Chapter 10: Chapter 10

“Hello dear, I’m glad you’re feeling better.” Elora took Violet’s hands and placed them in her lap. “Is it too much to hope that your sickness was pregnancy-related?”

Violet had almost spat hot chocolate onto Elora’s eager face. She forced the liquid down her throat. “Uh… there’s not a chance that it was due to pregnancy.”

Violet sent Devlin a silent cry for help. But he just continued staring down at his damn tablet.

“Oh, okay. But I do look forward to hearing some good news soon. Right, my darling grandson?”

Devlin slowly raised his head. “I must say you’re right, Nana. You’re hoping for too much.”

Violet felt invisible lightning struck. She could almost smell something burning in the air. She watched the two closely. Anytime now, they would start tearing each other’s throats.

Not the type to want to be caught between two fires, she hastily thought of some excuse to go. “Sorry, I just remembered Bella’s expecting a call from me. If you don’t mind, I’ll take my leave now.”

If she could fly to get away as fast as possible, she would have. Once she was out the door, she heard raised voices coming from the room. She didn’t dare linger and listen to what they were arguing about. It was not her problem. They can sort out their own issues.

She made her way towards the library. Might as well enjoy her time here exploring the treasures hidden between the shelves.

Every time she opens a book, she tends to get lost in the pages and forget how much time had passed. Or how long she had been sitting in the same position. There are usually two things that drags her away from other dimensions. One, the smell of buttered shrimp.

Second, the opening soundtrack of the Harry Potter movies.

This time, it was the first. Violet closed the book and took a deep breath. Hmmm. Delicious. Her stomach grumbled. She barely ate anything since yesterday. She collected her things and sauntered towards the kitchen.

Violet poked her head in. Three women gather around the table. Someone glanced her way and smiled. “Hi, Madam Violet. Master Devlin is waiting for you in the dining room. We’ll be serving the food in a moment.”

She stepped inside and walked towards them. “Hi ladies. Nice to meet you. Please just call me Violet. And you are…?”

Looking closely at her, she seemed really young. Probably in her late teens. The girl beamed, making her face look even younger. “I’m Olive.” She touched the arms of the other two women. “And this is Hannah and Kath.” Both Hannah and Kath look to be in their 30s.

“You really should go to the dining room now, Madam. I mean Violet. Master Devlin said to tell you to hurry if we happen to see you.”

“Thanks Violet. I’ll see you guys around.”

Out of spite, she didn’t immediately go straight to the dining room even though her stomach is now rebelling. She’d rather suffer a few more minutes of hunger than do what the devil commanded. So she faked an interest in the paintings she passed by. She examined and

lingered for a few minutes inside the three rooms adjacent to the dining room until she was satisfied with her little show of defiance.

Nana’s vacation house is big. But thankfully not too formal that the tables are too massive for two or three people to use. She won’t have any problem not exchanging a single word with Devlin but she’d never get used to dining at long tables. It’s just too… unfeeling? Awkward?

Devlin was already seated and platters of food are laid out on the table. He stared daggers at her. “Great. The little princess has finally graced us with her presence.”

Violent sent him a mocking smile. “Missed me so soon? Aw. How sweet.”

“You wish that were true.”

“Says the guy who waited up for me.”

His nose flared. “Don’t think I even wanted to.”

“Then why did you?”

His shoulders slumped. “Nana said her friends would be coming tomorrow. And they are not aware of our arrangement. So Nana wants us to be on our best behavior.”

“That seems easy enough. You could have told me this later. We share the same room, remember?” The only thing she’s dreading is the tiring small talks and introductions she would have to sit through. She’s not the best or the most patient conversationalist around new

people. She really wished god has given her that talent.

“I didn’t want to risk it when I didn’t know the next time I’ll be seeing you. You’re like a ghost. You appear one second and suddenly vanish the next. I just never know when you’ll show up,” he exclaimed.

“If you need anything from me, just text me. Or are we not living in the same century?”

“Ugh, you’re exasperating!”

Amusement painted Violet’s face. One point goes to Miss Violet Ramona! The usually calm Mr. Devlin can’t help show he’s pissed. Laughter bubbled inside her.

“Thank you! That’s good to hear. I’ll be sure to let Nana’s friends know.” She started digging into her food and paid Devlin little attention.

Violet thought they could finally eat in peace. But the devil had something more to say. “Wear your best tomorrow. Don’t embarrass me. You should do something about your wild hair. Don’t wear tattered pants, for god’s sake. And don’t let them see you eat like a pig.”

Violet’s head jerked up. “Do you always have to be so damn condescending? And what do you mean I eat like a pig?!”

A trace of guilt crossed his eyes. “Just act more refined.”

Violet’s face flushed and her lips tightened. “I’m sorry you think me a barbarian. I didn’t know my natural hair makes me look feral. That wearing pants offends your delicate sensibilities. Or that enjoying my food suddenly puts me in the animal category. I’m really,

really sorry.”

Devlin lowered his eyes and bowed his head. “I’m sorry, Violet. That was uncalled for.”

“No. I should thank you. That you made it perfectly clear what exactly you think of me.” Violet stood up and tossed the napkin on the table. Without giving him another glance, she turned her back and stomped towards the bedroom.