Poisonous

Chapter 23 - I Hate My Christmas Present

"Eva," Mom called, "we have to leave in ten minutes!"

I was in my bathroom doing my hair. I had a Bobby pin in my mouth. "Just, uh, one more, em, pin!" I said as I struggled to get my hair up.

"Eva!"

"Coming!"

I did my hair in a simple, high bun. I had on the dress I bought a week and a half ago. I wore black, heeled sandals that had a small strap around the ankles and a big one around the toes. They were very uncomfortable.

I was meeting my mother's secret lover tonight.

"Have you packed?" She asked. Her dress was a long, red dress that had spaghetti strap sleeves. It had cut along the side so that when she walked, you could see her leg. She wore red high heels and did her hair in curls. In my opinion, all the red just didn't match. The dress, the heels, the lipstick, and her hair. None off it seemed to flow.

I groaned. "No. I'll go do that."

Apparently, we were staying at his place because this was going to be some crazy party. I grabbed a small bag to fit my toothbrush and toothpaste, my hairbrush, my pajamas, my makeup remover wipes, and a set of clothes for tomorrow. I was really starting to regret this man.

"Eva!"

"I'm ready!" I practically screamed.

I walked down the hall in a huff. With my bag slung over my shoulder, I walked out of the apartment. My mother soon followed. Once we reached the lower level, we hopped into a taxi and drove away.

Even though it was dark, I could still make out the features of this mystery man's home and how we got there. It was like a small castle. It was built from rock and stone. Iron rods rose up from the taller pillars. Small evergreen trees lined the driveway. Although, it was night and the grass was dead, it still looked absolutely beautiful.

Oh no. I thought.

Outside of the car, people were talking in fancy dresses or nice tuxedos. I didn't see how they could talk outside in the cold. I hoped the man was at the party instead of the host.

"Come along, Eva. We must show up fashionably late, not just late." My mother hopped out of the taxi and shut the door. I said a quick thank you to the driver before climbing out on my side with my bag.

I wished I brought a sweater or something, it was extremely cold out for just my simple dress. Just the walk up to the front door was giving me chills. Mom rang the doorbell. The door opened with Alfred on the other side.

"Good evening, Ms. Pamela. Good evening to you too, Miss Eva" Alfred looked down at me. It was obvious he recognized me, but he did play well at hiding the shock.

"How do you know of my daughter?" Mom asked. It was strange to hear her say something in a nice, polite voice.

"Master Damian and Eva go to the same school. We've talked a time or two," Alfred lied. We've talked to each other way more than a time or two. "Please, do come in." The door swung open a little wider.

I had to act to be in awe by Wayne Manor. Some of it wasn't acting, I wasn't used to it yet. It seemed to be more decorated. Holly and garland decorated the tall ceiling. Christmas music seemed to be blasting around the entire house.

"Let me take your bags, Miss Eva," Alfred said from behind.

"If you can just tell me how to get to the guest room, I can take it myself," I replied.

"As you wish. Walk up the stairs and take a left. There will be another set of stairs almost immediately, take those up to the third story. Turn right, your room will be at the end of the hall on the left."