Mask

Who Are You

I arrived later than usual. The house was eerily quiet. I took off my shoes so not to wake anyone with the clicking of my heels, especially mother. She would hound me with questions, asking if I was able to win the heart of a wealthy bachelor. If only she knew the evening I had. 

The next morning, I wore my favorite copper dress that was easy to move in. Going down the stairs, there was a lingering smell of eggs and ham. There was also a hint of warm butter in the air. Maybe to add to toast and jam perhaps? I was crossing the dining room to my usual eating spot when I saw an unfamiliar man sitting there. He was at the head of the table, about to eat a fork full of eggs. Once he saw me, he put his food down and smiled. I wasn't sure how to respond. 

"You are finally awake Anastasia."

I stared at him, trying to see where I've met him before. "I'm sorry if this comes off as rude, but may I ask who you are?"

He seemed confused. He wiped his mouth with a napkin, put it down on the table and got up. I felt like running away. These situations were not always pleasant but I stood my ground. In case something were to happen and if mother found out, I would never hear the end of it. 

"Strange, you don't seem to be telling a lie."

I was slowly becoming irritated. "Do I look like I jest?"

He laughed. "You have your mothers spark as well."

From the way he spoke, it sounded like he knew her well. Then I caught a whiff of his cologne. Is he the man my mother married? He seemed different from the kind of man I imagined. From what I recall, father was dashing, in his own right. The man before me had ashy brown hair and hazel eyes with a dark completion. Maybe mother married him for his money? Or maybe his kindness? I'm not sure. It always seemed she valued beauty or wealth above all else.  

Just then, I heard footsteps going down the stairs. Once they neared the entryway, we both turned. Speak of the devil. She didn't seem surprised at us standing there, waiting for her. She smiled and gently kissed Sean on the cheek. Who was this woman standing before me? Has a witch taken over her body? Just then, she gave me a hug. 

"Good morning Sean. Hello Anne."

I greeted her in kind. Then it hit me. That was his name. I only ever heard it in passing of the maids and never from mothers lips. Sean Flints. He smiled and took her hand and lead her to the seat on the right. A maid came out and began serving her. It felt awkward being in such a warm atmosphere. I debated whether or not to sneak into the kitchen and grab my own plate or skip my meal. Food didn't sound as appealing after seeing both of them. 

As I walked away, there came a knock on the door. Normally I would run and hide as instructed but I decided to be rebellious. Since mother seemed to be in high spirits, maybe she wouldn't mind me opening the door for once.  Turning the knob, I saw a man with  blond hair and blue eyes smile at me. He seemed vaguely familiar but I couldn't put my finger on it. Though he did look puzzled for a moment. 

"Yes, may I help you?"

"Yes, you may."

He kept smiling at me. I wasn't sure what he wanted to do with that lame joke but I was so close to closing the door in his face. It was too early for this, plus I was running on an empty stomach. I had to remember though, be courteous. You never know if being rude once will stab you in the back one day. 

"Would you like to come in?"

He nodded. "Thank you."

I took a step back and closed the door behind me. I escorted him to the living room. It was on the opposite side of the house, away from the dinning room. I began to wonder if mother was too busy with her husband to notice that someone had just entered. That was fine by me. Less interactions were best. 

We sat down on the couch. I offered to get a drink for him but he refused. I wasn't sure what to do at this point. I'm not the one who usually entertaining guests so I didn't know how to show hospitality. The man in front of me kept on staring and inched a bit closer in his seat. 

He whispered, "Do you always wear that mask"

I put a hand on my cheek and sighed. "Yes. I've had it for so long I've forgotten its there at times. I sometimes wonder if my skin will feel foreign without it."

He chuckled. "Well, hopefully I won't have to experience anything that peculiar."

His arrogance was starting to annoy me. I put my hand back on my lap. "Hopefully."

After sitting down, it finally hit me. I really wanted to get up and grab some food. The smell was tantalizing. I offered him a plate but he refused, saying he had already eaten. Oh how wonderful that must feel. At least he can't say I didn't try to be hospitable.  

I tilted my head. "You must know who I am but I am sad to say I have no idea who you are. What is your name?"

It seemed like he was about to respond when I heard the sound of footsteps and laughter. It was mother and Sean. I looked up at them and caught her eyes staring straight at me. She looked at me and then at the stranger before us. She had an ominous smile as she nodded at me. They walked out the side door that lead to the garden. She seemed to be plotting something. I can feel it. No doubt to bombard me later on with questions about our guest. 

"That was your mother and stepfather, no?"

Does everyone know who they are? "That is correct."

"You know, I was at their wedding, since my father gave them their blessing and had me go in his stead. Though I don't ever remembering seeing  you there, as you've said,  you've always had the mask on. I think I'd remember someone like you."

He was giving me subtle hints. Was he some high duke or someone from the royal family? I couldn't put my finger on it. 

I shrugged. "I was too young to remember such things. Maybe I was there and you didn't notice?"

"Maybe? There was a lot of talk and people there on their special day. You could be right."

I heaved a big sigh. "I feel as if you are dodging my question. You have yet to answer mine but I've answered all yours. Again, who are you?"

He leaned back and crossed his leg. "I could've sworn you'd have figured it out by now."