Out From the Shadows

Chapter 12

After aunty finishes the final touches on my dress and Ashton's jacket, our time is up and we head to Mr. Lakers. Down the hallway on the second floor, two doors down is the office. A mahogany desk settles in the middle of the room, covered in papers, pens, and a laptop. Bookshelves line the left wall and is stuffed with encyclopedias about business transactions and money tips. I bet they have been read, every single edition, at least twice.

Mr. Lakers relaxes in his reclining chairs, reading over a document with his glasses perched on his nose. I knock before dragging us into the room. He whips his glass off and sets the paper down, focusing on us.

"How is Ms. Karina doing? I could hear the laughter coming through the floorboards from downstairs." The concern in his voice is disturbing, being the first time I've heard anything but anger in his tone.

"She is doing well. Ashton's tux is all ready for tonight and I look stunning in her dress."

"She better, for the price we paid." There he is, the real Mr. Lakers.

I plan to speak up, defending my honor without being rude. The best way to do that is to get under his skin. An idea flashes in my mind and I put a steady hand on his chest and press myself against him.

"You should see your son, he looks absolutely dashing." I smirk at the end, sending it his way.

He puts on a deep frown and looks disgusted.  Ashton stares at me with a twinkle in his eyes. I don't think he understands what I really was meaning by my actions, but if he's pleased, I'm pleased.

There's a ruff noise and our attention turns back to the other person in the room.

"Almarie has lessons all evening before the ball, so I recommend, Ashton, that you get your business finished now." He addresses me like I'm not even in the room. I keep my cool and smile a fake smile.

"Is Josephine ready for me now?" I ask, hoping the answer is a big fat no. I should give up hoping, forever.

"Yes, she is downstairs in the parlor room. You can head there now."

I stare up at Ashton, pleading for his rescue from this nightmare. I also don't know where the parlor is, so I need help navigating there. Ashton knows this and so does Mr. Lakers. A deep gurgling noise erupts from behind the desk and I realize it's supposed to be a laugh.

"Oh, I'm sorry. I forgot your not accustomed to this house. The parlor is between the living room and sewing room, or where you met Ms. Karina." His laugh leaks into his words as he speaks.

I work my way onto my tip-toes and peck Ashton's cheek, then saunter away and down the hall. The office door slams closed and I hurry to the parlor to get the worst part of the day over with.

                                                                        ******

Hey, at least I know how to use each spoon and fork properly, because that's surely gonna save my life someday. Not.

The lesson consisted of everything I need to know for tonight: the guests invited, how to eat, dance, and talk properly. Other than that, it was a complete waste of my time. I scurry out of the parlor as soon as the grandfather clock in the room hits seven o'clock and rings the time aloud. I take the stairs by twos and leap onto the bed as I enter my room. My back aches from studying the papers on my lap that Josephine handed me. The bed dulls the ache and I rest my sore eyes.

Shouting disturbs the peace and quiet atmosphere in my room. It wafts from across the hall, from the office. I can't pick up on any certain words, but the yelling comes from only one person. The yelling escalates before dropping off completely. A door smashes shut and soft footsteps lead to my room.