I watched our cook as she prepared dinner, trying to focus on something that wasn’t my churning stomach and my overwhelming fear.
Only two days for my engagement party. Mother was busy ordering the servents around,making sure everything stays in place. It wasn't even a big celebration. Only my family,Jaehyun's family and the respective heads of the Outfit. Niki said it was for safety reason.
Niki is my twin brother who is 3 minutes older than me. He is my protector,for me and my younger siblings. He had announced as a maid man 4 months ago. Just before we turn sixteen. Usually man become a maid man at eighteen. But because he killed his first man at eleven,he was initiate early.
*****
Gabriel jumped up and down on my bed,a pout on his face. He was only five and had entirely too much energy. “Are you crying again?", Gabriel hopped out of the bed and walk up to me. His black hair was a mess.
I tried to smooth it down but he jerked his head away.
What do you mean?” I’d tried to hide my tears from him. Mostly I cried at night when I was protected by darkness.
“Noel says you cry all the time because Jaehyun has bought you.”
I froze. I’d have to tell Noel to stop saying such things. It would only get me in trouble. “He didn’t buy me.” Liar. Liar.
“Same difference,” Ruth said from the doorway, startling me.
“Shhh. What if Father hears us?”
Ruth shrugged. “He knows that I hate how he sold you like a cow.”
“Ruth,” I warned, nodding toward Gabriel. He peered up at me. “I don’t want you to leave,” he whispered.
“I’m not leaving for a long time, Gaby.” He seemed satisfied with my answer and the worry disappeared from his face and was replaced by his up-to-no good expression.
“Catch me!” he screamed and stormed off, pushing Ruth aside as he darted past her.
Ruth tore after him. “I’ll kick your ass, you little monster!”
I rushed into the corridor. Noel poked her head out of her door and then she too ran after my brother and sister. Mother would have my head if they smashed another family heirloom. I flew down the stairs.
Gabriel was still in the lead. He was fast, but Noel had almost caught him while Ruth and I were too slow in the high heels my mother forced us to wear for practice.
Gabriel dashed into the corridor leading into the west wing of the house and the rest of us followed. I wanted to shout at him to stop.
Father’s office was in this part of the house. We’d be in so much trouble if he caught us playing around. Gabriel was supposed to act like a man. What five-year-old acted like a man?
We passed Father’s door and relief washed over me,but Gabriel bumped into Niki who is in the corridor.
