Velvet Walls

Chap.9, Jelly.

It's a Friday morning. Today is September 21st, the first day of fall. It sure feels like it too. I check the forecast, more rain. It's been a gloomy weathered week, and I'm thrilled by it. The huge trees that surround the mansion have begun to change to various shades of gold and amber. It makes for a beautiful contrast against the gray sky.

I'm in the upstairs kitchen, slicing a piece of bread handmade by Delia. I pop it into the toaster. Miroslav is sitting on the couch, watching soccer. Donivan and Alistair are both sitting at the table, drinking coffee. Donivan is watching the game, Alistair isn't paying any attention. He's looking intently through his glasses at something that looks like it might be for his work. I smile to myself a little. It's rare that Alistair wears his glasses, they suit him though. They really help bring that whole air of elegance he has going on together. Furthermore, he definitely looks more like his dad when he wears them. The thought makes me chuckle a little. Donivan stands up and makes his way over to the fridge.

"Donivan, could you grab the jelly for me please?"

He turns towards me, giving me that damn smirk again. "Sure thing."

Alistair looks up and shakes his head. He looks amused. He quickly goes back to reading and I ignore it. Donivan hands me the jelly.

"Thanks," I say, taking it from him.

Alistair makes a sound that sounds like a half-laugh, half-scoff.

Donivan turns around to look at him, annoyed. "What?"

"Nothing," Alistair says unperturbed, "Just didn't know you were a gentleman all of the sudden." He shrugs, not looking up from what he's reading.

Donivan crosses his arms. "What's that supposed to mean?"

Alistair shrugs again, looking Donivan straight in the eyes now. "I just find it odd how you're suddenly prince charming, you know, given that how you usually treat women like they're expendable playthings..."

Donivan's gaze quickly becomes a glare, his arms fall to his sides, his hands clenched into fists.

"That's enough, Alistair."

"And, given how often you boast at not having to put in any effort, and still having women grovel at your feet-"

"That's enough!" Donivan shouts, slamming his fist down on the counter next to him.

I jump a little. I'm quiet, almost afraid to move. I've never seen this side of Donivan before, and honestly, and I don't know how to react. Alistair, however, looks unfazed. He sits back in his chair, arms crossed, a satisfied look on his face at getting a rise out of his brother. He's clearly not at all bothered by Donivan's reaction. Alistair looks at me, as if he's trying to tell me, "See? Look at how immature he is. Take my side," with his eyes. Donivan follows his gaze, his anger disappearing as he realizes I'm still just standing there. My toast pops out of the toaster, breaking the tense silence in the air.

Donivan sighs, "Ignore him, Viola. He's just jealous because he doesn't get any girls at all." He shoots a sideways glare at Alistair one final time before escaping down the stairs.

I stand in awe of the interaction that just took place in front of me for a moment, before taking my toast out of the toaster and smearing it with jelly. I sit down at the table across from Alistair. He gets up, taking his work and disappearing into his room. Not looking at me once.

Mir speaks up, "Dang. You really have those two on edge. I don't think either of them know how to talk to girls, honestly.'

I stare at him for a second, forgetting that he was there for that entire conversation. I laugh and shake my head and go back to eating my breakfast.