The "Last Chance" List (On Hold, For Now)

Chapter Eight - The First One Off The List

I was right, it was long and tortuous. No matter what I did, I was doing it wrong. Mother has always been hard on me when it came to lessons but this time it felt ten times worse. After what felt like forever; actually five hours and then another three after dinner, I felt exhausted and thankfully mother let me retire to my room. As I laid in bed, I wondered how tomorrow would go. I was terrified and worried and I wished that this was all a very long dream; more of a nightmare, actually. The only reason that I even fell asleep was three things; the fact that I can start the list tomorrow, the hope that this guest would actually be nice and maybe it would all work out after all, and lastly, as much as I tried not to, the fact that I'd be seeing Ryder in the morning.

The next day seemed much worse than it was yesterday. Everyone was rushing around and preparing for my guest and when I entered the kitchen, mother and father were seated and mother was taste testing what I could only assume is the dinner for tonight.

"Ah Elise, you're awake" Mother said, putting down her fork,

"Hello mother," I sat down in my chair and told the chef assistant what I would like for breakfast.

"Eat something small dear," Mother said sternly, "We have a lot more work to do before your guest arrives"

I stared at her in disbelief. More? Wasn't what we did last night enough? And what about my list? I turned to father hoping he would say something so I wouldn't have to.

"Cecilia, dear" Father started, after I pleaded him with my eyes to say something, "I actually told Elise to get started on her list yesterday"

Mother scoffed, "I hardly think her List, is more important than her future"

She said the word list as if it was toxic and as for it being important, it was to me. I wish she could see that. I tried not to let me being upset be shown, so I kept a poker face on. One of the many things she taught me to do.

"I know that dear," Father continued, putting down the newspaper he was reading, "But I did tell her she could do it and besides it's just something small for today, right Elise?"

"Yes, it is" I nodded,

"So she will have time to do a quick thing on her list and then be back hours before our guest is to arrive"

Mother scoffed once again and rolled her eyes. Then she sighed,

"Alright, but I want you home before noon to start preparing for the day"

I wanted to jump up and down. Not only that I was pleased to be doing my list after all but also that mother is being understanding of my list and is encouraging me to-

"But nothing silly Elise," She continued, "Nothing that will ruin tonight or our reputation."

And just like a balloon, I deflated. Well at least she said I can still check something off my list.

"Also who is helping you with the list?"

Well here goes,

"Well Brynn is one helper..." I trailed off.

Mother gasped and dropped her fork, very dramatically. After she regained her posture, she turned to look at me, "No, I forbid it"

"Oh mother" I resisted the urge to roll my eyes, "Brynn isn't going to turn me into a hooligan"