Chapter 23
I let out a soft sigh as I slowly covered the blanket over the two combined pillows so it will somehow resemble a human figure.
Looking to my left, I see Martha fast asleep, her arms around a lumpy pillow. Light from the moon is the only source of light since Mister Douglas won't allow maid's chambers to have access to electricity.
Since I am sneaking to Mister Douglas' office in the middle of the night, I didn't bother wearing my usual black oxford shoes since I am afraid it'll surely create a sound while I walk along the wooden and marble floors. To cut it short, I am barefoot. and cold.
And I am aware of Miss Dolores' angry remarks by the time she ascertained I am walking barefoot. Not only because it's cold but also for the reason it's inappropriate for a Victorian woman.
Also, since I don't have any dark colored clothes aside from my usual black gown which according to Martha was a mourning gown, it left me no choice.
After a few minutes of silently walking, I finally reached Mister Douglas' very office, with me casually looking at my back to see if anyone is following me.
It's already around 2 A. M., meaning, Mister Douglas is already in his room, sleeping like a normal person would do.
Unlike me who is still awake to look at his things to unravel any clues on why I should kill him. When in fact, he is just a great man. Such a shame, if you ask me.
I first went to his bookcases, read a few titles to see anything suspicious but also to admire it since it's been months since I last read a single novel. As far as I know, they thought I am illiterate.
Next, I quietly opened the wooden drawers. As expected, since sometimes, Martha asked me to clean Mister Douglas'office, the drawers contain nothing but Plumas and some blank scrolls and a reading glasses.
But one thing I am here for is the locked drawer in the bottom. One thing for sure, the answers I am really trying my best to unravel is right in this very drawer.
That is why I came here with a table knife. Look, I don't know a thing about survival 101 or life hacks or whatever you want to call this situation but I will gladly appreciate it if you spare me from calling a thief though, given the instances, I guess I am a thief...or a spy.
Well, spy doesn't sound so bad. In fact, it sounds badass.
Anyway, the point is, I don't know a thing about opening this damn drawer. So, here I am, trying to figure out how experts do it with a simple bread knife.
Right at this very moment, I somehow wish I managed to watch any Youtube videos or read a survival book regarding this said situation.
Instead, here I am, minutes had passed and still, no progress. I badly want holler at the top of my lungs due to how foolish I am.
My naked feet are already cold, thank goodness I wore this black gown of mine. It's a bit thick so this would do.
I swear I was on the verge of giving up. Standing up and considering to inform Miss Dolores what happened tonight. That it was a disaster due to my lack of knowledge to open a simple drawer.
Like I said, I've entered and cleaned this very office a countless of times. Of course, while cleaning, I am doing my best t investigate. You might call me a massive opportunist but whatever.
I was about to stand up and hid my stupid table knife inside my pocket when suddenly, I heard the wooden door cracked opened.
My first instinct was to hide under the desk which by the way, I did but was a struggle due to my gown. A few ends of my gowns can probably be seen but thank the gods for its color. Black will now a special place in my heart.
Or not. Because I can now hear someone's footfalls. Each step, my heart just began to beat faster than ever. I can feel my palms and temple sweating despite tonight's coldness.
I don't know what to freaking do when someone especially Mister Douglas or his son ascertained I am in the place I have no reason to be. Unless cleaning in the very middle of the night is a decent excuse which as far as I know, is not.
Heck, I can't even face Leo if ever he saw me in this very room. I mean, what would he think? Me, barefoot, hiding under the desk, holding a table knife. Would he think I am crazy? And that I should be thrown into the asylum.
And when did I start worrying about what he thinks? Ugh.
With my other hand, I covered my mouth to keep myself from saying something stupid to give away my exact hiding spot.
Another footfall can be heard.
I firmly closed my eyes.
Another footfall. This time, I knew it's really near to me.
I began reciting a prayer.
But it was no use because alas, I felt a warm hand on my shoulder. With that, I opened my eyes and is ready to stab him or her (I don't want to be sexist) with my table knife.
But as soon as I opened my eyes, I am met with a confused sleepy face of a soldier. Him kneeling in front of me, his other hand on his back.
I unconsciously bit my lip due to embarrassment. What would he think? That I am stealing something from his friend's father's office? That I am stealing from my employer. Well, technically, I am but still.
"what are you doing here?" asked Leo as he ran his fingers through his messy hair. He looks like he just got out of bed but if that's the case then why is he...
"Do you sleep in your tuxedo?" I mentally slapped myself for asking such a stupid question at the very wrong time. Well, some may say it's a wrong time but given my situation, I guess it's not because hey, I get to escape Leo's interrogation.
As soon as the question left my mouth, Leo was slightly amused and shocked by the question. But was quickly changed by something foreign to me. He raised his brow and his kips in a tight line. Well, I guess this so-called-foreign emotion to me is an annoyance.
"I asked you, Clementine, what are you doing in this room in the middle of the night? Are you out of your mind?" Leo was indeed persistent. He is still kneeling in front of me, both his hands are now on top of my shoulders.
We were just inches apart from each other in the middle of the night. My knees touching my chest to hide my bare feet. Both are wearing dark clothes and believe me, this given situation is totally not sexy.
"You know me, I have a passion for cleaning," I can tell Leo was not buying my lie for he just raised his brow at my answer.
"Please just tell me the truth, Clementine. Really." his hands around my shoulders tightens.
"and I am. I told you, I just want to clean Mister Douglas' office. As simple as that, Mr. Finley," with that, I turned my gaze towards the ground which by the way, gave me an access to view Leo's perfectly-polished shoes.
"Nothing is ever simple with you, Clementine," Leo said with a low voice. Uhm, is this his sexy voice? Or was he just whispering so that they won't hear us?
With that, I turned to look at his hazel brown eyes. Truth be told, I prefer Augustus' eyes but there's just something about Leo's eyes that make me wanna...wanna...wanna punch him for catching me here.
Also, is that a compliment or what? And why am I blushing right now? Ugh. Am I a middle schooler?
I was about to say something that I guess will just humiliate me more when Leo spoke something that you guess right, just humiliate me more.
"And my dear Clementine, can you kindly explain why you're holding a table knife? Oh, don't you dare tell me you just found it lying around while cleaning because Mister Douglas certainly doesn't eat in his office,"
Like I said, we are only inches apart. I can see how his Adam's apple moves. How sweaty his forehead is. How warm his palms are around my shoulder. How kissable his lips are. How perfect his dark lashes and eyebrows are. How messy his hair is. How... Wait, what the hell am I doing?
For an unknown reason, I shifted my gaze to my side to avoid his sexy, I mean, serious stare.
"Well, I heard some mouses in the room and so I got a bread knife in the kitchen and was about to use it to kill the mouse," and that my friend is how bad I am at lying.
When I turned to look at Leo, his amused look is back again. I can pretty much tell he is holding back his laugh.
I rolled my heavenwards though I admit, my lie was pretty stupid.
"first of all, what a funny story you have there, Clementine," Leo jokingly blurted out with a smirk on his face.
W-wait, what? Am I seeing a smirking Leo? Wow.
"second, can I just please say how disturbing it is to murder a mere mouse with nothing but a bread knife? Chef Florence wouldn't be happy with that," Leo added, shrugging.
Of course, I know how disgusting it is but it's the first thing that comes out of my mouth so let's just go with it.
Let's just wish upon the stars that this soldier right here won't tell Chef Florence about this.
"Third, can't you come up with a better lie, my dear Clementine. Come, I'll give you chance." take note, Leo said that with a knowing smile painted on his face.
Guys, I swear I am smarter than this but I just don't have any idea what's happening to me.
"I have this habit of bringing bread knife wherever I go," and that my friend is my second attempt at lying.
"That I am sure is a lie. I can tell when you're lying, my dear," I swear, I just mentally rolled my eyes.
"Oh, Mister Finley, you didn't let me finish. I said I have this habit of bringing table knife with me wherever I go when I know I am going to meet a stubborn mister named Leo Finley," I angrily stressed out.
By the look of Leo, let's just say I won but that doesn't mean he believed me because after a few seconds, let's say three seconds, his face turned comical.
"I've been around you for a countless of times and let's just say, I failed miserably at noticing that you're carrying a very deadly weapon,"
I just continued staring at me. Admiring his face. I mean, angrily looking at me for catching me.
"I mean, I know from the start you're a dangerous woman but not that kind of dangerous," Leo murmured, probably intended for himself only but since, like I said, we're only inches apart, I can pretty hear it.
For the third time this night, my cheeks turned red. Ugh. Thank the heavens it's dark but I guess Leo can still see my stupid red cheeks because like I said, we're only inches apart.
"Can you just tell me the truth, Clementine? For real this time, please? The reason why you're here in the middle of the night? In your employer's office of all places." Leo sincerely said, his hands tightening around my shoulders once again.
And since he's tall, he lowered his head to really look me in the eyes. And yep, I really saw the sincerity in his face.
Can I really trust him with my secret? On why I am here in the first place?
I let out a soft sigh and said, "Okay, I am going to tell you the truth but promise me, it stays between us."
Leo just nodded at me.
"and I would highly appreciate it if I do not need to tell you the major revelation right in this room. I have a feeling someone's gonna come in any minute now," I added which earned me another nod from Leo.
Besides, it's really awkward to talk to him with our faces so close to each other. Heck, this is the first time I get to look at a guy really close. Well, except the guy who tried to kiss me from Grandpa's business party and Augustus who said to had kissed me to save me which I was unconscious at that time and from the mysterious guy in my dreams. I guess the last one doesn't really count because after all, it's just a dream.
Slowly, Leo rose from his spot. Leaving me under the desk with my knees still touching my chest.
By the time I am standing, I can't help myself from bending to warm my cold feet.
By the time I look up, I saw Leo staring at me worried and probably saying things in his mind that have something to do with stupidity.
"You're not wearing any shoes?" he asked, a bit annoyed. Leo then ran his fingers through his hair which he always does when he's frustrated.
"Come, I'll carry you,"
With that, my eyes turned wide. No way am I going to let him carry me.
I am an elegant gentlewoman and a proper gentlewoman do not do such a thing. I don't care if I not originally a gentlewoman.
"Come on, don't be shy," said Leo as he kept looking at my bare feet which by the way, I think is not proper. Also, why is he blushing so hard right at this moment?
Wow, sounds like a catcalling to me if ever I do not know the whole situation.
"Really, Mister Finley. What would others would say if they witness such a thing?" my voice for an unknown reason is high. Believe me, I am not angry. In fact, I am embarrassed.
"nobody has to know about this," he added, both his hands inside his pockets.
Uhm, correct me if I am wrong but this time, he sounds like a rapist to me.
"W-wait, that came out wrong, really, really wrong. Kindly excuse my wrong choice of words, my dear," Leo apologized, his cheeks as red as a tomato.
I wish I have a camera to capture his funny look right now. This face of his is priceless.
"That's fine. Forget about it. And no thank you, mister. I can still walk with my perfect feet."
Leo then lets out his signature fake cough and said, "But seriously, Clementine. I insist. Your feet might freeze to death. Plus, your gown is not that thick, well, thick enough for me not to see your undergarments but still-" suddenly, Leo stopped midway. Probably realizing how awkward his statement is.
With that, Leo avoided my gaze and kneeled. His back facing me.
So, does this translate to "shut up and just ride?"
For some reason, I found myself smiling like a fool. Leo sure is persistent.
Slowly, I kneeled in front of him and wrapped my arms around him, perfectly ready for a piggyback ride.
For about three seconds, none of us said a thing. In fact, I even felt Leo freeze. I wonder why.
When I turned to look at him which kinds hurt my neck, I realized he was tying his shoelaces. Meaning, he kneeled to fix his shoe, not to give me a piggyback ride.
Oh, my God! This is embarrassing.
Oh, my God! Earth, kindly open up and swallow me whole.
Oh, my God! I don't know what to do.
Just kill me!
Instead, I just closed my eyes due to how embarrassed I am.
Then, after a few seconds, I felt Leo shakes with laughter. Oh, my God.
The whole time he was laughing at me, I just rested my cheek to his back and sniff him. I mean, closed my eyes due to how disastrous this night is. How I wish I should've just stayed in my bed, sleeping.
Oh, how I envy the pillows that right now are posing as me.
I tightened my hold around me as I message to him that he should stop.
"what happened to 'No thank you, Mister'?" teased Leo. Based on his tone, I can tell he is still smiling like a fool. Ugh.
"shut up," I murmured but really, I am thinking of stabbing him with my deadly table knife.
"As you wish, my lady," Leo replied, his voice still amused.
Leo then took hold of my legs, of course, through my black gown but still, I found myself blushing at this and so do Leo. I felt him freeze and then, his neck turned red.
Anyway, after a few seconds, we are now walking towards our destination.
Speaking of destination, where the devil are we going anyway? Basing on his direction, we're now headed to the garden. Good move, soldier.
After a few minutes, neither one of us spoke. The only sounds that can be heard are Leo's footfalls.
"My dear, it'll be a good idea if you hide that table knife of yours inside your pocket. Don't you think it looks a bit odd for you to hold a table knife which may I remind you is near my neck as I carry you," Leo blurted out, breaking the ice.
"it would look like you're forcing me to carry you which is kinda true," he added as he let out a soft chuckle that made me tightened my hold around him and just let him laugh all he wants as I rest my cheek against his back. Reminding myself not to sniff him. Not because he smells, in fact, he smells so manly in a good way but because imagine the humiliation when he realized I am sniffing him like a dog. Ugh.
After a few seconds, we are now seated in the gazebo. My knees are once again touching my chest in order for me to hide my cold feet under my black gown.
Leo, meanwhile sat in front of me, staring carefully at me. As if he is memorizing my features. Creep alert.
Leo once again let out a fake laugh and murmured the words, "Are you now ready to reveal your secret?"
When I didn't reply, Leo added the reassuring words, "I swear, Clementine. You can trust me,"
By that, I turned to really look at his eyes and for the next several minutes. I told him all about it.
Starting with my very task that I would be murdering Mister Douglas. Of course, I told him that the man which I grew fond of is no easy to kill. First, because I am no murderer and second because I can't see any reasons on why I should kill him.
Of course, I lied to him. I told him I got this very task because someone who I don't know sent me a mail months ago, saying I should kill Mister Douglas unless I want my sick cousin to die.
Let's just hope Leo won't notice my lie and that, he won't realized I have no family left in this era.
"That explains why I am inside his office, to know why I need to murder him and to somehow convince myself that by the time I killed him, I should feel no guilt because, in the first place, he was nota good guy," I quietly confessed as I stared at my fingertips.
"but truth be told, whether he is a good or a bad guy, I just can't kill him. Or anyone in general. I just can't." I added I can feel my hands shaking.
I then closed my eyes to stop myself from forming any tears. Then, I felt warm hands enveloped my hands. When I opened my eyes, I saw Leo at my side, looking at me sincerely, no judgment.
"I'll help you in your task, Clementine. Not that I am saying we should murder Mister Douglas right now but I will not hesitate on helping you find the reason why you should kill the guy," Leo sweetly told me, his fingertips gently brushing my palm.
"Though I would gladly do the killing for you, not that I am implying we should kill an innocent guy," Leo added once again which somehow made me laugh.
The next minutes, I am just resting my forehead to Leo's shoulder as he gently ran his fingertips to my palm. His other hand on my hair, combing it using his fingers.
And it was Leo for the second time who broke the ice. "you know, I can tell you're keeping something from me,"
But I just kept my mouth shut. My eyes closed.
"but that's okay. The fact that you somehow trusted me to be part of your secret is enough," Leo reassured, still brushing my hair which made me drowsy.
Well, I think I can tell him my mission but I sure can't tell him about where I originally came from. That I am from the future because that would sound really, really stupid. And it might just confirm his theory regarding my insanity.
Also, I didn't tell him about Miss Dolores' connection with the whole thing. He didn't even ask about my said sick cousin. Where my cousin lives. Heck, he didn't even ask if my cousin is a boy or a girl. I think he knows I am lying but decided to not press about it.
For that, I am thankful. I mean, it's just a good feeling for me to know that someone out there is very much feeling to help me with my mission. That after all, I am not alone.
Plus, I am guessing Leo knows how to open a locked drawer without a key, right?
Though to be frank, I am guilty of telling him about my secret. Of course, I won't tell Miss Dolores about this but what if Leo got hurt because of me? I can't accept that.
"I have a feeling that whenever we are in the garden, someone is staring at us," Leo suddenly said that made me look at him in the eyes.
But Leo continued on brushing my hair, he seems addicted to it though I have to admit, I am as well.
I just want to curl up in my bed and sleep like a baby.
I let out a yawn, "Let's just hope it's not Miss Dolores, I am sure she'll have a fit tomorrow if she sees us, not that we're doing anything wrong but considering we're alone in the garden in the middle of the night, you can't really blame her. Not like we're kissing or doing something malicious but you get my point,"
Can I please just sew my mouth shut?
"Well, I have a strong feeling Augustus is watching us right now knowing his room is just right there,"
As soon as he said that, I opened my eyes properly and was about to begin looking at Augustus' window to know if it's true but Leo stopped me by holding my shoulders firmly.
"Stop that, Captain Obvious," he then mimicked me by rolling my eyes heavenwards which somehow made me laugh.
"We should meet at a different place to plan for your so-called-mission," Leo suggested, shrugging.
"Do you have any places in mind?" Leo then removed his hands around my shoulders.
"Do you mind searching for some tomorrow?" he replied, crossing his arms that him so bossy.
"To be honest, I have loads of works to do but I will surely try though I think your room will be fine," I answered, yawning. Very unladylike, I know.
As soon as I said that, Leo's expression sure is shocked. "It isn't proper, Clementine,"
I rolled my eyes heavenwards and say, "Like you said a while ago, nobody has to know," followed by a series of a chuckle.
Leo's cheeks and neck are now red as a tomato.
"Okay, fine. I promise to do my best in finding some hidden places tomorrow for us to have secret rendezvous but only in one condition," I said, mimicking him. I also folded my arms and raised my brow.
"What's the condition?" he asked, running his hand along his messy hair.
"Well, if ever I failed to find any places tomorrow, promise me we'll just settle in your room."
I know it isn't proper but truth be told, it seems a bit impossible for me to find any hidden places tomorrow. Knowing I still have to do the countless dishes, sweet the floor, washed the rugs, fold the clothes, and many more.
Also, I suck at asking people some question such as, "Hey, my friend, do you know any hidden rooms here in order for me and Mister Finley to meet because we think our employer's son is spying on us,"
Few seconds had passed but alas, I received an unwilling yes from the soldier.
Do you think Leo's hiding something from his room which explains why he doesn't want me to go there? If that's the case then he still has a day to hide it.
"Now, let's get you to bed," Leo said, standing up. Brushing invisible specks of dust from his black tuxedo.
"do you sleep in your tuxedo?" I sleepily asked as Leo stares at me, his arms crossed.
"Truth be told, I don't sleep in a tuxedo but you know what they say, some just dress to impress," he replied which earned him a chuckle from me.
"Really am hoping you're gonna forget about what the hell I just said," he murmured.
"I'll try my best but with a statement like that? Nah," I replied, chuckling.
I let out another yawn and the next thing I know, Leo is now carrying me in a bridal-style.
My chest resting on my shoulder as I firmly hold my precious table knife.
At least I don't have to embarrass myself like I did a while ago.
And in just one snap, sleep already pay me a visit.
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guys, I am awfully sorry for not updating for a month. Let's just say, I don't know what to update anymore and school got really, really busy. I transferred to a different school and my classmates elected me as the president of our class of 50 students.
Anyway, I will do my very best in updating. thank you and sorry once again. Even though to be honest, I was thinking of abandoning this story. :(
also, Goodbless! lovelots.