Thankfully, I had a good night's sleep, with no more surprise visits into the land which I named the frosty dessert. Glancing out the window, I was grateful when I noticed that I had returned to waking up with the sun. At least, not everything changed.
Staring at the girl in the mirror, I was glad that I looked a little more like myself compared to the day before. I sighed and turned off the tap.
It was time for me, to make some changes. I had many shortcomings and a lot of work to do.
Understandably, I hoped from the bottom of my heart that I wouldn't have to see Mason. But, upon reflection, I couldn't avoid him forever. We lived under the same roof. No more running. No more escaping reality. I needed to face whatever would come at me head-on.
After slipping into my usual outfit, jeans, t-shirt, and my farmer's shirt, I made my way towards the kitchen. I need to gain some sense of normality. The tumultuous, past few days had been nerve-wracking.
As per usual, I went through the motions and began preparing breakfast. Nothing over the top, as I usually did. My appetite hadn't completely returned to normal. So, I decided to take it easy on myself.
" Good morning, Lily," The sound of his voice, made my heart skip a beat, but for the first time, since I had fallen in love with him I didn't lose myself.
" Good morning," I replied and turned around to face him. We locked eyes, and silence ensued. As always, looking spick and span, not even one single strand of hair out of place, Mason stood in the kitchen doorway, holding his briefcase, ready for the day ahead.
" How are you feeling?" He broke the silence, as he finally sauntered to the counter to pour himself a cup of coffee.
"Better than yesterday," I took a sip of my coffee and began laying the table. It was still early, Enid wouldn't be awake for another hour.
Strangely enough, there was no awkwardness between us, none that I could pick on, anyway. But he'd never been lovey-dovey, so the somewhat cold demeanour didn't surprise me.
Mason hummed, as he pulled the cutlery out of the drawers. That I didn't quite understand, it was something that he didn't often do.
" I'm glad to hear it. You should take all the time you need to rest and recover. The soup kitchen won't open for a few more days. Some of the appliances have been water damaged, and it will take some time to replace, and repair the ones that can be salvaged." He informed me and took the plates out of my hand since I stopped and watched him do rounds around the kitchen table.
" Thank you for letting me know," I took a deep breath," I wanted to thank you for helping us the other night and for looking after Laira," At my words he stilled and raised his head to look at me. The corner of his mouth ever so slightly quirked up and straightened himself.
" Always, Lily," I was a little taken aback at the softness in his tone. For once, I wished that he would admonish me for what I did. In hindsight, I realised that what I did was pretty foolish.
Once again silence settled between us, I had no clue what should I say next. We just stared at each other, in silence. I didn't feel uncomfortable. And for once, I noticed something I had never noticed before in Mason, his jaw slightly ticked. Nobody had nerves of steel, and most certainly he wasn't an exception.
" How are you feeling?" I broke the silence and began placing the food on the table.
" I've had better days," He casually said, making his way towards the counter to refill his cup.
I hummed, " How was lunch?" I couldn't bring myself to say Ava's name, anymore. Even though what we had, had come to an end, I still couldn't stomach the idea of them together.
Mason sighed and closed his eyes. He didn't like the question" It was fine. Two long hours of the usual nonsense. Since you are already acquainted with her, I won't get into details. Essentially, it was just her telling me about the latest." He said as he turned around to take a seat at the table, in Enid's seat on my left. That took me by surprise.
I decided not to say anything about it, and sat down, at the end of the table.
" Did you find out what you needed?" I carefully asked my next question. I knew he wasn't the sharing type, so there was a good chance even if he did, he wouldn't tell me.
" No, but she did her best to avoid answering the questions I asked. One good thing came out of it," He paused, placing his knife and fork onto the plate, and rested his forehead on his joined hands," She won't be visiting any longer. I have a locksmith coming today to change the locks to the doors and windows, as a precaution. Laira has mentioned that some of your possessions are missing. " He was concerned, for our safety. I didn't quite know how to respond to that information, but it made me wonder. What was going on behind the curtain?
" Whatever you think it's best," I meekly said, and turned my attention to my porridge. I glanced at the clock on the wall. It showed twenty-five to seven. And the sound of a door closing was a sign that Enid had woken up, and our conversation was over.
" Thank you for breakfast, " Mason said as he stood up," I should go," He added, as he picked up the plate with his unfinished breakfast. His behaviour was more bizarre than ever before.
" My pleasure," I whispered right before Enid stepped into the kitchen.
" Good morning," Enid said in her usual joyful tone, as Mason shrugged his jacket on and picked up his case, greeting Enid, a little surly.
" Leaving already?" She asked as she took a seat at the table in the spot Mason had left empty.
" Yes. I have been away for too long and I have some things to catch up on. I hope you have remembered to take your medication. Louis will take you to see Dr Button. He will be here at ten," That was the most Mason had ever said to Enid in front of me since I moved to Northenhay.
" Alright, I'll be ready," Enid nodded and thanked me when I passed her pancakes and a cup of coffee.
Nodding, " In other news," He paused and locked eyes with me for the briefest moment " Tonight," He cleared his throat," There is a party, nothing formal. Everyone will be bringing their significant other and I would like you to join me, both of you," I nearly choked on my porridge at his words. Wait. What?
" As you already know, I hate these things," Enid sighed, " The only reason I attended the charity ball this year was to make Lily feel more at ease, but I find them exhausting," Enid finished her thoughts on the matter, and I was beyond puzzled. He could take any woman in Morston with him. Why drag us along with him?
" I understand, but this is nothing compared to the charity ball. Is much more private, and you know most of them," Mason countered, while Enid raised her hands, defeated.
" Fine, but just for a few hours. How casual is it?" Enid added with furrowed brows, somewhat displeased.
" As long as you don't turn up in your pyjamas, anything is ideal," Mason chuckled, while Enid groaned probably at the fact that she would have to dress up and be up past her bedtime.
" Thank you, Enid," He amusedly said, patting her on the shoulder," I'll have Adam come pick you up at half past five," He added, and turned to look at me.
" Have a wonderful day," He turned on his heels and sauntered towards the door. I was happy that I was finally allowed in their space. Enid and Mason were rather secretive about their relationship. Then again, not too long ago, it was the case for him and I.
" Likewise," I whispered, watching him step out of the kitchen while Enid wished him the same.
Perplexed didn't even begin to cover how I felt at that moment. Unable to decide what to make of it, I pushed that thought out of my head.