18

[REBECCA]
When I approached him to express my condolences, a surge of fear coursed through me. I worried that he would respond with anger, despite him acknowledging that it wasn’t my fault. However, the weight of my father’s actions lingered heavily on my conscience. He had taken the life of Artemy’s mother, and if my father couldn’t bring himself to apologize and make amends, then it fell upon me to carry that burden.
Living under Artemy’s roof, relying on his hospitality, I concealed the truth that I was his greatest enemy. While I myself may be innocent of any personal wrongdoing, my bloodline betrayed me. I yearned to disclose the truth to him, but I knew deep down that he wouldn’t comprehend. In fact, nobody would understand, not even Nona or Lynda. They saw my family as adversaries, oblivious to the fact that I, too, had become a victim and suffered the consequences.
The weight of my suffering grew unbearable, and I longed for happiness. But in order to protect myself, I couldn’t reveal the truth, not under any circumstances. I understood the pain of losing someone dear, as I had lost my own mother. Though I couldn’t recall her face, the sorrow remained within me.
Artemy perplexed me with his ever-changing demeanor. One moment he would display kindness, and the next he would turn distant and enraged. Seeking solace, I wrapped his suit jacket tightly around myself, still warmed by his body heat. The scent of his cologne wafted into my nostrils, and I exhaled, finding a momentary respite.
Perched on a hill that overlooked the expansive backyard, I began to unwind. The view before me was breathtaking, a garden adorned with a vibrant tapestry of colors, akin to a painting come to life. A grand water fountain, even larger than the one at the front, commanded attention, radiating serenity. As I gazed upon this majestic beauty, a profound tranquility settled over me, lifting my spirits.
I lingered a while longer, basking in the blissful ambiance, and then rose to my feet, feeling a newfound strength within me. Clutching Artemy’s jacket close, I made my way back to the house. My steps were light, unhurried, and I took a moment to caress the velvety petals of the flowers as I passed, a gentle smile gracing my lips.
Upon entering the kitchen, I discovered Nona and Lynda seated at the bar, their expressions filled with melancholy. Nona’s gaze met mine as I walked in, prompting her to swiftly abandon her stool. I enveloped her in a tight embrace before stepping back, offering a nervous smile. “I apologize for my earlier reaction. It was a panic attack, triggered by the overwhelming emotions. Losing my mother still affects me deeply. Learning about Artemy’s mother’s passing evoked intense empathy within me, as I mourned his loss as well.”
Nona responded with a sweet smile, her eyes brimming with kindness as she tenderly caressed my cheek. “Don’t worry, dear. Given everything you’ve been through, it’s only natural to be overwhelmed. Why don’t you have some lunch and then take some time to rest?”
As I gave a nod, she took a step back, diverting her attention to Lynda, who cast me a sympathetic glance.
“Lynda, bring in the other maids,” Nona instructed. “It’s time to serve lunch. Artemy and the rest will be coming downstairs soon.”
Lynda swiftly retrieved her phone, quickly typed a message, and returned it to her pocket. She linked her arm through mine, pulling me towards a stool. “Are you alright?” she inquired.
I nodded. “Yeah, I’m okay. Sorry for that sudden emotional outburst.”
“No worries. It’s completely understandable,” she replied.
Soon, the other maids made their way into the kitchen, each of them selecting dishes to place on the dining room table. Gradually, the kitchen fell silent again. Nona had departed, leaving Lynda and me alone.
“Feeling hungry?” she asked.
I shook my head, leaning against the stool. “Not really. Maybe I’ll eat later.”
“Alright,” she responded, her tone adorable and childlike. She served herself a plate of food, settling down across from me and diving in. I couldn’t help but laugh when I heard her moan in delight after the first bite.
“So good,” she exclaimed. “Damn, I didn’t realize I was this hungry.”
Shaking my head, I playfully grabbed a towel from the table and tossed it at her face. “Chew with your mouth closed.”
She began chewing loudly, a mischievous expression on her face, before winking at me and stuffing another spoonful into her mouth. And then she let out an exaggerated moan.
I crossed my arms, rolling my eyes. Suddenly, someone cleared their throat behind me. I straightened my posture and turned towards the sound, only to find Milandro leaning against the doorway.
He didn’t even spare me a glance; his eyes were solely fixed on Lynda, whose expression widened with surprise, her cheeks turning crimson.
Blushing, she averted her gaze, while I looked back at Milandro, noticing a confident smirk forming on his lips. As I caught him adjusting his pants, I quickly averted my eyes, feeling embarrassed.
Milandro cleared his throat and spoke, “Is Nona here? Artemy is looking for her.”
Lynda shook her head, continuing to stare down at her plate. Her hair cascaded over her face, concealing her from Milandro’s view, but I caught sight of a tiny smile creeping onto her face.
“Alright then,” he uttered, his departure from the room punctuating the conversation. Lynda’s gaze lifted, her countenance softening as a sigh escaped her lips-a sigh that held an air of enchantment.
“Lynda?” I inquired, my voice laced with curiosity. She turned towards me, nibbling on her lip before a small giggle bubbled forth. Her eyes fixated on me, and after a few moments, she nodded, confirming my suspicions.
“You and Milandro? Oh my God, Lynda. When did this happen?” I leaned in eagerly, brimming with anticipation.
“About six months now. I couldn’t resist him any longer, Becca. I mean, just look at him! He’s incredibly attractive, and there’s something so captivating about him. He’s perfect. I just… I don’t know, I couldn’t control myself,” she admitted with a nervous shrug. “I’m completely smitten, aren’t I?”
“You certainly are,” I responded, laughing. She was undeniably adorable.
“He’s so hot, Becca!”
I couldn’t deny that. Milandro was undeniably good-looking.
“And he’s amazing in bed. Like, truly exceptional,” Lynda added, leaning closer to whisper. “He’s an absolute beast.”
“Lynda! I didn’t need to know that,” I protested.
“I was just sharing,” she mumbled.
We locked eyes, then both erupted into a fit of giggles.
It felt liberating to laugh. I struggled to recall the last time I felt such a sense of freedom. As I gazed into Lynda’s joyful eyes, my laughter subsided, replaced by a prickling sensation in my nose. Tears threatened to spill, but I willed them back.
I hadn’t anticipated that happiness would evoke such an emotional response in me. Perhaps it was because I had never truly experienced friendship, laughter, or happiness before. Nona and Lynda had shown me a kindness I never believed existed, and for that, I would forever be grateful.
Leaning forward, I reached out and touched Lynda’s hand. “Thank you,” I whispered, my voice slightly hoarse.
Confusion flickered across her face as she tilted her head and asked, “For what?”
“Just… thank you for being my friend,” I replied, opting not to delve further. It dawned on me that, at the age of twenty-three, I had finally made my first true friend.
How pathetic my life had been.
I glanced downward, attempting to conceal my tears. But when Lynda squeezed my hand, I lifted my gaze once more. She smiled reassuringly. “You don’t need to thank me for that, Becca.”
I gently squeezed her hand, a silent gesture of affection, and leaned back, settling into a comfortable position. That’s how we spent the following hours, engrossed in conversation, laughter, and playful banter. As the activities in the house subsided and a calmness settled in, we suddenly realized that the sun was nearing its descent, casting a warm glow across the room.