chapter 22
''I need it in an hour,'' Chef Florence reminded me as I quickly removed my rubber gloves perfect for washing and gave Chef Florence a nod.
Chef Florence assigned me to head to the Town's Market to buy a set of butcher knives, saying all the old ones are not working properly anymore. Besides, according to him which I have to be honest, I kinda agree, I am not working much.
That's okay, I don't mind going to the Town's Market today. I've been inside the Bennett manor for so long, I kinda miss the Victorian pollution.
Right after Chef Florence rolled his eyes at me and gave me the money, I hurriedly leave the kitchen, the noise of chopping and CHef Florence's unending commands and complains can still be heard.
I was kinda hesitating whether I should go change as long as it's not my maid uniform but since I only have an hour to buy the butcher knives, I decided to not pay attention to my appearance.
As if someone rich is gonna suffer a love-at-first-sight syndrome to me in the Town's Market and ask me to marry him and we'll love each other for the next five years until his business began to fall apart and sell me to a pleasure house for him to earn some cash. No thanks.
I was about to finally leave the manor when I saw Judy sitting casually in the garden, her legs crossed as she sips tea, wearing a beautiful yellow gown, waving at me with a broad smile on her face. Oh, how I love her fashion sense.
Beside her is her cousin. The awkward guy, the one and only. One thing I noticed about him today is that he is not wearing his usual top hat. Since it's windy, his dark hair cannot help itself to dance along the wind.
Slowly, I began to walk towards them, smiling. As soon as I am in front of them, Leo immediately rose from his seat and slightly dip his head, greeting me. I mimic his action which made the corner of his lips twitch up and for his eyes to travel around the garden.
''Good morning, Mister Finley and Missis Bennett,'' I greeted, my hands behind me.
''Good morning, Clementine. Would you want to join us for tea?'' Judy replied, pointing her lips towards the teacups in front of us.
''Thank you but I have to pass, tea is really just not my cup of tea,'' I jokingly uttered.
Judy didn't seem to notice the pun for she just raised her brow while her awkward cousin, Leo let out a faked cough and mouthed 'Bad pun' to me.
I seriously want to roll my eyes at him but I don't want Judy to get the wrong idea.
''Now, my child, where are you going?'' Judy asked, slowly putting down the teacup.
Giving her a shrug, I answered, ''Oh, I'm off to the Town's Market to buy a set of butcher knives,''
''All by yourself?'' exclaimed Judy, her brow raising.
All I can ever reply is a quick nod and a smile. Judy's sudden smirk and her short glance towards Leo didn't escape my attention.
''My lazy cousin right here can accompany you,''
by that, my eyes went wide. ''No need for that, Judy. I can handle myself,'' I insisted.
''Don't wait for me to use my authority, dear,'' Judy sweetly said, winking which earned her a groan from me to which she replied with a soft chuckle.
Judy then faced Leo, raised her brow and exclaimed, ''Go fix yourself,''
Leo then consciously look at himself, ''Why, what's wrong with this?'' his tone a hint of confusion.
Judy rolled her eyes, ''Well, at least go fetch your stupid magician hat,''
with that, I cannot help myself from laughing hard in which Leo gave me a smug look. Sorry, Leo but I have to agree with Judy.
Leo let out a loud groan, ''It's not a magician hat,'' he said as he rose from his seat and hurriedly went inside the manor to fetch his ''stupid magician hat''
Now, Judy and I are alone. Judy pats the seat beside her, motioning for me to sit which I oblige, smiling.
I watch Judy carefully as she fished something inside her yellow pockets and placed the cash on the white table. What's the money for? And can we please take a minute to appreciate that Judy's yellow gown has a pocket? Who know's you can have fashion and comfort at the same time.
''Clementine, is it okay if I ask you to buy something for me in the Town's Market?'' Judy asked as she grabbed both of my hands.
Of course, as her friend and also as her employee, I immediately agreed to. I wonder what she wants me to buy? Please, just please, don't let it be drugs or something illegal.
''Well, not really for me but for my husband,'' Judy added, her smile widening. This girl is starting to confuse me.
''Just spill it out, Judy,'' I replied, jokingly rolling my eyes heavenwards.
For her husband? I don't want to buy liquor or tobacco or worse, male undergarments. Goodness!
''Will you please buy a box of condoms in the Town's Market?'' Judy spilled out, smiling, still holding both my hands.
Now, as soon as those words escaped her mouth, my cheeks immediately turned red. Wait, what?
''Yo-you want me to bu-buy condoms?'' I clarified, stuttering.
Judy just nodded at me and said, ''Please?''
I noticed that Judy didn't seem a bit embarrassed about it. I strive for her confidence.
with my cheeks still red, ''I mean. I can buy anything but that, Judy.''
can she just let herself be pregnant? Gee, as far as I know, population back then aren't so bad. Also, she and her husband can seriously afford milk or whatever babies need.
''Please, Clementine. You're the only person in this household I know that won't judge me for asking you to buy it,'' Wow, if only she knows I am secretly judging her and her husband.
''Fine but don't you ever set me up with Mister Guava or whatever his name is again, understood?'' I uttered as I break the contact between our hands and slowly grabbed the money Judy placed on the table.
Judy let out a soft chuckle and said, ''Understood and honey, his name is Raymond Guevarra, not Mister Guava,''
I rolled my eyes as I Placed the money in my pocket. ''Whatever,''
''Too bad, Mister Guevarra can really be a good husband. I mean, he's handsome and rich and don't you give me that look, Clementine, I know you find him handsome as well,'' Judy added, raising her brow at me as she gave me a teasing look.
''Okay, okay, just for you to sleep at night, yes, I do find him a bit handsome--'' I wasn't able to finish my statement when Leo cleared his throat and asked, ''Who's handsome?'' giving us a strange look.
I stared at Leo, finally noticing that he is now wearing his usual black top hat.
Judy and I answered him at the same time but we both have different answers.
''No one,'' I answered, my cheeks turning crimson once again.
''Raymond Guevarra,'' Judy answered, her arms crossed.
with that, Leo's brows met, his hands inside his pockets. His expression unreadable.
''I swear, Leo, I just find him a bit handsome, I mean, there's nothing wrong with a girl like me to simply appreciate beauty right? not that I'm say-'' I didn't have the chance to finish my explanation when I heard Judy let out a soft chuckle.
''Come on, Clementine. Leo is not your dad for you to explain unless...he's your boyfriend,'' Judy exclaimed as she wiggled her brows.
with that, I cannot help myself from turning red again. I seriously want to punch myself for acting like that. I mean, first of all, why do I even need to explain? ugh. Stupid me.
And now, I have to endure Leo's funny looks that he is now giving me. My god. if only I didn't bother coming to them a while ago.
To avoid further embarrassment, the only way I can think of is by saying, ''I'm running out of time, I need to go,''
I began walking away from them. Well, I alternate between running and walking. God! I do hope I don't look like a fool to them.
I was almost at the gate when I felt a hand on my shoulder. When I turn around, Leo stood tall behind me, his hands inside his pockets, grinning at me.
Oh, I forgot. He's here to ''accompany'' me.
''Can you please stop that,'' I murmured as I unlocked the gate.
I can still feel his stares behind me. ''Stop what?'' I am absolutely sure that he is now grinning like a fool based on his tone.
ugh.
''That. Your annoying grin or whatever you want to call it,'' I replied, rolling my eyes.
''Why? what's wrong with it? Don't tell me you're slowly falling in love with me?'' Leo exclaimed followed by a laugh.
At what he just said, my cheeks turned red once again. Why is he slowly turning into his conceited friend? and why is my heart suddenly beating so fast?
after a few seconds, his laugh still didn't stop. Please stop. You're embarrassing me.
''Come on, let's get you out of here before you explode,'' He said as he gently grabbed my arm.
I look up to him and asked, ''What do you mean by explode?'' my arms crossed.
''In case you didn't know, Clementine. You're red as a tomato,'' Leo answered followed by a loud laugh. Why do people keep laughing at me? am I a laughing-stock?
for my revenge, I punched him hard in the stomach.
''Oww,'' complained Leo, his eyes closed and his hands in his stomach. serves him right.
when he opened his eyes, I just stick my tongue to him and said, ''Don't forget to lock the gate, soldier,'' and with that, I left the manor with a big grin in my face.
While on our way to the Town's Market, all Leo and I talk about is Augustus, on how we noticed that he seems to be locking himself inside his room. I wonder why.
The carriage that Leo rented was a bit small because according to the footman, it's still early in the morning for the others to work. Because of that, obviously, Leo and I are sitting together, our shoulders touching.
''You know, I worry about Augustus. Do you think he's ill?'' I murmured as I let out my eyes travel around the road.
''He's probably just tired now that his father kept giving him tasks about their business,'' answered Leo.
I was about to ask another question about Augustus when Leo spoke first, his face lighting up.
''Enough of Augustus, let's talk about you,''
I rose my brow and sat up properly, checking my posture, ''What about me?''
''Well, tell me about yourself,'' he insisted, staring intently at my eyes.
''I really am bad at things like this, Mister Finley. All I know is, I love oxygen,'' I jokingly answered which earned me a soft chuckle from him.
Truth be told, I am really not gifted with social skills and all these introduce-yourself-kind-of-things.
"Legend says you cannot live without it, " added Leo, chuckling. His hazel eyes staring intently at me.
I have a feeling Leo's about to say something when the footman hollered, ''Here we are,'' which made me flinch at my seat. Leo just laughed at my reaction.
Right after Leo paid the footman, we immediately went to the store that sells kitchen stuff and let me tell you this, butcher knives are expensive and scary-looking.
Heck, the middle-aged guy who I thunk was the owner of the shop even looks at me angrily as I inquired about the knives.
That's why it was Leo who negotiated with him, his soldier-like voice activated.
Well, hey now, he was not shouting but despite his normal pitched voice, you can sense authority in it.
And... Somehow, I found it oddly captivating.
After paying the butcher knives, Leo insisted that he'll hold the box of butcher knives which I agreed to. Goodness gracious, thank God Judy insisted on letting Leo ''accompany'' me.
Leo even insisted on buying a drinks first since it's a hot Victorian day with loads of trash everywhere.
And since I am a bit thirsty, I agreed since it was his treat.
now, we're outside the store where they sell random stuff and for some reason, I am nervous. My heart is beating fast, thank God I don't sweat much.
I just don't know how to buy a condom, okay? what more of a box of condoms. Why did I even agreed with Judy? I want to strangle her husband for needing condoms. I wonder if I could cut his reproduc-oh, that's gross. What am I even thinking
''Are you okay?'' Leo asked me, eyeing me very carefully. he must've noticed how my cheeks turned red.
Not with the idea of cutting Judy's husband's you-know but because I clearly have no choice but to buy a box of condoms.
''I- ah, uhm, I'm okay,'' I assured him as I began to walk towards the store that sells random stuff and that random stuff includes condoms.
I am in front of the door when I realized Leo is following me. I mean, of course, Leo will follow me but I can't stand the idea of him behind me as I look around for condoms.
Slowly, I turned around and look up to him, my hands behind my back and said, ''I think you should stay,''
Leo gave me a strange look, his brows meeting, ''Nonsense, I'm coming with you,''
Can he please just stop being stubborn and just say, ''As you wish,''
''Ple-please, Mister Finley, I beg you, just stay here. I promise I'll be quick,'' I assured him, my voice must've been really desperate because Leo just gave me another strange look but at least, he nodded.
with that, I immediately made my way towards the store, the bell rang as soon as I opened the door. Wish me luck.
the only thing I hope is for the cashier to not look at me really weird or to judge me as I ask for condoms.
I bit my nails as I wait for the last customer to exit the store, after that, I slowly made my way to the cashier who I am glad is just an old lady, smiling at me.
''What can I get for you, darling?'' she asked me.
I let out a nervous laugh, look behind me, and saw Leo watching me, his arms crossed, his brows meeting. The butcher box in his feet.
''just wait,'' I mouthed to him which earned me a smile and a nod from him. Perfect combination, indeed.
''Darling?'' The old lady asks which made me turned my attention back to her.
well, it's now or never.
''Uhm, do you sell condoms?'' I asked, staring at the ground. my cheeks red and my dignity gone.
This is one of the most embarrassing moments in my life.
When I look up, I almost cried when I saw the old lady not secretly judging me, in fact, she seems okay about it.
Wow, I expected something I don't know, for her to start screaming and call the asylum. I mean, it's the 19th century, people don't usually buy and use condoms.
and in just one snap, a box of condoms is in front of me. Help me.
Thank goodness I won't have to choose a wide variety of condoms like I imagine in the modern times, not that I imagine buying condoms. ugh.
I gulped when I read that they're made out of sheep guts. A ribbon was tied around the base to fasten them securely, and once they had been used, they were carefully washed out, allowed to dry, and stored in a small box until they were wanted again.
the hell.
I must've been staring at them for so long because the old lady is just staring at me awkwardly.
Should I examine them one by one and ask the old lady if these condoms she's selling truly works? Ugh...
God, Clementine. Of course, she's going to say it's a fine product. As if she's gonna admit there's a hole or something in the condoms. And how am I supposed to know it truly works.
and I must've been taking so long to buy these stupid condoms because in just one snap, I felt Leo's warm hand on my shoulder which made me cold.
Oh, hell.
Why is he here? Didn't I tell him to please stay outside? I want to punch him right now for being so stubborn.
Although, a part of me likes that he's here, I mean, he's a guy, right? Surely, he knows a thing or two about condoms.
When I look up to him, he is staring at me, ''Are you okay?'' he whispered, concern written all over his face.
By the time his eyes travel to the box of condoms which I am holding, his eyes immediately went wide and his cheeks turned red.
This is what I am talking about.
I just kept my eyes on the ground. Waiting for me to disappear.
what makes it more awkward was when the old lady let out a soft chuckle and asked Leo, ''Is this for you, sir?''
When I look up to Leo again, his eyes are still wide and his whole face red. I can tell he was about to say something or probably shake his head when I said, ''Oh, no, no, tha-thats's not for him. I'm bu-buying that for my fri-friend,''
with that, the old lady just nods at me, ''So, are you buying one?''
with my cheeks red, I uttered the words, ''Ye-yes, please gi-give me a box,''
right after saying that, the old lady once again released a soft chuckle and exclaimed, ''Oh, a box? So many,'' which made me almost faint to death due to how embarrassing this truly is and which made Leo let out a cough.
It must've been my imagination but I think I heard the old lady murmured, "so wild you two,"
Dear Lord!
After paying for the box of condoms, I slowly grabbed the box, how I wish this fits in my pocket so everyone won't see me holding this box. Thus dangerous box.
Leo was still not speaking after the very embarrassing situation a while ago. The old lady meanwhile bid goodbye to us and said, ''Have fun you two,''
I almost drop the box at what she said, ''re-really, it's not for us, it's for my friend,''
When I look to Leo, as usual, he is channeling his inner awkward side. he has his eyes on the ground as he bits his lips.
''Whatever you say, sweetheart. Your boyfriend doesn't seem happy with you denying it,'' the old lady insisted.
''He's not my boy-boyfriend, and please, just please, believe me, it really is not for us,'' I argued, getting frustrated.
I can tell the old lady was about to say something more embarrassing when I felt Leo grabbed my wrist and began walking out of the store.
we made our way towards the carriage quietly, still embarrassed at what just happened. as soon as the travel back to the Bennett manor began, I heard Leo let out a loud cough.
When I look up to him which is a bit struggle since the carriage is packed, our shoulders touching, I don't know why but u think he's pissed. I raised my brow at him and asked, ''What are you coughing about? And don't give me that look, mister Finley. That ain't sore throat,"
Leo just shrugged at me and said, ''Why are you even buying condoms?'' his voice frustrated.
Uhm... Why is he like this?
I clenched my fists. ''Well, the least thing you should do a while ago was help me explain to the old lady the whole situation,''
''How am I supposed to help you when I myself don't even know the whole situation with you, buying a box full of condoms,'' he statet, raising his voice. Wish... is he angry? For what?
as soon as he mentioned the word ''condoms'', my cheeks immediately heat up.
''No wonder you're nervous and blushing really hard before going inside the store,'' Leo exclaimed and let out a sarcastic laugh.
All I can ever do was stare at my lap where the condoms are placed and hope for Leo to shut up. He really doesn't know a thing or a two on how to act properly when with a girl.
after a minute or two, he asked me again, ''But really, Clementine, why were you buying condoms?'' his arms crossed. his tone different now. He seems a bit calm now although I can still sense annoyance in them.
''It's not for me, Mister Finley. Judy asked me a while ago to buy it,'' I answered, biting my lower lip as I continued to stare at the box of condoms.
Right after I said that, it must've been my imagination but I think Leo let out a huff, a relived one.
After a silent minute, it was Leo who decided to break the ice.
''Do you think my cousin would mind if I get one?'' Leo whispered and because he's sitting beside me, I felt his breath touched my neck which gave shivers down to my spine.
I blushed at what he just did. When I look up to him to see if he's serious or not, Leo was just raising his brow at me, waiting for my response.
I don't know what happened to me but I panicked, okay? I know this is stupid of me but I just transferred the box of condoms to his lap.
''Do whatever you want, Mister Finley,'' I murmured as I began to play with my fingers due to nervousness.
with that, Leo let out a soft chuckle, gave me back the condoms and said, ''Just kidding,''
after that, there was a long pause between us. The only sound that can be heard was the noise outside, I seriously want to throw the box of condoms.
right after a few minutes or so, we're back to Bennett's manor, I did not wait for the footman or for Leo to open the door. Instead, I was the one who opened the door and hurriedly went towards Judy's room, leaving Leo in the carriage, laughing.
It took half a minute for Judy to open the door, ''Oh, that was faster than I expected,'' she exclaimed, giggling.
When I stared at her, I realized she's already wearing her yellow nightgown. Already? it's still daylight.
shrugging, ''Please don't let me buy another of these, Judy,''
handing her the box of condoms, ''Only time will tell, my dear,'' she replied, winking.
before I have time to reply, she immediately closed the door, leaving me here, with my jaw dropped.
I was about to leave when I heard a cough. Oh, if it isn't the awkward guy.
I slowly turned to him and crossed my arms. Hoping he won't notice how hard I am trying to make things not awkward between us.
''You forgot the butcher knives,'' Leo uttered, pointing his lips towards the box he was holding.
oh.
''Tha-thank you, Mister Finley,'' are the words that left my mouth before grabbing the box from his hands and began to run towards the kitchen.
''What took you so long, you slowpoke?'' Chef Florentino greeted me as soon as I entered the kitchen.
''The Town's Market is packed,'' I lied as I gently placed the box of butcher knives on the table.
Chef Florentino groaned, ''You're a bad liar, child,''
I just bit my lips at what he just said. Well, I really am a bad liar.
After inspecting the knives which he seems contented about, Chef Florentino ordered me to continue washing the dishes and told me to throw the garbage later.
I was on my way the laundry room to deliver the sheets when I stumbled upon Miss Dolores. She immediately grabbed my arm and lead me in a dark unoccupied room.
It's been weeks since I last spoke with Miss Dolores. Perhaps, she's been busy with her job. Well, truth be told, let's just say I am kinda avoiding her because I don't want to talk about the ''mission''
''Clementine, how's your mission going?'' Missi Dolores asked, her eyes wide. As if expecting me to spill some useful information.
I gave her a confused look? What mission?
oh, the mission to kill Mister Bennett...
''I'm still finding some clues on why I should murder him,'' I answered, biting my lips.
The truth is, I forgot about this whole mission thing and I know Miss Dolores noticed it because she just raised her brow at me and said, ''Don't forget about it, Clementine and please, refrain yourself from spending too much time with that soldier,''
judging from Miss Dolores' tone, I can tell she's disappointed and furious at me. All I can ever reply is a quick nod.
after a couple of seconds, Miss Dolores is out of my sight. And now, I am all alone in this dark room, thinking about what I should do about Mister Bennett.
'