Chapter 5
I hope you enjoy.
The past few weeks have gone by fairly quickly. After that night in the hotel I just kept my distance from Mark. I do not want to affect his judgement. But now. Now I know it is the day.
"Today is the day. Celine will be coming and I will ask her to be my wife." Mark comments as he is getting ready. I am in the back of his room cleaning up and around. I stay quiet trying not to disturb him. He turns to me after a minute. "I….. I want to ask you something and I want you to be honest with me."
"What is it sir?" I ask and stop sweeping the floor. I look up at him and watches as he crosses the room to in front of me. He seems nervous. Most likely for tonight.
"I….. I want to know if this world was different. If this was a different world….." Mark pauses for a second. "If you were not my servant would you….. would you have been with me instead?"
"W-what sir?" I take a step back in surprise. Is he asking if I would marry him if…. If the world was different. Where did this come from. My mind is racing so much that I forget to answer.
"I am wrong then…. Just forget that I said that." Mark turns to walk back to his mirror. I reach for the cuff of his shirt to stop him.
"No it is not that….." I mean he is very kind to me….. If we met later….. would we have been together. Would I say yes…. I take a deep breath and collect my thoughts. "It was just a surprise sir. I think if the world was different and I did not have this job then…..maybe. Maybe we would have been." I look down at my hand that is still holding his cuff. I can hear him take a deep sigh.
"I wish this world was different. I wish I could make a world of my own." Mark mutters and turns back to me.
"But this is the world we live in, sir. We cannot change that." I shift a little and let go of his shirt. "She is very lucky to have you." Mark nods and walks back to the mirror.
"Go ahead and finish the rest of your work before Celine and her parents arrive." Mark waves his hand to dismiss me. I bow and finish my work and then leave the room.
Celine will be here in about an hour with her parents. I wonder what they are like. I think to myself as I walk downstairs to tidy the dining room. John is gone. He left after about a week of work. I am glad he did. No one is here to replace him yet. I wonder if he is going to hire anyone new here soon. I pick up a few plates out of the cabinet and gently place them on the table. I hear someone walk into the room. I look up and see Damien standing there. He is wearing a black suit and a blue bow tie. "Hello Master Damien." I smile gently in greeting.
"What have I said about calling me that?" He teasingly says and smiles back. I laugh a little and then get back to my work. "Do you know why Celine and my parents are coming this evening?"
"Yes but I am not allowed to say sir." I say and keep setting the table.
"Why is that?" Damien questions and walks more into the room.
"It is not my place to say." I look up at him. He seems nervous. "Is something wrong?" I stop what I am doing now.
"I…. I am just worried about a few things." Damien shifts his weight.
"What are you worried about exactly sir?" I ask and watch him move.
"I just have not seen my parents in a while. I am just worried that they do not approve of… my choice of running for mayor." Damien sounds like he wants to say something else. He starts to pace around the room a little. He walks past me, and I grab his arm. He stops and looks at me.
"I am sure they are very proud of you. I am sure they will support you." I smile and let go of his arm.
"Thank you Alex. You are always so kind." Damien smiles and grabs my arm and pulls me into a hug. I feel warmth as he hugs me. My face starts to heat up, but we do not pull away. A pressure on my back appears. I close my eyes enjoying the feeling. A cough comes from the other side of the room. I pulls away and smile. Chef is standing there with a stern look on his face.
"Alex please leave with lover boy. I am almost done with dinner." Chef says and points to the door. I can feel my face heat up more as we walk out the door. I hear a loud knock at the front door.
"That is probably them." I walk over to the main entrave and I see three figures standing on the other side of the door. As I open the door I can hear Damien take a deep breath. "Welcome to Mark's Manor. You must be Mister and Misses Bach. Please come in." I open the door wider for the three people in front of me. They both have more tanned skin and look like spitting images of Celine and Damien. Behind them is Celine, who is staring at me. They walk in and smile at me.
"Thank you. Hello Damien it is so good to see you." Mister Bach says as he hands me his coat. I take Celine's and Misses Bach's coats. Celine just kind of looks at me as I walk to put them up. I can faintly hear Misses Bach say something to Damien but they get quiet as I walk back to them.
"Master Mark is still getting ready for the evening. If you will wait for him in the living room I will let him know you are here." I bow slightly and lead them to the living room. Once they are settled I make my way upstairs to Mark. I gently knock on the door. "Master. Your guests are all here." I hear rustling around the room as I slowly open the door and enter. A wave of sweet smelling something hits my nose. He must have used some kind of cologne. He turns to me now dressed in a red suit jacket and white button up shirt that is slightly undone at the top.
"Thank you Alex. How do I look?" He asks and turns. He inspects himself in the mirror.
"You look great sir. She is very lucky." I say kindly and step out of the room. I see William walking down the hall. "Hello Master William, the guests are here in the living room. Are you joining them tonight?" He turns to me and smiles.
"Yes I will be. It has been a while since I have seen their parents. I also have an announcement to make." He looks really excited and walks with me down the stairs. I can hear Mark walk out of the room and follow behind us. The sound of light chatter comes from the living room. I can hear them say something and then my name. What are they talking about I wonder…. As we walk in they get quiet.
"Welcome everyone. I am so glad that you could come here this evening. Feel free to stay the night if you would like. If you need anything just ask Alex. They are here to help with anything you need." Mark says as he walks in behind me. He sets a hand on my shoulder. I can feel his hand shaking a little from his nerves.
"I am happy to help in anyway that is needed." I bow and smile kindly. I straighten up. "Dinner should be ready of you are ready."
A few minutes later the guests are at the table eating. I walk over and pour some more wine into some of the glasses. Damien smiles and stands up.
"I have an announcement to make." Damien adjusts his jacket and takes a deep breath. "I have been elected as Mayor. I will be sworn in next month." Everyone congratulates him in turn. "Thank you Mark for letting me stay here, but once I get into office I was planning on leaving." Damien glances over at me and I glance away. He sits back down.
"That is alright. I am glad you got it. You deserve it." Mark smiles and looks over at Celine.
"I also have an announcement to make. I went to the recruitment center. I enlisted. I start Basic Training in a few months." William announces and smiles.
Damien and William are leaving….. Why am I so sad… These thoughts go through my head as the others smile and congratulate him. I smile gently and look over at Mark. He is fiddling around with something in his pocket. He stands up. His chest rises and falls as he takes a deep breath.
"I also have something to say." He turns to Celine and smiles. "Celine, we have known each other since we were kids. I have liked you for a long time now." He gets down on one knee and her eyes widen. "Will you make me the happiest man and become my wife?" His voice is shaking from his nerves. He pulls out a small black box and opens it. Revealing a ring.
"M-Mark… this is too sudden, but…... " She smiles brightly. "I have liked you too and would love to marry you." Celine leans forward and hugs him tightly. Mark takes the ring out of the box and puts it on her finger. It is a beautiful large diamond ring. I look away and clean up some of the dishes. Everyone erupts in congratulations. Everyone gives the new couple hugs. I smile kindly and head into the kitchen. I hear someone walk in behind me. I turn around once i get to the sink and see Misses Bach standing there.
"Hello Alex. I wanted to talk to you about something." She sets her hands on the little kitchen island and looks at me.I set the dishes in the sink,
"What is it Misses Bach?" I ask and turn on the water.
"Damien really likes you. I can see it in his face. He has not looked this way since he was a kid with his first crush. He was adorable. It did not end well." She looks off a little thinking about it. I can feel my face heat up a little, but I try to calm down and not let it show.
"Why did it not end well?" I ask and start to wash the dishes. He likes me… What should I do… I like him too…
"Well the boy did not like him back." Misses Bach says and leans against the counter.
"He… I did not know…" I pause my work and glance over at her. "You are okay with it? I know some people are not as supportive."
"We are very supportive of whatever decision our kids make."
"Are you going to tell me to stay away from him?" I ask gently. He likes me and has liked a guy.. Is he bisexual then.
"No no. It is not that. I just wanted to ask a few things. Do you think you would make him happy?" She asks and smiles. A plate almost slip from my hands.
"I would hope so, but I work here. I do not really see myself with him. I work for Mark and that is my place." I say and look down at the sink. Why is this happening to me now. Why am I letting myself think this way.
"Okay. I am just going to say that you have my blessing." She says and leaves the room. I glance over as she leaves and then look back at my dishes. I finish up and walk out to find the others after a few minutes. The group is in the living room and Mark has his arm around Celine's shoulders. He looks over at me and smiles.
"I think you should be a guest at our ceremony and not as a worker. You have been working very hard here recently. I will have other workers work at the ceremony." Mark smiles bigger and kisses Celine's cheek. Celine smiles and looks at me. Her smile turns into a smirk.
"Thank you, sir. May I take my leave for the evening?" I ask and look away from Celine.
"Yes go right on ahead. Enjoy your evening." Mark waves his hand to dismiss me. I walk back downstairs. I walk into the servant bathroom and turn on the shower. I step out of my dress and get into the shower. I can feel hot tears fall down my cheeks.
I should not be crying. I should be happy for everyone. I lean against the wall and close my eyes. Now I am going to have to serve under Celine. They seem so happy together. I open my eyes and finish up my shower. It is going to be okay.
A few weeks pass without much commotion. Aside from Mark and Celine preparing for an early wedding. The new couple seemed pretty stressed through the time but very happy and excited. Celine did not really seem to bother me much during that time because of it. Fine by me. The time flies by it seems.
I am in my room getting ready for the day. Mark has already hired the waitstaff for the wedding. He said he might choose one or two to stay and work for him. I look in my wardrobe and pull out the beautiful floor length blue dress that Mark got me during our shopping trip. I smile a little and put it on. Walking up to my mirror I spin a little and watch as the dress is perfectly formed to me. I smile a little and take a deep breath. Today I have the day off. Today I am an equal in a sense. I can relax today and be happy. I run a comb through my long hair and leave it down. I hear a knock at the door. Turning I see Mark standing there in a red suit.
"Oh hello Mark. Is everything okay?" I ask politely and set my comb down on my nightstand. He looks very nervous.
"Yeah. I am just nervous for today honestly. I wanted to see you before all of this." Mark says and the soft sounds of music comes through the ceiling. Guests must already be arriving.
"Do not be nervous. You made the right choice. I-"
"But what if I did not make the right choice?" Mark interrupts me before I can finish.
"Oh… well I believe you did. She makes you happy. I can see it. I have worked for you for a few years now. I know when you are happy." I step towards him and gently place my hand on his arm comfortingly. "And you make her happy." I smile up at him. He smiles back and I can feel him take a deep breath.
"You are right. I should not worry." He touches my hand with his. "I will see you at the ceremony." He pulls his hand away and walks back out of the room. I see his hand grab the doorframe as he pulls his head back inside. "Oh could you keep an eye on the waitstaff. I might hire one full time. I know you have a good eye for people." I nod and he walks out. "Good morning Damien." Quietly comes down the hallway as I hear Mark walk up the stairs. Damien appears in the doorway.
"Hello Damien. Everything okay?" I ask and put on silver high heeled shoes. Now I am almost Damien's height. He smiles and steps in.
"You look beautiful. I wanted to ask you something." He walks closer to me. "Would you be my date tonight?" He holds out his hand. I can feel my face heating up.
"I-I do not know if I am allowed to. I-I."
"You are a guest at the ceremony not a worker. You are allowed to choose whatever you want." Damien comments gently. I slowly take his hand and blush even more.
"Then I accept." As i say this he pulls me closer to him. A bright smile crosses his face.
"Then we shall do this together." We walk up the stairs together. My arm is now holding onto his as he escorts me to the main area outside now. There are chairs lined in rows facing a white archway. There are yellow, pink, and red flowers covering the arch. It is absolutely beautiful. In the chairs there are already quite a few guests seated and talking to each other.
"This is beautiful." I comment with a smile and take a seat with Damien. Mark is standing up at the altar with a bright smile on his face. His eyes meet mine. I give him a small thumbs up and a smile.
Gradually the seats start to fill up. The light music changes to a more march style. Everyone around me stands up so I do the same. I turn and look down the aisle and see Celine and Mister Bach. Celine is wearing a beautiful white dress with small pink accents throughout the dress and pink roses in her hands. She looks beautiful. I can feel Damien wrap his arm around my waist and his hand on my hip. I look back at him and see his eyes starting to water. I touch his hand that is on my hip gently and reassuringly.
A little bit later the ceremony ends and the reception begins. The music starts to pick up more. Damien pushes me gently towards a crowd of ladies and I stumble a little. I see Celine with the bouquet of flowers with her back to the group. I have absolutely no idea what is going on. I get pushed forward by the group as the bouquet is thrown. I stumble a little but all of a sudden the flowers land in my hands. There are shouts and laughing all around me now. Celine turns and looks right at me. I blink a few times and get pulled away by Damien.
"What did I do?" I ask looking down at the flowers. Damien chuckles and smiles.
"It is a wedding tradition. Whoever catches the bouquet is supposed to be the next one to get married." He wraps his arm around me again.
"Should I get the flyers ready?" Comes from behind us and we turn around to see a man in a suit and bow tie. He looks so much like Damien I am taken aback. Damien's eyes light up.
"Hello Dylan! I am glad you got the invitation. But no no. We are just… friends. Dylan this is Alex. Alex this is Dylan. He works for the city. He is trying to become the District Attorney." Dylan's hand reaches out to me and I go to shake it. Instead he brings my hand to his lips and kisses the back of it
"It is very nice to meet you Alex." Dylan says as he let's go of my hand.
"It is nice to meet you too. Are you two related at all?" I question and put my hand back on the flowers. Dylan gets a confused look on his face.
"Not that we know of. Why? I do not think we look at all alike." Dylan touches Damien's shoulder. "I am going to go talk to some other people." He says and walks off into the crowd.
They look like twins. How are they not related? Am I the only one who sees this? These thoughts are racing through my head. I feel myself being pulled towards where people seem to be lined up inside. The floors are black and white checkered. "What is going on?"
"The first dance. Mark and Celine are dancing." As Damien says this the slow tempo of music starts to play. I look into the center and see the newlyweds dancing together. I smile at the scene. Once the music stops and changes I watch as Celine and her father start to dance. Mark and Misses Bach start to dance together as well.
Weddings are strange. I think to myself as they dance around. Next thing I see is a hand reach out towards me. I look up and see Mark standing there. I blink a few times. Everyone is looking at me.
"Dance with me." He says and I slowly take his hand. I glance back at Damien who has a puzzling look on his face. I can feel Mark place his hand on my waist as he takes my other hand into the air and we start to dance. I can feel every eye on us. "Thank you. Usually the groom is to dance with their mother but…" His voice begins to shake as he whispers softly.
"No. It is alright. I am honored to do this for you then." I smile kindly at him. We continue around the floor.
"So you and Damien huh?" Mark asks and he spins me gently.
"It is not like that. We are friends." I say as I come back to him. As the music stops I gently pull away. Some people in the crowd are whispering and talking among themselves as they are looking at me. I shift a little under the weight of the stares. I slowly walk back to Damien and the music starts back up. More people get onto the floor and start to dance.
"That was odd. But I am glad he got the dance. Now speaking of. Would you like to dance?" Damien asks and holds out his hand to me. I slowly take his. His hand feels so warm and comforting. He pulls me onto the floor and places his hand on my hip. The sensation is like electricity coursing through me. I can feel my face start to heat up. "I do hope that you are having fun, Alex." Damien whispers into my ear.
"Oh yes. I am." I feel myself shiver a little. I glance around the room. I see Celine and William talking to each other and laughing. I look back at Damien and smile. He is looking into my eyes. I keep looking into his dark brown eyes. They are beautiful. I watch his eyes flick down briefly and I can watch as something passes through his mind. I tilt my head a little. His hand moves from my hand to touch my face gently. I feel my breath catch a little. I am suddenly aware of how close we are.
"May I have this dance?" William's voice comes from behind me. Damien's eyes flick to him and his hand let's go of my face.
"Go right on ahead." As Damien says this the music picks up a little. I turn and slowly take his hand and William pulls me into the crowd. The music is much faster pace, but I am able to keep up.
"Where did you learn to dance?" William asks as he spins me. I laugh a little.
"One of the servants taught me while she worked here. Never thought I would get to use it." I giggle and spin back to him. His bright eyes seem to twinkle under the lights. Pretty soon we are laughing together as we dance. I can feel my heart racing as we keep it up. After a minute the music stops and changes.
"I should get you back to your date." William says as he leads me back to Damien who has not taken his eyes off of me. "Have fun you two." The last thing I see is his tail coat disappearing back into the crowd.
"Are you thirsty?" Damien asks and holds out his arm. I wrap my hand around his arm and nod. We walk over to where there is an array of drinks and food on tables. Behind some of the tables are the waitstaff. The one behind the table we are walking up to catches my eye.
"Hello Ma'am. How can I help you today?" The man has a strange accent that I cannot quite get. The man has curly brown hair and blue eyes. He has a kind smile.
"We will take some champagne please." Damien says as he takes two glasses from the man's hands.
"If you need anything else let me know. My name is Benjamin." The man bows as we walk away. I take the glass from his hand and we walk outside. I look up and see the bright lights of the stars. It is beautiful. The moon is bright and full casting light down across the grass. I take a sip of the drink and we walk over to the gazebo.
"I am having so much fun. Thank you." I say as I lean on the railing. Damien takes a sip of his own.
"Come with me." Damien says as he sets down his drink. "Come live with me. I will be making more than enough to support us." His eyes are almost pleasing.
"I…. I cannot leave this house. I work for Mark." I am taken aback a little from the suddenness of it all.
"Others have left. Why can't you leave?" I watch as he takes a deep breath to calm himself down. "I mean it is your life. It is your choice… but I just…" I walk up to him and touch his face slowly.
"I would love to live with you, but my place is here. This is where I stay." His eyes meet mine. I feel his hand touch my chin and we are very close again. I want to leave. I want to go with him. But I cannot. The moon makes his eyes look almost grey. He leans forward and presses his lips to mine. I can feel my face heat up, but I do not pull away. Instead I wrap my arms around his neck and close my eyes. It feels warm and safe. I can feel my heart beating like it is going to explode out of my chest. Almost too soon he pulls away. The warmth leaves a little. I am left looking into his eyes. He is smiling brightly but there is sadness hidden in his eyes. I feel a little light headed. Is that from the drink. Or is it from all the dancing. I lean on him a little. I can feel his heart beating.
"I hope that was okay." Damien says a little shakily. I nod a little. "Let us get you back to your room. You look very tired." Damien helps me walk back inside. Not long later I find myself on my bed in my room. I am now changed into my nightgown. Damien gets up from my bed to leave and I grab his hand.
"Do not leave me." I look up at him and give a small smile. I hear a sigh escape his mouth. He leans forward and slowly kisses me again. It is very gentle and sweet. He pulls away and undresses down to his boxers and a white undershirt.
"I will stay with you." He pulls me so we are now laying on the bed. My back is pressed against his chest now. I close my eyes and start to drift off. The feeling of warmth and safety spreads over me like a blanket.
Hope you liked Chapter 5. I had a lot of fun writing it. I added a lot of cute stuff. I feel like I need to clarify two new characters.
Dylan is the viewer from the channel.
Benjamin is the butler.
Go check out my Instagram page for my fanfictions. There is some awesome artwork waiting there. hunjess96