CHAPTER 3

On a warm evening the family gathered on the patio for a late drink. It was approximately four months before October, specifically June 29th. Just 2 weeks after Gens book launch. Nothing of importance had happened between that time and now. Among the potted plants it looked like they were having a fancy picnic in a greenhouse.

''How was your book launch Genevieve?"

Ernestine spoke up looking radiant as always in a white turtleneck , blue jeans and flats. She let her hair fall this time as there were no braids in it. Robert placed a hand on his wife's arm as if to draw her back to reality. It worked because Gen came back from the train of thought she seemed to be on.

She cleared her throat while trying to remove the imaginary wrinkles in her long sleeved pink jumpsuit in an effort to compose herself. Last night Robert got in one of his moods but didn't harm her. Maybe that was why she was so agitated.

"Uh it was good. I made some great sales."

George raised an eyebrow and focused on her before he spoke.

"And what was this one about? I hope it's not like the last one. Fairy tales and a prince charming, pfft."

Genevieve visibly winced but replied anyway.

"It's a fiction about a woman in an impossible situation. She is kidnapped from her home and tortured for years but she fights back one day and kills off her oppressor. She was finally free again"

George harrumphed as he was about to take a sip of his drink.

"A bit dark isn't it Ernie?"

Ernestine frowned at Gen and rubbed her leg.

"I agree. Too dark for my taste."

Surprisingly, Robert spoke up and opposed his parents.

"Well I like it. She's great at writing. If she's doing what she loves and has a living out of it, I see no problem with it."

I thought I saw Gen smile a little from his praise while George allowed a help to fill his cup with an unhealthy amount of scotch.

"Whatever you say."

No one spoke for a few minutes until Robert said something to break the ice.

"Well the annual hallows eve fundraiser ball is coming up. We need the whole family to be here as per tradition and to start the necessary preparations. Father, I called my siblings yesterday and they assured me that they'd make it here by the first of July. Ruth too."

George stared at his cup and stroked his white beard.

"The one time of the year I dread. Seeing Ruth stresses me. She has caused so much damage to our reputation already. She should just stay wherever she stays now. Damn child."

Ernestine spoke up in her defense.

"George I know how you feel but it is tradition. Rob, I suppose the time they will get here is fine. I'll make the preparations for their arrival. The servants…uh sorry, help will make their needs met."

SERVANTS

Now that struck me as weird since they mostly had black people on their payroll for their household services. Plus the family that helped the black community and underprivileged so much did not have slaves, anyone that I've seen anyway.

I heard Robert's voice over my thoughts.

"All right if we're done here I have business to attend to with my wife. Genny, come on I have something to show you."

He extended his hands to her and she took it. Robert nodded at his parents and told them a good night before he and his wife both departed into the large grounds.

●●●●●

He held her hand and led her towards a secluded area far from the house. They entered the dense part of the woods but I knew where they were going. I had been there lots of times at night when I was doing a reconnaissance mission on the grounds for my daily escape route. They would have to pass a small clearing that led to a lake.

The water always sparkled in the moonlight, the chirping of the crickets mixed with the brightly colored flowers… it looked like a slice of heaven in my opinion.

I followed an alternate route just as a precaution so I wouldn't be seen when I arrived at the opposite side of the lake. As soon as I got comfortable at my hiding place the couple arrived. Gen's face lit up when she noticed what was going on. It was dinner. Well a candle lit dinner. Wine and little food littered the checkered blanket on the short grass. He really outdid himself this time. Better this than his gifting of jewels she never needed.

The show had begun. He bowed down in a princely manner.

"Milady. Welcome to your evening dinner. I hope it's to your liking."

Gen giggled but played along as she curtsied.

"Thank you sir. I must say, this is spectacular even for you."

He straightened up and smiled.

"Well only the best for you. I will be your help tonight and treat you to anything you desire. Come."

He took her hand and helped her to the ground gently before taking the champagne bottle.

"Champagne?"

Gen held a glass up to him.

"Don't mind if I do."

He poured some into her cup. She accepted it and took a sip. He poured another for himself.

"Thank you for standing up for my writing. It means a lot to me that you like it."

He looked into her eyes and gave her a boyish grin.

"You're my wife. It's my job to stand by you in anything you do. Don't take what dad said to heart, that man hasn't read a fictional book in decades. He didn't know what he was talking about. Remember when we took drama classes together. You were always the Juliet to my Romeo"

A girly laugh filled the night sky.

"We both died in that play Rob."

Robert winked at her and then held her hand in his.

"Ah but we died for love. Best way to go if you ask me."

He hesitated before he spoke again, bowing his head to the ground as if feeling ashamed of himself.

" About yesterday. About how I've treated you this past month, I apologize. I was so mad and I lashed out at you which I never should have done. I don't deserve your forgiveness but I promise I'll be better. I will treat you better. I swear it."

I saw Gen tear up but she quickly wiped the tears away just so she could hold his face.

"I forgive you, no matter what. I love you"

Their touching moment is sealed with a passionate kiss which turned into a full blown make out session very quickly. Very soon the night was filled with their moans, troubles and problems washed away by the waves of shared passion. The food was forgotten.

As usual they didn't notice the eyes watching them. Once clothes started to fly I took my leave. I shook my head in disappointment. This wouldn't last. I could tell it wasn't the first time he'd degraded her like that. When would she learn?