Unforgiven __ °Avatrice AU°

Chapter 29:

Everyone started handing each other the foods, talking and entertaining each other. Beatrice just stared at her plate, not really eating. In the meantime, Ava just kept observing everyone and participating in some conversations. The younger brunette turned to Beatrice and took her hand under the table. Beatrice looked at her, seeing a small yet reassuring smile on Ava's smile. Beatrice sighed and took her hand back. She started eating. Ava raised her eyebrows, slightly confused at Beatrice's reaction.

-Miss, may I speak freely?, asked the maiden.

Beatrice looked at her and gave her a nod.

-Are you and Ava more than just friends?, wondered the woman.

Ava looked at the maiden and then at Beatrice who froze with a spoon full of rice mid-air. Suddenly everyone went quiet, all eyes on Beatrice and the maiden.

-No, we're just friends. But I think we rather not talk about those kind of personal things. But hey, someone please tell me the recipe to this sauce because I'm loving it a little too much., replied Ava, basically saving the maiden from an angry Beatrice.

The taller brunette just kept eating again, not talking. The chef turned to Ava and started explaining what she had put in the sauce. Vincent looked at Beatrice and spoke.

-I am sincerely sorry about that. I will talk to her later., said the man.

-No need. I understand the curiosity., replied Beatrice, surprisingly calmer than anyone had had expected.

-Are you sure?, asked Vincent.

-Yes. She simply asked what everyone at this table was wondering., shrugged the brunette.

The man nodded.

-As you wish. Now, could you please hand me the water?, said the man.

Beatrice grabbed a bottle of water and handed it to him. She looked to her side, seeing Ava eyeing a dish.

-It's seafood rice. Do you want to try it?, asked Beatrice, leaning a little closer to Ava.

-Hm? Oh. No. I'm allergic to some seafood. I rather not die here tonight., chuckled Ava, looking back at Beatrice.

Beatrice frowned and looked at the chef.

-Elora, please remove the seafood rice from the table. Ava is allergic and we rather not risk anything.., said Beatrice in a calm yet serious tone.

-Yes, Miss. My apologies., replied Elora, grabbing the bowl.

-Don't apologize, you couldn't have known., reassured Beatrice as Elora nodded and left the room.

Ava looked at Beatrice.

-You didn't have to do that. I won't die by simply looking at it., chuckled the younger girl.

-I know. But I rather be cautious., shrugged Beatrice.

-Are you okay, Bea?, asked Ava with a slight frown.

-Yeah. I'm sorry. I just...I don't want them to get the wrong idea of us., nodded Beatrice.

-I know. I didn't reach for your hand to be affectionate. I just wanted to check on you. I'm sorry if that made you feel uncomfortable., apologized the smaller girl.

-No, no. I wasn't uncomfortable. I just didn't want them to see it. That's all., explained the brunette.

Elora came back with a big plate, covered by a thin towel. She placed it on the table. Ava could smell the pastry, raising her eyebrows.