Behind Closed Doors

Chapter 50: Mark Smith 2

"We're cleaning the church today. I have to go," Mark said before opening the front door. "Dad," he whispered, then shut it.

Mark hopped onto his bicycle and rode to the church. When he arrived, he quickly got off and joined the cleaning crew. He was assigned to scrub the floors of the library, paired with a girl about his age, or perhaps younger.

"You two will clean the library together, so you can finish quickly and get ready for the study of the Word session," a younger Mrs. Waterfield, instructed them before closing the door and walking off.

"I'll go right, you go left," Mark instructed, picking up his bucket and heading to the other side of the room.

"Not fair, the left side is bigger," Annalise complained, but Mark ignored her. "Could we please switch? You're faster than I am..."

"It's a woman's job to clean," Mark interrupted her. "Do what fits your gender role."

"I'm sorry about that," she apologized, looking down.

"You know what? I shouldn't even be cleaning. This is a girl's job!" he suddenly exclaimed, slamming the brush to the ground.

"I... don't understand," Annalise said, confusion spreading across her face. Mark didn't respond. Instead, he walked over to a table, sat down, and crossed his legs. She sighed and continued cleaning.

When she finished her portion, she gathered her things and started to leave.

"What's your problem? Didn't you notice you missed a spot?" he shouted, pointing to the corner. She paused, looked at him, and then kept walking toward the door.

"I'm talking to you!" Mark jumped off the table and rushed to catch up with her. "Answer me!"

"I'm done with my part. I need to join the other girls to help decorate for tomorrow's service," she said, reaching for the doorknob. Mark placed his hand on top of hers.

"And where do you think you're going?" he demanded.

"Mark, I don't have time for this. Leave me alone," she said, trying to push his hand off.

"Little rat," Mark muttered under his breath.

"I said, clean the whole room," Mark snapped, causing her to look up at him.

She was visibly confused.

"That wasn't the agreement. I have other things to do," she replied.

Who does she think she is?

There's no woman in the world who would treat Pierre like this.

"Annalise, I told you to go back and clean the whole library. When did you become deaf?" Mark's tone was condescending.

"Or what?" she retorted, clearly annoyed.

"Or I'll—" Before he could finish his sentence, there was a force pushing the door from the outside.

"Mark, Anna, are you done yet? It's time to pack up," they heard Mrs. Waterfield's voice as she pushed open the door. She entered the room and immediately sensed the tension between the two children. She looked at them both.

"Is something wrong?"

"He threatened me!" Annalise immediately cried, pointing at Mark.

Mrs. Waterfield looked at Mark in shock.

"Mark, what happened?"

Mark nodded his head, smiling as he glanced briefly at Anna and then back at Mrs. Waterfield.