Chapter 22: Chapter 22

Laura Pov

I carried the laundry basket and walk downstairs towards Sandra, who will tell me the next step.

"Good, now please follow me," She states and I followed.

She led me to the launderette, where there are facilities used to dry and was the clothes. She teaches me how to use them and leaves me to do it.

Now I am exhausted. Doing this work isn't easy.

She sure has a lot of gowns.

After some minutes of work, am done with the laundry. I walk back to her room and was invited by a smiling princess. You see what I did there?

Anyways, I walk back to Sandra and we prepare to make lunch.

"That was delicious!" Luke exclaimed, "I always love your food Sandra" he smiled. Uh-huh, I can clearly see Sandra blushing.

"Actually it's Laura's doing," She said and I smiled, "Wow, I didn't know that you knew how to make a brisket sandwich," Kat said and I shrugged.

"Sandra just told me what to do and I just, did it," I explained. "It's still something, you've really out done your self," Mr Howard smiled.

"Thank you sir," I smiled. I can't believe that he just said that to me. He's pretty impressed with my cooking and am glad. Am pretty impressed myself, I can't believe that I made brisket sandwiches today, it's my first time and I did great.

"So what will we have for dinner then?" Anne asked. "What about we go out or we order something," Kat suggested.

"I vote for an outing," Luke smiled and Kat rolled her eyes. "I would love to hear your opinion Laura," Mr Howard said turning to me.

"I'm not surprised," I said, "Why don't we go out instead," I suggested and he nodded. "Yes, finally!" Luke exclaimed.

Is it bad that I think Luke acts like a child?

Well, that's what I think.

"That's like the opposite of what you said," Kat says, Luke shakes his head and smirked. "I always remember telling you to visit an otorhinolaryngologist or better yet, tell dad to call our family doctor to get your ear checked," Luke chuckled, while Kat was boiling with anger.

"Stop teasing me, Laura didn't he say 'I vote for an order' or something like that?" She asked, her voice getting deep when she was trying to talk like Luke.

"Not really, it was more like 'I vote for an outing' not the other way around, sorry," I muttered, doing the same deep voice like hers while Luke chuckles.

"You guys are just on his side because he's a guy and you think he's cute," She pouted and I laugh.

She looks funny.

My mind isn't really in the conversation, it's busy right now. Looking at the way Anne is holding her cutleries and how she eats, she isn't even talking much. It's table manners right? I would really love to be like that.

Mr Howard stands up and gulps down his orange juice in a second, the ruckus sound he makes snaps me out of my thoughts and I find myself staring at his empty plate, I probably will be the one to get that.

My attention drifts back to Anne and I follow her every action, not minding the situation. I'm very bent on learning this, to me she's flawless, but to her it's normal and I like it. I want it to be normal for me too.

She looks up, I don't have the time to look away before her eyes settles on me. She smiles at me sheepishly and I panicked.

Oh no, I think I've been caught!

I was expecting an angry stare or something but instead, she just smiles and mutters, "I'll teach you later," and I nod, feeling excited of what my gaze has caused.

She stands up and I looked at her plate too, she finished and I didn't even know. I quickly rush my food but from what I learnt today I did it carefully.

"Laura, do you mind washing the dishes for today?" Sandra asks, "I'll be fine with it," I say, I stand up and pack the dishes, arranging the table in the process.

I pick up the plates and walk over to the sink in the kitchen and on the water and start washing the dishes.

"You did great today Laura," I hear and I'm surprised that I didn't flinch.

I turn to see Luke, with his lips holding the best smile, that I've never seen him with before. Again, I just met him so I shouldn't jump into conclusions.

"Thanks, I was only doing my job," I say, he chuckles as he comes closer to me. "You are more than a maid to me Laura" he says, "you are a friend, a good friend" he smiles and I can't help but smile too.

"If you need me, I'll be having a nap," he snorts and I roll my eyes. I have a good feeling about this. He walks out of the kitchen and am stuck with the dishes. It's not like its a bad thing.

A few minutes later, I am done with the dishes. I walk towards my room but my legs carry me towards Anne's room.

Shoot! My mind and body are now working against me. I was thinking of calling Gabriel...

Did I just say Gabriel? Even my conscience is working against me. I inhale and knock on her door, in a few seconds the door was opened and Anne gave me a look, a friendly look before she invited me in.

"Seems like you just can't wait," She smiles, I nod and chuckle. She's right, I can't wait to learn, that's how I am.

Luke POV

I walk into my room after speaking with Laura and the first thing i see is my dad sitting on the couch in my room.

"Dad, what are you doing here?" I ask, feeling more confused than ever.

"I came to see you privately," He says, "And what exactly is it that you want to talk about?" I ask and he inhales.

"The wedding is coming up on Sunday" he says and I freeze, "What did you just say?" I ask, trying my best not to stutter.

"I just needed to tell you personally, the queen will inform Anne," he says, "Dad please, not now, at least let both of us fall in love before you make any damn decision," I almost yelled, I feel anger boiling in my body right now.

I know that I wanted to do this before but now, it feels wrong.

"I know how you feel, but am not the one who chose the date, it was all the Queen's decision," he says, for a point I believe him but am still angry.

"I understand," I blurt between my teeth. I should just breathe, breathing helps.

He stands up and makes his way towards me. He pats my back and it felt suiting. I think this is the closest he has been to me since mom died. He smiles at me before he walks out of the room with his smile still plastered on his face.

I groan and lay on the bed facing the ceiling, my eyes closed and my hands rubbing my eyes, another way to make me feel at ease.

I'm the one who put myself into this, I wanted to do it before but now I can't but I still have to. I shouldn't be selfish, the orphanage needs the benefits of what am about to do. And Laura been an orphan is another reason holding me in my decision. I don't know what to do anymore.

Laura POV

After what seems like hours for our training stuffs. Anne let's me go, I quickly thank her and walk to my bedroom, slammed the door behind me and land on the bed dragging my phone in the process.

I stare at my phone and my eyes drifts to the time.

Geez! It's four already.

I quickly send a text to Gabriel and run to my closet moving around to find a comfortable, yet beautiful clothing.

I pick a short floral white gown and a jacket to fit. I quickly slip out of my clothes and run into the bathroom.

Yeah! I know that I just had a shower in the last two or three hours but we are going out and I don't want be stinky when am on a outing. Well, come to think of it, am not supposed to be going out with them, am the maid right?

I should stay at back and take care of the house but instead they treat me like family.

I walk out of the bathroom with a towel tied across my chest, I rub some cream on my body and I slip into my dress and jacket. I spray some perfume and pack my hair into messy bun that always looks good on me. I wear a ballet flat and picked my phone checking for a message but I didn't see one.

I sigh sadly and drop the phone on the bed and return to checking myself on the mirror but immediately I get a phone call. I groan and quickly rush to see. He did see my message but he did not reply instead he calls me.

He's so sweet!

I quickly accept the video call.

"Wow you look beautiful" He smiles and I turn my face away hiding my flushed cheeks. "Did I say anything wrong?" he asks with worry in his voice.

"No you didn't, I am fine. Thanks for the compliment," I say, turning back to him.

"You don't need to thank me, am just stating the obvious. Why are you dressed like that? Are you going to a party or something?" He asks, he's eyes skimming on my dress, though he can't see the dress properly he's sees the jacket and top, that's why he's being curious.

"Not really, but I am going out to dinner," I smile, "Did Luke ask you out," he asks more like a statement.

"No, it's a family dinner and I'm going with them, along with two other guests" I said and he exhales the air that I didn't know he held.

"We decided.., well, I decided that we go out for dinner today, Luke wanted it too and I... " I was saying but was interrupted by Gabriel, "So you too has been so close to that extent," he lashes, with anger written all over his face.

"I don't understand" I say, a little bit uncomfortable by his reaction.

His face softens as he senses my dismay. "I am sorry, I don't know what got into me" he says and I nod.

"Okay, I better start going" I say, he nods. "Yeah, see you later," he says and quickly cuts the call.

Okay?

That was odd!

I quickly brushed it off, put my phone into my jacket picket and walk out of my room. I walked towards the stairs and saw everyone sitting in the living room, probably waiting for me.

"Sorry I'm late," I say, as I walk downstairs.

"You look cute," Kat says and I just smile and we exit the house and into the car.

Mr Howard tells Frank to drive us to a Chinese restaurant named Red's Chinese. It's going to be my first time to eat Chinese food.

"Anne, you better wear a disguise incase someone recognizes you," Mr Howard says and she nods.

"I have my shades with me, I know it's dark so I picked the right one," she says.

"I think that will do," Mr Howard nods.

Is it just me, or is this conversation boring!?

Well, it's better than staying in complete silence.

We arrive at an expensive restaurant and we all come down from the car. Frank drove the car to the parking lot and we all walked inside.

After we checked our names in the register, we were ushered to our table, a six chaired table.

The waiter came and gave us a menu, I stared at the menu felling quite confused. I washed as the others ordered theirs and I ordered the same thing as Anne, crisps crawfish Rangoon and a platter of general Lee's chicken.

We ate in silence, indulging in some little conversation. Luke also made some jokes until we all finished.

"Stretch your legs and bit and explore, we'll meet back in the parking lot," He says and we nodded.

"I'll be in the rest room," Anne says as she stands up.

Here goes my walking buddy. Katherine and Sandra stands up and now I'm stuck with Luke who smirks at me.

"Let's burn down this place" He says.

Boys!!

"Let's just go," I urge and he smiles before walking away from the table, leaving his dad and Frank behind.

"You are one hot headed girl," he says as we walk slowly around the restaurant, just killing time.

"I am not hot headed. Yeah! I admit that I get easily excited but I don't get easily angered," I protest.

"Feisty," he smirks and I roll my eyes. "Apparently, you have nothing better to say to me," I say.

"yeah you're right, I am just bored," He says and we just continue walking around, enjoying the view until Luke speaks up.

"You know, you actually remind me of my mom," He says and I smile. "Really?" I ask, a bit surprised and he nods.

"Really," He confirms. "I would love to meet her one day and find out by myself," I smile. I really haven't seen his mom. It's kinda odd that they aren't leaving together.

"Actually, she's dead. She died when I was little," he says and I feel the sadness in his voice.

"I am sorry" I mutter, I can imagine how it feels about not having a mom, cause I don't have one.

"I guess we are both in the same page," I smile sadly and he smiles back. So sad!

Yet again, each day am finding out more things about life I guess.

"Let's just change the topic," I say, trying to clear out the sadness filled moment, that we both are going through.

"Can you give me your number?" I ask.

It sounds a bit odd, like I am trying woo him and that's not a good idea.

"Give me your phone," He smiles and I obey.

He takes my phone from me and does his stuffs.

"Hmm, who's Gabriel?" he asks staring at me and I freeze. "Isn't it the guy that every girl is crushing on, in your school and the orphanage?" he asks but I say nothing.

"Judging by your reaction, I guess it's him," he smiles but I am mute. "Seems like you are crushing on him too," he says.

"What? No!" I almost yelled and he chuckles. "Relax, I am joking again but you just proved it to be true," He smiles and I glare at him.

"Me and Gab are just friends," he chuckles and I shot him a glare. "I was kidding. But why are there little hearts close to his name?" He asks as he tilted the phone in my face.

"It was his doing, I wasn't the one who saved his number," I defend and he shrugs.

"Okay, but I don't still believe you" he smirks and I huff.

What is wrong with him?

It just feels like am trying to convince my big brother about me not having a crush on a boy, because he'll tell me to stay away or he'll give me some advice.

"I think he likes you," he says and I snort. "Well, you're wrong," I say and he smiles.

He's gonna argue now.

"actually, I am not wrong. Am a guy too you know, and I'll know if he likes you or not," he says. He's right, it makes sense but I don't think that Gabriel likes me.

"Has he been acting weirdly, especially when you are with another guy, finding ways to get close to you or staring at you frequently?" He asks and I think for a moment.

"He has" I mutter, shocked about my discovery.

Gabriel likes me, he showed all the signs but I didn't know. I'm so naive.

"That proves it," He smiles.

"He called me before we left the house and his expression changed when I told him that we agreed to something together. He's reaction was really odd," I explain.

"Signs of love, my dear," He says lackadaisically and I sigh. "Do you feel the same way?" the question shocks me and I stop and stare at him while he moved on.

He stops when he notices. He turns to me and I smiles.

"You do, don't you?" He asks but it sounded like a statement.

"I.. I.. " I stammer staring at the ground.

"You don't have to explain anything," He smiles and I nod perfunctorily.

We walk back to the car in silence that for some reason I appreciate.

I'm still feeling a little bit shaken by the truth. I mean, I like it but am just angry that I didn't find out myself.

We drive home safety and I hurry to my room, wear my pajamas and sleep off thinking about Gabriel.

***********

I wake up and turn off the annoying buzzing sound, I say my morning prayers and run into the bathroom to empty my bowels from yesterday night's food.

I immediately take my bath and slide into my uniform. Did my normal hairdo, grab my bag and walked downstairs to have my breakfast.

"Good morning Sandra," I greet immediately I see her. "Good morning, how did you sleep?" She asks.

"Like a log" I say and we giggled. I ate breakfast after I greeted everyone. Sandra packed my lunch and I walk out of the house.

"Say hi to Gabriel for me," he winks and I roll my eyes as I get into the car. I greeted Frank and we drive to school.

I walk into the school feeling a bit excited about seeing Gabriel. It's weird though, but it just happens. I sigh and step into the classroom, I sighed Gabriel on his seat staring at his phone, I panick as I look for words to say, not finding one I walk towards my seat and he looks up. I smiled at him.

"Hi," I say.

"Hi," he replys a bit lackadaisical.

I just stare at him, not knowing what to say or do.

"Luke told me to say hi to you," I blurted and I wished that the ground would swallow me because of the way he stared at me.

"How did your so called dinner with his family go," he says rudely and I am shocked. I know he's mad but this is not the way he should show it.

"Seems like you didn't believe me," I say and he laughs as he pulls me closer with my arm.

"I really hope you enjoyed it," he says, his grip on my hand getting stronger and I yelp. "Gabriel let go of my arm" I mutter, feeling pain.

"How was it, tell me," he almost yelled and I continue pleading for him to let me go. He left me, immediately I started crying and I ran out of the classroom towards the rest room.

I know that he can't follow me in here. I stare at myself in the wall mirror, thinking about what just happened. It scared me, he scared me.

I stay still a little, listening to the voices that I hear behind the door and it sounds like Rachel, Tammy and Patricia.

Oh no!

The door clicks open and quickly run into an empty bathroom and closed the door quickly as I prayed that they didn't see me.

The place was quiet and I could only hear footsteps, so I leaned on the door trying to listen but instead I hear a clicking sound.

"Have a nice day," She says behind the door while two girls giggle. I suppose that they are Patricia and Tammy.

"Please let me out!" I yell but all I hear are retreating footsteps.

I panicked as I paced down the little tight corner. I hate tight and lock corners.

I breath in heavily, as I banged on the door screaming for help but no one came.

My vision becomes blurry as I slump on the ground. Black spots cover my eyes and it was forced closed. With the last amount of strength I had, I screamed for help but it was cut short because everywhere suddenly became dark..