Please, keep in mind; I tend to write for more mature audiences. I do not typically write clique characters nor do I give away all the details at once.
If you are into unrealistic personalities or stories that are flat with no mysteries to the game then you might want to exit.
Many are probably unfamiliar with my previous works, "When the Sky Cries", "Rumor Has it", and "Der Rupel" to make clear, all of them have unique characters with plot twists. Nothing is fully understandable in the beginning but as the chapters unfold everything becomes more intense.
Again, you have been warned it's a mature story.
What be a sin?
An act of injustice or someone who turns a blind eye to obvious truth?
You decide.
Though the Ackerman residence takes in anyone who needs a place to stay, in exchange for hard labor, he specifically made it clear no lies were to be kept and no criminal records were to follow. With that I signed the contract and bit my tongue the entire time.
I wasn't a bad person; I was going against the agreement to protect someone I loved.
"She needs me," I whispered to myself. I turned into the laundry room. Thankfully it was empty and I was able to change my clothes in peace. I stripped myself of the black shirt, corset underneath, pants, and heels. I grabbed a green workman's shirt and another pair of brown pants. Thankfully, I had my bottoms at least on before the charming stable hand came prowling in.
I quickly covered my exposed bra. "Ah Jean would it kill you to knock?" I shrieked. Jean's checks flashed about fifty shades of red before his lips twitched for words.
"Uh-well this is the laundry room and normally its open to the public. So-" Jean rubbed the back on his neck. He too looked like he had a rough evening. Hay stuck out of his hair while the rest of him look as though every animal tramped him on the property.
I sighed. "Right. Well, just get what you cam for. And this never happened." I turned around and flung the green cotton long sleeve top over my skin. How I didn't die of embarrassment was beyond me. I proceeded to button up to the collar.
Jean swallowed, "Sure, but [F/N] why are you wearing that? Don't you typically work in the mansion?" I smoothed my sleeves before facing him.
"That is true, except I was asked to do some last minute food picking. If you wouldn't mind preparing some chickens and pigs for tonight, that would save me the hassle," I said. I walked passed the boy whose face looked exactly like the others. He was shocked as to why I would venture to the garden this late in the hour.
"S-sure, but are you not afraid?" Jean asked.
"Nah," I lied. "I like a challenge." Though he had an ego the size of the entire house, I still sent him a smile since I knew he truly meant well. He was a good guy and helped me learn the ropes around here too. Everyone worked together to make this place run smoothly and the last thing I wanted was to make enemies.
On my way out, I happened to see a rack and on it moss colored cape with the crossed wings symbol of the Ackerman residence printed on the back. It was the outfit worn for outside duties. I tied the clothing around my neck and pulled the hood over my shoulder length hair. Toward the massive wooden door, lay a couple of empty sacks, which I didn't hesitate to collect.
Lord only could guess how many bags I would need to fill for tonight.
The decorated doors creaked open and I made my way outside. I was greeted with the coolness of the evening. The fading sun was saying goodbye for the day. I collected a lantern and strutted towards the enchanting garden.
For a millionaire, he sure knew how to use his money well. I walked down the cobblestone and admired the outside. Thick vines with small white flowers coated the archway entrance while tall hearty bushes lined the exterior like unbreakable wall. I pushed the antique gate and made my way inside. Various rows of trees and plants with plump fruit of various kinds waited patiently to be picked. As I stepped further, lines of massive vegetables were sticking out of the ground, their leaves commanding me to choose them.
The grass never looked so luscious.
I looked around and even glanced behind my shoulder to be sure I wasn't followed. I thought Jean would have followed me out here, since he had so many times before, but luckily I was alone. I collected myself and proceeded to collect the goods.
I placed the orange lantern nearby and began uprooting some carrots, beets, and lettuce. I organized each bag to contain the proper ingredient and made sure to count every piece I put in there. After another several added veggies, I decided if I didn't stop I wouldn't have the strength to carry and fruit back. And I wasn't planning on making a second trip. The wind stirred and whistled which sent a chill of goosebumps over my skin. The little splashes from the fountain slightly elevated my pulse.
I took a breath, "There is no such thing as ghosts. There is no such thing as monsters." I shook of the nerves and headed to the bushes. I plucked several blackberries, strawberries, and cherries. My fingers were stained and not to mention my tongue from sneaking a few tasty samples. My shoulders ached as I headed to the tall ever-sturdy trees. I managed to gather several apples and peaches from the lower branches. However, my eyes reflected the painfully high altitude I needed to reach to obtain the ripest lemons.
"When life gives you lemons-" I huffed as I placed all but one of the sacs down. I pulled my hood from my head and got a clear view of how I was going to manage the climb. I saw a low branch and went for it. With a few careful steps, I made my way up the tree. My hands rubbed against the blistering bark but it was needed so Connie could season the dishes.
I wasn't having much luck with the selection. All the lemons were still green and not ripe enough to pick. I was normally an optimistic individual, but fate would have it that the most yellow and fat fruit was at the very end of the branch and far from my reach.
"Oh the joys of having to pay off a debt," I hissed as I quickly made my way over to the lone branch. My foot was barely on the lower branch as I reached forward. I stretched my arm and leaned my weight as it could go. I could feel the work boots not holding their grip very well. But I had to hurry; the chiefs were counting on this. Without it, our goose was going to be cooked.
My fingers nearly touched the outside of the fruit when my feet no longer could sustain the shifted weight. Instantly, my grip slipped as I heard a snap. I let out scream as my stomach dropped. I felt myself falling but suddenly it stopped. I opened my eyes to see my boots dangling above the ground. I looked up to see my hands holding onto the thin branch with the single lemon.
I frowned, "Does life like mocking me?" I tried to swing my legs back to the base of the tree, however there wasn't anything to hook onto. There was no ledge, no additional branch for a handle. I was stranded. The jump down would surely equal a twisted ankle and I was in no position for that.
If I called for help, everyone would think a monster was attacking me and the entire staff would be out with pitchforks and torches. I didn't need the headache of trying to explain the situation. Besides, if the others came then I wouldn't be able to hide any food for later and that was really the entire reason I came out here in the first place.
My thoughts were halted when the sound of the creaking gate caught my ears. My heart sped and the color from my face drained as the figure advanced forward. Its ominous movements were slow like a cat on the hunt. My stomach turned fearing the worst. What sort of beast has come to devour me?
I prepared myself to fight when my eyes recognized a familiar startling face.
"Oh god," I heaved. A man dressed in a well-tailored suit with hair as dark as the approaching night and eyes so cold not even the devil could stare down came into the lantern light. His expression had yet to change since the many times we had met.
"Though I think of myself as one, Lord would be a more appropriate title. What the hell are doing anyways?" The man asked with a slightly raised brow as he looked up at me. I peered around unsure how to exactly explain myself.
"I-I was trying to get some lemons for your meal, Sir." I said as calmly as possible. My heart beat rapidly at the thought of him catching the added picks of food. He couldn't possibly notice right?"
"So you decide to become a pathetic butt scratching monkey to reach it?" The owner asked. He sure had a way of making this awkward. I swallowed my pride.
"No, Sir. I just wanted to ensure a delicious dinner for the evening since you are expecting guests."
"Tch, you could have used the damn ladder." The man gestured to the corner of the garden where the wooden tool laid. I would have slapped myself expect I was still holding on for dear life.
"I'll remember it for next time. Thanks for the advice, Sir." I replied with embarrassment leaking over my face. Though, I didn't have a crush on the owner, there was no denying how handsome he really was. I was pretty sure a nun wouldn't resist him if he took her to bed.
"You're not really bright are you?"
I bit the inside of my cheek, "I guess that explains why I didn't continue my fine education." I mentally rolled my eyes. Play the game, I told myself. I had to otherwise we would have no food or shelter. Let him lazily swim in the pool of his arrogance. I was still getting the better end of the deal.
"You don't need a teacher to know how to properly pick a fruit, brat." The head of the house said as he continued to stare up at me. He was only a few years older but acted as though we were kids from a daycare, too immature to handle such difficult tasks.
"I suppose you're right. My apologies. Though I do believe if a proper schedule had been prepared for the evening I wouldn't have to play monkey to get what was needed for dinner. " I replied. I refused to call him Lord. Royalty or not he wasn't entitled to that pristine name even if he had exceptional high-class manors.
The man clicked his tongue before he held out his arms. "Well?"
"Well what?" I asked.
"Am I going to have to stand here all night or are you going to let go?"
My eyes widened, "Let go? But Sir that would hurt-"
"I'll catch you, you idiot. Who stands under someone like this if that wasn't the intention?"
"A-Are you sure? I mean-"
The royal rolled his eyes, "God damnit just let go already." He snapped. I really wanted time to think this situation over but with the owner's glaring eyes I wasn't sure that was the best option. I closed my eyes. If he were planning to step away then so be it, he would just get a good laugh and leave. Then at least, I could sneak the food away.
I let my hands slip and my body fall.
I expected to feel the hard ground on my butt; instead however strong arms supported me. I peaked my eyes open to see the owner's features casting a harsh gaze down upon me. I wish I could say this was the fist time I was caught this close with the owner. Sadly, that wasn't the case in the past recent weeks.
Suddenly, the owner's arms released and I felt myself having to gather my feet quickly. I stumbled on my weak knees. Startled by the unexpected loss of support.
The man in the suit let his eyes wonder to the ground. He didn't say a word as he passed me and reached for a glowing object in the grass. He held the item for a moment before turning back towards me and placing it in my aching hands.
The perfect lemon, from the branch, now sat in my palms and unaware of the struggle I endured to obtain it. But that was usually how most things in life were. I nodded.
"Thanks," I said. The owner came closer to me. His dark bangs brushed over his eyelids. His thin narrow lips spread.
"So when life gives you lemons-?" He began to ask. My breath hitched in my throat. How long had he been watching me? My chest tightened. The owner waited but licked his thumb before rubbing it on the top of my cheek.
"You-" I tried to say.
The gentleman leaned closer to my ear. His hand gripped my arm while his breath blew warmly on my skin. The words spilled from his lips.
"You make damn sure everything goes well for tonight. Otherwise," he paused before he let his lips lightly travel down my neck. I held back a shiver. "There will be no sweetness for the lemonade."
I didn't watch as he turned and strolled out of the garden.
He left me with that one fruit and a mind racing full of unanswered questions.
He didn't know did he?
There is no such thing as monsters…
There is no such thing…
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