Colors of Rain

Chapter 16: Free

Evelyn was as sleepless as Eliza because she was anxious about the breakfast plans set by Albert. It was a "celebratory breakfast" he said. With Evelyn's help, Albert won the case and Mr. Burrows is now a free man. Mr. Burrows did invite them for dinner that day to celebrate and that's where Albert got the idea since Evelyn was going home today. He thought that it was a perfect time for Evelyn and their mother to talk.

By 6:00 am, both Evelyn and Albert were standing by the dining table, waiting for the head of the house, their mother, to arrive. Evelyn initially thought that she wouldn't come, but to her surprise, she came. She wore a black long-sleeved button-up shirt paired with a long skirt that touched the floor. She looked elegant, especially since her pale skin and white hair, in a french twist, highlighted her graceful aging. Evelyn tried to avoid as much eye contact as she can, but she couldn't help look at the older woman as she looked like her older version.

The older woman sat down, which was a signal for the siblings to sit down. Breakfast was then served and the first few minutes were spent with silence.

"So-" The old woman's low raspy voice was heard which made Evelyn flinch. The older woman noticed her daughter's reaction and a sad expression was drawn across her face. She then turned her attention to Albert. "How was the case?" Evelyn must admit, she was saddened by the fact that the question was not meant for her.

"It was great mom, Evelyn helped me." Albert used this as a chance to turn his mother's attention to his sister. "In fact, if it wasn't for her I'd be biting the dust by now and not eating this delicious steak." He chuckled trying to rid of the awful tension that was rising.

"You both should've seen that crook's face when they finally gave them the verdict. Ha! Priceless!" he gloated before taking a sip of wine. He was, however, met with a glare from both women, which made him sink to his seat. "Well sorry. Just trying to light up the mood." he thought.

"So Evelyn-" Somehow her heart skipped a beat and felt heavy when she heard her mother calmly call her. "When are you going back?"

"After this," she plainly replied.

"Oh. So uhm, Albert told me why you came here." It was evident that the older woman was trying to spark a conversation with her daughter.

"Oh did he now." Evelyn gave her brother a side-eye, telling him that it was not his story to tell. Her gaze made him sink in his seat even more. Beth cleared her throat to get both of their attention. "So how long have you two been together? I thought you were going to introduce her."

"A couple of months or so. She had to go back the day after I came here." That was all Evelyn said as she's trying to gather up as much courage as she can to make eye contact with her mother.

"And may I know what her na-" Beth was cut off when a butler came in.

"Pardon me my lady, but there's a phone call for lady Evelyn." Evelyn immediately stood up excusing herself.

"Hello?"

"Lyn? This is CC. Uhm when will you be back?" CC seemed agitated on the other line.

"My flight's not until 8. Why?"

"Nothing. Just wanted to remind you that the exhibit starts at 5 pm and that Eliza gets a bit too nervous around crowds so it would really be a great help if you're here early to calm her down."

"Don't worry I'll be there," she replied reassuringly.

"Okay. Okay good." CC breathed out in relief. "Have a safe flight then." She hung up. Evelyn was a bit annoyed by such a gesture but she was somehow thankful for the call because it gave her some time to breathe. Just as she was about to return she could hear laughter from the dining room. It was Albert and Beth laughing. Her mother was laughing which made her smile, but it soon faded when she realized she was not laughing with her. "She's fine without me." Taking in a deep breath, Evelyn went back inside and she could feel her heart sink deeper when the laughter vanished. She was about to sit down when she realized that the next hour will just consist of more awkward questions and silence. She was so fed up somehow that she began gathering her things which made both Albert and Beth stop eating.