Chapter 9

Engrossed in the menial tasks around the soup kitchen, I had lost track of time. When I looked at the clock, it was already six o'clock. I didn't mind. In the two extra hours, I had managed to clean everything, ready for the next day. I knew I would be late for dinner. It didn't matter. I had served my sentence. I was still going out of my own volition.

I said my goodbyes to Ellie, dashed out of the door and jumped into the car, covered in all sorts of things and I smelled awful. Luckily, I didn't need to cook dinner at home.

By the time, I slipped into Morston traffic half an hour had passed and I was grateful that I didn't catch rush hour which I often did. Even so, it took me forty minutes to get home.

With the same aplomb, I stepped out of the car, into the house and made my way towards the kitchen. I knew I would find Enid in there.

" I'm sorry, I'm-" I stopped speaking when my eyes fell on Mason instead, leaning over the stove. I glanced around the kitchen, in an attempt to find Enid.

" Where is Enid?" I asked, quickly checking again to make sure that it was just me and him.

" She is not here. She forgot to pick up some things. She will be back in a few," Mason added as he turned around, twirling the spatula in his hand.

I cleared my throat " Alright. I'll have a shower and be right back then," I said ready to turn around and slip out of the sweaty, sticky clothes.

" How was your day?" He asked the moment I turned around. Since we began sleeping together, he never asked about my day. Hell, he never asked much of anything.

" Hot, and busy. Mostly messy," I said turning to face him. There wasn't much to say, really. It was a soup kitchen, by definition not much went on.

" How was yours?" I returned the favour, a little uneasy. We rarely had a chance for that type of exchange.

" Just as messy as yours," He added pointing the spatula at me and I knew he was referring to the heavily soiled clothes.

I hummed " Care to elaborate?" I asked with quirked brows. He wore a suit and carried a briefcase. I assumed he was a businessman. How messy could that be?

" Not today," He coldly replied and turned around to lean over the stove.

" Hello dear," Enid said from behind me and I nearly jumped out of my skin.

" Hi, Enid. How are you?" I stammered a bit. He'd heard Enid come in. I didn't.

" Good. I just went to get some things. You are a little late today. Any troubles?" Enid asked as she placed the bag on the kitchen island and began pulling out the groceries.

" I lost track of time. It was just me and Ellie today. So lots to do. I need to wash. I'll be right back." I said before the conversation dragged any longer. I needed to get out before I fell apart, right then and there.

" Alright, dear. Dinner will be ready in fifteen, " I heard Enid shout from the kitchen as I slipped into the corridor.

As soon as I walked inside the room, I slipped out of my clothes and stuffed them inside the washing basket. The change troubled me. I wasn't used to that. I had settled into a routine where we existed only behind the bedroom doors.

I didn't ponder too much in the shower and got dressed as fast as I could and made my way back to the kitchen.

Dinner was set on the table, along with a bottle of wine. Steak and salad for dinner. I hadn't lived the day when we all sat at the table to eat and have alcohol. I knew Mason drank, I didn't. It was my first time to try it.

Enid raised her glass " Congratulations dear," She toasted in a cheerful tone to which Mason raised his glass and locked eyes with me, charmingly smiling.

" Congratulations, Miss Abernathy," He'd returned to using the same boring monotone.

" Thank you but I still need to ace the interview, " I replied, still not ready to take it as a given. I had my foot in the door, but that was all I had.

" I'm sure that Aldo will see your value and the potential," Mason replied and I wanted to know what he was on because I didn't have that kind of faith in myself and I was medicated.

" I hope so, " I meekly replied, and tuned my attention onto the steak on the plate. I had lunch on the go, and I was hungry.

Enid sighed and shook her head in disapproval " We've been over this so many times. Stop doubting yourself." She added a little miffed at my deprecating nature. I took a sip of wine, hoping that it would help wash away some of the doubt that I proudly swam each day.

" I know. I can't help it. Not until I hear Mr Friedrieksen say so," I retorted, and mucked up the man's name, making Enid and Mason chuckle.

" Friedrieksen," Mason corrected, amused, and I wanted to dig a hole in the ground and stay there.

" It's alright dear. The man's name is a mouthful. You'll get the hang of it," Enid patted my hand, smiling. I locked eyes with Mason, as he leaned back in his chair smiling from behind his glass of wine. I wasn't aware that I was that entertaining.

I blinked a few times to get a hold of myself. To say the least, I was embarrassed, mostly because I had made that mistake in front of Mason.

" Nevertheless, you have a month and a half to prepare yourself for the meeting. So, use whatever time you have to get as much information about the academy. I'm sure David can provide some insight since he is in his second year there," Mason suggested, blank as a sheet of paper. At least to me. He didn't show anything.

" I will," I refrained from adding anything further. I hadn't seen David since that night. I didn't even know how to speak to him anymore. That put me in a predicament. I could ask Laira. She went to the interview.