hurry up with those, you dim-wit,"

And since I am really, really easy to scare, I let out a scream and accidentally drop the vase I am wiping.

My eyes widened at the sight of the shattered vase. The horrifying sound it created was the result why maids came rushing towards the living room, eager to see what just happened so that they have something to gossip about.

I look up from the person who spoke to me that made me drop the vase. Standing in front of me is an unfamiliar smirking woman.

I have this huge urge to stand up and scream in frustration for I know Miss Dolores and Martha would be angry at me for this. This single vase probably worth more than my life and my after life. Heck, I don't even know how much my salary as a maid is.

Instead, I kept my eyes on the woman who is responsible for all this. She raised her right brow at me as if challenging me to do something worth-gossiping about. Her arm crossed.

Plus, how dare she call me a dim-wit?

She's wearing the same uniform as mine but I can tell hers is different. It has a touch of superiority of it like the one Miss Dolores wears. Also, judging from her looks, she's probably around her mid-forties.

I was about to open my mouth to channel my frustration when we heard a loud scream behind us.

My eyes automatically scanned the room to see where that horrifying scream came from. And there it stood Martha, eyeing the wrecked vase in my side.

Dozens of maids are still staring at us, enjoying the show. Most of them began looking at me as if I am an unworthy soul for they began to raise their brows at me, followed by snickers.

Some of the maids I recognized from last night because as soon as I reached the maids' chamber last night, many of the maids came rushing down to me to ask me where we went this time and where did I get the ballgown I was wearing since according to them, whenever I go out with Judy, I always wear my maid uniform by all means.

I seriously did see jealousy and anger in their eyes. Perhaps they're starting to question me. On why on earth would an orphan girl like me be attached to Judy is has a kind and humble heart?

"What happened here, Clementine?" Martha grilled as she strolls towards the shattered vase. Her hands shaking.

I was about to answer her when the devil spoke first, "Obviously, that child just broke one of the Bennett's well-prized treasures,"

Martha, as if it's her first time noticing the mean lady, promptly bow her head to the lady's direction.

"Missis Jones, please forgive this child's foolishness, she broke the vase in accident." Martha uttered, my cheeks turned red as soon as these words fell from her mouth for I cannot believe she's apologizing for my sake.

I tugged Martha's arm for her to stop for it pains me to see her like this. She didn't seem to understood what I am doing because she snaked her arms behind my back, forcing me to bow...and apologize.

"I-i am sorry, Missis Jones. It was an accident, I promise I'll work all day just to pay for the vase," I apologized, still bowing, eyeing Missis Jones perfectly polished red heels.

In return, Missis Jones just let out a loud sarcastic laugh, "Whether you broke it intentionally or by accident, still, that doesn't change the fact that it's shattered,"

I clutched my white apron and spoke, "That's why I am more than willing to pay for the-"

Missis Jones didn't care if it's consider disrespectful to interrupt someone for she cut me off and angrily groaned, "Nonsense, you stupid child. That vase is definitely worth more than your life,"

"That vase was a gift from Mister Douglas Bennett's friend in Philippines who recently just passed away. But I guess you wouldn't know that for you are nothing but a bubblehead maid," Missis Jones enunciated, her eyes still glued on me. I can see a hint of disgust and anger in her eyes.

"Wait 'till Mister Douglas comes home from his trip, he will surely not hesitate in throwing you to Bastille or worse, in asylum,"

Missis Jones then began walking towards me until we are inches away from each other.

Then I felt her hand touch my hair and brutally pulled it, I let out a soft scream from what she just did. She began dancing her hands around my hair.

Meanwhile, the maids who were still watching cannot help themselves from gasping for what they saw.

In the corner of my eye, I see them throwing devilish smirks to me. They didn't even bother hiding it.

"P-please forgive her, Missis Jones," Martha begged, her palms pressed together. Her eyes tearing up.

I wanted to tell her to please stop whatever she's doing for I am not worth her tears.

I let out a loud cry from pain as Missis Jones tugged my hair really, really hard this time. My scalp hurts like hell.

"Just go back to your stupid work, you old hag," Missis Jones replied, her fingers still curled around my hair.

Missis Jones then forced me to look at her face with the use of her violent hands, I can see the anger on her face.

I get it, I know vases are very expensive but is it really necessary for her to act so violent like this? And besides, it's not like her life depends on that single vase.

In my mind, I began asking for Miss Dolores and Grandpa's help even though I know it's useless for I know Grandpa is not in this era and secondly, Miss Dolores is avoiding me for an unknown reason.

"Did you realized what you just did? A stupid maid like you who don't even know how to read, let alone to attend her job properly should rot in hell," she exclaimed. Still looking at me as if any minute now, she'll start shredding my skin.

I can tell Missis Jones was about to slap me and release more harsh words from her harsh-looking mouth when we heard footsteps coming towards us.

I didn't dare looking sideways to see where that footsteps came from for I am afraid they'll see how red I am due to humiliation.

"What's happening around here, Missis Jones?" asked a manly-voiced which I quite recognize but can't seem to figure out who owns it.

In just a blink of an eye, Missis Jones' brutal hands are off me. I turned towards her direction and saw her back to me, now bowing to the newcomers.

And there stood Augustus Bennett and his friend soldier who seems to scan my face endlessly. I bit my lip due to humiliation.

Augustus then scan the room and his eyes silently eyed the shattered vase, his brow raised. "What happened?" he asked, his eyes now glued to mine but still, I kept my eyes on the floor.

Augustus is wearing a horseback riding uniform as well as Leo. Both were holding black helmets.

Meanwhile, the next thing I know, Leo Finley is just few paces away from me and I caught a glimpse of how he hesitantly raised his hand to touch my hair but immediately put it back behind his back when he felt the strange stares of the audiences. The household staffs who still has their attention glued to the show.

I suddenly have this urge to go straight to a mirror and see if my hair now looks like a bird nest. Still, why would he think about touching my hair in front of everyone?

A part of me is thankful for not having a skin-contact with him for I don't want to stir more trouble for a man touching a woman is greatly prohibited. Many pair of eyes are still enjoying the show.

Leo Finley then turned his back at me to dismiss the gossipmongers. I watched him carefully as he quickly waved his fingers to the maids.

Now, it's just Martha, Missis Jones, Leo, Augustus, and I. And oh, also a shattered vase by my side.

"Mister Augustus, look what this dumb maid just did," Missis Jones vocalized, breaking the ice, her forefinger pointing to the wrecked vase.

Augustus then quickly shift his attention to the vase then back to me. His hands in his pocket then slightly bit the back of his cheek.

I can tell Augustus was about to say something when Leo stepped in into the picture, "I'll pay for it," he uttered that made me look at him in surprise.

I don't know what to feel and to say. Gratitude and humiliation began running through my veins.

Heck, I don't mean to sound rude but I have a strong feeling that this vase is worth more than his annual income as a soldier as well.

"There's no need for that, Leo. We can just simply pretend nothing had happened," Augustus assured, shrugging, his eyes still on me.

"But Mr. Douglas Bennett would be angry when he found out about this," Missis Jones kicked in as she stomped her feet like a baby.

"I said I'll pay for it," Leo exclaimed, his arms crossed. His back facing me, shielding me from the mean Missis Jones.

"That's not necessary, my dear friend for like I said, we'll just pretend this vase never existed," Augustus insisted, his brow raising and his eyes now on his friend soldier.

Suddenly, I can felt a tension between these two and due to that, my humiliation deepened for I know it is my fault. Totally my fault. How stupid of me.

"But this vase was a gift fro-" Missis Jones groaned, getting a bit annoyed for they didn't seem to get her point. Plus, neither the two Victorian males are looking at her.

"Of course I know that. I am my father's son, after all, his one and only heir." Augustus angrily replied which made Missis Jones shut her mouth.

Missis Jones stared at her employer in horror, "Now, off you go, Missis Jones." Augustus exclaimed as he waved his hand to Missis Jones.

But Missis Jones was still stuck on her spot until surprising words started falling out from Augustus' mouth, "And oh, don't you ever think of telling Father about this or else you'll find yourself in the swamp,"

As soon as Missis Jones left the room, Leo once again faced me and examined me. His eyes searching for any bruises although my ragged hair didn't escaped his attention which made him let out a sigh.

"Are you okay?" he silently asked, there's a hint of nervousness in his voice.

He then raised his hand and was about to really touch my face when Augustus butted in, "What was that all about?"

His voice is somewhere between worry and anger.

I slowly diverted my attention to Augustus who like Leo has a hint of nervousness in his handsome face.

"I-i...broke the vase," I answered, biting my lip due to frustration and humiliation.

I can feel my eyes getting wet so I instantly covered my face using my hands and said, "I am sorry, I swear, it was an accident,"

I held Augustus wrist, "I swear i'll pay for it. I'll work day and night,"

I stare at his deep blue eyes, searching for some understanding and forgiveness.

For some reason, I saw surprise and amusement in his eyes. That caught me off guard for I caught a glimpse of my hand snaked around his wrist.

"M-miss Wright, you don't have to worry all about it, i'll pay for it. I'll be the one to talk to Mister Douglas Bennet." Leo Finley suddenly said, his eyes on Augustus' wrist. His brows meeting. His palms balled into fists.

I know it may sound funny but I truly did saw a hint of jealousy in his eyes for a second.

Quickly, I removed my hand around Augustus' wrist as I felt a bead of sweat rolled from my temple.

"Go to your room now, Miss Wright. I'll be the one to take care of this plain-looking vase. A single vase won't hurt my father's reputation," Augustus said, his hands now resting on top of my shoulders.

I can tell Augustus was about to say something to really assure me that there's nothing to worry about when the soldier butted in.

"Y-your hand, Miss Wright, it's bleeding," Leo exclaimed which made me and Augustus both look at it.

And there across my wrist is a smear of blood. For some reason, my head began to feel dizzy for I don't like the sight of blood. It makes me wanna puke.

Leo immediately held my wrist and examine it without any hesitations on what the people would say. His fingertips felt so soft on my wrist.

"Stay here, Miss Wright. I'll go fetch my first-aid kit in my room," Leo frantically spoked and was about to leave when Augustus once again butted in.

"No need for that, Leo. Miss Martha, go get the first-aid kit, i'll go attend Miss Clementine's injury," Augustus uttered then ran his fingers through his dirty blond hair.

"No, I promise I'll be quick. Just take a seat, Miss Wright." Leo replied as he began tapping his fingers in his black helmet suitable for horseback riding.

Martha then came into the picture, letting out a loud fake cough and said, "I'll be the one to mend Clementine, Officer Finley and Mister Bennett. No need to get yourselves involved,"

Martha widened her eyes on me and with that, I knew what exactly she's thinking. Lectures on how to properly act as a Victorian lady, here I come!

"R-right, forgive how foolishly we just acted, Miss Martha," Leo apologized, bowing to Martha.

Martha's eyes widened for she cannot believe the brave young soldier just bow at a plain old maid like her.

Martha walked towards me, causing for both gentlemen to stay back. Martha gripped my hands as she began walking to our chamber.

Before leaving the living room, I can feel their stares behind my back, causing a slight tension between the two Victorian males.

On our way to our room, Martha stopped a housemaid walking towards the opposite of our direction and told her to clean the vase.

By the time we have reached our room, Martha locked the door and eyed me suspiciously.

"What was that all about, you child? Are you out of your mind? What would people say if they saw you letting gentlemen touch you. Goodness gracious," Martha spoke as she massages her temple.

I play with my fingers as she spoke, feeling really ashamed and stupid. I can still feel Missis Jones' hard grip to my hair, Leo's warm and soft touch at my hands, and Augustus' hands which were resting on top of my shoulders a while ago.

"Remind me to never let you go near the living room again, Clementine," Martha sheepishly said right after she rubbed an oil on my wrist that made me winced in pain.

"This is all my fault, I should've known better. I should've let a young and clumsy girl like you cleaned the living room." Martha spoked, a hint of anger and regret in her hoarse voice.

"Pray to God that Mister Douglas Bennett wouldn't know about this incident and notice the absence of his most-loved vase," Martha added as she once again let out a loud sigh.

Later that day, Martha told me to stay in our room to avoid any troubles for she has a strong feeling the housemaids will start looking at my direction and talk behind my back.

She secretly delivered me a bread and a cheese as my dinner.

———

God knows how long Augustus has been standing outside Clementine's room. He kept brushing his hair out of frustration.

Augustus badly wants to knock the door to ask Clementine Wright if her wrist is now okay. He also simply want to chucked a bottle of wine in his room out of frustration.

He seriously can see how pathetic he is because he knows nobody dies out of a single cut in his wrist. But still...

But damn, he just can't sleep with his thoughts are nothing but Clementine Wright.

Oh, how it pained him to see how Clementine Wright was close to crying a while ago. But at the same time, it somehow turned him on how hot Clementine Wright was with her chaotic hair and reddish lips as a result from biting her lips too much.

Speaking of lips, Augustus unconsciously licked his lips because, for the nth time, he remembered how he kissed Clementine Wright's soft lips.

How she laughed at his silly jokes last night at the Guevarra's party and how she dances so gracefully with him and lastly, how she looks so beautiful and captivating.

No wonder almost all the men last night cannot take their eyes off her, that's why it made his blood boil to see them looking at his Clementine. His beautiful Clementine.

If only the society didn't despise the idea of two opposite sexes touching and talking freely and if only his father does not despise the idea of his son fancying a mere maid.

Deep down, he knew Father would be furious as hell when he discovered his precious vase is missing. He knew Father isn't the type of person to easily let anything go. Let alone an expensive vase which is a gift from a late friend.

He's just hoping that if ever Father found out about it, he's in a really good mood to not make it a really big deal.

Few more days 'till Father's arrival from his business trip.

How Augustus wish he can take Clementine Wright out of this boring house and do cycling with her down the town. 'But then the town is too much polluted to be enjoyed," Augustus thought, getting more frustrated.

But still, Augustus doesn't give a damn for he'll do anything for Clementine Wright.

He's like a child trying to get his parents' attention. Like a child trying to impress everyone.

Augustus diverted his eyes to his golden wristwatch and decided to proceed to his chamber.

He almost lost his balance when he caught a glimpse of his friend soldier staring at him. Leo's brows are meeting as a bead of sweat rolled from his temple.

Augustus' heart began beating really hard because he has a strong feeling his friend will ask him what he's doing out here in the middle of the night.

But then Augustus saw Leo's hands behind his back. Instantly, Augustus knew Leo is hiding something from him. Like literally.

"What's that behind your back?" Augustus asked, his brow raising. Trying his very best not to sound so desperate and curious.

"N-nothing," Leo answered in a very-low voice, afraid they'll disturb Clementine Wright and Martha Brown's sweet dreams.

"Come on, Leo. I've known you since I was like literally a toddler and I know when you're hiding something from me," Augustus insisted, making the atmosphere light.

There was a long-pause and since Augustus doesn't want to press it, "Fine, I'll go ahead," he uttered, shrugging.

Augustus knew that if he kept asking Leo what he's hiding behind his back, Leo will begin questioning Augustus' presence here as well.

Augustus perfectly saw how his friend's face turned to relief when he said those words.

However, too bad for Leo because Augustus was about to really leave when he saw a glimpse of a first-aid kit and a hardbound book in Leo's shaking hands.

He can perfectly recognize that book, it's Grimm's Fairy Tales. Oh, how his late mother kept reading that to him to sleep when he was around eight years old.

Suddenly, the thought of Leo touching Clementine Wright's bare wrist and reading those silly fairy tales to her sleep made his blood boil.

All Augustus can do is shake his head, torn between laughing and screaming in frustration from what he just realized.

It looks like he just discovered who his rival is.

—

Right after Augustus left, Leo cannot help himself from wincing for he almost got caught.

But a part of him tells him that his friend already knew what's his hiding and what's he's up to.

Nevertheless, that won't stop him from doing what he's about to do.

Leo, like Augustus, cannot stop himself from wondering why in God's name would Augustus be standing for so long in front of Clementine's room?

Ever since he came to Bennett's manor to stay temporarily, the day in which Clementine drowned herself, he instantly knew Augustus' has his attention to the mesmerizing girl.

Oh, how it pains him to witness his childhood friend Augustus slowly kiss Clementine in the shore.

How he screamed that night due to frustration in his room and how many times he lost count on secretly paying the unconscious Clementine in her room whenever no one is around.

How he kept reading her the Grimm's Fairy Tales whenever he pays her a visit and on how many times he wished he could touch her freely without the society raising their brows and giving them looks.

Oh, how he missed her sweet and infectious smile. How she laughed like he had never seen ladies do before.

How beautiful she look last night in her cousin's pink ballgown that totally suits Clementine and how their knees kept touching last night in the carriage on their way home. He knew giving the driver a drink wasn't really a bad idea.

And lastly, Leo knew it's wrong but he cannot help himself from rethinking what he just saw yesterday in his cousin's room. How it shocked him to caught a glimpse of Clementine wearing nothing but undergarments.

He almost faint yesterday.

What destroyed his mood last night at the ball was the sight of Clementine dancing with Raymond and his friend Augustus. How it pains him to see Clementine laughed with Augustus. How diligent Clementine was for listening to Raymond's boring and boastful stories.

How he kept cursing himself for being so chicken to even ask for a single dance with her.

Leo momentarily stared at the wooden door in front of him then wiped his sweat.

He slowly and quietly opened the door and in just one snap, there lay Clementine. Sleeping so peacefully.

Leo then stared at her a while but immediately cursed himself for looking as he quickly covered Clementine's body with a blanket for Clementine os wearing a thin sleepwear that somehow shows her skin.

Leo closed his eyes for a while as he waits to let the reddening of his cheeks drift.

Leo then slowly sat on her bed, careful not to make a sound so that Clementine and Miss Martha won't wake up.

With the first-aid kit sitting on top of his lap, Leo them began mending Clementine's wrist and wrapping it in a thick white fabric he always used whenever he got an injury from his training.

After that, he closed the first-aid kit and rose from his seat. He stared at Clementine, longer than it should and left.

Good day to you all, I know I said that I don't even know if everyone is reading my story like a thousand times. Am just really glad that one or three people are actually reading it and I just can't believe it!

Anyways, don't forget to leave a vote and a comment. Pleaseeeee.