The Gray Case

sixteen

Her lips are pursed, words fly wrapped in an atmosphere of rising swelter in which she feels like a fish out of water. Conversation dies in an endless drought; she falls into it but sometimes chimes in, gracing them with a few drops of her rain.

The room isn't quiet, but to her, their talk doesn't spark her interest. She sucks in the thick air in her lungs and bites the discomfort out of her lips, chewing her thoughts away, gulping down the unsettling feeling that the ice-cold eyes of the girl in front of her, is not afraid of sharing.

The all in all decor is extremely polished, details are dominant as in every little piece seems to be placed where it is thanks to a punctilious mind. Maya barely touches the glass cups and the porcelain plates; she concentrates on everything, but at the same time, seems to be not concentrating on anything at all.

The atmosphere changes every so often when Alicia comes into the room with the cart packed with dishes and dishes of food. She smiles and that warms Maya's heart a little.

As a routine, Alicia places the food on the table, serves everyone, flashes a smile, and leaves quietly. Maya is surprised by such treatment; it's not everyday you get served as royal highness.

Alexander is sat right next to Sofia; he doesn't talk that much either, neither does he seek for some contact with Maya.

"So, Maya, how do you and Alex know each other?" Mark asks, putting down the glass of wine he was drinking a few moments ago. He isn't intimidating, not even annoyed by her presence; in fact, he gives her a welcoming smile and something just reminds her of Alexander.

As the question arrives her head shoots up and all the attention lands on her. She looks at Alexander who is now looking at her, the green in his eyes lights up, more prominent than ever.

"Um," Maya says before being cut off by Alexander who in this moment, gives his full attention to his dad.

"I just give her math lessons," he cuts. Mark nods and sees a hint of sheer disappointment flash through Maya's eyes, but quickly dissolves.

"So, it's her. Good to know," Sofia says, aloof.

Her hair is pinned back in a slick tight pony tail, a red blouse is what she's wearing and there's no denying it: she is pretty, maybe even beautiful.

Margaret sits with her back perfectly straight and looks over at Maya, curious.

"What do your parents do?"

"Why does it even matter? Before even asking about her, you ask about her parents job." Alexander says, putting down the fork he was using to eat. Maya doesn't have a problem replying. Although her parents both have modest jobs and don't get even nearly the income the Gray's do, she isn't ashamed.

"He's right, it doesn't even matter. It's not like we don't already know that she isn't rich," Sofia laughs a little. Her words don't faze Maya, not even a little. They're just like tepid water, not too warm but not even too cold, insignificant to her. Insignificant to the point she doesn't even feel them; she knows her parents worth.

Ryan rolls his eyes at Sofia, it's clear he is annoyed by her and has been for the whole course of the meal.

"Hey, don't be so rude," Mark says to her and her eyes grow wide. "And don't act like I haven't been seeing all the death glares you've been giving her." Sofia's pale snow-white cheeks turn into bright red, heating up. She looks down, regretting saying what she did, but not because she feels bad. She just doesn't want to come off as a bad person to Alexander's dad.

Alexander looks up, sighing. "Thank you, dad."

Mark smiles slightly at his son, knowingly while Margaret speaks again. "I'm sorry if the question was too private. Being rude wasn't my intention. Anyways, why don't you tell us about yourself?"