XVIII. The truce

Chapter 18

To ease his stress, Leo got up from his bed and was about to grab a random book when suddenly, the door flew opened and there stood his friend Augustus. His brows meetings, lips into a thin line.

"What were you thinking, Leo?" Augustus angrily blurted out. His fists in his side, eager to kiss Leo's face.

'Oh, shoot' exclaimed Leo in his mind. Augustus, after all, did notice the soldier following them a while ago.

Leo can perfectly see how angry his friend is. Who wouldn't be, right? Unless you really don't fancy your date.

Leo remained in his seat, his fingers tapping against the wooden desk. His eyes focused on the wide varieties of books on his side.

"I asked you, Leo. What were you thinking following Clementine and I a while ago?" Augustus angrily uttered, standing next to Leo's desk. His arms crossed.

Still, Leo kept his mouth shut. Began to regret all his stupidity.

Augustus has a strong feeling that his friend won't answer him. He knows his friend very much.

"Next time, soldier, try not wearing your favorite tophat when spying, it spoils the whole thing," Augustus said, shrugging.

"I was just making sure Clementine would be alright, okay?" answered Leo, now looking up at his triggered friend.

due to what Leo had said, Augustus cannot help himself from raising his right brow at how unbelievable what Leo just spoked.

"Why? Am some sort of rapist for you to worry? Goodness gracious, Leo, how immature can you be," added Augustus as he began walking around the room, his loud footsteps can be heard.

"Okay, okay, I was being plain stupid, okay? I didn't know what I was thinking for me to do that," replied Leo as he stopped tapping the wooden desk.

"Well, good for you to know that Mr. Know-it-all," uttered Augustus.

Leo cannot, of course, hell himself from feeling ashamed as he turned his attention to his black shoes.

"I'm sorry, okay? I promise I won't do it again. I promise I'll make it up to you," apologized Leo, sincerely. His tone is like a kid who just got caught for sneaking in Christmas' eve for peaking at the presents.

for that, Augustus released a sarcastic laugh and said, "I mean, I just don't get it, why in the world would you even do that? spying on us is bad enough but doing something to destroy our date? wrong move, man, seriously," as he shooked his head, really disappointed at how Leo just acted. Very childish, indeed.

"I really am sorry, Augustus. I was just being paranoid and stupid at the same time," apologized Leo once again. Judging by his tone and his face, he truly is regretting what he just did.

But it seems like his friend Augustus can't see that for Augustus remained angry as hell. Ready to destroy everything even their friendship.

"Oh, come on, Leo, that's the exact thing you said when you murdered your whole family," blurted Augustus. Right after he said that he knew he's going to regret it big time.

"You know I didn't do it, Augustus. You know it," replied Leo as he began shaking his head. His face becoming pale as if he just can't believe what his friend just said.

His friend whom he told what really happened that night. His friend whom he didn't lie to. His friend whom he loved like his family. He knew it.

Instead of apologizing at what just came out from his mouth, Augustus too began to shake his head and uttered the words, "Believe me, Leo, I don't know what really happened that night. I mean, what you told me that night and what I saw in your clothes tell me otherwise,"

Leo remained quiet after that. there was a long pause between the two friends. neither is planning to break the ice. Afraid to ruin their friendship even more.

"Don't worry, Leo my friend. We didn't kiss in the carriage if that's what you're worried about," Augustus angrily blurted out after a few minutes of silence.

augustus then slammed the door hard and went straight to his room. But right after he closed the door, Augustus is sure he heard Leo screamed as if he's complete agony.

Augustus was on his way to his room full of shattered things room when suddenly, his father's butler, Steven got up to him and respectfully said, "Your father wants to talk to you, Sir,"

All Augustus can do is let out a loud sigh and replied a short nod to the butler as he began making his way towards hell.

Augustus knocked three times before he heard his father's usual angry voice, "Come in,"

Slowly, Augustus entered the room painted in black. Augustus let his eyes wander around the room for a second.

The lights are dim, stacks of books beside the black couch. Bunch of renaissance paintings can be seen hanging over the wall. The black curtains as usuals are keeping the sunlight from reaching this hell.

Near the window sat his father, looking annoyed as usual at his son's presence, his brow raising.

Augustus took a step forward and cleared his throat and said, "Can I have a favor, Father?"

By that, Mister Douglas Bennett laughed as if there's no tomorrow, cannot believe what he just heard.

"What gave you the rights to ask for a favor, Augustus? Ever since your slutty mother died, you've been nothing to my household but useless," Augustus' father replied, eyeing him angrily.

Augustus didn't wince at what he heard from his dear evil father. Heck, he even let his father's insults slide.

"Father, please, I'll do everything you want," begged Augustus, his voice desperate.

With that, Douglas Bennett's face immediately changed, looking interested as ever. A devilish smirk can be seen.

"I'm listening, my dear son," uttered Douglas Bennett, his arms crossed and his brow raising.

Augustus blurted out his wish that he'll know he'll soon regret. A wish that can destroy not only him. However, this wish can make him happy.

Days passed since our so-called-date. Still, I refused to officially call it a date. Yet, everyone in the household especially Judy kept insisting it's a date.

The day after I watched a football game with Augustus, I was absolutely swarmed with maids asking why our employer took me out since Lady Judy was the one who always takes me out. Plus, they kept bugging me about what we did.

I immediately blushed right after one of the maids' blurted out that we went to some kind of inappropriate place and did an inappropriate act.

Others laughed at this idea while some were a bit angry. I mean, right after that statement was released, their brows immediately met and look at me from head to toe and said, "Look here, Clementine. You may be pretty but still, you have no rights to be with our sir Augustus,"

"Just because you have a face of a Victorian woman who can be friends with Queen Victorian doesn't mean you can flirt with our Sir Augustus," said the other.

"You know what, Clementine. You're nothing but a social climber loser who thinks pushing herself to Lady Judy and our Sir Augustus can actually bring you up," uttered the other, followed by a sarcastic laugh.

I was totally bewildered after they stated that. I am somewhere between scared and blushing a little. Scared because oops, I don't want to be in any trouble. One trouble is enough, okay?

Blushing because correct me if I am wrong but according to what I just heard, they called me pretty. Uhmm, that's a first.

I almost dropped the plate am washing when suddenly, someone poked me in the shoulder. Almost had a heart attack.

Not because someone just poked me in my shoulder but because I can't handle any shattered things here. One expensive vase is more than enough, thank you very much.

When I turned to look at my back to see the suspect, there stood Martha, her arms crossed, looking...annoyed?

Why, oh, why?

"Goodness gracious, Martha. You scared me to death," I uttered, my hand in my chest, trying to calm myself.

Martha just raised her brow and said, "Clementine, my dear, can you please tell the maids what happened to your date with Mister Augustus so they can finally shut up."

Oh, wow, clearly didn't expect to hear that. I seriously thought she'll ask me to attend some task again like watering the plants, scrubbing the carpets, feeding the chickens, and last but definitely my least favorite, serving some tea to Augustus and Leo where I stood there at their side, waiting for them to finish their tea which, by the way, took so long.

Also, can Leo please stop staring at me like I have a dirt on my face. I swear, I almost punch him hard once again for being super awkward.

The next time I talk to him, I'll advise him to please not stare like that at girls.

I mean, Leo has the looks, just not as handsome as Augustus but still, he's quite handsome but that doesn't automatically mean he can look at girls awkwardly like that.

"why, Martha? and it's not a date, how many times do I have to tell you guys that?" I asked, frowning as I slowly removed my yellow rubber gloves.

in the corner of my eye, I saw some maids eavesdropping at what Martha and I are talking about. definitely hoping to ascertain some secrets.

"my goodness, child, I am getting tired of them bugging me at what really happened at that date," blurted Martha, her arms still crossed.

somehow, that made me ashamed for I cannot believe Martha, my fifty-year-old something friend and roommate is being disturbed because of me.

"am sorry for that, Martha, for that, I'll promise I'll tell them what really happened so they can shut up," I apologized which somehow made Martha smiled, her wrinkles in the side of her eyes are evident.

"No worries, child. Now, go back to work before Chef Florentino catch us," assured Martha, shrugging as she scanned her eyes around the kitchen for the always furious Chef Florentin9 with a sharp and deadly knife at his hand.

But before Martha can leave the kitchen, I made sure I clear things out. "It's not a date, Martha. I swear," I hollered that made all the people inside the kitchen look at me, pretty much annoyed.

Thank goodness Chef Florentino excused himself to pee in the bathroom at the back or else I'm dead once again.

I don't know, judging by how long Chef Florentino's absence, he didn't only pee in the bathroom.

I know it's improper for a Victorian lady to think what a person is doing in the bathroom or anyone in general but hey, that's what I am.

Martha meanwhile turned her head to me and smirked that somehow made me blush.

Right after that, I continued to my work, that is, washing the dishes which somehow made it to my Quiet Favorite Task of All Time But is Still Not Good at It.

for the second time this day, I almost dropped the golden plate when a blonde maid poked me in the waist.

I turned to look at her, looking very annoyed as ever. Suddenly, I seriously want to use in Mandarin or in Filipino.

shrugging, she asked me, "Soooooo, what really happened on that date of yours with our dashing Mister Augustus?" her brow raised.

I was about to roll my eyes heavenwards and say, "It's not a date and what happened is none of your business. also, sorry to disappoint your pervert mind, gurl but nothing inappropriate happened,"

but then, I remembered what I promised Martha that in order to release her from countless buggings of the bugs, I mean, the other maids, I must spill what happened.

Pshhhh, as if something scandalous just happened between Augustus and me.

"We watched a football game at a huge field and then we ate rice milk. that's it." I answered, eyeing her angrily but flashing my best smile but in the eyes of the people is worst. I must've looked like an ogre right now.

"Oh, come on, did Mister Augustus bought you something or took you in an abandoned Barnhouse or warehouse? Tell me," she once again asked, excited for my answer, I can tell judging from her facial expression, the tone of voice, and how fast she speaks.

this time, I cannot help myself from rolling my eyes. here we go again with these dirty thoughts.

"Okay, Mister Augustus did buy me the winning team's handkerchief and no, my dear, he did not take me to that kind of places," I replied, my smile's plastic.

"off you go, dear, am finished sharing my tale, go tell your friends about it so they can finally sleep at night peacefully," I added, groaning.

I can tell she was about to say something that will make me hate her more when suddenly, there's a flying wooden spoon that flew straight to my white apron.

now, not only is my apron wet from washing, it's also covered in red sauce. Great, just great.

when I turned to look at the very rude person who threw it, there stood Chef Florence, furious as usual.

"Stop dillydallying, you two stupid maids, you're not being paid to gossip useless things to each other," Chef Florence hollered, giving me a deathly glare.

with that, we continued with our work but after a few seconds, that's when I realize how the kitchen now smells awful.

looks like I was right, Chef Florence didn't only pee in the bathroom, judging by the sudden smell after his appearance and how he kept wincing and messaging his stomach. also, beads of sweats kept rolling from his temple.

ohhhhh, I pity you, Chef Florence. I know how hard that feels.

for that, I know this may sound totally bad but I cannot help myself from laughing hard.

I noticed that some staffs are now holding their breath, some are pinching their nose while some are chuckling as they continue their job. looks like am not the only one who noticed it.

after a few minutes, ChEf Florentino once again excused himself to his heaven, the bathroom.

Later that night, Chef Florentino who still looks as if he's ready to sacrifice everything just to live in the bathroom asked me to bring a tea to no other than Mister Douglas Bennett.

right after I heard that, I am the one who is ready to sacrifice everything to hide everywhere, even in the bathroom just to avoid my scary employer.

I gulped before knocking three times on the wooden door of Mister Douglas Bennett's office.

"come in," said he, his voice is enough to make myself pee.

I was about to hold the doorknob when the door suddenly flew opened and there stood Mrs. Jones in my front.

again, the way she looks at me right now is enough for me to faint and to drop the teapot and the teacup and run for my lives fOr I still can't forget how hard she pulled my hair back then. How angry at me she was.

"Goodluck to you, hunny," warned Mrs. Jones before leaving, mockery is obvious in her tone.

right after she said that, I was glued to my spot. I know this may sound funny and engaged but my hands are seriously shaking right now.

God knows how long I stood there until Mister Douglas Bennett rose from his seat and gave me a warm smile. He the gestured for me to come in.

wait, what?

I can't understand what's happening right now?

did Mister Douglas Bennett, the man who almost killed me due to him extreme anger to me for breaking his vase just smiled at me?

what? the world must be ending or perhaps, I am dreaming.

I was more shocked when Mister Douglas released a soft chuckle and said, "Don't be scared, my child. I don't bite,"

uhm, yeah, you don't but what you did is worse than that. you literally pulled my hair and choked me that almost killed me.

although, I somehow deserve for like breaking the most expensive vase in the world.

"anyways, my child, I am truly sorry for how bad I acted when we first met. I was really having a bad day. I mean, the author whom I supposed to meet failed to show up and then, the ship that I am aboard at has a terrible service," he explained which makes it so weird because first of all, a simple sorry is enough. I mean, he doesn't need to explain. like, who am I to deserve an explanation? am just a mere housemaid.

I don't know what happened but after that, Mister Douglas Bennett began talking about his adventures while he was away to his son, Augustus. How beautiful America and Asia was. Heck, he didn't even hesitate on telling me about all the funny, boring, and boastful authors he met for the past decades.

for that, my heart began to soften. I don't know why but my perspective towards him changed. as if what happened back then was nothing.

somehow, for the past weeks, I began to look forward to serving him some tea as he kept telling me all about his life.

how he and his late wife, Margarette met. how happy he was when Margarette gave birth to a lovely son like Augustus. how he'll do everything for his family.

looks like I was wrong for judging him too fast.

all is well until Miss Dolores began to question my growing friendship with Mister Douglas.

that made me realize why am I befriending the person I must kill?

how stupid I am for someone seeing him as somehow a father-figure.

"Be careful with him, Clementine." Miss Dolores once warned me when I bumped into her while on my way to Mister Douglas Bennett's office.

"Relax, Miss Dolores. He's a good person," I replied, smiling broadly. Almost laughing at her for thinking such things.

"I know him, Clementine and don't you think it's a bit suspicious for acting all so friendly right after what happened," Miss Dolores added, her tone worried.

I waved my hand and said, "Mister Douglas just had a bad day,"

But still, Miss Dolores remained hard as ever, "I know you, Clementine since the day your parents died and I know you're only craving for a fatherly-figure but still, please be careful with him,"

"Okay, okay, Miss Dolores but believe me, Mister Douglas Bennett is one of the kindest people I've met," I assured.

I am so determined to prove Missis Dolores that Mister Douglas is not what she thinks to the point I didn't watch what am saying, "It's like I almost don't want to kill him,"

Right after those words dropped from my mouth, I can tell there was a sudden changed of atmosphere between Miss Dolores and me for her expression immediately became angry.

"Don't you think of such thing like that, whatever happens, you need to kill him," Miss Dolores furiously blurted out.

I was about to say something when Miss Dolores began walking away from me. Her loud footsteps can be heard.

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Sorry for the short and boring update. :)