Chapter six - Mate
When it first occurred, I was nine years old. One evening, my parents took me to an ice skating park. It was my first time skating, and I recall tripping over my heels and hurting my ankle. At that point, I cried out to my parents because of the anguish.
They hurried me to the hospital, but when I arrived, the pain in my ankle mysteriously subsided. I told my parents I was freaking out because I couldn't feel any pain anymore. Doctors examined my legs and found them to be in good condition. My parents' expressions convinced me that something weird had happened. Since then, I've cut myself on purpose and watched as it healed strangely.
Sighing, I splash water on my face, grab a towel to dry it, and pull my hair down. When I'm done, I exit the bathroom. I debated going to the kitchen or remaining in the room until the celebration ended.
It is unlikely that anybody would notice me anyway. Which I am comfortable with. I want to remain as unnoticeable as possible.
When I stepped out of the bedroom, I realized that everyone was already working on their separate tasks. Designers and decorators were already there, and I looked around to observe a variety of decorations. Alcohol and beverages were laid out on separate tables. Everything was looking more refined and grand.
In a few hours, the celebration would begin. I made my way to the kitchen to see if I could assist with anything and saw Samantha, the head cook, approaching me with a grin. Samantha has been the chef in this household since I was a child.
"I'm sorry I couldn't assist with the meals, Sam. Is there anything else I can assist you with?" I inquired when she'd get to me.
She smiled widely and extended a hand to wave me off while shaking her head. "Certainly not. We're nearly done here. "You can return to your room."
I grin back in gratitude and turn around to return to my room. I exhale deeply in relief as I close the door behind me.
Safe.
Someone was knocking on the door.
As I remove my headphones, I grimace in response to the sudden scene.
The celebration had already started two hours earlier, and I was busy painting. Something I like doing, particularly when I don't have anything else to do.
I spun around from my workstation in the corner and approached the door.
"Who is it?" I asked gently.
"It's me, Riele," a lady's gentle voice said from the other side.
Much to my dissatisfaction, I hesitantly unlocked and opened the door.
Riele, a maid roughly my age, stood outside, looking anxiously behind her.
"Yes?" I ask.
"Madame Nicole sent for you." She says while moving on her feet.
What?
My eyes widened in horror as my breath stuck in my throat.
"W-why is she requesting to see me?" I stuttered.
Riele only shrugged, averting my gaze.
When I realized she wasn't going to respond, I nodded. "Okay."
She dashed away, and I locked the door behind me.
Why would Nicole contact me? I hope I haven't done something that warrants punishment.
Racking my brain for anything bad I'd done, I eventually gave up when nothing came to me.
I took a big breath and went out.
The celebration was in full swing, and guests from all around the world had come. I simply need to make my way past the crowd of people to Nicole's room without anybody knowing.
I was always successful at avoiding everyone. So I'm hoping I can get this over with and go back to my room as soon as possible. I had no plans of being at the party at all.
I carefully make my way up the steps, passing by the crowd.
With each stride, I could feel my heart pounding against my chest.
I got to the door, swallowed my trembling breath, and knocked.
"Come in." I hear a voice say something from within.
Entering the room, Nicole was seated on her bed with the twins beside her. They seemed to be discussing something serious as I noticed the flush on their faces.
Grabbing at the hem of my shirt, I glanced down at my feet when I noticed their hateful glare on me.
“You called for me.“
Mentally, I cursed at myself for stuttering.
Ignoring the stutter, Nicole got up and walked up to her dressing table. She picked up a silver ring and placed it on her right pinky finger before turning to me.
“I want you to make two glasses of Irish tea. The ones you made for the old man before he died. When you're done, bring it down to my office.“
I stood wide-eyed as she talked.
Irish tea.
It was during the time Dad was on the sickbed that I did them. He loved taking the tea in the morning, and I had perfected how to make it with a lot of practice.
When I entered the room, Nicole was sitting on her bed, with the twins beside her. I observed the flush on their cheeks, which indicated that they were discussing something important.
Gripping the hem of my shirt, I looked down at my feet as I sensed their hostile stare at me.
"Y...you called for me," I stuttered out.
I mentally chastised myself for stuttering. Ignoring the stammer, Nicole stood up and approached her dressing table. She picked up a silver ring and put it on her right pinky finger before facing me.
"I would want you to brew two glasses of Irish tea. The ones you made for your old man before his death. When you're done, bring it down to my office."
I stood wide-eyed as she spoke.
Irish Tea.
I made them when Dad was on the sick bed. He loved drinking tea in the morning, and after much effort, I had mastered how to brew it.
I had vowed to take good care of him and always be there for him.
But since he died two years ago, I've stopped creating them. I'm not even convinced I could do it correctly anymore.
I lifted my face to look at Nicole.
But since he died two years ago, I've stopped making them. I'm not even certain I could do it correctly anymore.
I lifted my face to look at Nicole.
Why does she need tea at a party? She didn't even take them; was she attempting to punish me? What did I do wrong this time?
Bailey stood up and snapped her perfectly manicured fingers at me, and I broke out of her stare.
"Have you gone deaf now?" She snarled, looking at me with contempt.
"Um, no, no, no." "I am sorry." I stuttered and lowered my sight once again.
"Just hurry up and leave my room. And make sure the tea isn't overly sweet. Nicole replies, narrowing her gaze at me. "Do you understand?"
"Yes." I nodded deeply and hurriedly left the room.
Pushing through the crowd, I collided with a body and whimpered in surprise when I heard the tray of champagne the person was carrying tumble to the ground.
Fortunately, the loudness of the music masked it out, but it didn't change the fact that the drink had spilled all over another person's white shirt.
The maid carrying the champagne widened her eyes in dread, and without thinking clearly, I nervously placed my hands on the person's shirt, attempting to wipe off the crimson mark, while the maid got down and began gathering the pieces of the shattered glasses onto the tray.
"I'm so, so sorry." I anxiously muttered, tears threatening to spill down my cheeks.
A frightening growl erupted from the person's chest, and an electric jolt ripped through my body. It lit a fire in my chest and mind, causing me to convulse.
I stepped back and immediately withdrew my hands.
"Mate!"
I gasped in terror as an intrusive voice echoed in my head, forcing my fingers to clench. I lifted my head and met the person's keen gaze. My thoughts raced as the vibrant green and gold hues swirled about and engulfed my head.
"Mine!"