Even with the change in venue, they got me ready within the time frame that I needed to be there. Actually, I they had me dressed and ready 5 minutes ago, and I still have 10 minutes to waste until we are supposed to meet. I wringe my hands together as I pace back and forth in front of Cora's station. She throws her head up, an annoyed look creases her brow.
"You are going to wear out the floor. Why don't you just sit down?" She grumbles as she slowly cleans her station unenthusiastically.
"Can't." I state as I proceed to quicker my pace.
*step step step step turn; step step step step turn*
"Seriously, calm down!" She barks as she grabs my arms and sits me into her chair. My eyes swim from the sudden pause in my movements. Whoa, I hadn't realized how fast I was actually going. "You've nearly burned a hole in the boards." She stands above me for a few seconds. Almost like she is locking me in a momentary cage, trying to keep me here because I am some soft of runaway risk. Slowly she steps away and proceeds back to her station to clean.
"What is the big deal anyways?" She calls. I look at her from the chair. She spares me a side glance before continuing. "I just mean, shouldn't you be excited that he invited you out?"
"Yes, but why?" I ask and she blinks slowly at me.
"Uh... because he's really cute and-"
"No no! Not about why I should be excited." I jump back from the chair and start to pace again.
"Oh wonderful..." I ignore her comment and continue.
"Why did he invite me out?" I stop abruptly and look towards her. "It makes no sense."
"Oh yeah?..." Her tone lets me know she is not the least bit interested in what I have to say. But I'm going to tell her anyways.
"We aren't having dinner bacause his mom is sick right?" She nods, still not fuller interested. "That means, he could have just said, 'Hey, no dinner tonight'. Oooh better yet! He could have sent someone to tell me!" I snap my fingers at the thought.
"Riiiiight..."
"I'm not done yet..." I mumble and begin walking again.
"Miss Burks..."
"But he didn't do that..."
"Miss-"
"He could have just told me, 'Hey, we can have dinner on our own'."
"Miss Burks......"
"I mean... who would want to eat dinner with me alone unless they had to?"
"....Burks..."
"Yet he didn't do that. He actually invited me out! Why? Why did he-"
"JUNIPER!" I jump, physically jump at her raised voice. I hear the floorboards creak from the other side of the room. Cora's eyes cut to her parents as they hurry over. Or at least I think it is them. I'm too afraid to look to be honest. "Sorry... Miss Burks." She clears her throat and smiles towards the people behind me. Slowly, the footsteps leave and her sweet face disappears entirely. Her eyes cut to me and I gulp. So scary...
"Listen," She grabs my shoulder and guides me to the chair. "I get that you are scared and you have every right to be given your... upbringing... if you can even call it that." Her face sours at the words and a look of sadness flashes on her eyes for a brief second. So very, very brief. "You have every right, but-" She cuts her eyes harshly. Almost like she is scolding me. "But, the people around you also have the right for you not to treat them like they are out to get you all the time."
YOU ARE READING
The Afflicted Hearts (The Unwanted Bride Series: Book Two)
Teen FictionAfter being told that she will have to endure the rest of the season with three not to thrilled bachelors, Juniper continues her journey through the Marriage Process. Every week, she finds herself in the company of people who seem to wish her gone...
