Victoria

Chapter 27

After Jacqueline and I talk for a while in the bedroom, we walk out into the living room. Lynette is asleep in her arms, and that gives my back a break from carrying Lynette and the coming baby. Lynette is getting so big now! When I look back at when she was born the day I was there to visit Heather, she was so young. Now, she has more hair and her face is turning into a toddler face.

 Gregorio and Ashland are no longer in the living room. Where have they gone?

 “Where is Gregorio, Felix?”

 “He left with Ashland.” He answers.

 “That was profound.” Jacqueline says, sitting down next to who must be her husband. Henry! From the first letter she sent me she told me to tell Felix that Henry said hi. Now it makes since.

 “They went to City Hall. Which, by the way, we were summoned to be there once you two were done talking.”

 Felix says. I feel my cheeks redden with anger. Felix smiles and looks to my sister and her husband.

 “She hates Ashland.” He says, as if my face needed to be explained.

 “So I heard.” Jacqueline says. Felix and Henry laugh and stand in unison.

 “Come on, let’s go.” He says to my sister. “We will watch Lynette for you in your apartment so we can put her in her crib.” Henry says to Felix and me. My sister holds Lynette closely. She would make a perfect mother. I trust her so much with Lynette. She may watch Lynette however much she wants. It probably will give me a break so I may take care of myself and the baby!

 Felix walks beside me, our capes strapped around our necks and flying out behind us. I hate being summoned, and from Ashland of all people. As the anger rushes through me, I feel Felix place a cool hand in mine. That makes me smile.

 When we enter City Hall, I am surprised to see and hear it empty. There is not the big crowd of people standing around or the loud voices. There is nothing but emptiness.

 But, there is a man standing at the closed doors of the Parliament room. As Felix and I walk closer to the man and closed doors, I see that this man is Felix's double. I can't help but feel awkward when around his double. They look exactly alike, probably even speak and think the same, but yet I feel as though I do not know who this double truly is. I do not know and love him as I do Felix.

 Felix's double opens the door for us and Felix and I head in the room. Ashland, who is surrounded by the other sediments sitting to her right or left, sits in the middle and highest seat.

 “Evening, Victorious.” Ashland says. Sensing that this is a more secret and feeble conversation, the use of my real name seems fit. But why this exchange is so secret, I have no idea.

 I say nothing, and that makes Ashland seem annoyed.

 “I have been informed that you slept well on the trip, yes?” She says.

 I nod my head and say, “Yes.”

 “Then we have time for a long discussion.”

 Ashland nods her head and a young boy comes from a room with a chair.

 “Please be seated, Victorious.” She says.

 “Have you no chair for Felix?” I ask.

 “He is not needed. You may be excused, Felix.” Ashland says.

 “With no disrespect Ashland, I shall stay here beside Evelyn. I would rather stand. And like I said, no disrespect, I just do not trust you.” My husband says proudly. I sit higher in my seat, proud, too, of what he said.