Going To School With The Devil (Discontinued)

Chapter 7- Earl Grey

I stood shakily on the porch cold and frigid. The old oak door had a rusty silver knocker. I put my hand on it and slammed it down three times.

Bang! Bang! Bang!

I waited for about a minute before Drake answered the door. He was in a dark navy tux with not a bow tie, but a simple white tie.

"Violet, how nice of you to drop by." he grinned, "Please come in."

Drake motioned for me to go inside. I cautiously made my way in, and my eyes scanned around the mysterious home. A very chilling and discomforting feeling came from this place. There was an worn staircase which lead up to a second level, which was very unstable and rickety.

He lead me past the front entrance and into a parlor. The two blue couches in the room were covered with dust and cobwebs. I sat down on the left one, while brushing off some of the dust, but Drake kept looming over me with a dumb smile on his face.

"Make yourself at home. I'll make us some tea, and then we can chat." he left me to wait for him to return.

...

I gazed around the room for any hints where my dad might be hidden. There was an ancient fireplace and a painting hanging above. It was a picture of Antoinette, just the way Drake had described her as. She was truly stunning. Her blonde curls shimmered and brought out her blood, red lips. The mahogany table in front of me was covered in red stains which I hoped wasn't what I thought it was. Also, on it was a small heart box full of old bon bon sweets.

Drake then reappeared back holding a tray with a china tea set and a plate of small dark chocolate truffles.

"Here we are then. Good Earl Grey to cheer you up." he said pouring tea into the cup closest to me.

He sat down on the other couch with his tea cup and took a sip. I took one as well and it tasted very sweet so I eagerly drank some more of it.

"Please Violet, tell me why you are here. I am very interested in what you are here for." he said eating one of the chocolate truffles.

"Well, last night I thought about it, and I've made the decision to stay with you." I lied.

"This is quite a pleasure to hear you say this, but of course there must be a catch."

"I need my dad to be set free."

"I shall do what you ask, for now though put this on." Drake took out a gold diamond ring out of his pocket, "Wear this on your finger and your father shall be let go."

"And you'll keep your half of the deal?" I asked still unsure.

"You have my word."

"Fine, show me where my dad is."

"Of course mademoiselle. Follow me." he answered walking off with me following close behind.

...

I forced myself down the basement stairwell. I was so afraid of finding my dad tortured or worse!

"Just a little further my darling." Drake assured me feeling my sense of worry.

The basement had cement floors and the corners had cobwebs as big as a ceiling fan. There was a cage in the middle of the room. The bars of the small dome like prison were made of iron. Inside was my beloved father.

"Violet! Violet please just run!" dad said as Drake and I approached.

"Well Violet, there he is safe and sound." he said unlocking the cage, "What a lovely reunion."

Dad ran to me and hugged me as hot, salty tears ran down his face like rushing waterfalls. Soon, I started to cry to as we both were in each other's arms once more.

"I thought I'd never see you again!" he exclaimed.

This was truly the best and worst moment of my life. Yes, I now had my dad back, and he was indeed alive. On the other hand, this was a last farewell to him, because of my deal. But what if I didn't keep my end of it? I could escape with my dad, and live somewhere else far away from this place. More importantly Drake.

...

"Now Violet, tell your father your goodbyes." Drake ordered.

"What's he talking about Violet?"

"I made a deal that if you're free. I'd stay with him forever." I answered shakily.

"Violet you didn't..."

"Oh but she did Monsieur, and forever with me she will stay. Through all her days are to be by my side. Violet is the most beautiful, talented, definitely clever, and attractive woman I have ever met." Drake grinned beaming with pride over me.

I felt flattered for a moment, but quickly returned to reality.

"Drake..."

"Yes my dear?"

"Go back to where you came from!" I yelled as I slapped his smile right off his face. As Drake lie on the floor still recovering from the blow, I grabbed my dad's hand and ran up the stairwell.

"You will regret you ever crossed me mademoiselle! If it is war you want, it is war you shall get!" Drake yelled from the basement.

I didn't acknowledge him but only gripped my dad's hand, as we made our way to the front door. I turned the handle back and forth. No such luck. The door was locked.

...

"Such rebellion, I like that in a girl." laughed a voice behind us.

"Just leave us alone!" dad shouted.

"Stay out of this old man. You have no business in this."

"I do have business in this! This is my daughter's life on the line!" my dad shouted turning towards Drake, his eyes blazing, "If you want her you're going to have to go through me first! I will fight for my daughter's freedom! So, if you so much as touch her you're going to have more to deal with afterwards!"