Arriving home April walked through the black iron cast gate and crept to the kitchen window. Just observing Tom the butler through the window she breathed a sigh of relief and walked in the kitchen door. She had come in the back way to avoid her family remarking on her late return or seeing her with a bag.
"Tom everything okay." April had noticed Tom pacing.
"Miss your stepmother, step-sister and father are all waiting for you to come home, they talked about your stepsister's artwork."
April read between the lines and patted Tom's shoulder reassuring him, he had always looked out for her.
"Not to worry, I'll start dinner in a few minutes if you can help me by heating the oven please."
"Okay miss, please be careful." Tom had seen how the family had taken advantage of her but he couldn't say or do anything to assist her.
