Disclaimer: no, it's not mine *yawns*
AN: '...' means thoughts.
The week sped by quite fast, faster than I thought it would. There even seemed to be moments where thoughts of Sylvia didn't even cross my mind. Once I was determined to let my little sister have some freedom from her overbearing sibling, I intended to achieve it. Every time I continuously read the ads section from newspapers, it was for her. Every time I walked up to a reception desk to ask about a job, it was for her. Every time I anxiously waited by the phone waiting the return call, it was for her. I wonder if she would ever appreciate my efforts or whether she would think everything came naturally, easily... something that it didn't always.
Nowadays, I observe my surroundings with a new approach. I had taken my home for granted these past few years. The beautiful, grand furniture that many guests remarked upon didn't just grow there. They were earned for by papa. He may have tricked innocent clients by telling them falsehoods but those times had hopefully passed and we were now earning our money decently.
It was surprising what people did for cash. They'd steal, lie, kill, go against every amendment in the bible for it. The only thing they wouldn't do for money was to sell their soul and the only reason they didn't do this horrendous act was the fact that they didn't know how to. People did all these things but I didn't have to do any for what I had now. I was practically born with a silver spoon in my mouth.
I had never thought of this, not even when I happened to pass by the homeless on the filthy streets. I had only taken note of this when I had to go out and look for a job myself. Maybe I wasn't only doing this for Sylvia... maybe.
~~~
"Arden, are you ready yet? We're late! We told Michael we'd be there by 5." I glanced up the stairway with a sigh. Wasn't it supposed the other way around? Wasn't it supposed to be the man inquiring about the female? I guess vanity had a way with both genders.
A strangled voice found its way down the steps and into my ears. "Just a sec."
'Just a sec' meant fifteen minutes in this house. I took my time getting the overcoats from the closet. I had mine on and was comfortably standing near the main doors when a flushed Arden rushed down the stairs, straightening his tie. One look at him and I laughed. "Arden, it's a casual dinner, no need for business suits."
"In that case..." my husband ripped the stiff tie off and threw it on the ground without looking. "Shall we go now, m'lady?" he asked formally as he held out his arms so we could link arms.
Quirking up an eyebrow, I laughed again and gently guided my arms into his. I didn't know about later but it was certainly beginning to look like a nice night.
"You look really pretty tonight," he complimented.
Brushing my hair out of my eyes with the other hand, I grinned. "I was wearing the same thing when you got home from work."
He bent over and kissed my on the forehead. My smile had gone stiff before he remarked, "Let's just say you're pretty every second of every day. I love you Audrina."
"Love you too."
We glided outside, towards the garage. He opened the car door for me, like any gentleman should. "Thhhhhhhank you." I lengthened the 'th' playfully.
Arden did the same. "Youuuuu're welcome."
The drive to Michael's house was very relaxing. We may not have had words to preoccupy every moment yet there wasn't one awkward silence. Maybe in our 'old' age, we were extremely used to each other. I understood why so many people married their child sweethearts. Sometimes, change wasn't always a good thing.
When we pulled up onto a driveway, I turned a questioning expression at my husband. "Are you sure this is his house? It seems... excessively big."
Arden got out his wallet from his pocket and took out a slip of paper. He turned from the sheet to the house. "This is the right address. I guess I could have misheard a couple of letters," he stated cautiously.
In front of us was one of the biggest houses I've ever seen in Virginia. It was as big as Washington's white house and twice as beautiful. The yard was so bountiful that the house itself didn't appear all that large from this distance. There was a security fence surrounding the grounds and there was even a fish spurting out water into an alluringly ancient fountain. And I thought Michael was impressed by our mansion! How wrong I was! All I could do was gape at this majestic wonder. 'Doesn't he get lonely living in something so big and pretty?,' I wondered.
"Only one way to figure out if we have the right address." Arden got out of the car and hesitantly pressed the intercom. Unfortunately, I couldn't read lips so I was stuck with their silent conversation. After a minute or so, a smiling Arden slid back into the driver's seat. "Yep, this is his house."
As Arden shifted gears, the intimidating gates opened and we started the long drive to the main doors of the mansion. "What does he do for a living? It's gorgeous," I gawked at the wide open fields. It was like Michael had his own park! I imagined Sylvia growing up here. "Does Michael have any kids? They must be awfully spoiled."
Arden chuckled and admired the surroundings himself. "What's with all the sudden questions, Audrina?" After a pause to check the side mirror, he answered. "Didn't he say he was some bank manager? To tell you the truth, I don't really know him all that well. During his dinner with us last week, he didn't talk all that much about himself."
"Do you think he's married?"
"Why? Are you going to play matchmaker?"
I smiled and shrugged my shoulders mysteriously. "Maybe."
We stopped at a wide paved circle that led to the main doors. Two servants were already there waiting for us and they opened the car doors for us. I gave Arden an amused look. Michael's servants' wing must be occupied to the brim so that the servants had to sleep out in the halls. In our home, that section of the house was vacant except two rooms. Only a year ago, the servants' wing was completely empty. My mother-in-law, Billie, or my Aunt Ellsbeth would always take care of the house. When they died, no one wanted to take over their chores. It was hard hiring the nanny and the live-in cook/gardener/maid. It was only two people and we were struggling as it was trying to renovate the old mansion AND pay salaries.
After the two servants closed the car doors, they led us up the many stairs until we reached the decorated doors. It wasn't Michael who greeted us. It was a blonde woman who appeared to be in her late twenties, sparkling with diamonds and gold alike. She was slim and you could barely tell she was wearing make-up. Her hair was full of body and it curved around her face so it complimented her charming blue eyes. The woman wore a black evening gown that hugged her abundant curves. She stretched out her arms to greet us as we climbed the last couple of stairs while the hired helps discreetly left us.
"Hello, you must be Arden and Audrina. Even your names sound like they'd make the perfect couple! Michael has told me so much about you two," her cool eyes lingered on me while they swept my body up and down. Apparently, I was insignificant so she turned to Arden instead. "I'm Racheile, Michael's wife."
"Nice to meet you," I smiled, quite daunted by the female who seemed so worldly.
Racheile paid little attention to my greeting. Regardless, she made full eye contact with Arden when he said his hellos. My husband was glowing from all the consideration she was radiating to him.
I was used to being the third wheel but I looked upon her with distaste. It was like it was Vera all over again. I certainly hoped this wasn't the case.
Racheile giggled for no apparent reason as she gestured inside. "Oh, where are my manners, making you two stand out here in the cold? Michael's inside the library, waiting."
She and Arden coupled together, strolling onwards, leaving me behind to follow. I had little time to envy the interior design while I glared at Racheile's dress that seemed custom made for her. 'Doesn't she know that it's a casual dinner?,' I thought to myself. 'Or did she only tell Michael to give us the wrong information so she could out-shine me that much more?' How many Veras and Vera-wannabes could there be before they were the death of me?
The dinner, as expected, was a huge hit. There were many delectable dishes that must have been prepared by some of the country's best chefs. Over the dining table that seemed too long, was a low hanging chandelier that draped itself above the table and the light bounced off of its glass and it made everything glow in a royal way. However, it was like it was reflected upon Racheile the most for she was the most brilliant hostess... or so Arden thought. I looked at her with jealousy and Michael just scrutinized his beautiful wife with plain bitterness.
~~~~~~~Author's Note~~~~~~~
Oooo, what did you think? *wondering when the action's gonna happen* Hmm... no idea! However, guess what? GUESS WHAT? GUESS WHAT? GUESS WHAT? I have an idea for what I think the plot's gonna be! Isn't that great or what?! Please review because if you don't review, I won't update and we wouldn't want that to happen, now would we? lol
AN: '...' means thoughts.
The week sped by quite fast, faster than I thought it would. There even seemed to be moments where thoughts of Sylvia didn't even cross my mind. Once I was determined to let my little sister have some freedom from her overbearing sibling, I intended to achieve it. Every time I continuously read the ads section from newspapers, it was for her. Every time I walked up to a reception desk to ask about a job, it was for her. Every time I anxiously waited by the phone waiting the return call, it was for her. I wonder if she would ever appreciate my efforts or whether she would think everything came naturally, easily... something that it didn't always.
Nowadays, I observe my surroundings with a new approach. I had taken my home for granted these past few years. The beautiful, grand furniture that many guests remarked upon didn't just grow there. They were earned for by papa. He may have tricked innocent clients by telling them falsehoods but those times had hopefully passed and we were now earning our money decently.
It was surprising what people did for cash. They'd steal, lie, kill, go against every amendment in the bible for it. The only thing they wouldn't do for money was to sell their soul and the only reason they didn't do this horrendous act was the fact that they didn't know how to. People did all these things but I didn't have to do any for what I had now. I was practically born with a silver spoon in my mouth.
I had never thought of this, not even when I happened to pass by the homeless on the filthy streets. I had only taken note of this when I had to go out and look for a job myself. Maybe I wasn't only doing this for Sylvia... maybe.
~~~
"Arden, are you ready yet? We're late! We told Michael we'd be there by 5." I glanced up the stairway with a sigh. Wasn't it supposed the other way around? Wasn't it supposed to be the man inquiring about the female? I guess vanity had a way with both genders.
A strangled voice found its way down the steps and into my ears. "Just a sec."
'Just a sec' meant fifteen minutes in this house. I took my time getting the overcoats from the closet. I had mine on and was comfortably standing near the main doors when a flushed Arden rushed down the stairs, straightening his tie. One look at him and I laughed. "Arden, it's a casual dinner, no need for business suits."
"In that case..." my husband ripped the stiff tie off and threw it on the ground without looking. "Shall we go now, m'lady?" he asked formally as he held out his arms so we could link arms.
Quirking up an eyebrow, I laughed again and gently guided my arms into his. I didn't know about later but it was certainly beginning to look like a nice night.
"You look really pretty tonight," he complimented.
Brushing my hair out of my eyes with the other hand, I grinned. "I was wearing the same thing when you got home from work."
He bent over and kissed my on the forehead. My smile had gone stiff before he remarked, "Let's just say you're pretty every second of every day. I love you Audrina."
"Love you too."
We glided outside, towards the garage. He opened the car door for me, like any gentleman should. "Thhhhhhhank you." I lengthened the 'th' playfully.
Arden did the same. "Youuuuu're welcome."
The drive to Michael's house was very relaxing. We may not have had words to preoccupy every moment yet there wasn't one awkward silence. Maybe in our 'old' age, we were extremely used to each other. I understood why so many people married their child sweethearts. Sometimes, change wasn't always a good thing.
When we pulled up onto a driveway, I turned a questioning expression at my husband. "Are you sure this is his house? It seems... excessively big."
Arden got out his wallet from his pocket and took out a slip of paper. He turned from the sheet to the house. "This is the right address. I guess I could have misheard a couple of letters," he stated cautiously.
In front of us was one of the biggest houses I've ever seen in Virginia. It was as big as Washington's white house and twice as beautiful. The yard was so bountiful that the house itself didn't appear all that large from this distance. There was a security fence surrounding the grounds and there was even a fish spurting out water into an alluringly ancient fountain. And I thought Michael was impressed by our mansion! How wrong I was! All I could do was gape at this majestic wonder. 'Doesn't he get lonely living in something so big and pretty?,' I wondered.
"Only one way to figure out if we have the right address." Arden got out of the car and hesitantly pressed the intercom. Unfortunately, I couldn't read lips so I was stuck with their silent conversation. After a minute or so, a smiling Arden slid back into the driver's seat. "Yep, this is his house."
As Arden shifted gears, the intimidating gates opened and we started the long drive to the main doors of the mansion. "What does he do for a living? It's gorgeous," I gawked at the wide open fields. It was like Michael had his own park! I imagined Sylvia growing up here. "Does Michael have any kids? They must be awfully spoiled."
Arden chuckled and admired the surroundings himself. "What's with all the sudden questions, Audrina?" After a pause to check the side mirror, he answered. "Didn't he say he was some bank manager? To tell you the truth, I don't really know him all that well. During his dinner with us last week, he didn't talk all that much about himself."
"Do you think he's married?"
"Why? Are you going to play matchmaker?"
I smiled and shrugged my shoulders mysteriously. "Maybe."
We stopped at a wide paved circle that led to the main doors. Two servants were already there waiting for us and they opened the car doors for us. I gave Arden an amused look. Michael's servants' wing must be occupied to the brim so that the servants had to sleep out in the halls. In our home, that section of the house was vacant except two rooms. Only a year ago, the servants' wing was completely empty. My mother-in-law, Billie, or my Aunt Ellsbeth would always take care of the house. When they died, no one wanted to take over their chores. It was hard hiring the nanny and the live-in cook/gardener/maid. It was only two people and we were struggling as it was trying to renovate the old mansion AND pay salaries.
After the two servants closed the car doors, they led us up the many stairs until we reached the decorated doors. It wasn't Michael who greeted us. It was a blonde woman who appeared to be in her late twenties, sparkling with diamonds and gold alike. She was slim and you could barely tell she was wearing make-up. Her hair was full of body and it curved around her face so it complimented her charming blue eyes. The woman wore a black evening gown that hugged her abundant curves. She stretched out her arms to greet us as we climbed the last couple of stairs while the hired helps discreetly left us.
"Hello, you must be Arden and Audrina. Even your names sound like they'd make the perfect couple! Michael has told me so much about you two," her cool eyes lingered on me while they swept my body up and down. Apparently, I was insignificant so she turned to Arden instead. "I'm Racheile, Michael's wife."
"Nice to meet you," I smiled, quite daunted by the female who seemed so worldly.
Racheile paid little attention to my greeting. Regardless, she made full eye contact with Arden when he said his hellos. My husband was glowing from all the consideration she was radiating to him.
I was used to being the third wheel but I looked upon her with distaste. It was like it was Vera all over again. I certainly hoped this wasn't the case.
Racheile giggled for no apparent reason as she gestured inside. "Oh, where are my manners, making you two stand out here in the cold? Michael's inside the library, waiting."
She and Arden coupled together, strolling onwards, leaving me behind to follow. I had little time to envy the interior design while I glared at Racheile's dress that seemed custom made for her. 'Doesn't she know that it's a casual dinner?,' I thought to myself. 'Or did she only tell Michael to give us the wrong information so she could out-shine me that much more?' How many Veras and Vera-wannabes could there be before they were the death of me?
The dinner, as expected, was a huge hit. There were many delectable dishes that must have been prepared by some of the country's best chefs. Over the dining table that seemed too long, was a low hanging chandelier that draped itself above the table and the light bounced off of its glass and it made everything glow in a royal way. However, it was like it was reflected upon Racheile the most for she was the most brilliant hostess... or so Arden thought. I looked at her with jealousy and Michael just scrutinized his beautiful wife with plain bitterness.
~~~~~~~Author's Note~~~~~~~
Oooo, what did you think? *wondering when the action's gonna happen* Hmm... no idea! However, guess what? GUESS WHAT? GUESS WHAT? GUESS WHAT? I have an idea for what I think the plot's gonna be! Isn't that great or what?! Please review because if you don't review, I won't update and we wouldn't want that to happen, now would we? lol