29 The note

PRESENT TIME.

I arrived home carrying a basket-bag full of groceries. I was fortunate at the market today, in that, non of my peers saw me.

Except for the background chirping of birds and dry summer breeze which reduced the afternoon heat; the serenity of the cabin was divine.

While opening the door, I sighted a small note, dangling in a corner of the door. After a brief pondering about who could have left the note, I took it and read.

"Hi, please deliver some vegetables to the Federicos residence, as soon as you see this. Parsley and mint precisely.

Best regards, Agueda."

"Fair enough. Madam Hadassah has to wait, because, this girl is hungry." I shrugged, moving lazily into the kitchen.

Agueda was one of Madam Hadassah's maids. Unlike Gisela, Agueda was the timid one. She was always formal and humble to a fault.

Although I didn't want to keep them waiting, I was hungry and exhausted. Quickly, I made a bowl of cereal and began eating after reclining on the couch. I munched on the crisps and swallowed hungrily, somewhat in an unladylike manner.

While eating, I flicked on my phone, looking through the tons of Facebook messages and notifications. I had been away from social media for weeks now, and there was so much to see and read.

I laid on my side, folded my legs with the bowl of cereal stationed close to my belly. My interest was captured when I viewed my classmates' profiles. Most posted new photos which revealed their wonderful life in college. Partying with new friends, was prominent in their photos.

I even looked up Babette's profile. Like a perfect stalker; I studied everything about her, from her new roommates to her friends, the number of likes and comments on her pictures. Every information Facebook could offer.

I was engrossed in this till an hour passed. Instinctively, it occurred to me that I had a delivery to make.

"Oh! shit!" I stood up promptly, with hands over my opened mouth and raised brows, "Federico's!"

I rushed into my room and change into a maroon blouse. This was necessary as drops of milk stained the previous one.

I stole a glimpse from the mirror and headed out with a paper bag. On getting out I almost bumped into someone.

"Hey!" He warned, holding me from tripping over.

"Diogo!" I gawked at his gentle hairless face. He held me by my arms, with hands too soft for a man who earned a living through vigorous farm work, " did I hit you?"

Unlike his regular cowboy outfit; for the weekend, he had a green T-Shirt over his jeans. He kept staring at me when he replied out of a distracted mind,

"No, you didn't. What is always chasing you?" He grinned, releasing his grip.

"I wish I knew." I said nervously, adjusting my feet in my regular slip-on, "I'm Kinda late for a delivery."

"Oops, that's not a surprise."

"Madam Hadassah will be pissed."

"I think not, but I can take you there."

"Aww." I rolled my eyes in excitement, "You're a lifesaver, Diogo. Thank you. I'll get it ready now." I said, rushing off to the garden, while he waited in his pickup truck.

Ever since I convinced my parents, not to informed Diogo of my supposed admission into the university of Coimbra, I've been avoiding him. I knew I couldn't lie to him in the face, and I knew he would notice my depression and offer help. As at then, I was not aware that I needed help and that I was lost in the cloud of self-hate.

In no time we were on our way there. It was a short distance from my place but any help to aid my swift arrival was appreciated.

We talked briefly while in his truck. He simply inquired about my wellbeing and asked about college. Sadly, I lied again,

"Not yet, but I'm...I'm still expecting a message from a school."

"Isn't it late?"

"No, not exactly. I'm on the waitlist."

"Oh! I'm sorry. How come no one told me?" He was genuinely concerned.

"Um- well." I swallowed thinking of my next line, "Mom and Dad don't talk about it. It kinda breaks their hearts."

He nodded with a sad face and I was glad he believed me.

"Diogo," I dragged his name pitifully, "can you not talk about it with my parents? I mean, with everything going on. I shouldn't burden them with things like these."

Just then, he pulled over in front of the Federicos villa.

"Okay." He smiled, "I'm confident that you'll get in."

"Thank you."

I desperately needed a breath of fresh air as lying, tensed up the air in the vehicle. I alighted and waved him goodbye.

The small villa was by far the most classic and antique building on my street. From the white painted garden fence to the lavished landscaping on one side of the white building and a small car park with two cars in it. The carved out sidewalk was lined with trimmed lawn. It was clear that the residents of this place were not ordinary farmers or poor people.

From what I heard, Federico was Don Carlo's retired partner and his brother-in-law. Therefore, Federico was Addison's uncle.

I rang the doorbell twice and there was no response, "what is so difficult about answering the damn door." I mumbled to myself

Just then a black Mercedes Benz pulled over in front on the house. A mature lady, possibly in her mid-fifties alighted. Her embellished hands held to her ear a phone, and she continued speaking.

(Phone Conversation.)

"I've just arrived, can you send someone to get these things?"

As she spoke, she busied with removing her handbag from the car, at the same time, peeking at me, "I think I've seen her."

"I mean the maid. Okay."

She ended the call and motioned to me before opening the trunk of her car.

I didn't move from my sturdy bench, which was by the door. I simply pretended not to see or hear her.

Even from a distance, I could smell her ego, not to talk of her charisma; a matching blend for an elegant woman. She must be wealthy I concluded. A car like that, tells so much about your financial status.

Then it came as an afterthought, could it be? Does she think me a maid or something?

She moved closer on a yellow T-strap shoe, marking each step with complete class and composure. Her carriage was already intimidating but I refused to be intimidated.

Her well made-up face and blond bob accentuated the plain blue blouse and yellow fitted trouser. Around her neck was expensive strings of pearls which defended below her chest. Wow, she's rich, I concluded.

"I'm talking to you, quit gawking at me, get the baskets from the trunk." She commanded, thrusting out her chin confidently.

I was still seated by the door when she barked. Vexed by her rudeness, I responded in like manner,

"Is that how you talk to people? I'm not your maid."

She gave me a supercilious gaze through half-lidded eyes as she inched closer, "What insolence!"

"Expressions like that only give you wrinkles."

What I said hit her hard, giving rise to a freshly baked hate. Her bulged eyes threatened to swallow me just before Mr Federico open the door.

"Larissa my dear, I'm so glad to see you."

She was too provoked to respond to Federico. Her caked up face was strained, and she could not hide it.

"This young lady shows no respect."

"It must be a mixed up, Kerenhappuch is a nice girl." Mr Federico said before turning to me, "How are you today?"

"I'm doing fine, thank you. I brought this for Ma'am Hadassah." I smirked most mischievously, grazed with an atom of victory.

Madam Hadassah appeared with two maids, which were neither Gisela nor Agueda. She gave them instructions as she drew closer.

"Larissa!" A broad smile shone on her face.

"Hadassah sweetheart, you look dashing as ever."

They hugged like best friends, I wondered how a beautiful soul like Hadassah could be friends with Larissa.

"You look rather ravishing as always."

"Thank you."

"I'll take it from here, please go in now. I'll be with you in a bit."

Larissa walked in with Mr Federico.

Madam Hadassah turned her attention to me. "You're late young lady."

"Sorry," I pouted, "I hope not too late." I let out a warm smile and she reciprocated.

"Parsley and mint are never too late in my kitchen, I'll use it another day."

"Sorry."

"It's okay. How much is it worth?"

"Seeing you healthy and strong is more than enough pay for me."

"You always make me laugh."

She brought out of her long grey twill jacket; a black purse, in which she removed a 5 euro note and handed it to me.

"5 Euros, it's too much!"

"I'm asking you to keep it. If you need anything, don't hesitate to call on me."

"You are so kind to me, I can't thank you enough."

"You are always welcome, my dear. I would love to stand all day with you, but I've got a visitor to care for. I hope to see you soon."

"Yes, Ma'am." I waved goodbye and sauntered home.

The old couple had always been gracious to my family. They were regular buyers of my mom's vegetables.

And Madam Larissa, who could she be? I imagined. My mind strayed to that woman and the pleasure it brought me when I gave her a bitter part of me.

*****

Hey guys, what do you think of this chapter? Can anyone guess who Madam Larissa might be? I'm waiting:)