As always, I woke with the sun. I found it strange that I didn't need an alarm, my body clock knew when to wake, but it had always trouble telling me when it was time for bed. The long nights were taking their toll, I felt wrecked. Unwilling, I pushed myself up and glanced out the window. The dress in the wardrobe caught my eye, and finally, I was able to get myself out of bed. After a quick shower, I got dressed in my usual wear. Jeans and a t-shirt. Summer was on its way, it was the end of May and there were only two weeks left until my birthday. I frowned at the girl in the mirror. The year flew by and I had barely noticed. In two weeks, Mason would give his verdict on whether he would release from his guardianship. I wanted to and I didn't. I tied my hair in a bun and made my way out of the room. On most occasions, I would brush elbows with the women that Mason brought home. I sighed, relieved that it wasn't the case this time around.
When I walked into the kitchen, I found myself alone. Even though Enid was back I still kept the routine that Mason and I had. One day, I cooked breakfast and dinner and the next Enid.
I glanced at the clock, it showed half past six in the morning. I pulled everything that I needed out of the cupboards and began making breakfast. Scrambled eggs, porridge, and pancakes. Enid liked pancakes, that thought made me smile.
" Good morning, Miss Abernathy " Mason was the first to walk into the kitchen, later than his usual time.
" Good morning" I smiled over my shoulder and made my way to pour him some fresh coffee.
" How are you feeling? Thank you," He took a seat at the table, sipping on his coffee.
" Tired," I sighed, stirring the porridge that it was almost done and began making the scrambled eggs. I found it rather strange, Mason ate whatever was put in front of him. Good or bad he ate it.
" Not long now," Mason hummed in approval when he took another sip of his coffee " This is your last week. When do you take your final exams?" Mason asked as I placed the scrambled eggs in front of him.
" Tomorrow, " I heaved out a heavy breath and turned around to finish cooking my porridge.
" You should get some rest before that. Have you finished your essay for the academy? I know you've been working on it for quite some time now." Mason took a bite of his scrambled eggs following me around the kitchen with his eyes.
" Almost. I can't decide which one to submit." I took a seat at the table and dug into my porridge.
Mason nodded " I can have a look at it. But I wouldn't worry too much. I'm confident that everything will go smoothly, " Mason leaned back in his chair, holding his coffee with both hands.
" I know but I don't want to take it as a given. I would like to attend. David always speaks so highly of their programs and how everyone who attends is set up for life," I worriedly replied. I wanted to attend the academy. The only thing that came before that was Mason.
" I will have a look at it later. I have an easy day today and I'll be home early." My brows quirked in surprise. Mason was never home early.
" Thank you.The dress" I took a deep breath " And the charity ball that I was invited to. Does that have anything to do with you?" I furrowed my brows when Mason's lips stretched in a wide grin.
" Yes. It is a ball that is held once every two years. You will be my plus one." Mason picked up his fork and knife and began eating again.
My poor heart went wild, beating in my chest and my mind did the same. I was going to attend a ball as his plus one. I cleared my throat trying to steel myself and focused on eating my porridge.
" Thank you, but you don't have to," I shyly added between mouthfuls. I was trying to manage my expectations.
" But I want to," Mason added, fiddling with his fork and knife.
" You did well this past year. I was pleasantly surprised," Mason charmingly smiled, showing his pearly whites and I was floored.
" Thank you," I stammered, and shifted my gaze somewhere else. I was undressing him with my eyes again. I was worried he would eventually notice what I was doing.
" Always," That word again and I still had no clue what was the meaning behind it.
" Good morning, Mr Kinnaird, dear" Enid walked into the kitchen wearing her warm smile, looking rather chirpy.
" Good morning, Enid" I smiled as I stood, and waved her to take a seat.
" Oh, no dear. I can serve myself breakfast. You don't have to do it." Enid chuckled making her way towards the stove to take her pancakes. We went every morning through the same old tirade.
" No, Enid. Take a seat" I firmly added, and pushed her into the chair. The woman was sweet as candy but stubborn as a bull.
" Alright," Enid raised her hands in surrender and sat down at the table.
" So, dear. How are you feeling today?" Crap, I wanted to say, but I knew Mason would frown upon it.
" Tired." I went with the old same boring reply and placed the pancakes and the golden syrup in front of her. Enid had a sweet tooth.
" Don't worry about dinner. I can cook dinner this evening." Enid dug into her pancakes, humming in approval making me laugh " You make the best pancakes," Enid giggled and covered her mouth, she hadn't finished chewing her mouth full.
" I'm pleased to hear that you like my cooking," I amusedly added, feeling better now that Enid was around. She somehow had the power to dispel the tension between Mason and me.
" Oh, yes!" Enid beamed " It always tastes better when you don't have to make it," Enid wholeheartedly giggled " Thank you" she added when I placed the usual cup of tea in front of her.
" That's very true," Mason chimed in and stood up to take his plate to the sink.
" Have a good day, Miss Abernathy. Enid. I will see you both later," Mason said as he sauntered out of the kitchen, leaving me and Enid alone. I always felt soulful once he stepped out of my sight. I missed him already. I wistfully sighed, staring at the doorway. Mason Kinnaird had turned my world upside down in a good way, and I couldn't help, but wonder what else could he do to a poor soul like me. In spite of the bickering, and stern scoldings that he had given me in the past my feelings for him had a will of their own. I stopped trying to control them, I couldn't. I wasn't sure I wanted to.