Betty's POV
As Mrs. Aveeno's presence loomed over me, a torrent of questions flooded my mind, each one more daunting than the last. How long had she been standing outside the door? Had she been waiting patiently for Terry to emerge, or had she stumbled upon us by chance? And perhaps most crucially, how much had she overheard?
As I stood there, with my heart racing, I couldn't shake the fear that she might be on the verge of kicking me out of the Aveeno house. The thought left me feeling numb and paralyzed, my mind whirling with worst-case scenarios.
In a desperate bid to regain my composure, I reminded myself to stay calm as I listened to the tense exchange between Mrs. Aveeno and Terry.
"Mom, what are you doing here? He asked, his voice coated with panic. "Uuhh, I live here", she answered rolling her eyes at the ridiculous question. " I…I know, I mean you left for work already, I'm just surprised you're back so soon." He added with a tinge of curiosity and uncertainty. "I forgot an important document for a very important meeting your father and I will be having with some investors today and I didn't want anyone but myself to get it, which is why I had to come back home." Mrs Aveeno said. So, explain to me, Terry. What are you doing in my room? With so much seriousness, Mrs Aveeno implored sternly. I.. uhm…I forgot.. no, I mean I had to go get Betty to come tidy up my room because I made a mess in there." He replied, his voice laced with anxiousness.
When Mrs. Aveeno finally turned her attention to me, her voice sharp with reproach, I felt a surge of panic grip me. "Betty, why are you still here?" she demanded, her words cutting through the air like a knife. Caught off guard, I scrambled for an excuse. "I'm sorry ma'am, I know I should be done by now but John ordered me to make him breakfast, I had to whip something up for him immediately hence my delay ma'am. I lied.
"Alright then, step out for a moment will you." She commanded. "Yes ma'am" I said as I immediately left the room with my head down.
Just across me, I saw Terry on the stair way and gave a faint smile. He nodded and went away.
As Mrs. Aveeno emerged from the room with the documents in hand, I braced myself for another round of scrutiny. "Betty," she began, her tone softened slightly, "I have an important visitor coming over tonight. I want you to set up a room, make it comfy and cozy, and of course, prepare something really delicious for dinner. My guest is very special." Her words were accompanied by a cunning smile. "Alright, ma'am, I'll do just that," I responded, relieved that her attention had shifted away from my earlier transgressions.
But my brief moment of relief was shattered when John's voice echoed through the hallway, his demanding tone slicing through the air like a knife. "Betty! I'm hungry!" he yelled, his words sending a jolt of panic coursing through me.
My eyes widened in shock. That degenerate punk! I said to myself, he's going to get me in trouble as I had already lied to Mrs Aveeno that the reason I wasn't done cleaning her room was because I had to make breakfast for John.
Mrs Aveeno, turned to look at me and then moved her piercing gaze to John slowly, "I thought Betty already made your breakfast?" She asked with utmost curiousity. "What? Mom, what are you talking about? I literally just woke up and I'm hungrrr…" Mrs Aveeno phone rang interrupting John's statement.
With a hurried apology, Mrs. Aveeno rushed off to answer the call, leaving me standing in the hallway, my heart pounding in my chest. "Phew," I breathed a sigh of relief, grateful for the narrow escape. But deep down, I knew that my lies were only buying me time, and sooner or later, they would catch up with me.
"Beat it, hurry, make me breakfast you dimwit." John cursed out.
"Yes.. sir" I stammered and rushed down to the kitchen.
John had always been a rude, arrogant prick, nothing like Terry at all. I couldn't help but wonder why he behaved so lackadaisically and uncultured. Was it simply a matter of upbringing, or was there something deeper at play? I pondered this question rhetorically as I set about preparing breakfast for him.
As I cracked eggs into a bowl and began whipping up French toast, my mind wandered to the identity of the mysterious guest Mrs. Aveeno had mentioned. It was likely a business associate, I presumed, given the Aveenos' penchant for hosting meetings at home with special guests. Whoever it was, I knew I had to ensure that everything was perfect for their arrival.
As I wrapped up my tasks for the day, a sense of weariness settled over me, weighing down my shoulders like a heavy burden. It was time to retreat to the boys quarters where my father and I resided. Initially, I entertained the idea of seeking out Terry, but with his brother John now awake, the risk of being caught in an awkward situation loomed too large. So, with a heavy heart, I made the decision to head home.
********
My father's voice called out to me, breaking through the haze of my thoughts. "Betty, Betty?" he called, concern evident in his tone. "Dad, oh, goodness, I can't believe I fell asleep," I confessed, my exhaustion palpable. "I didn't even know when I got here. I've been lost in thought, Dad."
"What were you thinking about?" my father inquired gently, his eyes searching mine for any sign of distress. "What's wrong?"
I shook my head, attempting to brush off his concerns with a feeble smile. "Nothing, nothing you should worry about, Dad," I reassured him, my voice barely above a whisper. "I'm fine, I'm just tired."
Observing my worn-out state, my father's expression softened with empathy. "You're back early, Dad," I remarked, attempting to shift the focus away from myself.
He nodded, understanding the unspoken question behind my words. "Yeah, the Aveenos are having a special guest come over, so they wanted to prepare," he explained. "They rounded off the meeting with the general investors meeting on time, as well."
Sensing my need for a moment of respite, my father offered me a small gesture of kindness.
"Why don't you go take a shower? I'll make you a cup of tea," he suggested, his concern for my well-being evident in every word.
"Thanks, Dad," I murmured gratefully, sinking back onto the couch with a weary sigh. In that moment, as I closed my eyes and let the warmth of home envelop me, I couldn't help but feel a profound sense of gratitude for the unwavering support of my father.
******
As evening descended upon us, it was time to welcome the new guest, a duty that all workers at the Aveeno house were mandated to fulfill together.
*******
"Dad, are you coming to welcome the new guest?" I called out as I hastily donned my attire for the occasion.
"No, dear, I want to relax a bit," my father replied with a tired sigh.
"But you know it's mandatory for all the workers at the Aveeno house to welcome the new guest," I reminded him, a hint of concern creeping into my voice.
"I know, but I'm not feeling too strong right now," my dad muttered, his words tinged with a faint weariness.
Immediately, I dashed into his room and settled myself on the edge of his bed. "Is everything okay, Dad?" I inquired, my curiosity piqued.
"I'm fine, I'm just down with a bit of fever," my dad responded, his voice soft but reassuring.
"I'll brew you some tea before I leave, Dad," I offered, eager to alleviate any discomfort he might be feeling.
"No, you should go. You know how Mrs. Aveeno can be when you are not punctual," my dad implored, concern evident in his eyes.
"I know, Dad, but I'll be quick. Don't worry about it," I assured him, moving swiftly to prepare some tea for him before heading out.
After settling my dad in and ensuring he was comfortable, I raced to the big house, where my fellow workers had already gathered in a straight line to welcome the new guest. I tried to slip into the line without Mrs Aveeno knowing, but somehow our eyes met, and my heart skipped a beat..