Somehow I managed to let out a breath, her eyes were raging in fury as she stared at me. I was totally lost on what to do, say, or how to behave, hoping she did not overhear the conversation I had with Terry. She moved closer to me, closing the gap between us, and I found myself unable to move as her overwhelming presence stifled me.
"The only reason why I wouldn't kick you out at this moment is because I actually did fancy you, so count yourself lucky or not because my dear Betty," she caressed my cheeks in the most invigorating way, "you are walking on a very thin ice, if you ever come near Terry, other than your regular maid duties, you'll regret the day you were born." She whispered the words slowly into my ears, with evident disdain.
I managed to look in the eyes but I looked away instantaneously unable to hold her menacing gaze, slightly giving a quick nod.
Upon stepping out, I let out a gasp of relief, now that she knows Terry and I had a thing, my stay in the Aveeno house is hanging on a balance, being scared of Mr and Mrs Aveeno's reaction is one thing, they will probably kick me out. However my father finding out about this, is what I most dread, he would be utterly dissappointed and that would devastate me.
With a heavy heart and a burdened soul, I made my way home but I was halted by a familiar voice.
"Betty," the voice called out, I turned around to see who it was and behold, it was the stranger I met at the horse cottage this morning.
"Hey, what are you doing here?" I asked as I moved closer towards him.
"I am friends with the family and they invited me for dinner," he explained with a smile.
"Friends with the family? You never mentioned so earlier today," I stated curiousity hitched in my voice.
He moved even closer, closing the gap between us, "you never asked," he said with a cunning smile.
We locked eyes, a bit longer than necessary until I cleared my throat.
"Well then, have a great evening," I said, turning around astutely.
He held my hands and gradually pulled me closer.
"it's good to see your beautiful face again," he said, slowly and softly.
I pulled my hands away from his grip, trying to get away from the tension building up in the air. "Good night sir" I said, trying to avoid whatever was brewing up between us.
Upon walking away, he interrupted my steps with his incredibly soft but manly voice, "It's Drey, my name is Drey" he expelled. I simply nodded and continued my pace with a cute smile dancing on my lips.
I got home and carefully opened the door, trying to be as stealthy as possible so as not to wake my father up.
After taking a quick bath and changing into my nightwear, I reeled through the events of the day, it was indeed packed, I began hyperventilating when I remembered the words from Tricia, thankfully somehow I fell asleep.
I woke up fully refreshed ready to take on the day. Getting to the main house to begin my tasks, I was met with a very unsettling scenery. Drey, Terry with Tricia, laughing and walking out of the main house. I took a deep breath, steeled myself and got closer to them.
"Good day everyone," I said, taking a bow and moving hastily towards the front door.
"Oh..Hi Betty," Drey greeted aloud, I turned around gave him a faint smile before making my way in. I took a deep and relaxing breathe immediately I got inside, I leaned against the door for a brief moment, anxiety battling with me, but comported myself afterwards before someone saw me.
The maids and I prepared breakfast and set the table impeccably as usual. Tricia, Terry and shockingly Drey walked in and my heart skipped a beat. I stood across Terry and Drey and they both stole glances at me, I felt a tad bit uncomfortable and I needed for nothing more, than not to be there anymore.
Tricia caught Terry stealing glances at me and her countenance changed.
"Betty darling, would you please help me get that vintage wine we had yesterday from the cellar," she asked kindly, masking her true intent.
"Of course," I ran to the cellar and looked every where for the wine she had mentioned but couldn't find it and so, I rushed back down to the dining hall
"Miss Tricia, I am sorry but I couldn't find it" I said. However her smiling facade mask fell off and she looked at with with utter anguish. "Are you calling me a liar Betty?" she blurted out.
"No.. I am.. Not," I stammered, shaking momentarily, unable to grasp what was happening.
"Oh, so now I'm a lunatic, I told you something is somewhere and you're saying it's not, I am a mad woman! Is that what are saying Betty!" She boomed, her boisterous voice disrupting the entire breakfast situation.
"No.. Ma, I'm.. I'm sorry," I couldn't help it, a tear drop fell off my eyes, I sniffed and immediately wiped it off with my hands.
"Betty please leave. Your presence is always prompting commotions, I don't know how long we will have to keep you here" Mrs aveeno retorted, her voice resolute. If not for your father.." she continued, but was rightfully cut short by her son, Terry.
"Mom, stop..please," Terry said, his voice laced with genuine concern and empathy.
I took a bow of shame, tears welled up in my eyes as I walked away from the dining area.
"If you'll excuse me" I overheard both Drey and Terry say, nudging their chair over.
"Terry don't you dare! His mother implored.
I made my way to the front door, about to walk out of the house when a firm masculine hand held onto me, and I wished so dearly it was Terry's hand but I knew how his touch felt, it wasn't him. When I turned around to see who it was, I met Drey's piercing green eyes, burning with sincerity and genuine concern.