Betty's POV
Our eyes met, and there was a brief moment of static tension between Mrs. Aveeno and I before she turned away, allowing me to blend into the group.
As Tricia gracefully entered the Aveeno household, I couldn't help but be captivated by her presence. With her stunning blonde hair and radiant complexion, she seemed to exude an aura of elegance and sophistication that left everyone in awe. If beauty could be defined, she would undoubtedly be its epitome—a true masterpiece.
As she ascended the stairs, accompanied by Mrs. Aveeno, her every step seemed to command attention, drawing admiring glances from all those around her. It was as if she belonged in a museum, where she would undoubtedly be the most sought-after exhibit.
The dinner table was impeccably set by myself and a few other maids, Surprisingly, Mrs. Aveeno appeared unusually content, and we were glad we could please her.
Despite my admiration for Tricia's beauty, I couldn't help but wonder about her presence as a business associate. Unlike the guests we were accustomed to, who tended to be older, Tricia's youth seemed out of place in such a formal setting.
Making my way towards Terry's seat, I poured him a glass of wine, catching a faint smile on his lips as our eyes met. Returning the smile discreetly, I left to attend to Tricia, who was seated beside him.
Though I couldn't shake off a twinge of jealousy at the thought of Tricia being in close proximity to Terry, I reminded myself that she was merely a temporary guest. Setting aside my feelings, I poured her a glass of water, anticipating a pleasant evening despite the unexpected company.
"So, Tricia, how do you find Texas?" Mr. Aveeno inquired.
"It's quite unrefined, and the people here are uncouth, but all in all, it's nice to be away from my father's air," Tricia responded candidly.
Mrs. Aveeno chuckled, amused by Tricia's straightforwardness. "Why would you say that?" she asked, her laughter still evident in her voice.
"Well, you know my dad has been incessantly nagging me about getting married, and it can be quite exhausting hearing talks about marriage," Tricia explained.
"It can be," Mrs. Aveeno agreed, "but when you find the right man, you'd wish you met him earlier."
"I think I might have found the one," Tricia replied with a smile, prompting laughter from everyone at the table.
However, amidst the jovial atmosphere, I couldn't shake the feeling that Terry seemed somewhat subdued, his usual vibrant demeanor dimmed by an unseen weight. It was as if he wasn't entirely happy to be there, and the realization left me pondering what could be troubling him.
"Terry, you remember Tricia, haven't she metamorphosed into a fine young woman", Mrs Aveeno asked with so much excitement.
"You both would certainly make beautiful children don't you think?" Mrs Aveeno added.
Dong! The sound that emanated from my head. I was standing a couple of feets behind Terry but he could definitely feel my worry.
They all laughed. "I bet they will", Mr. Avaeeno agreed.
Despite the laughter around the table and Mr. Aveeno's agreement, Terry's response was unexpected. With a stern face, he stood up abruptly and declared, "I've lost my appetite," before nudging his chair aside and walking out of the dining room, leaving behind a palpable atmosphere of tension.
"Young man, sit right there!" his father commanded, but Terry continued to walk away, his departure leaving a heavy silence in his wake.
"I apologize for his rude behavior, Tricia," Mr. Aveeno interjected, attempting to mitigate the awkwardness. "He's a shy man."
I couldn't help but scoff inwardly at the explanation. Knowing Terry as well as I did, I understood that his actions stemmed not from shyness but from a lack of interest in the situation unfolding before him.
"Are you stupid? Why did you laugh? Why did you even as much make a sound. You're supposed to be stealthy like a mannequin until you're asked for. You hear me?" Mrs Aveeno exploded, her boisterous voice cracking with rage.
"Yes ma, I'm sorry." I apologized promptly. "If not for the friendship we have with your father, you'd have been long gone. Imbecile. What are you waiting for? Get out of my sight. Rag." Mrs. Aveeno lashed out.
"I shouldn't feel the way I felt because she has said worse, but it still finds a way to pierce through me," I thought to myself as I bowed in acknowledgment of her reprimand.
Turning to leave, I heard her call my name, her tone still sharp with authority.
"Take Terry's food to his room," she ordered, her voice leaving no room for argument.
With a sheepish smile on my face, I picked up the tray and made my way to Terry's room, hoping to offer him some comfort amidst the tension that hung heavy in the air.
As I placed Terry's food on the table, I couldn't shake off the feeling of unease that hung in the air. His terse response and the way he lingered by his bed spoke volumes about his inner turmoil.
"Hey," I called out softly, hoping to break through the walls he seemed to have erected around himself.
He turned around, his expression guarded yet vulnerable. "Hey, what are you doing here?" he asked, his voice tinged with a mixture of surprise and apprehension.
"My mom sent me here actually. To give you this, your food," I explained, gesturing towards the tray on the table.
"Oh, thanks. Just leave it there, I'm not hungry," he responded, his tone distant as he retreated towards his bed.
I followed him, closing the gap between us and gently laying my hands on his back. Despite his efforts to mask his emotions, I could sense the turmoil brewing beneath the surface.
"Terry, you need to eat," I insisted, trying to break through the barrier of his frustration.
"I'm not hungry," he lashed out, his words tinged with bitterness. "Why are you hinting on the food though? Are you trying to digress? Say it! Say it! Aren't you sad and hurt my mom is setting me up with one random lady I barely know. Aren't you demented! Because I am! I'm tired of them always controlling my life. I'm not a child, for the love of Christ, why can't they just let me be with who I want to be with?" His words poured out like a dam bursting, carrying with them the weight of his pent-up emotions.
As he continued to vent, I simply listened, my heart aching for him. I gazed deeply into his eyes. Amidst his outburst, the only thought that crossed my mind was, "Let's run away."
After his torrent of emotions subsided, he moved closer to me, his expression softened with vulnerability. He collapsed onto my shoulders, his sobs echoing like a child's lament. In that moment, all I could do was hold him close, offering solace in the silence of our shared pain.