Chapter 111 - Chapter 18

After filling them in on how my interview with Aldo at the academy went.
" Come on you two," Ellie said after we shared another goodbye hug " Plates don't clean themselves, " Ellie said over her shoulder as she sauntered back into the kitchen, smiling.
" I should go. Congrats. I'll see you around Lily." Laira said and leaned in for a hug. It was the first time she took a step in that direction.
" Thank you, Laira. I will see you around. If you're free on Wednesday. We can meet up at the beach or the cafe in town." I said as I pulled away from the hug.
" Sure. I'm off on Wednesday morning but I work in the afternoon. I'll meet you at the beach in the usual place," Laira said as she waved and walked away.
" I'll walk you to the car," David said and pulled the door open for me to go. There was no need.The car was parked right in front of the soup kitchen.
" I wanted to apologise," David cleared his throat when I stopped and turned around to look at him.
" David, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have run away. You deserved better. I want to focus on my academic achievements and boys don't fit in right now into that plan," It was the truth, to some extent. Boys didn't fit into my plans.
" I understand," David said with a frazzled smile, disappointed in the news.
" I hope that this doesn't ruin our friendship. I want to be friends. We have fun together. I'm not upset" I took a deep breath " I don't want any distractions." I finished my thoughts with a smile. I tried to make it as sweet as possible. David was a nice person, who had lived a life full of hardships.
David nodded " We can be friends. I can do that, " He said as he glanced over his shoulder when one of the children walked in.
" I should go," He leaned in for a hug " I will see you later, Lily. Enjoy the rest of your freedom." He amusedly said as he pulled away and I immediately knew that he was speaking of the academy. I knew that studying there would be like your soul is being sucked out of you but I knew it would be worthwhile.
" Same," I said as I reached for the car door handle and opened it.
We waved at each other goodbye and climbed into the car, feeling a little better after having spoken to David. For a brief moment, Mason's words rang in my head' You're a horrible liar' and wondered if David could tell. I puffed my cheeks in frustration and turned the key in the ignition. I was more than ready to go home and change into my joggers. I looked stylish. Yes. I was uncomfortable as hell, and could bearly breathe in that outfit.
By the time I left the slumps, I had the misfortune to catch rush hour and got stuck in traffic longer than I would've wanted. I hated driving. It was merely a necessity. Two hours later, when I pulled in front of the house I let out a sigh of relief. I was home.
Home. I grinned at that thought and glanced at the mansion shrouded in a thick layer of red ivy. Northenhay was my home. As I climbed out of the car, I took in the mansion in all its splendour. In less than a month, I had to leave it behind.
" Enid!?" I called as soon as I walked through the front door. I wanted to give her the news, go back to the room and change.
" Oh, good you're home. How did it go?" Enid asked as she stepped out of the piano room, brows quirked up, curious, anxious.
" It went well. They've accepted me. Classes start in October. Aldo will send the schedule by the end of the week." I replied grinning from ear to ear and pushed the backpack off my shoulder.
" I had no doubts that you would, dear. You on the other hand" Enid grimaced, smiling " Never mind. I'm sure that Mason will be very proud of you. What would like for dinner as a treat? We are celebrating and you can have whatever your heart desires." Enid pompously said with an air of superiority, pretending to be one of those showmen.
" Chicken casseroles. It is to die for, even though I'm not quite ready for that. I would still like to get a glimpse of heaven." I amusedly said trying to hide my somewhat lingering disappointment. It was comfort food and I needed all the comfort I could get. Things were changing, and I hoped that one day I would be able to find the strength to fight for us.
Enid furrowed her brows " That's the most boring thing to have when you are celebrating, but your wish is my command, " Enid chuckled " I should get to work then. Perfection takes time," She added, still a little confused about the food I had asked.
" I know. But I can't help it if it's yummy. I'll go change and meet you in the kitchen. I need to get out of this, I feel like I'm going to pass out any moment now," I said with levity and picked my bag off the floor.
" Don't worry, dear. I can manage a casserole on my own. Have a little rest while you are at it. I'm sure the interview wasn't a breeze," Enid added as she turned around to leave.
I nodded and made my way through the corridor as fast as I could. When I reached the room, I glanced at his door and stepped inside mine. My bedroom looked more like a battlefield than a bedroom. Clothes scattered all over the floor, towels, heaped sheets. I needed to clean first before I could even consider having a nap. I picked up things as I walked around the room and shoved them into the laundry basket in the bathroom. Mason had left the clothes he'd worn the night before in my room. I picked up the crisp white t-shirt that he wore under his shirt and put it on the hook.
When I was finally done, I slipped out of my clothes and donned his t-shirt, inhaling his musky scent, and letting it invade my senses.
Content, I slipped under the cover pulled his pillow under my head, and closed my eyes revelling in the familiar aroma.