Page 50 of Eyes Like Angel

“But then, I won’t think it matters. I want you to be there. That’s all I asked for. I’m not asking for a million dollars. But, take your time to think about this. It might be scary at first, but I promise, you won’t regret this.”

“Where’s the party going to take place?”

“At the barn,” he said to me, “right behind this estate, about in an estimation of 150 yards across the vineyard,” he said, pointed beyond the glass doors, and miles ahead from the estate, I spotted a red-brown barn stood tall with walnuts trees behind, yellow sunlight basked in bright afternoon across the vineyard.

“What will happen if I go,” I asked, my voice lowered, softened.

“Then you’ll have a good time, a great time. And I’m willing to show you that of what it means to be looking forward to something in life than just attending church. I’ll even protect you from my mom,” he coaxed.

“Promise?”

“Promise.”

Silence prolonged, drawn out as Adrian scrutinized me.

“What would it take for me to convince you?” he tried again, seeing hesitation in my eyes.

My fingers tucked on my chin, thinking. “If I go at this party with you, I want to watch this film; I’ve been seeing it when I searched the movie on your TV.”

“Which is…?”

“Gone with the Wind,” I stated with a little spark of determination. “I want to watch that film.”

He nodded without compliant, as if he’s willing. “Gone with the Wind, it is.”

Setting my crucifix down, I gazed at him back, and his pitch-black eyes somehow gleamed at my short confirmation.

“Alright,” was all I said.

***

Adrian told me to go. Tonight. A part of me said not to go—two choices battled and ridiculed each other to a point I’m lost, losing myself to madness. I didn’t wish to go, as I was pacing back and forth in the kitchen, setting the dry dishes and divided them up, color and size coordinated, placing back where it belongs, a dimmed light flickered within to keep me company, pacing and cleaning as I internally debated. I don’t conjure anyone who invited me over to a celebration, a blur statement he directed at me. Firstly, I had no knowledge on parties, let alonemingling with various people to form friendships and hanging out wildly.

Parties weren’t the setting I had hoped for.

But, somehow, a part of me echoed in shame when I recalled back to Adrian’s word gliding through. He mentioned that his party is located at the barn behind his father’s great manor, measured in 150 yards, according to what he stated, stated in slight expectation being pressured onto me.

As I set the plates, not knowing where to settle them.

My mind got scrambled.

Frustrations growing, I rushed inside my temporary room.

With the light stuff I packed, I only gathered in a brown-leathered bag, as Father Divine demanded me to pack, with opening my outmoded bag, I gathered the silver hairbrush, red rouge lipstick, and a lavender Gothic dress, frilly laces on the neck and cuffs, billow sleeves tucked my arms fitly as the bodice was perfectly suited for my slender, petite frame, as the accordion skirt streamed down to my ankles, and with white ballet flats. I dressed myself, pretending to wear another church outfit, but this dress was…different, foreign on my body.

As I undressed my stained veil, and brushed my greasy long, brownish-black hair, without looking straight ahead into the mirror, but noticing my emerald hues shone in gloomy dusk.

Despite my efforts, I’ve thought about what Adrian said to me previously.

If I’m willing to keep this job, I have to behave accordingly; frightened Mrs. Rivers might show herself into the party he regarded.

Tucking the ivory coif on my head, tidied and wrapped my locks over, hiding any baby strands and slipped it in. Stomach was growling, begging for food. Rubbing my tummyover it, I dabbed the red rouge on my lips and slipped on my gloves, heading out for the party.

To be free or not to be free, it’s my choice to take.

For tonight, I’m seeing Adrian to ensure he’s far from jeopardy.

Give me strength, I said to myself and exited at the glass door, leading to the pastures.