Enid nodded " Very well then. I will leave it to you. What are your plans for today, dear?" Enid shuffled in her seat, her eyes went between me and Mason. I was still staring at him.
I tore my eyes off him to look at Enid, trying my best to put on a brave face " I will need to procure myself some boxes. I will be moving out within the week. I will have to find a place to live until I will hear the final decision from the academy." I smiled and took another bite of my casserole. I didn't feel like eating, but I needed to stay alive.
Enid frowned and looked at Mason " Move out? Why would you move out? Why can't you stay here?" Enid's questions were for me while looking at Mason for answers.
Mason cleared his throat and raised his eyes from the paper " Miss Abernathy is more than capable to live on her own. She is an adult now in the eyes of the law and longer needs to be in my care." Mason coldly explained and returned to reading his paper while Enid gaped in disbelief.
Mason glanced at the clock and folded his newspaper pushing his chair to stand " I won't be home for dinner. " He said as he walked to the kitchen counter and placed his plate on it.
" Alright," Enid absently mumbled, staring at the table, lost in her thoughts.
Mason picked up his jacket and shrugged it on " Have a good day, Miss Abernathy. Enid " He nodded at both of us and sauntered towards the door.
" Mason. May I have a word with you?" That was the first time I'd ever heard Enid call Mason by his name. Mason was pompous and stiff. I narrowed my eyes when Mason halted his steps and nodded but didn't turn around and reprised his steps while Enid stood up, following him.
I wasn't privy to that conversation so I carried on munching on my casserole. I had half a day to get what I needed to pack my things. I didn't want to be around the glacial Mason, anymore. By the time I finished eating, it was almost one o'clock. I grabbed Enid's car keys off the counter and made my way towards the front door. I needed to hit a few shops to get what I needed. I didn't own much but I didn't want to leave anything behind.
I stepped inside the car and turned the engine on, but I couldn't find the strength to leave the parking spot. I stared out the window at the house on my left that had been my home for almost two years. I tore my eyes off the house and left, making my way towards the town centre. After hitting shop, after shop, I finally had enough boxes to pack everything I owned.
When I pulled in front of the house, I stayed in the car for a few minutes hoping that I wouldn't have to face Mason again. I couldn't handle him twice in one day.
Walking inside the house, I was greeted with lively chatter coming from the kitchen and a very familiar shrill voice. I forgot about Ava, coming over.
I placed the boxes at the end of the corridor and made my way to the kitchen to deliver that sad news. Mason wasn't home and I wasn't in the mood to entertain guests.
" Lily," Ava beamed the moment I walked into the kitchen, standing up all buoyant, smiling.
" Ava" I breathed the word " Mason is not home. " I started with that nugget of information hoping she would leave.
" I know. Enid already told me. I don't mind waiting " She shrugged, grinning ear to ear, making Enid shake her head in disapproval. I was wrong the girl wasn't brave, she was shameless.
I pinched the bridge of my nose, exasperated" I don't think you understand. He won't be home till late at night" I said in a firmer tone. I knew Mason's habits better than anyone. I had plenty on my plate as it was. I wasn't in the mood to play matchmaker for Ava. I wasn't in the mood for anything.
" Then," Ava frowned, drawling "Maybe we could spend some time together ," She wasn't budging, and I had no strength to fight her.
" Fine," I nearly spat out the word and turned on my heels to leave. I could hear the pitter-patter of her tiny footsteps behind me.
When I reached the end of the corridor leading to the bedrooms, I picked up the boxes without bothering to look at her and headed towards my room.
I knew she was behind me, so I left the door open so she could come in.
" What happened to your bed?" Ava giggled, making me glance towards the heap of sheets piled in the middle of the bed. I didn't make my bed in the morning. I didn't have it in me.
" I have nightmares. So I toss and turn a lot during the night." I lied, unfolding box after box, tapping them back together.
" Oh. I'm sorry to hear that," Ava absently said as she walked around the room, picking up various items on display to look at them.
" Are these your parents?" Ava asked looking at a picture of my parents. It was taken on their wedding day.
" You look just like your mother," Ava added and placed the photograph back on the shelf.
I didn't reply and carried on tapping the boxes. I was on a mission. I couldn't care less that Ava was there.
" What's with the boxes?" Ava kept poking around my room and frankly, I was getting a bit fed up with the questions.
" I'm moving out within a week." I bitterly said as I threw the last box on the floor. Yes, I was bitter about it. I wasn't proud of it but I couldn't help it.
" Oh," Ava frowned " What am I going to do then if you're moving out? I mean, I can't come over anymore if you're not here," She didn't have to go into such great detail about it. I already knew that's what she was using me for. She didn't deny it the first time around.
I shrugged and plopped myself on the bed. I didn't care. It was her problem, not mine.