Through Thick or Thin (Book Two)

Chapter Ten

Previously on Through Thick or Thin

The night staff will be arriving in less than fifteen minutes to begin prepping.

"Leaving already child?"

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Mina's Point of View

Clutching the pouch with the money hard I faked a smile.

I was hurt and disappointed that Mark didn't show up but that didn't mean Ms. Fatima had to see me like that. "Yes, it is getting late and I'm sure my mom is wondering where I am."

"Give the lad a few more seconds." She smiled and continued to wipe the table.

"Excuse me?"

"I know a lot of things lass. 'Tis a beautiful what 'tis about to happen. One, two, three and open."

The sound of the kitchen door slamming open made me turn towards it. Mark stood at the door eyes looking all over the kitchen until they landed on me. "Thank god your still here," He crossed the room in quick strides and wrapped his large arms around me. "I thought you left already."

I felt heated from my toes up to my head. "N-no I've been waiting on you." Mark dressed in tightly fitted denim, a white t-shirt and a duffle bag in his hand. His joyful green eyes met mine.

"Ready?"

"Ready?" I asked confused.

"Yes, we're going to your house to get ready for the party and come back here." He wants to go to my house. Why, well I know why but still I'm not ready. I can't say no either but my house isn't anything like the palace it's like a shack compared to here.

"My house?"

"Yes lass he's going to your house, now you both must leave the other shift is arriving shortly," Ms. Fatima winked at me then rushed us out the kitchen. "Also one of you must go first as both of you must not be seen together." She then slammed the kitchen door shut.

"I'll go first," Mark tightened his grip on his duffle bag and released me. "Wait two minutes then come along little light."

"Y-Yes." I watched as he hurried down the corridors and a few minutes later I followed.

The party would be taking place in the ballroom. The ballroom was towards the back of the castle and lead to the garden. This would be my very first one. That means most of the castle servants would be towards the back.

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I walked through the gates and spotted Mark waiting just five feet away. "Wrong direction." A wide smile crossed his face.

"Yes, ma'am." I began walking in the opposite direction and seconds later Mark was beside me.

It was comforting. It felt as though we were talking though we weren't. His presence made me happy.

"Good evening Mina!" The regular group of children that passed me every day yelled as they rushed off to the well.

"Good evening!" I yelled back.

Eventually, we got close to my house. The porch was empty which was slightly unusual as mom and Ashraf were always on it.