Iris

Chapter Seventeen

[A/N: Good morning ladies and gentlemen! How are you all this morning? Hopely better than me...I am sadly sick, on my holidays I might add. How lame is that?! Anyway....here is chapter 17....it is nearly the end guys.....thank-you so much for reading it. I can't tell you how much it means to me that you are reading this.]

The man was just like the girls had gossiped about. Indeed, he was tall, dark and handsome but there was something in his eyes that made me feel a little on edge. Alison hinted to the guy as Raven gave her an all-knowing nod.

“Good morning Iris, Alison, Raven. I would like you all the meet Bradley, the new butler. He will be replacing me while I take leave with my wife for our anniversary. Though you already know that, don’t you?” James explained as Bradley stepped forward.

“Please call me Brad.” The new butler said in a Scottish accent I had to stop myself from rolling my eyes. Brad? Honestly, was he trying to be a dark-haired, Scottish version of Brad Pitt or something?

“I was about to introduce myself but you already know our names?” Alison raised a quizzical brow. I was glad someone else thought this was as creepy as I did.

“Oh Bradley, took the time to learn all the names of the young ladies in the competition Alison.” James replied with a smile. Did he have to leave? I sighed sadly in my head. I was just being selfish. There was nothing wrong with this Bradley either; I tried to convince myself. I only half believe me.

“What would you like for breakfast ladies?” James asked as he took out his notepad, just like usual. Brad held up his hand and gave James a look. It was a little creepy; though I had a feeling I was just over-reacting, right? “Oh right, I’m leaving soon. Sorry ladies. Have a lovely day and I do hope you enjoy your stay here.” James smiled and bowed before he exited the room.

“Now what will it be lassies?” Brad asked with his own pen and notepad out. Raven looked at me and shrugged. Why not just go with the flow? Iris, you are hungry aren’t you? That stupid voice inside my head started again. It was getting me in a lot more trouble lately. I shook my head to refocus.

“What cereal do you have on offer today Brad?” Alison asked politely.

“Corn Flakes, Coco Pops or Muesli.” Brad listed off the top of his head. I couldn’t help feeling that it was a little strange that he had such an amazing memory for someone who had just started working here. Iris, snap out of it. He is just a new butler, since when have you been so sceptical of people?  Brad and my friends stared at me.

“What?” I said still in a bit of daze.

“Brad just asked for your order…” Raven drifted off. Oh right, back to reality.

“Oh right, sorry. Could I please have Coco Pops and a glass of apple juice?” I asked. Brad nodded and wrote everything done.

“I will be right back with your orders lassies.” Brad called over his shoulder.

“I dig that accent but not him. He is so not that dreamy.” Alison muttered.

“Yeah I agree with Alison, there was nothing that I would go goo goo over.” Raven said mimicking Alison. Alison gave a laugh and poked her tongue out at Raven. “Hey you ok?” My two friends turned to me in concern.

“No, no, I’m all good.” I smiled back. I was good, everything was good. Except Jamie and Blade… that stupid voice had to learn to shut up. How many people had a voice in the back of their head anyway? I was probably going crazy and I didn’t even know.

The three of us had a rather quiet breakfast which was uncommon in such a place as the Deans’ mansion. I wasn’t particularly in the mood to talk anyway. I wasn’t sure if my friends had noticed that fact or they just talked about things that didn’t interest me. When I had first arrived at this competition I remembered how furious I was at Blade and his whole family. I guess with time everything changes. Thinking back to the night before, I still didn’t feel angry or sad. I was just empty. I was running out of effort to fight, there was nothing left of me. I wished there was but the truth was that I was sick of fighting for Blade. I didn’t want my life to be about this competition but without my knowledge that was exactly what had happened. My eyes drifted over the dining room at all the other girls. Each one of them was either eating or chatting happily amount themselves. I let out a deep sigh; it was nice to see someone enjoy themselves here. Out of the corner of my eye I saw Jamie talking to someone. Although I wasn’t entirely sure they were actually talking. Being so far away and all put me in a disadvantage. Then something that I never expected happened…Jamie kissed the other person! My stomach tied itself in knots at the thought that it could be Blade. What a jerk! I had only semi-broken up with him last night and now he was already smooching with Jamie! Jamie, of all people! I silenced that voice as I felt someone approach the table. I glanced in front of me to see Blade. What?