#Chapter 26: Mrs. Overland

Beth's POV

Sitting in front of Mrs. Overland felt a little strange. I guessed this was what it was like to be with someone far above one's league. She had her legs crossed as she examined my face. I hid my gulp by sipping the tea served in front of me. She did the same thing, her gaze unwavering focused towards me. I was sure that if a fly landed on her cheek she wouldn't even make a move to get rid of it

She placed her teacup down her saucer and her small exhale shattered the silent atmosphere.

"Apologize if I'm behaving rudely miss. It's just that I've always wanted to take a look of your face, and I must say that Jack was right. You are as beautiful as he described," she spoke in enthusiastic awe

What?

What did Jack told her about me?

"Um, thanks, I guess. Does your son talk about me often?"

The lady curved a smile. "Oh you have no idea! He always takes any chance to talk about you to me. Every time, he gets excited and would get lost in an entirely different world once he speaks your name. He would go on and on and I would lose interest in his blabber, but he wouldn't care and wouldn't seem like he's going to close his mouth anytime soon. It was strange, because he wasn't this talkative as now. He talks about your interests, the things you do, your friends, absolutely anything."

My eyes were wide as I stayed silent.

"But..," I straightened my back at the sudden saddened tone of Ms. Overland's voice. "These days, he changed back again."

"He's been sleeping late a lot nowadays and every time he does, there's this loud thumping and ruffling like he just can't stay still. He's also not as cheerful as he usually is and never talks to his siblings. He only does when he feels it's important," the lady explained.

A pang of guilt chewed at my chest, knowing what I was doing to him was what to blame. But I knew that if I didn't, something worse would take over and I wouldn't want to get anyone involved by then. I wanted this burden and guilt to be carried by me alone

"Do you know the cause of all this?"

"Pardon?"

"The strangest thing is that he he stopped talking about you. When I brought up the topic, he would ignore me until I talk about something else. It was odd since he also told me you're best friends. Do you know anything that might be bothering him?"

"Um, I-I don't know much either. I'm sorry."

"Ah, I understand." The woman looked down and curved a frown. "Where do your parents work?"

Ms. Overland unzipped her handbag to take out her phone, her manicured fingers swiping the screen.

"My parents work as programmers at Arendelle Industries"

The lady put down her phone to reveal her smile had returned.

"I heard from Jack that you have brothers, may I know about them?"

"Of course. My older brother Tadashi lectures at Corona University whilst my younger brother prefers to stay at home helping my parents."

"The guards reported me a few times that you visited quite often yet I rarely talk to you, since I'm almost never at home." The woman did a small nod. "But now that I've known you a slight I think it'll be good if I confirm you as a guest member so the guards won't greet you like a stranger any longer."

She sipped her tea and I sub-consciously followed her actions

"Tell me, are you really that skillful in computers? Jack told me that you've never failed in your grades."

"Oh, uh, he did? Um, where to start..," I shyly respond. Out of the corner of my eyes, I could see that her eyes were gleaming

"Let's start from…" She tapped her chin and thought for a bit." Ah, what about softwares? Tell me what you know and how far you've learned."

"There's a lot. It has something to do with the three softwares I mentioned earlier. On Photoshop, I learned how to make book covers, banners, and other graphic stuff. On movie maker, I learned how to make cinematic videos using transitions and color grading. For audio-mixing, I've learned how to make tunes to make them sound like future bass. From programming, I managed to learn how to infiltrate one's computer without being detected. And as for games, I just love playing Sims, Counter Strike, Minecraft, OSU, and Call Of Duty."

Once I stopped rambling, I looked towards Ms. Overland to see the widest smile I've seen. "Impressive! Now, you go to Jack's college right? Are you on a scholarship?"

"Yeah, from Arendelle Foundations. Full scholarships."

The tense atmosphere that was there before had silently wavered on it's own. In it's place was a welcoming air that was more than a sign that a good relation was building up between me and Ms. Overland

"Wow, I didn't know you have such a talent. If I may ask, what usually did you do in the house beside doing your hobbies?"

"I mostly help my mom out with chores, or my brother when he doesn't understand some of the things he learned at school. I would also either read books, strum on my guitar, sing, or sketch."

"What books do you like to read?"

"I mostly go for programming reference books or sci-fi actions novels. But some educational and romance ones are good too."

"Like?"

"Hmm, basic programning, Maze Runner, The Hunger Games, The Host, Da Vinci Code, and I read alot from National Geographic magazines. For romance, I read Pride and Prejudice, Papertowns, and a few other feen fiction e-books. What about you ma'am?"

"I read Da Vinci Code before. The Mona Lisa bit was the most interesting." Ms. Overland lifted the edge of the teacup to her lips to intake a sip of tea, before putting the piece of china back and stood up straight.

"Alright then, let's get back to the main topic." Her voice bursted with finality and grace. I was all ears. "Tomorrow, I have a business trip to London with my husband and my daughters. I'm about to ask him to join us, but he decline it. I have also allowed the maids to go on a holiday for a week, and there will only be bodyguards here. Since Jack is currently not in the best condition, can I trust you to take care of him?"

I was taken aback by her request

"Take care of him?!"

"Jack isn't actually very tolerate with highly alcoholic drinks like his father is. He gets drunk before he would even finish his first drink. I've warned him to stay at home since he has been looking quite ill, with the part that he's been eating very little and drinking to many painkillers. Belueve me, I would have successfully dragged him to his room and locked him there myself if he weren'r so good at making excuses," she explained, shaking her head in exasperation. "This is only for a week. Should I pay for you?"

"Uh, no, that's not necessary. That would make me seem like a money chaser."

"That's kind of you. Well, this calls the end of our meet. We shall meet again next time," Mrs. Overland said, accepting designer coat brought by her maid before heading out to the streets.

I spotted Tadashi's car in the distance and went in. "God, I think I would've slept here till tomorrow," he chuckled as I closed the door. We sped off.

"So, what take you so long?"

"Had a chat with Jack's mom."

"And?"

"We talked for a while and I don't know how, or when, but the convo ends with me now having to take care of Jack."

"Man, that's gotta tire you out, since you need time to work on college stuff. Now you gotta babysit a guy? But hey, good news, starting from tomorrow students are college free for two days. Most of the lecturers are either having bad stomachs or god-awful hangovers right now."

"Seriously? What the heck was served in the party?"

Tadashi smirked dryly. "You got no idea. The seniors got over some pretty famous cocktail baristas in New York and they served a huge array of these drinks like vodka, vermouth, gin-"

"I get it, I get it."

Once we arrived home, I helped my mom out with the evening laundry, then went sketching to ease my mind. I'd been fussing over my disbelief over the little extreme that Jack did and got his own self into trouble.

God, what do I have to do?!

Third Person's POV

After the long chat with Beth, Emily sat on her sofa, her fingers running down her keyboard to type a message for her friend. A smile curved her full lips.

'Elisabeth Winters. Indeed a talented, brilliant, fierce woman. An abundance of inner beauty and a kind heart. Simply a jewel. It's evident from the way she. No wonder Jackson fawns over this girl so much.

'However, there's clearly something lurking behind her pretty blue eyes, something dark and dangerous. Something she would kill for nobody to see. I still need to be cautious about this.'

Emily concluded her thoughts to an end before dialing the number belonged to another woman

"Sorry if I'm interrupting you Amy, I promise I'll make this quick. There's a grand meeting in London that invites all the successful, prestigious tech industries on the globe. I'll be there too. Can we meet somewhere in private?"

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Beth loaded various things into her backpack which surprisingly fit. She slipped on a white shirt and pushed her toes through her black leggings, and then her favorite navy blue jacket to shield her from the sun. To her relief, the thing Tadashi said about the two-day break was true, so she could go to Jack's house and complete her task there in peace. Tadashi dropped her off in front of the mansion, and the guards from the other night pressed a button to lift the gates and let Beth enter.

"Good day, my name is Caleb, and this is Jacob. Don't hesitate to give us a call if you need anything. Madam gave us a strict order to fulfill your any demand."

"Okay, thanks for the help."

"Oh, and please apologize us for our unreasonably interrogative behavior yesterday. We weren't told that you are a guest member of this household. We ourselves are new."

"It's fine. I mean, you're just doing your job, right?"

They nodded at my question and I entered the house. Maybe it's because I only left yesterday, but it felt as if I never went out of this house. Looking down the piece of paper Ms. Overland gave me as directions around the house, I made my way to Jack's room. Gently turning the doorknob, I parted the door a crack and found a figure resting on a bed.

Jack seemed peaceful enough, but his face was still flushed and lightly glistening eith sweat like the last time I saw him. The room only had the noise of his steady breath. Slowly tip-toeing to the silver-headed male, I placed a palm onto his forehead, before instantly pulling back. His body temperature was dangerously hot.

Grabbing the small towels from his cabinet, I soaked it with cold water and covered it over his forehead. I then went out to get the medicine and water from the kitchen, putting them on the tray before lowering it down Jack's nightstand. It was almost time for him to intake his meds anyway. But had he eaten anything yet?

I remembered how difficult Ms. Overland said it was to get him to eat, and I head back to the kitchen again and opened the fridge. A variety of ingredients were there of my choice

Carrots, check

Chicken, check

Chicken stock, check

Celery, check

Perfect, I think I'm going to make some chicken soup.

As I waited for the chicken to cook, I diced the greens, carrots, and sliced onions before stirring them in one bowl. I then added the chicken stock, chicken, and celery. Then a few final pinches of salt and pepper. I also boiled some macaroni to add to the mix. I took out a spoon and had a taste.

Hmm, not bad.

I poured a portion to a bowl and filled a glass with water. Turning my back, I spotted Caleb and Jacob peeking and drooling behind the kitchen door. They caught my gaze and immediately left. I only shook my head with a perplexed smile

Perhaps I'd give the some later

I returned in Jack's room to see the guy himself having his back facing me, the towel that was supposed to be on his forehead now abandoned on the floor. The medicine gone along with the water in the glass

So, he did drink his medicine.

I lifted the empty tray from the nightstand and placed another with the soup and new glass of water. I grabbed the towel from the floor and rewash it. Although it took some time, I successfully placed the towel sideways on his forehead without it peeling off. I then left the room once more with the other tray.

I put the empty glass in the sink and got out two other bowls. I pour soup in both and placed a spoon, then carried them out near the gates where the security were. I knocked on their door to be greeted by Jacob, who's confused at my sudden appearance. I also spotted Caleb in there examining the CCTV screens.

"Good day Miss Winters, what brings you here?" he said with a welcoming smile, showing dimples folding up his cheek

"I just cooked something and thought to share. Hope you'll like it!"

Caleb got out of his seat and the two took the bowls from my hand. They look to each other for a second before dipping in a spoon

"Mmm! Thank you miss! This is really good! Do tell us if you need anything!" Jacob complemented well-mannerly. He was the serious one, I suppose.

Caleb smacked him on his back. "Quit the act, Jacob."

"But she's a guest you fool. We must address her professionally!" Jacob scowled. Caleb glared back.

I chuckled at the scene. "No need for formalities guys! Just call me Beth."

Caleb smiled in triumph. "See? Told ya."

Jacob smiled defeatedly.

We went on to have a long talk about their work here, what they know about the mansion and the rumors they head about it's past, and we got to talk about our own pasts, and many other things

"So on our first job Mr. and Mrs. Overland were out for lunch and I was cleaning out the dried leaves from the pool. And all of a sudden Jacob launches out of the bushes with Spike chasing after him. You know, the chihuahua. Jacob was going to get out of the water but he falls right back seeing Spike in front of him."

I exploded with laughter whilst Jacob's face deepened to a red.

He smacked Caleb's head. "I told you not to tell anyone!"

"I can't help it! You should've seen the look on your face!"

"Well I remember the first time we were trained and you got punched in the cheek right at the first day BAM! You come back unconscious! Makes me wonder how you got accepted here!"

It was Caleb's turn to go sour.

"It's right at my head, not the cheek! Be accurate! Besides, it's not my fault that he got mega Hulk strength! He's a friggin gorilla! He should be named Tarzan than Donovan! It suits him."

It was still taking time for me to process that these two buff men were talking to eachother like gossiping highschool girls.

I glanced at my watch and- oh wow it was evening already

"Sorry boys, gotta head back. Duty calls."

The two nodded and I was going to pick up the plates but was stopped by Caleb. "It's fine, Beth. We'll clean this up."

I smiled with a nod and went in the house

Making it in the landing towards Jack's bedroom, I heard loud thump noises exactly from that location. I speed up my pace to his room and found the bathroom door open. I hurrily checked inside to see him there groaning on the floor and holding his head. His clothes were dripping wet

Sensing my presence there, Jack looked up.

He freeze on the spot

"Beth? What are you doing here?"

Please read the author's note in the next chapter! ;)