Page 12 of The Consequence of You (Heathley Academy #2)
CHAPTER TWELVE
ASHER
“ D arling, I spoke to Aurelia earlier.” My mother’s shrill voice bounces off the walls in the drawing room as she addresses my father.
I don’t need to be in the room to picture her head bent over one of her cross-stitch projects and my father likely with his head buried in the Financial Times.
“She isn’t going to make it home for Christmas.
She only has a couple of days off and the director has told them all there is to be no international travel in case there are any issues getting back for the boxing day performance. ”
Walking past the door, I see them, as I imagined, on separate sofas. I hover at the door, disappointed to hear my sister won't be home any time soon.
My father responds without looking up from his paper.
“Tell George to book us some flights. We’ll go there instead.
We always said we’d like to spend time in Paris in the winter.
We can book the Savoy for Christmas lunch, watch one of Aurelia’s performances, and stay for the fireworks at the Arc de Triomphe. ”
“Perfect. Shall we invite Sebastian and Jemima to join us for the New Year? Maybe it’ll encourage him to finally pop the question.
After all, it is the City of Love.” My mother smiles to herself.
She’s been on at Sebastian to commit to his latest girlfriend for months.
I don’t particularly want to travel over Christmas, but if it means I’ll see Aurelia, it’ll be worth it.
As my mother continues to address my father, I realise I needn’t have worried.
“Let’s not involve Asher. I really don’t have the energy for any of his nonsense.”
She’s unaware I’m standing in the hall and can hear every word, but even if she knew I was here, I doubt she’d have censored her words anyway.
It’s nothing she hasn’t said before to my face.
Instead of making my presence known, I collect a sandwich from the kitchen and head upstairs to shower and eat alone.
Fuck them. I’ll miss Aurelia over Christmas, but I won’t beg them to include me. Same goes for Callie. I know she was enjoying herself as much as I was. But the way she looked at me afterwards, like I wasn’t good enough for her? I get enough of that at home.
After ridding myself of paint, sweat and other bodily fluids, I dress in a soft pair of jogging pants and settle myself on my super-king size bed, spreading a throw out before resting my plate on top.
I connect to FaceTime, and when my sister’s face appears, I instantly feel better.
She’s one of the few people who never makes me feel less.
“Rey! Hear you’re too busy working to come home over Christmas and see your own brother?” My sister and I are physically alike; many of her features are delicate versions of mine.
“Afraid so Ashy. The rehearsals are going well, and they haven’t fired me yet so I can’t complain too much.” As if they would ever replace Aurelia. She’s been first choice for every position she’s ever auditioned for.
My sister smiles, but it doesn’t reach her eyes. I take her in properly. Her hair is tied back in a neat, simple plait. She’s wearing a pale pink sweater, and her makeup is, as usual, natural and perfectly applied, and yet… I can’t help but feel something is off.
She’s coveted a seat in an orchestra like this for years.
It should be a childhood dream come true.
Before I can ask her what’s wrong, she tells me about the gruelling rehearsal schedule that starts next week, the extra sessions they expect her to do as well as changes to her diet and fitness regime.
This would be enough to make many people feel overwhelmed, but this is business as usual in her industry, so I know it’s not that bothering her.
Eventually, she runs out of steam.
“Are you happy Rey-Rey?” She nods as she takes a long draw on her Stanley cup straw. “Aurelia?” I push.
“Why wouldn’t I be happy? This is everything I’ve dreamed of and more. You know this. I’m sad I won't be home over Christmas, though.” Her deflection is obvious but I drop it. Maybe she has her period or something. I certainly don’t need any details about that.
“The Duke and Duchess are planning on flying out, so at least you’ll have some company.”
“You’re coming over?” She pales.
“I’m not coming with them, I wasn’t invited.
Just Mother and Father. And maybe Sebastian and Jemima.
” I decided earlier I wouldn’t beg when it was clear they didn’t want me there, but if Aurelia is terribly disappointed, then I will insist on going.
But instead of the disappointment I’m expecting, she looks almost relieved.
“It’s fine. Don’t worry. I’ll make a trip back in the spring and we can catch up then.” Sounds like it’s not only our parents who don’t want my company. So much for her making me feel better.
Later that night, I try to sleep but my mind keeps running over all the ways I’ve been made to feel unwanted today.
I expect it from my parents. Not so much Aurelia, but I know my sister. She has something on her mind, so I cling to the hope that it wasn’t actually about me.
However, the look of disgust on Callie’s face will be forever etched in my mind.
Who does she think she is walking out on me like that?
I will make her pay for how she treated me today.
The next morning my parents give me the perfect opportunity when they remind me about an upcoming charity event and tell me to find a suitable date. With no specification on ‘suitable’, my plan is made.