The Silver Lining

Chapter Six: The Rat

It was a typical afternoon in autumn. Baby Brianna was soundly asleep within her crib and the cool, refreshing weather was ideal for a certain bright-eyed young girl and her father to rake leaves in their enormous backyard as the mother of the household busied herself with preparing lunch. She was placing a fresh apple pie into the oven when the doorbell rang, causing her to turn to the door with surprise. They hadn't been expecting anyone. 

Walking briskly to the door she gazed into the peephole to find a familiar face at her door. Francine Winters. 

"Francine, to what do I owe the pleasure?" Said the blonde woman, removing the apron around her waist as she opened the door with a strained smile of welcome. Her expression was weary and her stance tense, that of an individual that worked and worried constantly.

The pompous lady on the other side of the door returned the smile, though the stiff curling of her upper lip suggested a pretentious displeasure with her presence in an average home unworthy of her grace. "Good afternoon Eleanor. May I come in?"

Resisting the urge to refuse, Eleanor opened the door further. "Of course, please come in." She insisted. 

If Francine noticed her reluctance, she showed no evidence or acknowledgement of it. Strutting into the small house as though she owned it in a pair of expensive black heels, she walked to the living room. All the while her heels clicked obnoxiously behind her until she sat on the white sofa. Crossing her legs and leaning back regally, she removed her over-sized sunglasses and placed them on the glass table. Smoothing down her tight black dress, she directed a pristine white smile to Eleanor, imploring dogmatically. 

"Ellie, would you be a dear and bring me some coffee. Surely you have that at the very least to offer a guest in this... lovely home." She hesitated on the complimentary word, as if it pained her to say such a thing. 

She awaited rather audibly, the staccato sound of her manicured nails connecting with the glass table a sharp reminder of her impatience. Biting her tongue Eleanor retrieved the coffee and brewed her a cup, making sure to offer sugar and cream before Francine could take the opportunity to pontificate on her hostess's capabilities once more. 

"Thank you dear."

"You're welcome. Would you like sugar or cream?" 

"Just sugar. Can't let myself go." Francine replied innocently, though her thoughtful gaze in her direction implied something more. 

Sipping her coffee tastefully, Eleanor tried to ignore the disgust that arose when Francine's vibrant lipstick stained the side of her fine china. Rolling her eyes discreetly she waited for the elaborate woman to have her fill. 

"You know, darling, I've noticed that you and Paul have been fighting more and more lately. Is everything alright?" Francine asked good-naturedly. 

Eleanor bristled but fought the urge to snap at the intrusive woman. She decided to do the next best thing, play dumb. 

"Whatever do you mean, Francine? Paul and I are just fine." 

The woman sucked a dramatic breath between her teeth, wincing theatrically. "That's not what I've heard."

Stiffening, Eleanor sat across from her questioningly. "What is it exactly that you've heard?" 

"Oh poor, naïve Ellie. Word on the street is that your Paul is growing bored with domestic life. Bored with you." She replied as though it were a tragedy. It was clear that she cared little for the fragile ties of this small family.