Gradence | White Lilies

"The Dinner" | Chapter 1

Once again, Percival got invited to the Barebone mansion on a dinner. Alexander wanted to celebrate another big case they solved together so he decided a nice casual dinner would be appropriate, and so they all gathered by a big, long table that was set in a large and beautifully built dinning room.

They were all talking, eating, drinking and having fun. All except Credence, who barely even touched his food. That drew Percival's attention.

"So Credence, I've heard you're planning on studying law?", Percival tried to involve Credence into a conversation, "Am I correct?"

Credence looked over at the older man insecurely and nodded. Percival smiled warmly to the boy trying to get him to relax and talk more freely.

"Good choice," he added while shifting in his seat, "what got you interested in law?"

Credence didn't know what to answer because he wasn't quite interested in law. It was more of  his mother's choice and her wish that her son takes in his father's footsteps. But since he didn't want to get another beating later that night for saying something he shouldn't he decided to go for the safe answer.

"I-I want to be a lawyer…like my dad." he managed to speak without his voice shaking or breaking in the middle of the sentence.

Percival smiled on that answer; it surprised him a little bit though because it didn't seem to him like something Credence would say.

As the dinner was coming to an end Credence was getting more and more uncomfortable and he just wanted to go to his room, but he knew his mother wouldn't let him, not while they had a guest.
Percival noticed Credence's discomfort so he decided to leave as soon as possible, not wanting to torture the boy, but Mary Lou and Alexander were persistent and insisted on him staying bit longer each time he was about to leave.

"Excuse me, but I'll have to use the restroom", Percival said politely as he got up from his seat.

They nodded understandingly and Mary Lou looked over at Credence with a strict expression on her face.

"Show our guest where the restroom is, Credence", she said in a commanding voice.

Credence nodded obediently and got up from his seat. He walked past Percival, keeping his eyes locked at the floor and making no eye-contact with anyone.

"This way, sir", he said as he walked out of the dining room and up the stairs, going at slow pace so Percival can keep up.
Percival smiled and followed, and Credence led him all the way to the bathroom doors.

"Here you go sir", Credence said politely and stepped away from the door.

"Thank you Credence", Percival said and went into the bathroom. Credence went to the stairs and sat down on the top one, waiting for Percival so he can lead him back down.

Percival did what he had to and washed his hands. He then got out of the bathroom and as he was walking to the stairs he passed next to the open doors which lead into a large room and something in the room caught his attention.
The room was filled with paintings, all sorts of them, and they were beautiful.

Percival stepped in, his eyes gazing against every single piece. He was left in awe. One particular piece caught his eye. It was a painting of a young man standing in a lake and holding lilies in his hands. Percival reached out to touch it.

"W-What are you doing in my room?.."  Credence asked shyly.

"I-I'm sorry Credence, but these are gorgeous!.."  he turned to face him, excitement showing on his face, "Did you paint these??"

Credence blushed, he definitely didn't expect this reaction from Percival. It took him by surprise so he got all confused and became a blushing mess but he somehow managed to reply with a nod.

Their conversation was cut off by Mary Lou clearing her throat as she stood at the entrance of Credence's room. She gave Credence a strict look and he immediately realized what will happen as soon as Percival leaves the mansion. Percival felt bad for Credence so he tried to apologize for his presence in boy's room.

"I'm sorry m'am, I was just admiring the paintings", he smiled at Mary Lou, trying to soften her harsh attitude towards Credence, "he's a very talented young man!"

Mary Lou smiled politely.  "Yes, he sure is", she said while looking over at Credence with anger boiling inside of her. He kept looking at the floor.

After that she took Percival back to the dining room and he left shortly after.

That night Credence's soft pale hands were once again whipped and left with thick blood flowing out of deep wounds that his mother's hatered left on his gentle skin.