Silence settled between us, and despite the hot humid air, I felt cold all of a sudden. As if the temperature had plummeted and it was winter again.
" My apologies, Mr Kinnaird " I mumbled quickly regaining my composure. I did that, stepped out of bounds and poked the bear.
" We should head back. It's getting late" Mason turned on his heels and climbed up the steps. I didn't know what to do with myself at that moment. I was beyond confused, swirling with all sorts of emotions. One second I was on cloud nine and the next I found myself in the deepest pit of hell.
" Miss Abernathy " Mason's stern tone woke me up, making me glance up at him. He'd already put his shoes on. I moved my feet without waiting to be told again. I didn't want to make things worse.
Mason handed me the sandals " On your heels, Miss Abernathy " Mason reminded me when I was about to bend over to strap my sandals.
When I straightened myself, to look at Mason, he'd already walked away. With hurried steps, I caught up to him, but I remained quiet. The sun had already set and with that so did charming and enchanting Mason.
The walk to the car had been silent, I didn't dare to speak. I wanted to ask, what I did that was so wrong, but I knew, Mason would admonish me for something that I'd done wrong, but completely unaware of it.
Adam was leaning against the car, smoking a cigarette when we reached the car, but tossed it away when he caught sight of us and climbed into the car. Mason opened the car door, still very much silent, impassive. I reluctantly, stepped inside the car, with no help from him this time around. It ended just as quickly as it started.
" Home, Adam. Please " Mason said, he looked exasperated. I still couldn't understand, why it bothered him so much what I did. I replayed in my head what I did over and over, and couldn't find anything so outrageous to warrant his reaction.
When we finally stopped in front of the house I almost ran out of the car to avoid looking at him. I was on the verge of crying. I knew I had no right to feel hurt, but yet I did. It cut deep, so deep that I could barely breathe.
I ran passed Enid without saying a word, and beelined for my room. The moment the door closed behind me, I crumbled into the complete mess that I was. Bawling my eyes out, a sobbing mess, hugging myself. There was no one else I could turn to. Enid had been kind enough to offer me her shoulder whenever I needed it, but I couldn't speak with her about that. I was always at the receiving end of his ire. Even for the smallest things. Over the course of six months, it had become clear that I was an impediment. The words never left his mouth, but his actions sufficed.
I took a deep breath, wiped my tears away, and pushed myself off the floor. I didn't even bother to look at myself in the mirror. Just slipped out of the dress, donned my pyjamas and curled up in bed, looking for relief in the arms of sleep.
I woke up before sunrise, took a shower and got ready for the day. I put everything that I would need for the day and made my way towards the library. I didn't want to brush elbows with Mason or Enid. She had seen me storm inside the house, and most likely had questions that I couldn't possibly answer.
To pass the time, I curled in the armchair with one of my favourite books, Conte de Montecristo. I've read the book many times but I went back to it, now and then. I found comfort in his struggles, less lonely.
After a good hour, I glanced up at the clock it showed half past six. I knew by now Mason would have left for work or whatever he was doing every day. I put the book in my bag and lugged it on my shoulder. Enid was most likely somewhere in the mansion doing whatever she was doing. She had another lady that came around, twice a week to help her around but otherwise, it was just her.
I poked my head out of the library to make sure that it was clear. I was desperately trying to avoid Mason. With hurried steps I made my way down the corridor past the rooms and stepped into the lobby, only to be greeted by Mason, looking disgruntled. I internally scoffed at the deep scowl on his face and made my way towards the door, regardless.
" Miss Abernathy " Mason sternly called but I didn't bother to spare him a glance. I needed time to put order to my thoughts and whatever was going on in my head. I caught Enid with the corner of my eye leaning against the wall, shaking her head in disapproval.
" Miss Abernathy " Mason raised his tone, for the first time since I've been there. That didn't stop me, nothing could at that moment. I was angry, so angry. With him, and with myself, mostly.
I stormed through the alee and followed the car route that we took on my birthday. I knew it would take me to the town centre and from there I would eventually figure things out. I let out a sigh of relief when I found myself in the middle of the town, surrounded by quaint shops, and cafes that were opening their door for those early birds like myself.
All the allowances that Mason had given me over the six months to spend as I need, were in my bag and more than sufficient to take me to another country if I wanted.
I sighed and took a seat at one of the tables, trying to come to terms with the way my life was.
The server came and took my order but I ordered the first thing that came to mind. Tea and an almond croissant. The events of the previous day still weighed on my mind. I didn't want to feel the way I was feeling. I hated that I had no control over them, but there was nothing that I could do.
" Good morning" A boy approached the table, and I glanced up at him. For a moment I thought it was the server but it wasn't.
" Good morning" I replied, shuffling in my seat. I hadn't spoken to someone my age, in a very long time.
" Do you mind if we share a table? My name is David by the way" He seemed polite and friendly so I took his hand and shook it.
" Lily. Yes, of course," I waved at the chair in front of me " Just give me a moment. I just need to get my drink" David flustered a little, but turned on his heels when I nodded. I needed something to take my mind off things. I was going stir-crazy.
When David returned to the table with his drink, placing his backpack on the backrest of the chair and took a seat in front of me, I focused on him instead. It was an welcome distraction from my suffocating thoughts.
" I've never seen you around," David took a sip of his drink and glanced around. There weren't many people around so early in the morning.
"I just moved to Morston, not long ago" I replied and took a bite of my food.
" Where from? Do you go to school here? I attend the science academy in town." David smiled, friendly. His openness was refreshing.
" I'm homeschooled. From Lamport" I answered as I licked the sugar off my finger, thinking that I wouldn't be able to do that in front of Mason. He'd probably have me hanged, for such uncultured behaviour, but David seemed just fine with it.
" What year?" I asked after I finished savouring my fingers.
" I'm starting this year after the summer holiday," David nodded, nursing his drink.
" What is your major?" The fact that he was going to the science academy was more than enough to let me know that he was a nerd just like me.
" Quantum mechanics" David replied and smiled back when I did at his answer.
"I still have another year to go but I'm torn between going into finances or maths so I can teach later" I replied, making David grin ear to ear. Out of sheer luck, I had found a kindred spirit. I wasn't insanely passionate about the exact arts but it came naturally, effortless.