Pack of Lies

Chapter 5: Strange encounter

Eliza

Everyone turned silent and focused back on their breakfast after I had made it clear of my plans for today. Neither my dad or Kyle said another word to me as they started to engage in their own conversation.

Finishing up my breakfast I placed my knife and fork down on my plate instantly capturing their attention.

"You already done princess?".

"Yeah. Got things to do and people to see".

Dad frowned at me before glancing over at Kyle.

"Ok my love, be safe". Kyle lent over and placed a gentle kiss on my cheek. He slowly pulled away and stroked my cheek before turning back to his breakfast.

"Oh, Eliza?".

"Yes dad?".

"Don't forget your session tonight. How about I pick you up from the zoo and take you?".

Uh, the dreaded sessions that I had to attend once every 3 months. I didn't really understand why I still had to have them as I had been having them since I was 15. It was pointless, the people in white coats would ask me general questions and run strange tests on me to assess my health and psychological well being. Also, I did not know if it was coincidence, but I always felt sick and tired after attending them.

"Yeah yeah, I haven't forgotten Dad and no I'll get there on my own". I bit my tongue harshly to stop the sentences that threatened to follow close behind. I wasn't in the mood for a full blown argument at this time.

"Ok sweetie, love you loads".

Scraping my chair back across the marble floor, I grabbed the apple out of my hoodie pocket and held it to my side hoping not to raise questions.

"Hi, could you come and help me" I muttered quietly to the maid as I walked towards the door leading to the hallway.

"Yes Ma'am".

The young girl followed out behind me and as I turned around to face her once we were out of the dining room, I frowned deeply to see her standing before me with her hands by her side and her head bowed.

"What is it you need help with Ma'am?" she repeated in a monotone voice.

"I want to know what your name is". The young girl's head shot up with her eyes widened up at me as if I had asked her something outrageous.

"My name?" she muttered as if unsure of the request I had asked of her.

"Yes, we all have one, what's yours?".

"Oh, um my name is Poppy".

"That's a lovely name, my name is Eliza".

Poppy's face had paled and was staring down at my outstretched arm awaiting her hand.

"Thank you Ma'am". My blood began to boil hearing her call me by the title I didn't deserve nor want.

"Please, I just told you my name and it certainly is not Ma'am".

"I'm sorry Ma- Eliza, it's just that I'm forbidden to call you by your name".

Since when is someone forbidden to say one's name. This isn't the bloody 1800's.

"Says who?". Poppy jumped back in fright at my abrupt response to her answer.

"Y-Your father" she stuttered back whilst shaking slightly.

"Leave him to me, but from now on I'd like you to call me by my name. Ma'am makes me feel like I'm an old woman".

Poppy chuckled before nodding at my request.