The rain was gently pouring on the rooftop of the Master's palace. In his room he lay supine on the bed, his hand going to the back of his head. This place was always quiet, his parents were never home, only appearing when they needed him for tasks. Silence was better than the constant nagging of his parents, his father especially. Each day he nagged about business, money, inheritance and so on.
"Ethan, I think ya should bring Samantha here sometimes, " Gurdian says bored.
" I will once I settle some things and once I think of a better excuse to bring her here." He responds yawning.
"She's real' cute honestly, way cuter than any cute puppy, way beautiful tha'any goddess, I really wish tha' I could hide her from thee' world." Gurdian says observing Ethan's reaction and he likes the smile he has. He stares at Analyst before asking,
" Why are you frowning? Life's too short to waste your time thinking about some things . "
" He's planning, perhaps coming up with a strategy to help you keep Samantha by your side forever." Gurdian mocks.
"Ha! Ha! Very clever of you, just flirt with her, be playful and so on why on earth would something like that need a strategy." Child says sprawling on his chair.
" Why don't you just shut the f**k up, all of ya' you." Gurdian tells them turning on his stomach. Ethan thought that perhaps Gurdian was right, she is real cute, really. The only person on his mind was Samantha, the only person he thought of when he slept was Samantha, the only person he saw in his field of vision was Samantha. However, Ethan wanted more, more of how he could have Samantha look at him, only him. He exhaled, exhausted she was a flower, in her own bubble, a being that satisfied and captivated her, she piqued his interest in a manner no being has ever done. There was this force that drove him towards her, compelling him to cage her, to unravel her, to lock her up where only he could see her. All his life nothing was out of his control and it should forever remain that way. He decides to take a shower before bed. Ethan stares at his reflection,
" Ethan, are you okay? you look exhausted." Analyst asks concerned. He stands next to him and pats his shoulder. He's known Ethan since they were kids, he always gets what he wanted. Additionally, he was someone who didn't say much, but he understood him more than Gurdian or Child.
" Yo, dude, Ethan's fine, he's just smitten with little Sammy." Gurdian says jokingly while leaning on the bathroom door. Ethan rolls his eyes and heads into the bedroom, puts on his pajamas and jumps under the covers.
" You're seriously sleeping?? Its 8:30 PM, let's watch a movie. " Child tells him playfully. " Nah, nah, come on, come on let's all watch, Analyst isn't sleepy too." He pouts softly.
" Geez, fine one hour only, at ten am crashing." Ethan tells them.
" Woo-hoo!! Woo-hoo!! Then let me bring some popcorn, and Analyst come help me carry the beers."
Child rejoices and they leave the room. While in the kitchen, Analyst says, " we're underage so why the hell are we drinking beer?"
Child laughs because it was rare for Analyst to make any jokes, he's always dead serious about everything. Trying to keep Ethan in check but when he decides he's partying he goes all out. Sometimes Child thinks Analyst is their big brother because he acts like one, most of the time, he's more like a parent figure than a best friend. After all they all met when they were around six, now they are fifteen and they are still growing, together. They head back to the room only to find Gurdian had already begun the movie without them, they settle down and relax in silence as the movie goes on.
*. *. *. *.
Grandma Ada Lu informed the family members about the collaboration party that would be held on Friday. She specifically points out that Samantha should try and look better on that day because their family reputation was on the line. Grace was instructed to play the piano on that day while Miranda directed to sing. This party was necessarily held in order to introduce these children to a more social and successful environment. Furthermore, this was a chance to ascertain that Grace and Miranda have a chance to a perfect interaction with the Master's and Miguel's. The meeting was adjourned and they all retired to bed. While Samantha lay on her bed, the only thing she could think of was how she was an introvert, how social events made her feel awkward, how they expected her to be a different person in the event. It scared her further when she realized that she has social anxiety and her grandma expects the best from her. In simpler terms there was no room for disappointment or disasters. She wondered just why her life was this horrible. About why she felt suffocated and cramped. That specific day in the conservatory, Grace ended up shifting and exaggerating the story ; both her mother and her grandmother sided with her. Not to forget Aunt Elizabeth and Miranda who ended up adding salt to the wound. She was forced to endure the pain and humiliation while Grace grinned behind her mother's embrace. It stung further on how her grandmother had retorted,
" Samantha, don't tarnish Grace's face, she still has a long way to go, her mere insults are just but words. There in no need for you to feed your insecurities, your mother committed suicide simply because she had a mental illness. Okay dear." This had hurt her for weeks, perhaps it will for months, years or eternity. Just why on earth was she treated this way? What did she do wrong? What crime did she commit? Who gave them the right to judge? Her mother was already dead, was that not enough? Before her death the whispers, the hatred, the silence bespoke, even after her death it never became silent. Its like a shadow that follows her, it plagues her, torments her each passing hour. She roughly wipes the tears from her cheeks; and hugs the pillow tightly. If God did exist why wasn't He justified? Why was she being judged by humans? What sin did she commit in her past life and in this life? Why her? Why not anybody else? Samantha now understood the drawing she did that day. The bird was her, wings were broken and clipped due to the prejudice of this family, due to this atmosphere. The cage was open _ this house was open, nevertheless they didn't hide their malice, she couldn't fly not because her wings were dead rather than; where would she fly to? The drawing was divided into two :day & night. Yet the night was stronger than the day. It finally hit home because during the day, the sun shone brighter, illuminating and casting its rays, in the day she could hide in her paintings, the piano or the stables. However, during the night, she was in her room, her heartbeat the only sound that resonated with her ears. The loneliness her friend and foe, her nightmares the only comfort she knew. Huh' she thought solemnly she missed her home in Quebec, the only place where good memories lingered. A place where the fondness and love of her parents lived with her. She wondered when was the last time anyone asked: " are you really okay?" She drifted into a slumber with distress and worry as her shields.
*. *. *. *.
Glamorous cheers erupted from the huge patio room of the Merlin family mansion. The imposing building, with stately decorations and design. Here riches rubbed shoulders with more riches. Pampered wives and daughters caught up on their rounds of social calls. They showed off the latest fashion trends and thrilled in pleasure of wearing the largest diamonds. Meanwhile, the men made business deals, or at least pretended to do so as they decided on whom would marry their daughters. Grandma Ada Lu, with a fashionable maroon dress, halter necked and fair isle, her hair in a tight bun outlining her facial features. Her lips pampered with a rosy pink gloss and high black stiletto heel completing her outfit. She was impeccable, looking younger than her original age. On the other side of the patio, where the orange flame vine grew stood Miranda, idly engaging in conversations with young men. Her lips scarlet, billowy elegant rose-blue dress that outlined all her perfect curves, her hair falling into massive curls on her shoulders while the other half twisted and braided to hold the right side of her hair. The gold high heels highlighting the blue toe nail color she had chosen.
The orchestra strikes the first note, violins strumming into soft notes. While the harps and woodwinds swelling into a beautiful tune. There she stood, being adorable and showered with praises. Where her youthful figure, a striking lady in a green emerald backless dress. She was utterly graceful; her gown flattering in each gentle comment. The dress was completely adorned with with light green peacock feathers at the edges, making her an outstanding elegant bird in the crowd. Grace's hair was wavy and twisted to make a delightful bun on the back of her neck, having loosely hanging strands from the edges of her hair. Her legs dressed in green heels that showed off her anklets. Grace was beautiful, so beautiful that tears formed in the eyes of those viewers who stared for too long.
In the congregation, a group of boys stood, each of them in black suits and white shirts, identical black ties and the four boys had boutonnière of deep black bachelor buttons in the lapel of their coats. Among them one stood out completely, carrying this cool demeanor, a compelling atmosphere that drew in both men and women. His name was Ethan Duke Masters, with his brown eyes like freshly harvested cocoa. Eyelashes that were curly, soft deep and rich. Then came his raven - like hair, shiny black and ethereal Ethan Duke Masters is a strikingly beautiful individual with a captivating presence. His face is a masterpiece of symmetry and elegance, with features so finely crafted they seem to have been carved by an artist's skilled hand. His skin has a warm, luminous glow, as if infused with a soft, golden light from within. His cheekbones are high and defined, his nose is straight and noble, and his lips are full and sculpted, curving into a subtle, enigmatic smile that hints at secrets and stories untold. At fifteen he carries himself with an air of refinement and poise, accentuated by a small tattoo peeking out from his neck, adding a touch of edginess to his otherwise flawless features. He stands tall, with a lean, athletic build that speaks to his dedication to physical fitness. His smooth, well-defined muscles are evident, and his body is devoid of any excess fat, giving him a lithe, athletic physique that's both powerful and elegant. The style that best describes him is effortlessly chic, with a perpetual aura of calm confidence that draws people to him. His enigmatic smile and piercing brown eyes seem to hold a secret, making him all the more captivating. The small diamond piercings on his ears add a touch of sophistication to his overall look. He is a breathtakingly beautiful man with a presence that's both mesmerizing and intimidating. His beauty is almost otherworldly, making him seem like an archangel or perhaps a god with people naturally drawn to him and often left awestruck by his mere presence. He was well aware of these facts yet he's voice didn't flaunt or brag, he's gaze said all about it
Glasses of champagne were being passed around, deep delicacies indulging in unique and exotic cuisine some luxurious food options included : exotic appetizers Casu Marzu, Escamoles ;Gourmet Seafood: Tuna Eyeballs, pufferfish sashimi, Steamed Alaskan King Crab :Luxurious Meats ;Witchetty Grubsa Jellied Moose Nose, Ostrich: Decadent Desserts, Kopi Luwak, Golden Osetra Caviar, Truffle-Infused Chocolates and Caviar and Blinis, Grilled Lobster, Shrimp, Waste-Not-Want-Not Worshipera, Foie Gras often and finally Truffle Risotto, complementing the final dish. The night was delightful where the sky was glittering with stars, creating a gentle atmosphere. Lady Ada spots Joanna and summons her, giving her a hearty smile,
"Where is Samantha?" She smiles more and strains at the same time.
" My lady, she was supposed to be here some few minutes ago, I already prepared her." She answered calmly.
Lady Ada is expatriates, she had even forgotten that Samantha did not have a dress, so under the last minute, Joanna had to do something. No one could compare to Gracie and Miranda, her grandchildren were ladies' of high standards and quality. Samantha would show up or perhaps it would be better if she didn't. She thought wisely.