I'll Take You Away From Him

Chapter 7

I arranged to meet William at 7PM and gave him the address a few blocks away from my house, telling him that I would be at a friend’s place. I have to make it there in time. Of course, the party is off, which I informed the girls about, citing feeling unwell. And I plan to do this again today.

Closer to 6PM, I am already ready for dinner, in a nice dress, with makeup and styled hair. All of this, of course, is not for Christopher, but for the one I will meet later.

I think it will work out, as my mother definitely doesn’t expect such a trick from me. I didn’t expect that I would seriously plan to deceive. I am not by nature a rebel, but circumstances are forcing me to do this.

A few minutes past 6PM, my mother walks into my room. She is wearing a reserved dark blue dress, which is perfect for a business meeting. And indeed, that’s what it is. For her, this is business, and I am the collateral she plans to use to gain a significant contribution.

I suppress my emotions so she doesn’t suspect anything and preemptively say that I will step out in a minute.

“Wise decision,” my mother nods and then leaves.

I put my phone in my bag, which was carelessly thrown near the table, as usual, zip it up, and then leave the room.

In the living room, sitting at the large table is none other than Christopher. My mother has already taken her seat at the table as well. The housekeeper is bustling around, setting up the dishes. It feels like a whole delegation is gathering here.

Of course, there won’t be enough money if my mother acts with such extravagance.

Wastefulness.

My dad taught me how to manage money. There was a time, when I was about eleven, when he suddenly deprived me of my allowance, saying that from now on I needed to learn how to earn it.

For someone like me, who was used to getting everything I wanted at that time, it was a real shock. But I loved Dad and respected him. Despite my internal protest and total incomprehension, I complied.

And I earned it. With grades, some homework, for which staff were actually hired.

During that time, I learned to save and to earn, and eventually understood why Dad acted that way. Money needs to be valued regardless of whether you've earned it or it came to you for free.

For me, it came for free, but my attitude towards the luxury given to me changed. Just as my attitude towards someone else's work did. So now, looking at the table where the three of us will sit, eating at best a fifth of it, while the rest will have to be thrown away — I feel a sense of regret or something.

I will have to take what's left and bring it to the animal shelter. Not everything, but something will be useful for them as food.

When I step out, it’s my mother who notices me first, and then Christopher turns to look as well. Smiling at me reservedly, he stands up and pushes the chair for me. Next to him, of course.

But despite my fears, the attention to me ends there. They talk business while I poke at the dish with my fork, having almost no appetite, even though our maid Sylvia cooks deliciously. I don’t refuse dessert; after that, glancing quickly at my watch, I realize it's time. I feel a bit anxious, but I try to keep myself composed.

Waiting for a pause in the conversation, I said:

“I’ll go to my room, not feeling well.”

“Sorry to hear that,” Christopher turns to me. “I was planning to take a walk with you after dinner.”

He is looking at me piercingly, as if he’s talking not with the one he intends to marry, but with someone... I don’t even know how to name it. But there’s definitely coldness and dissatisfaction in his eyes, as if I’ve wronged him somehow.

“Forgive me, let’s do it another time. I really don’t feel well,” I try to convey maximum regret in my tone.

“That’s okay, if you’re not feeling well, then next time. Maybe I can swing by tomorrow. You will be home, right?”

The last question sounds in a tone that’s almost not a question at all.

“Of course she will!” my mother exclaims in advance. “Aurelia, besides the university, doesn’t go anywhere. She’s a quiet, calm, obedient girl.”

I raise my eyebrows in surprise.

No, I’m not saying I’m a rebellious and disobedient child, but my mother is clearly exaggerating. And I understand why, which makes me feel even more disgusted. But, not wanting anyone to ruin my plans, I nod, then stand up and dash to my room.

Well, of course, why would I want to go out anywhere? At twenty one years old, every girl just dreams of some stranger barging in, prohibiting her from leaving the house because she is supposed to stay inside and wait for him.

Perhaps “the prince” will find a free minute in his busy schedule.

It’s almost 7PM, and I still have to run. I quickly message Will that I’ll be about ten minutes late. Hiding my phone back in my bag, I switch off the light, open the window, and peek outside.

I need to get out unnoticed, but I’m sure that my mother and Christopher won’t be lurking for me around the corner. In fact, I’m more afraid that my mother would peek into my room. Though I didn’t give her a reason and behaved as she expected. And the fact that I left dinner pretty quickly — well, we didn’t agree on any specific timing for my appearance on it.

Overall, I’m really hoping that this escape option will help me avoid arguments and restrictions on my freedom in the near future.

Throwing a leg over the window, I start to carefully descend. It’s not high here, but I still need to gently close the window.

And then I literally fall into someone’s arms, feeling strong hands tighten around my waist.