The awkwardness lingered in the air for quite some time, and it seemed to have caught Ellie's attention since she kept glancing at me, Laira and David.
" How did you end up in this place, Lily? " Ellie asked as she handed me the mop and bucket.
" You're not from the slump," She added with a titter, smiling at me and her question had caught David and Laira's attention.
" It's my punishment for sneaking out," I mumbled and picked up the mop and the bucket.
" Uuuh...Your parents know a thing or two about punishments then. That's quite harsh. First-time offence? Or you've done it more than once?" Ellie replied, chuckling and reprised chopping the vegetables.
" First time. My parents are dead. That would be Mr Kinnaird who handed me, my punishment " I pouted still feeling sore about it, but if I wanted my freedom and my inheritance. I had to plough through.
Ellie's eyebrows quirked up, in surprise and tutted me " Never mess with that man. You'll regret it. If you think you're clever, think twice." Ellie warned, and since I lived it, I couldn't help but agree.
" I know," I sighed, and went out of the kitchen to clean the floors, leaving Ellie and Laira to finish up on the kitchen while David fiddled with some tools.
I had no idea what ties Mason had with the community living in the slums but there was no doubt that he was well-known in Morston.
No need to say that I was impressed, and intrigued. The man was a mystery and was admired in Morston for either his tenacity or generosity. I didn't know which one but I wanted to know. The Mason I knew wasn't anything like that. I puffed my cheeks, feeling at odds with myself. Whatever I did, Mason haunted me, in and out of the mansion. I wanted to bury the feelings that I had for him but it was hard to do so when the man was everywhere.
" I'm sorry, I got you into trouble" David broke my thoughts, making me realise that I had stopped moping.
" It's alright David. Don't worry. I snuck out. I made my choices." I smiled at him, trying to cheer him up. I had no clue that, that was the reason he was so sheepish.
David nodded " I almost finished fixing the dishwasher. It will be easier for Ellie once it's done. It will be easier for all of us since you're stuck with us" David chuckled, waving the screwdriver in the air and sighed.
" I didn't know you could fix things. Quantum mechanics isn't exactly what is used for," I was surprised to hear that David had a knack for fixing things.
" It's like a hobby. People in the slums are poor, none can afford a repairman. Laira and I dabble trying to help whoever we can." David shrugged, fiddling with the screwdriver.
" I see. I guess it's a useful skill." I mumbled and once again, I felt ignorant.
" I best be going then" David sighed and turned on his heels making his way to the kitchen.
I was stumped at the realisation that I was seventeen and all I knew was how to make a sandwich and put in a load in the washing machine. I glanced at the mop in my hand and smiled, and mop floors but my smile fell when I looked around me and at the floor covered with a thick coat of water. I hadn't mastered that skill, yet.
Lunch came quickly and the canteen filled with people out of which most were children, looking for food. Once again, reality came crashing down on me. I was fifteen when all happened to me, and wasn't capable to pull through that. Most of them were youngsters under and a little over ten.
" Parents are at work and most of the time work so long hours for so little money that there's not much left for food," Ellie said from behind me while I was serving one little boy with daunting blue eyes. Despite the vibrant blue, the sadness in them was heartbreaking.
" There you go, little man," I said as I pushed the plate into his hands.
He squeezed a shy thank you and left. He sort of reminded me of Laira, a closed-off spirit. Lunch went by quickly, uneventful but kept my mind occupied, and my mind didn't have time to wonder about it like it normally did.
Cleaning, washing the dishes and when three o'clock came we began packing meals for those who came from work, to take them home.
By the time Louis came to collect me, David had finally managed to mend the dishwasher and I was relieved, that the next day would be much easier without the massive heap of dirty dishes to wash.
" I will see you tomorrow " Ellie and David waved me goodbye as I strode out the door. I smiled over my shoulder and waved. I was shattered and could wait to hit the pillow.
" Good evening, Miss" Louis greeted me the moment I stepped inside the car, sullen. I guess his day hadn't been better than mine.
" Good evening, Louis. How was your day?" I asked as I pulled on the seat belt.
Louis shrugged and reached to the back seat " Mr Kinnaird said that this is for you" Louis said as he handed me a nicely wrapped package with a bow and all.
" Thank you" I excitedly said at the sight of a prettily wrapped gift.
When I finally peeled the wrapping paper my excitement vanished when my eyes fell on the title of the book. Cooking for dummies.
I glanced at Louis, who focused on driving the car, but I bet he saw my disappointment and anger.