The Red House

Chapter 32

Matthew was leaning against the wall beside the door of their room. His hands were dug inside his jeans pockets as he waited patiently for the father and the daughter to finish their much needed talk. He tapped his foot and whistled to himself as the boredom started to sink. It wasn't long till he saw Patricia walking towards him from the corner of his eye. He sighed in exasperation.

"What do you want now, Patricia?" he rolled his eyes, crossing his arms over his chest and disconnecting from the wall. "Aren't you tired of attempting to get me in bed? It always ends the same way."
She shook her head, "Don't flatter yourself, even though you should." She licked her lips. "I came to warn you."
Matthew's hands rested on his waist. "What do you mean?"
"Look" she scratched her head, "I know what you're doing. I know what's going on between you and Feath-you love her and you're trying to get her out of here. I get it." She shrugged.
"So, what? Are you gonna tell on us?" he scowled, feeling his jaw tighten.
"No, I actually want to give you a heads up." She said. Matthew looked confused. She pulled on his collar to make him come closer. She whispered in his ear. "Whatever you're planning with Feather, do it now; fast; ASAP. If not, something's going to happen to her. Something bad. Take her away now else I'll have no choice but to take her to her doom myself."
Matthew shook his head. "I don't understand? What's going on?"
She sighed. "I can't tell you. I've already said too much. Just trust me on this, okay!"
"Why should I?" he asked.
Patricia licked her lips before biting them. "Because, I've been in this house for as long as I can remember that, it's now my life. I don't know anything else, but THIS anymore. Feather has the possibility to be either like me, or have me taken out of position. And I don't want that. This isn't just for her benefit. It's also for me."
Matthew's face was still in wrinkle. "I still don't understand."
"Just trust me!" she cried before storming away, leaving Matthew very confused.

Rick stepped out of the room looking please and enlightened. Matthew snapped out of his stance and turned his attention to Feather's father.
"Mr. Heart?"
"Thank you, for everything, Matthew. My daughter deserves no other man but you. My family owes you so much!" he smiled.
Matthew smiled. "There's really no need for that, sir."
Rick returned, patting Matthew's shoulder. "I understand the situation now, Matthew. I shall go straight to my office and study the matter. I've heard enough. You've taken good care of my daughter."
"Would you like a ride home?" Matthew offered.
"No, that's fine, my boy," the lawyer assured, "I'm capable of finding a taxi. It is Nevada. You should stay here with Feather, even if it means having sex." Matthew blushed. "I'll call you for anything." He said, before walking down the hall and out.

Matthew knocked on the door gently before poking his head in for a look. He found Feather sitting at the edge of the bed with a smile on her face. She looked really happy. He let himself in, closing the door behind him, and leaned there for a while as he and Feather just locked eyes, letting silence talk.
She patted her hand on the space beside her, asking him to sit. He did so. Even then, their eyes were still locked at the smiles were still evident.
"Thank you..." she finally said, as her tears finally struck down.
Matthew just smiled. He wiped off her tears with his fingers and kissed her forehead.

"I love you, so much." She added, locking her arms around his body.

"I love you too, babe." He said, holding her as well.
They stayed that way for a long time, in each other's arms, listening to each other's breathing and feeling the beat of each one's heart against their respective chest.

But Patricia's warning was racing through Matthew's mind, endlessly.