XV. Life outside hell

Chapter 15

After I can finally steady myself and before I have time to react, Leo hurriedly let go of me and exited the room which I cannot help but chuckle.

I walked towards the huge mirror plastered over the wall. My hair is like a bird's nest. Plus, my eyes are red due to how hard I just cried a while ago.

I absolutely have nothing to wear aside from a very simple white gown and a black one.

And since, I am not a sucker for color black, I decided to stick with the white one.

I mean, there's no way I am going out wearing a maid uniform. I don't want someone mistaking me as Leo's maid, not that I am saying I want people to think that we're ya know, together. As in, romantically together.

Also, it would be a nightmare if ever someone just came towards me and ask me to clean their toilets at home. Like, I don't know what I'll do if ever that happened. If only I have the guts to raise my middle finger...

There was a knock on the door, "It's been ages, Clementine, are you now finished?" Leo asked.

I can sense desperation in his voice. I don't know whether to be insulted or to just find this really funny.

After checking out myself in the mirror, brushing my annoying hair off my face, I let out a soft sigh and uttered, "Let's go,"

With that, the door flew open and there stood Leo in the doorway, his hands inside his pockets. Still wearing his dark tuxedo.

He slowly eyed me from head to toe and what happened was really unexpected, he let out a laugh and said, "you've got to be kidding me, Clementine. Are you out of your mind?"

I raised my brow at him and asked him, "Why? What's wrong?" still confused.

Leo the shook his head and uttered, "You're not going out wearing your sleeping wear,"

That made me double-checked my white gown. I kinda feel stupid on behalf of the designer of this gown. Just because it's white then it is automatically an undergarment or a sleeping wear.

I was about to say something when Leo spoke first, his arms still crossed. "Also, the outside is too polluted to wear white. Try wearing white outside and it'll be in the color of black by the time you're home. That's how polluted this country is,"

Shoot, I forgot. Victorian era did suffer major pollution due to the smoke coming from the factories and vehicles.

Leo was about to say something when I began pushing him off the room and jokingly said, "Whatever, whatever. I'll go change." as I rolled my eyes heavenwards.

But he is just so strong. I can't push him. Seriously. Is he Superman in disguise?

"Goodness gracious, do you want to watch me change?" I jokingly asked, rolling my eyes heavenwards.

Suddenly, Leo's face became red as he gave me a confused look. The awkward side of him activated.

"What I mean is, get out so that I can change," I added, crossing my arms. After a few seconds, Leo's face color became normal.

The awkward side of him deactivated.

Leo just released a loud laugh and uttered, "Oh great, another decade of waiting," as he raised both his hands and let me pushed him off the room.

Right after I closed the door, harder than I intended to, I went straight to the room to wear the black one since I have no choice. The gown is not literally in color black, it also has a touch of gold which makes it a bit fancy. Heck, I don't know where this came from.

Perhaps, the universe is just being kind to me or this gown is simply used to be Martha's. Ya know, when she was still young. 

After few minutes, there was another knock on the door. Since I am already finished getting into this complicated victorian gown, I cleared my throat and uttered, "Come in,"

The only thing I can thank the heavens is the fact that this black gown doesn't involve complicated corsets or else, I have to choice but to ask for help. And help means asking for Leo.

For some reason, I brushed whatever dust is in my black gown as I wait for Leo's head to come out.

And there he was, standing by the door. His brow raised as his eyes travel from my head to toe. His face unreadable.

Didn't he know that staring intently at someone, particularly a girl will only make the situation awkward? Sigh, there he goes with his awkwardness again.

"Shall we go then?" I asked, watching him watch me.

"Pink suits you better although black reveals the daring side of you," Leo stated, not answering my question and still staring at me creepily.

I just don't know what's with this guy. I think he should be the one thrown into the asylum. I mean, this guy is not only awkward, he is nuts as well.

"W-what?" I stuttered, glued to my spot.

"I mean, you just look so sweet and approachable in pink. While you look really seductive in black, Clementine," he added, still lost in his perverted thoughts.

After that, there was a long pause between us. I just don't know what to say.

Deep in my heart, a part of me wants to start punching him where it hurts the most and start calling him "awkward maniac"

On the other hand, the other part of me just wants to laugh awkwardly and pretend nothing happened.

Leo seems to notice the sudden change of atmosphere between us for he began wandering his eyes around the room, avoiding my eyes. The sound of his frequent shoe tapping is the only thing that can be heard.

"Wow, I'll just take that as a compliment," I commented, hoping to avoid any further awkwardness.

Leo then shifted his attention back to me then faked a cough, "F-forgive my words a while ago,"

All I can do is to reply a nod to him and asked, "Anyways, may I just ask you, Mr. Finley, isn't it improper for a woman to go out with someone who is not her relative or someone who is unmarried?"

There was a change of expression in Leo's face after I asked that question. His expression turned from distress to humor for an unknown humor.

"Well?" I uttered, nervously playing my fingers, fighting the urge to bite my lips until it bleeds.

"Well, the only solution I can think of is by pretending we're cousins," he answered, smiling broadly, his hands inside his pockets.

"Forgive me, Mister but I'm afraid there's a plot hole in your story," I cockily replied, my arms crossed.

"Spill the beans, Genius," he challenged, still smiling broadly to the point it somehow turned to mockery./

"Well, aren't you quite well-known in this town? I mean, you're a soldier, right? Which means they all know your story or whatsoever. Won't they suspect it?" I exclaimed.

"You have a point but see, Clementine, you're going to be my long-lost cousin," he answered, shrugging.

"Long-lost cousin? Isn't that a bit dramatic or cliche? What if people asked about how I reunited with my 'said' family?"

"You do realize that I'm beginning to believe you just don't want to go outside, right?" he said, raising his brow.

That caught me off guard. Of course, I want to explore the unknown land outside this cage. I want to see how middle-class people actually live back in Victorian times.

"Anyways, we'll go with a distant cousin. Are you fine with that, Madame?" Leo stated, emphasizing the last word which earned him a raised brow from me.

"Let's just go, shall we?" He laughingly said as he extends his hand to me which I accept after a minute. Resulting a frown from him.

Our whole ride was peaceful and awkward at the same time. Peaceful because there was no talking much. Awkward because I kept on catching him staring at me.

I just don't know what to feel about that, I mean, catching him staring at me means I am also staring secretly at him because how else would I know he cannot take his eyes off me? Ugh.

I just can't believe he sat right in front of me. Can he just please sit beside me and leave a huge space between us? You know.

Right after we step outside the carriage, I was greeted by the noise of vendors and the very polluted atmosphere.

I scan the area and noticed that everyone really is wearing dark clothes and dark parasols.

Leo and I then began walking around. Our fingers not touching.

We were stopped by a couple of

men and women who greeted Leo with pure respect, not forgetting the word 'Officer'. Expectedly, they asked about me, Leo then, of course, answered them. Telling that I am his distant cousin.

"Are you by any chance, unmarried?" asked a few handsome young fellas we've stumbled upon.

My cheeks immediately grew red whenever I heard that phrase. Meanwhile, I noticed that Leo always frown whenever he heard that phrase or noticed someone staring at me for so long.

But all he can do is faked another cough to gain the attention of the young fellas. He then pats the guy at the back and said, "Sorry, mate, my cousin already has a husband back in her town,"

The Victorian gentlemen, as a reply, just frown and hurriedly went on their way. Barely giving me a glance after that.

I was gonna ask Leo about his suspecting behavior when an old lady caught our attention.

The old lady was like me, wearing a black gown, her hair tied but the thing is, she is also tied in a chair.

Her eyes, many people including me and Leo surrounds her. In her side is a long queue of Victorian ladies, watching her with amusement.

"What is she doing? And why she is tied in that chair?" I asked Leo, nudging him in the arm as I kept my eyes on the peculiar woman.

"She reads the future and speaks to the deceased," he blandly answered.

My eyes automatically widened as soon as I heard him. Oh my heavens, I can't believe I am now staring at a Victorian person who possesses a rare ability.

"Don't worry, it's fake. She's just a greatly paid actor," Leo then said which just burst my bubbles. My lips automatically turned upside-down.

"But how can you know that? There's no wrong in trying, right?" I exclaimed, tugging his arm.

"Come on, Clementine," Leo stated, releasing a soft chuckle.

After we escape the crowd surrounding the peculiar woman, Leo and I then began walking once again with zero destinations as far as I can observe.

Well, better than being stuck in that hellhole. Besides, beggars can't be choosers.

I was gonna ask Leo something about the worsening pollution in London when my eyes caught a glimpse of an old shop selling victorian dolls.

My jaw really did drop when I saw the beautiful dolls.

I don't know what came to me but I slowly made my way towards the window in where the dolls can be seen. I study and appreciate how delicately they are made.

They are made of wax and china. Dressed in silk and lace. That made me remember what I read in an article back in the 21st century, that Victorian dolls are the most beautiful dolls in the world. Indeed!

As soon as I an finished drooling over them, Leo then faked a cough, I just frown at him and shrugged. I really am too old to drool over dolls.

Once we began walking towards the unknown, with polluted atmosphere surrounding us, Leo began talking about the issues with this country. How polluted it is, the hardships of poor people, and the laws that are being studied.

Since I don't know much about Victorian days, all I can reply is a nod and a shrug. I can tell Leo was about to say something when suddenly, a bicycle suddenly came at our side and in just one blink, Leo's warm arms immediately enveloped me. His chin on top of my head.

I look up to him with confused eyes, I can feel my cheeks growing hot for an unknown reason.

After a second, he let go of me and when my eyes landed on his back, that's when I realized he just spared me from mud. Now, his tuxedo is covered in absolute mud.

"T-thank God I always wear dark clothes," he jokingly commented as if nothing tragic just happened.

I don't know whether to feel ashamed or happy. Ashamed because I was the one who should be covered in mud now, not the soldier I am with. Happy because who am I kidding? I am not covered in mud. Cheers!

"S-sorry about that, Mister Finley," I stuttered, staring at my shoe.

"Relax, Clementine. A simple mud won't kill me through my ego might," he assured, shrugging with a huge smile painted on his face.

For some reason, that made me feel worse. I just replied Leo an awkward laugh.

His "I'll tour you around the town" isn't really going well, man.

I was about to apologize once again when suddenly, he held my hand which made my eyes widened and my jaw dropped and began walking really fast.

All I can do is to let him lead me to whatever place he wants to go.

While walking, we stumbled upon a bunch of kids playing tin soldiers who then began following us and asking for some pennies. Leo then stopped walking for a moment then fished a few pennies in his pockets the gave to the unfortunate children before messing their dirty blond hair.

After what seems like a thousand years, he suddenly stopped walking which made me hit his sturdy back.

I let out a yelp as I began caressing my temple. I was about to ask him what was that all about but Leo said, "Now, for the main course of this tour, I present you...drum rolls please, the town's bookshop,"

When my eyes met Leo's, I noticed how elated he is. As if his mouth is gonna break any minute now due to how wide he smiles.

But at the same time, I noticed how he hard he sweats right now. As if he is really anxious about what is he going to show me.

I was about to ask him about how weird he is acting right now when suddenly, I caught a glimpse of a huge bookstore in my peripheral vision.

Once again, my jaw dropped at how beautiful and humungous this bookstore is. I just can't believe I am now seeing a bookstore full of first-edition novels written by famous Victorian authors.

When I look at Leo, he is smiling nervously at me, his hands in his back and all I can reply is a punched in the arm which I sometimes do due to happiness.

Right after I punched Leo which I shouldn't have done, how stupid of me, Leo's face immediately changed. From nervous to shock.

After realizing what I did, I began rubbing his arm where I punched him hard, hoping the pain will go away and said, "I-i am very, very sorry, Mister Finley. Please forgive my stupidity,"

By the time I look at Leo once again, I can see the amusement in his eyes and realized he is holding back a laugh. Oh great, the life of a joker, here I come again.

"You really are brutal, Clementine. You punched me when I first saw you, did you remember?" Leo jokingly uttered, smiling broadly like a fool I should report to the police.

Then, my mind began playing the scene in where I first met Leo back in Bennett's manor. In where I jokingly punched him in the arm and said, "I hate formalities,"

For that, I cannot help myself from wincing until the land opens up and swallow me whole due to extreme humiliation.

"Sorry for that, by the way. I was just being stupid back then with all the drowning stuff," I replied, staring at my shoe.

Few seconds have passed and still, Leo failed to say something in return which made me look up from the ground.

My brows quickly met in confusion when I realized he is frowning at me. As if he is disappointed or what. I don't know. I am no genius in human emotions, okay?

Suddenly, he shook his head and gave me a sad yet hopeful smile for an unknown reason.

"I knew how much you love reading novels, Clementine," Leo said as he pointed his forefinger to the huge bookstore in front of us.

My confusion deepened due to what he just said, how come he knew I am a sucker for books? I mean, as far as I know, they viewed me as nothing but an illiterate maid with zero relatives.

So how in the heavens did he knew how I love reading? How?

Before I have the time to react, he grabbed my hand and lead me inside the magical place causing me to drop my jaw more than ever.

I wander my eyes around the place, there are about dozens of bookcases in the store, all the books are hardbound and in a very beautiful edition.

My eyes suddenly caught a sight of Inferno by Dante Alighieri, Homer's books, a bunch of Shakespeare's works, and of course, Jane Austen's legendary novels.

I hurriedly went towards the books and instantly grabbed "Inferno", appreciating how beautiful the book cover is as I began reminiscing the first time I read this. I was really horrified.

"Thank God," I heard Leo murmured in my back.

As I continue to ran my fingertips around the book, I asked him, "Why?"

"Well, solely because I thought you like Romeo and Juliet," he answered.

I returned the book to its place and faced him with my brow raised, "Don't tell me you're no fan of 'The Bard'?"

"I'll rather clean Mister Douglas' toilet than go read Shakespeare. I just can't stand them," Leo replied as he let his forefinger ran along Shakespeare's thick novels.

I cannot help myself from laughing at his statement, "How come, you don't like Shakespeare?"

"Well, I can go on and on for days but since we don't have the time in the world, I'll say it's because I found them absolutely boring and overly dramatic," Leo explained, shrugging and giving me a half-smile.

And since I respect everyone's opinion, I just gave him a shrug as a reply and shifted my attention back to the hardbound.

I experience the adrenaline rush as soon as my eyes landed on the very beautiful edition of Grimm's Fairytale.

With shaking hands, I hurriedly grabbed it and let my fingertips feel how thin Indian papers are.

"Let me guess, you're a huge fan of Brother Grimm. And also, you're torn between Little Red Riding Hood and Rapunzel," Leo playfully uttered that somehow made me take a step back due to surprise.

How come he knows my favorites? I don't know why but I am beginning to suspect him. Is he a stalker? I mean, how would he know that I love reading when in the first place, I am nothing but a mere maid here.

A maid that should've been illiterate.

"I have a feeling I should report you to the authorities. You are staring to creep me, you know and that's not how you get the girls, for your information," I stated as I rolled my eyes heavenwards which earned me a soft chuckle from him.

"Well, I guess I should start browsing for books that teach you how to be a ladies' man," he replied, crossed arms.

After our short chitchat, scratch that, I mean novel-like chitchat, Leo and I decided to sit down on the wooden floor and read.

Mine was, of course, Grimm' Fairytale while surprisingly, Leo chose "Romeo and Juliet".

"I thought you don't like Shakespeare?" I asked him, raising my brow. A hint of confusion and mockery in my voice.

All Leo can do is give me a shrug and said, "Well, why not give it another chance? And besides, I fancy the idea of star-crossed romance,"

After that, he sat just in front of me. But I swear, I am not assuming, I really did saw him stare at me for like a thousand times which I have to admit, made me really awkward.

Can he please stop staring? Can he please just focus on what he's reading and pretend I am not here?

It was already night by the time we reached Bennett's manor. The lights are already off that's why we, I mean, I because I was the one who kept stumbling, had a hard time reaching the maid's chamber.

It was, of course, Leo who guided me down the stairs. His hands pressed very lightly around my waist.

Thank goodness it's dark or else this soldier will notice how red I am now.

We don't want him to turn into conceited, right?

As soon as we reached the maid's chamber, now in front of the door, there was a long pause between us. I turned my attention sideways to avoid him until Leo once again released his signature fake cough.

"H-hope you had a great day," Leo blurted out, his hand behind him.

Despite the darkness, I can still perfectly see him. His messy black hair, pointed nose, and hazelnut eyes.

He seemed to notice I was staring too long at him for he shifted his attention somewhere. I am truly blessed with such an amazing communicating skill.

"T-thanks, by the way, Mister Finley, for not letting me rot in Bennett's manor," I uttered, biting my lips as I stared at the ground.

"N-no problem, well, if you need anything, y-you can just ask me," he replied, stuttering.

I have a strong feeling Leo was about to say something when suddenly, the door flew open.

And there stood Martha, looking so distressed. Her gray hair is like a bird's nest. I've never seen her so stressed like this. And now, all I can feel is guilt for I know this is all because of me.

"Thank the heavens, you're here, Clementine. Where have you been, you child? I've been searching all over the place for you all day," Martha said as she hurriedly wrapped her arms around me. Relief in her hoarse voice.

I unconsciously look around me to see where Leo is but fortunately, he was out of sight to be seen by Martha. Thank goodness, I don't think I can handle "Act like a proper  Victorian lady" lectures for this night.

Martha didn't give me a chance to answer her for she quickly grabbed my hand and lead me into our room as she looked around the hallway.

Before closing the wooden door, I saw Leo hiding in the corner with his arms crossed, giving me a mischievous smile which I failed to give him back due to how fast Martha closed the door.

I know this may sound weird but I swear, I can feel someone is staring at us, at me.

Please, I seriously don't want to stumble upon Victorian ghosts.

————

As soon as Augustus heard the sound of the carriage, he immediately rose from the ground, not minding the shattered glasses scattered around the floor and stared at Clementine and Leo from his window.

Augustus' brow immediately met as soon as he saw how his friend helped Clementine helped Clementine climbed out of the carriage.

His blood began to boil when he caught a glimpse of Clementine, his Clementine actually accepting Leo's hand.

Hiding in the corner, Augustus can perfectly see how Leo guided Clementine in the stairs. How dare Leo touch Clementine's waist? How dare he?

As soon as Clementine closed the door, he silently began following his friend.

His arms crossed, brows meeting, and lips into a thin line.

"How was the date?" Augustus asked Leo once he is sure they are now far from Clementine's room. Hatred can be heard in his manly voice.

Slowly, Leo turned his back towards his friend and leaned against the wall. His brow raising.

"Took you long to finally speak, my friend," Leo uttered, releasing a sarcastic laugh.

Oh, how stupid of Augustus to actually think he can follow his friend soldier without Leo catching him.

How stupid of Augustus to think he can fool his friend soldier who is trained to be wary.

"Where did you take her, Leo?" Augustus stressfully asked as he ran his fingers through his blond hair.

Leo then released a soft chuckle and said, "Go to sleep, Augustus,"

And before Augustus can react, Leo began walking towards his room and in just one snap, Leo is nowhere in sight.

Augustus began having the urge to pull his hair really, really wide and punch the wall until his knuckles bleed to death.

He ran towards Leo's room, and the next thing he knows, he is already knocking on the door rapidly but the door remained shut.

"Open the door, Leo," hollered Augustus as he continues knocking rapidly. His knuckles began to ache.

"What do you want, Augustus?" Leo roared back, still not opening the door. Augustus can sense annoyance in his friend's voice.

"Come on, Leo. Please open the door, I want to know what happened," Augustus angrily replied, not knocking anymore.

Suddenly, Leo's head pops out from the door, surprising Augustus. "To make you sleep at night, no, we didn't kiss. So, now, goodnight, Augustus. Don't let the bed bugs bite," Leo exclaimed and right after that, Leo quickly closed the door.

Leaving Augustus all alone again, still fuming in anger. His hand clenched.

Augustus, without any hesitations, made his way towards his father's office downstairs.

——-

Thank you very much for reading, guys.

I know the story isn't really that great but hey, I still want to give a thousand hugs to all whether you just stumbled upon in this story or you're one of the many people I begged to please ready my story. Haha. No kidding.

Anyways, thank you all. ;) have a great week. :)

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