Serving House Beneviento

13

"I think..." I mumbled to myself as I pulled against the dome entrance of the greenhouse. The entire wall swung open with complete ease. "YES!" I shrieked my happiness. It had been two weeks of attempt after attempt, and I finally got it to work! I heard something drop and whipped my head to a surprised Donna. The miniature chair that was in her hand fell to the ground as her face formed a small 'O' in surprise. I chuckled at her as I swung the new door. After a moment, an understanding smile graced her face.

"I thought I was the only one that could make you scream like that," Donna joked as she grabbed the chair and continued over to me. I glanced inside and Angie was busy setting up the dolls in their chairs. There were supposed to be twelve in here and only six sat in their little seats. A major project of Donna's has been creating new weather resistant dolls to fill the rest of the seats. Donna kissed my cheek before she continued inside. I chuckled as I continued to play with the door. This made me far too happy. I took in a deep breath as my throat felt dry. I had been out here all morning.

"Donna, I'm heading back into the manor," I called out to her.

"I'll be in, in a minute!" She called back as she set down the chair and made her way to Angie. I walked to the front door and made my way in. The phone rang through my ears as I entered, and I walked over to the phone. "Hello, Beneviento residence." I cleared my throat as I heard a crying baby in the background. My brow raised. Eva?

"Caiden?" Mother Miranda's voice was clear as day.

"Yes, Mother Miranda. How may I help you? Lady Donna is out in the garden with Angie if you need me to get them."

"No, no need to do that. If you could, I would like to leave a message."

"Of course."

"I wanted to call a family meeting for everyone to meet Eva. I was hoping to do it by the end of the next week. She would be able to attend, correct?"

"Of course, I'll be sure to let her know. Is Eva doing well?"

"She's my bouncing baby girl." The happiness that lifted Mother Miranda's tone made me smile. "I'm sure she will be happy to see everyone. Oh, and Caiden?"

"Yes?"

"You are to be in attendance." I slowly nodded my head.

"I'll be sure to be there."

"Perfect. Well then, we'll talk later."

"Have a good day, Mother Miranda." The phone dial rang in my ear and I set the phone down on the receiver.

"Was someone on the phone?" The life left my body as I jumped and turned to Donna. My hand lifted to my heart as I took in a deep breath.

"God, Donna," I breathed. She chuckled as she kissed my cheek again. "Yes, Mother Miranda wants to introduce Eva to everyone. She is planning a meeting for the end of next week. And apparently, I need to be there as well." Donna slowly nodded her head.

"Where?" She asked.

"She did not tell me that." Donna nodded again. "I'm getting water. Do you want any?"

"Tea."

"Is that all that runs in your blood? You definitely drink enough of it." She giggled at the comment and followed me into the kitchen. I grabbed her iced tea and my own glass of water. We walked toward the main den and sat in silence and drank. "Donna?" I asked as I sat my water down.

"Hm?"

"I never told you but, thank you for your gift." I smiled to her. "That doll that you snuck into my bag? It sits in the film room for when I go down there to read or re-figure out blueprints." Donna smiled warmly. "She's my little buddy now."