Ethereal Madness

Chapter 1- Paranoia

I stared at the fanciful seafood platter before me. It looked so appetizing yet eating was the last thing on my mind.

I tried a few pieces of shrimp. As expected of Mr. Broussard's cooking, it tasted good but I couldn't enjoy it. I ate a little of everything else before stopping and dancing my fork around my plate.

I sighed. I'm tired. I've had nightmares for the past three nights. I should've just skipped dinner. But I've already missed the one yesterday. If I dodge again Miss Cecilia will start getting worried.

"Yo Arthur," Tucker said, his mouth full of shrimp, "you down to go skating tomorrow with me and Roxanne?" Tucker's eyes peered over near Miss Cecilia. "Ahem, after class of course."

On one hand, that does sound fun. I haven't gotten to hang out with Roxanne much since we've gotten back from our trip a month ago. But at the same time...

I gazed over at Tucker.

No, no, no. Tucker wouldn't be against me, would he? However, Sophia told me not to trust anyone in the mansion and even mentioned how they shut Tucker up first. Even if it's Tucker, I can't trust him.

"Sorry Tucker, I'm gonna have to pass." I laughed nervously.

That's the third time I've declined Tucker in the past two weeks. There's no way he doesn't think I'm avoiding him.

"Boo!" Tucker expressed. "Why not?"

"I just don't feel like going out tomorrow." I said.

"But why though! You haven't wanted to go anywhere." He said while waving his fork at me. "The only time you've been out is to see Clarissa."

I just wanted to check how her store was doing.

Tucker made a thinking face. "Arthur, could it be that you—."

"Don't finish that moronic sentence." Mary interjected. Despite sitting only two seats away from him, she didn't even bother looking in Tucker's direction.

"What? It's possible!" Tucker yelled. "Clarissa is a hottie after all."

If you think so then why don't you go out with her? She does have a crush on you after all. Not that you're aware.

"Oh, I bet." Miss Cecilia said sarcastically.

"I'm serious!" Tucker said.

"Keep your voice down." She commanded.

"Yes ma'am" Tucker said quietly.

"Young Master, can you pass me the plate of salmon?" Mary asked me.

"Huh? Sure."

I took the plate off of the silver platter and turned towards the red-headed maid. As I placed it in her hands, the memory of her standing over me reemerged. In her hands was the brown bat that would soon be the cause of my pain and anguish. She peered at me with lifeless expression, like this situation was of no concern to her. My father appeared and put a hand on her shoulder. Then she loaded up the bat and slammed it down at me. It was at least the fiftieth time I've seen had to rewatch this scene but it didn't sting any less.

Only when the memory was over did I realize I sitting there, practically frozen. I tried to remind my body it needed to breathe but it ignored me.

"Young Master?" Mary's words broke me out of my trance and her crimson eyes met mine.

I handed her the salmon and tried to turn back to my plate like nothing happened but Mary placed her hand on top of mine. The memory rapidly flashed into my mind and I swiped my hand away.