No longer alone.
Lucinda blinked twice. "T- Theodore... W- what are you doing—"
"He seems like a handsome daddy!" Theodore pushed himself to stand on the couch, locking his scrutinizing gaze on the tall figure.
Lucinda flickered her eyes between her son and the silent bewildered man before them.
She then cleared her throat softly, "Um.... do not pay any mind to him, he is just—"
"Are you staying in mama's tonight?—hmm, but me and my mama stay together- how about i stay in the other room and you and mama stay together".
"Theodore!"
"But mama?" He looked up at her with dilated eyes.
Silas suddenly busted into a light laughter. His eyes crinkling at the sides as he took in Theodore attempt to trap his mother and the vein throbbing in Lucinda temple in frustration.
"Oh i get it.." Theodore lighten up like he figured something out.
"Are you and mama going to do that naked wrestling game?" He turned to Silas.
Lucinda's eyes almost bulged out of her socket.
"Theodore!?"
"Mama, but that's what the maid and coachman explained when I walked in on them in the storeroom". He said in his defense. Theodore then pinched his chin, "Although it didn't quite sound like it was painful for some reason "
Lucinda palmed her face, "I need to fire some imbeciles..."
"Now, now Theodore. Words like that aren't meant for your hearing"
Theodore pouted. "Its not my fault.." he grumbled.
Silas chuckled again, then added, "Besides, I do not wish to be too aggressive with mother so soon".
Lucinda's face turns to a light shade of pink before a deep scowl etched her face. She glared at him, allowing him fully understand the weight of his unclean words
"Sounds like a real gentleman mama. I like him", Theodore turns to his mother, "You have good taste"Theodore eyes were brimming with pride.
"I completely agree with you", Silas pats his head with a smile.
"Theodore darling, could you please go upstairs and wait for me".
"But, mama—"
"Now", her eyes slitted to a threatening gaze, despite the masking sinister smile she held out. "Okay?"
Theodore watched her in silence for a few moments before nodding. "Yes, Mama..."
Lucinda wanted to say something else but stopped herself noticing Silas gaze on her. Instead she gave a sigh as the door clicked shut behind Theodore.
"Maybe you should-"
"I'll rather you no couch me on parenting." Her words were clipped.
He silently studied her. After a moment Lucinda reached down to pack the parchment in her grasp.
"If this is all. I think you can leave now." She extended it to him. Instead of taking it, he kept his eyes boring into hers.
"Lucinda. I decided to take on the father role-"
"Just. Don't " she gritted out. She wouldn't let him play that card. Yes she asked, but she wouldn't let him be too involved. Couldn't afford for him to be. Nothing good ever comes from being too attached.
The room was still in tense silence as she dropped the document on the table and stood up, turning away from him.
She expected him to stand any moment and take his leave. Maybe say something harsh about her parenting. Wouldn't be the first time. But she heard nothing from his angle. Not even a rustle to show he was moving.
"I wouldn't know.." came his calm words. "The struggle you had to face everyday to raise your child in this judgmental society."
She clenched her grip on her skirt.
"You have done well in shielding Theodore. And i will not judge you for I wasn't here with you to raise him"
She heard a rustle behind her.
"All along it was easy for people to judge and guess and feel like they could do better. Without even understanding where you're coming from. I'm not perfect, we all aren't. We make mistakes and decisions being unsure."
"Its scary to think that the way a child life goes is all in your hands. They way the child grows up, the strength, the challenges he have all determined by what you do and don't. It scary isn't it".
Lucinda fists were trembling. Who was he? Why did he always have the right words. No, she couldn't trust him. He was called the manipulator—
Lucinda heard soft footsteps muffled by the rugged floor.
Her heart was beating fast, he was getting closer, she could feel him, smell him. The intoxicating spicy scent with something faintly uniquely him. It surrounded her threatening to engulf her, it would be so easy to relax, to find someone that understands wasn't easy. But here he was—argh, she was being so stupid. Always alone. She fought stronger alone, its better if she—
Cold fingers gently clasped hers. She stiffened, didn't dare to turn. She hasn't put her emotions in check, couldn't face him now.
"Not anymore," once again his voice seized her attention.
"You don't have to fight alone anymore...Not while you're with me."
Silas large hand gently gently squeezed her clenched fist. Intending to give strength. He wasn't trying to pry into her, wasn't coaxing her to give in to him. He just wanted to remind her that he was there with her. And she wasn't alone. Not anymore. His cold hand felt oddly warm then...
"Now, who do we have to get rid off" His change of topic made Lucinda whip her head to him, surprisingly she didn't suffer a whiplash.
T-this man... was so unpredictable. One moment he's being all speech and all, the next he changes the topic.
She mentally deflated feeling the awkward moment dispersing. He freed her hands from his then clapped once.
"The maid and the couch man right?" he turned around to head to the table.
"I'll take care of it" Lucinda said to his retreating back. The gossip shouldn't go far than more of what she could reign in. The maids were too loosed lipped and the coach man....
Disgusting! He had a wife and children. A family.
"Alright!" Silas replied with a nod.
" I'll be back" Lucinda said before walking out to find Theodore.