Tricks of the room of mirrors; unedited Version. Check out page for edited vs.

Chapter 9: The green monster

Emily sat at the table, her arms crossed over her chest to stop her from shaking. Her eyes knitted together as she watched Jack and the tall, beautiful lady converse at the other end of the table in hushed whispers.

On their walk home there had been no introduction. No words that were intended for Emily and none returned.  She was then led into the deep of the forest to a strange little dingy cottage, sat at this table, and then simply ignored.

Emily had been offered one of the woman’s dresses. It was a knee-length black tight one that clung to every inch of Emily’s skin. It had been so ridiculous that she had settled for one of Jacks long shirts instead. Emily wondered if Jack liked the way the dress looked on the other lady.

Suddenly the lady turned to Emily with a look of dismay, “I cannot believe it. We have not been introduced.”

“Emily Grenville,” She said bluntly.

“Pleased to meet you, I’m Lavinia, I’m sorry I don’t have a last name,” She smiled, “Would you like some tea. Oh silly me, of course you would. Be back in a tick.”

She raced off into the kitchen.

‘Now she’s showing off in front of Jack. I didn’t say I wanted tea, did I? I suppose she looks his type, tall, curvy. Although she may be a little too nice but what so I even care’, Emily thought bitterly to herself.

“Are you okay? You look…angry.” Jack asked.

“I’m fine.”

Lavinia returned with two teacups in her hand. She placed one in front of Emily and one in front of Jack.

“Uhm, Lavinia, I don’t drink tea,” Jack said awkwardly.

“Oh I know. It’s not tea, its gin. Sorry, only cup I had,” She shrugged and sat herself down again, “Oh dear Emily, you’re shaking. Let me fix that for you.”

“No thank you, I am perfectly fine. I am not shaking. It’s just a little cold,” Emily gritted through her teeth.

“Well a blanket,” Lavinia started but Emily cut it.

“I’m fine,” Emily shouted at her.

“Emily,” Jack shouted back.

“It’s fine Jack,” Lavinia said to Jack. She turned to Emily and picked up her shaking hand, “Just let me see to it.”

Emily grunted and pulled away and as though it was in slow motion she hit the pink printed tea cup. It toppled over the edge of the table and smashed on the ground.  

“Emily, what is wrong with you?” Jack stared at her in disbelief.