Royally Screwed

Chapter 16

SYLVIE

Over the breakfast table rules awkward silence.

Quite funny considering yesterday Vicky and I watched exactly the Thanksgiving episode, and the scene doesn't seem to be quite far off how the situation now is.

Even with the silence, the table is loaded with tension. Everybody seems to have their own secrets and lies, ones they guard at all costs.

Edmund skipped his morning coffee and went straight for liquor, so did Xander. Isabella and him haven't shared one look ever since they sat down, both staring at their plates with abnormal admiration. Louis and I on the contrary use any chance we get to look in each other's eyes. He sat across from me, meaning every now and then he'd touch my feet with his, my bare knee touching his jeans. Vicky is also suspiciously quiet, usually enjoying these types of things.

I am grateful as Isabella makes the first step. "The weather today seems rather dull", she points outside the window, where the snowstorm is to be seen. Truth is, I moved over my Isabella hating phase. I feel bad for ever having this phase. However, apologising seems to be out the question, because then I'll have to admit to her I ever had a hating phase altogether.

"Very very dull", I back her up. It's just then Louis' knee brushes against mine and I can't suppress a soft smile. "In that case, I guess we'll have to stay inside."

"I am sorry to announce you that I'll have to leave", Edmund lets us know. Five heads turn to look at him with confusion. "There is a matter of imminent urgency back in Arlette."

"Oh", I'm the first one to react, since that personally affects me most. "Does Father require me as well?"

"Everything alright, Syl", he assures me. "It's nothing that grave. It won't take long. But I'm afraid I won't be able to spend the rest of the time here."

"But it is your birthday trip", Louis counters. I nod to back him up.

"I know", he responds. His gaze fixes one point at the table. I follow it and discover Vicky's now empty chair.

"Where did Vicky go?", I ask in the round.

Isabella shrugs and looks at me with sympathy. "Toilet, I guess."

I nod, yet the weird feeling I have, my gut telling me there is more to it, won't shake off. "I asked my driver to pick me up after breakfast", Edmund continues.

"But it's the middle of the storm", I point out again.

Edmund only shakes his head, a sign he has already made his decision.

"Do you need me to assist you?", Louis asks him. "I don't have anything else planned. If you need me, I'll..."

"It's seriously fine", Edmund counters. "Thank you for your concern though."

The table falls back silent. At one point, Vicky comes back just as Edmund stood up to leave. Reading the room, my bestie suddenly looks worried and asks us: "What did I miss?"

"Edmund is leaving", I bring her up-to-date.

She looks like she hasn't expected it. Her jaw drops for a few seconds, something like pain flickering in her eyes. It's then she shakes it off, and comes back to her chair. "I wish you a nice trip, Edmund."

He looks back at her once, nodding acknowledging. It's then he goes to his room to pack. Louis follows him second after, probably to make sure he's alright. I make a not to myself to thank him for that later.

"Such a loaded morning", Isabella mutters, making circles with her spoon in her bowl with milk.

"Tell me about it", Xander replies.

Cue the "Whatcha Say" song.