Season 4 Chapter 9

It is finally Sunday, I took a deep breath before applying some foundation over my face to cover the rash marks. It was a hectic week, Victoria was stressed out about her future, Jules is worried for the upcoming challenge against Christina, Hope and Irina keep on wandering near the club to get a glance at those two boys, Maria isn't picking up my calls which is making me worried. You know what? Fuck this, I am tired of taking stress. "Just kidding, as if I have a choice."

Climbing down the stairs, I went straight to the kitchen and took out cupcakes from the refrigerator and packed them in container before heading towards the Bungalow.

Butler: This is the first time I am seeing you so nervous. (He smiled politely though there was hint of mockery)

Me: You saw me for the third time now, stop speaking in a familiar manner. (I rolled my eyes)

Butler: (he laughs softly) But I can see sweat on your forehead and fear in your eyes. Could it be that the brave lady is afraid of Madam Greta?

Me: Meh, I am not scared of any human, I am just….(gulped my spit) This house looks like haunted….you sure there isn't any ghost roaming freely?

Butler: (he burst out in laughter) Miss Anne, you are a funny lady. (He smiles) Hope you can bring peace in this lonely shell. (He sighed) It's been ages since I have witnessed a happy moment in this house.

Victoria: What's going on here? (She walks towards the main gate noticing us)

Me: (I tilt my head and folded my arms) Your butler has gone crazy, he needs treatment.

Butler: (he laughs softly) Miss Anne is funny, she is feeling shy in meeting Madam Greta.

Me: I am not! (I felt flustered)

Victoria: Hey Anne, you cannot back out now. (she pouts)

Me: Who is backing out? Anne Elizabeth fears nothing! (I said proudly)

Victoria: Yeah, Yeah, whatever. Now come in, you said you will spend time with me today. (She said while grabbing my hand and walking towards her room)

Me: (I looked around while being dragged) Uhm, where is Mrs. Greta?

Victoria: She went to the office, she will return during lunch time. (She said while walking)

Me: But….today is Sunday. (I felt confused)

Victoria: Yeah…..she is busy…..she had breakfast with important Shareholders, then meeting, so she might be a bit late but don't worry, she promised that she will try to make some time, because you came to meet her. (She forced a smile over her lips)

For a second, I could see my own reflection through Victoria's eyes. We were same, our problems were almost similar, both of us craved for attention from our parents only to get ignored, even though our ideologies differs, I can relate to her.

We entered her room, last time due to stress, I failed to notice how fucking big this room is, dang. The room was more than necessity, it was a luxury for most of the people. I am sure there was at least two ghosts in this room, watching my juicy flesh and waiting to devour me. I gulped my spit and followed Victoria who headed towards the gaming area and sat on her sofa. My eyes fell on some of the photographs hanged on the wall, it was her childhood pictures.

Me: (I gasped) I wonder, what happened to that innocent child.

Victoria: Shut your mouth. (She rolled her eyes)

Me: Aw, cute little Victoria is angry with me. (I said while laughing as I sat beside her) I didn't know you have a gamer side inside your studious personality.

Victoria: To be frank, I don't. This PlayStation was given to me by one of my mother's business partner as a welcome gift and I have never touched it, until today. Anyways, this is the first time a friend is visiting me. Rather….I never really had friends before meeting both of you. (She sighed) Don't be disappointed, but I only have one game with me. So bear with it.

Me: Ah….that's surprising. (I exclaimed while picking up the controller) I always imagined you as the generational rich kid with lots of high-end parties.

Victoria: I do have high-end parties occasionally, rather my parents do, but those are strictly for business matters. There I just make connections with possible future business partners. Other than that, whoever tried to be my 'friends' till date, were there because of ulterior reasons. They used to flatter me, just to stay in my good books, so that they can get hold of privileges. (She frowned) How do you use this controller?

Me: Aw, is this a confession? Are you finally admitting that I am the best person in the world to be friends with? (I smirked while teaching her how to use the controller)

Victoria: You are the perfect definition of narcissism. (She rolled her eyes).

Me: Thank you for the compliment. (I laughed)

Victoria: Geez, I cannot win an argument with you. (She rubbed her forehead)

Me: You shouldn't try in first place. (I grinned)

Victoria: Agh, whatever. (She sighs) sometimes you act like a child. (I looked at her feeling confused, this was the first time that someone has remarked that I act in a childish manner. Throughout my childhood, I have heard from everyone around me that I am too mature for my age, I didn't know if I should take Victoria's criticism as compliment or an insult. Upon self-reflection, I did realize that whenever I am around these people, I fail to control my emotions. Sometimes, I do act in an immature manner, and lose self-control, but what amused me was, this was something new to me, and it felt like I was being myself instead of trying to be responsible adult, if being honest, I somewhat liked the feeling but I also hate the fact that I am being vulnerable) Hey….(she continued) Uhm….so….did you have any friends before us?....I mean, I know the answer is obvious, after all with your personality….

Me: I do. (Maria's face flashed in front of my eyes)

Victoria: Ah…. Ofcourse. (For a second there was a hint of jealousy in her eyes)

Me: She was….I mean….she is my…. Childhood bestfriend….(my whole body cringed while saying that but there was no denial that Maria has always been much more than a sidekick in my life) I miss her a lot. (I smiled while feeling bitter)

Victoria: What happened? (She inquires out of curiosity)

Me: Ah….her father has a transferable job, so….(I shrugged)

Victoria: Ah….well, I pray that someday you will reunite with your friend. (She smiled) Hey Anne….uhm….I was thinking…..can you…..you know….come here often?....and….uhm….maybe spend the night, like….like pajama party….? (She says getting flustered)

Me: Maybe. (I said while playing) Did you eat something bad in breakfast?

Victoria: No, why do you ask? (She tilts her head feeling confused)

Me: You are acting different today. (I said shivering to the bones) I miss that formal Victoria.

Victoria: (she smacks my back) Shut up! (She pouts) Why should I act formal around my friends?

Me: Haha…just kidding. (I said before sticking out my tongue in a mocking manner)

There was a knock outside the door as we heard Butler's voice, Victoria got down from the sofa and advanced towards the door, opening it.

Butler: Milady, Madam is waiting for you at the dinning hall, please come down with your friend. (He said before leaving)

To be continued....