The Most Wonderful Time of the Year?

Chapter 4 - Autumn

I sat in front of the mirror adjusting my mane of black curls that I had apparently inherited from my Grandmother on my father’s side. I loved my curly hair. I was making myself look presentable before heading down for breakfast. Desperately in need of a coffee, I had already showered, and applied my make-up, before getting dressed into a simple pair of boot-cut black trousers and a low-cut red, knot-front top, with some red ballet-style shoes to match.

Usually I would plod from my bed to the kitchen searching for coffee, still half asleep, but one of my mother’s many pet hates (and trust me, the list was long!) was coming to breakfast in your pajamas. And, as tempted as I was to do this just to annoy her, I didn’t know if I could cope with the drama on my first day here, so I had been sensible and got myself out of bed and attempted, instead, to awaken myself with a slightly cooler than usual shower.

I could not say I was looking forward to having to see everyone, but at the same time, I knew I could not avoid them forever. Today would be the day others began to arrive, and the day my mother’s holiday plans began… Oh, the joys! I think I may find myself a cupboard to hide in…

I walked out of my room, along the hallway toward the staircase, and I could already hear voices. The guest rooms were slightly further away from the main area of the house than the main bedrooms, so I could only assume that other guests had begun to arrive. But, I chose to ignore that, and continued down the stairs. As I walked into the kitchen, my mother and father were sitting at the large dining table that sat in the conservatory area off the kitchen.

My Dad looked up from the newspaper he was reading. “Oh, you decided to grace us with your presence then?” he said dryly, earning a snigger from my sister who was sitting a little further down the table, resting her head lovingly upon her husband’s shoulder, while nursing a mug of coffee in her hand.

“It is okay Autumn, we have only been up about half an hour.” Taylor said, surprising me by seemingly defending me. I half smiled in his direction, before moving to the coffee machine.

“Is that what you plan to wear today?” My Mum’s voice piped up, and as I turned to look at her, I could feel her eyes upon me, looking at my clothes… the new clothes I had bought before coming here…

“Well, I did consider my underwear, but thought that may not go down too well.” I said sarcastically, to which my Dad swiftly put his newspaper down on the table and gave me a dirty look. Okay, he didn't find my joke funny... While my Mum’s face was taut with irritation, her mouth in a tight line, and her eye twitching like it did when she was getting pissed off… Taylor, however, was smirking…

“That is not amusing Autumn, and I hope you are not going to show us up whilst here.” Mum said with a heaviness to her tone that I hated. Did she actually think I would walk around in my underwear? Or did she fear I could embarrass them? I had a feeling the latter of the two was most likely, and I won’t lie, that hurt…

I picked up some of the fresh pastries on the side, and placed them on a plate, before picking up my coffee, and walking to the table. “I will just sit in a corner and not say a word, would that suffice? Heaven forbid I do or say anything to embarrass you.” I said, knowing my response would irritate them again, but the way they were treating me was irritating me…

“There is no need for that, young lady.” My Dad snapped. And I held back the urge to roll my eyes. It seemed, despite being in my twenties, my Dad still thought it was appropriate to talk to me like I was a little girl. Like he was in charge of me… I caught a glimpse of Elodie smiling smugly.

“Where is that outfit from?” she questioned, giving me almost the same critical look as my Mum. “The fabric looks so cheap. And the cut of the trousers is not flattering. And I am sure that designer is so last year...”

I ignored the insult from my sister as her voice faded. There was nothing wrong with the outfit I had recently bought. I had spent a long time carefully considering each and every piece of clothing I had purchased, deciding if it would be suitable for my visit here… I should have known no matter how hard I tried it would not be good enough. Between them, they would always find something they did not like. I picked at the food in front of me instead.

Conversation began between Taylor and my Dad, which spread to my Mum and Elodie too, but I was clueless what they spoke of, and not one of them did anything to include me in their friendly and familiar chatter, so I sat in silence, eating my food, and attempting to enjoy my coffee; when there was a sudden knock at the main doors. My Dad stood from his seat.

“That will be the Hayes” he said, moving through the kitchen toward the hallway.

The Hayes family were one of our neighbors. Living in another of the large country houses nearby, Leo and Zara Hayes had been close friends of my parents for as long as I can remember. Frequent visitors to our home, especially during the holiday celebrations. Their children, Theo and Aurora, had been friends of Elodie's and mine growing up too. Though I had not seen or heard of either in many, many years…

“Do not be showing us up in front of them, Autumn.” My Mum muttered. “Zara often asks after you, and we have to lie and say you are a lady of leisure now, with a large house in the city, married to a rich banker.”

I sat, my whole body tense in shock. So, my parents created lies about me too… wow. I had worked hard to gain my qualifications... could my parents not be proud of that? And proud of the fact I had a position for one of the best newspapers in the city? But where did the whole lie about being married to a banker come from?! The thing was, they had liked Max… I would not have met him if not for them. But, despite them acting like he was amazing, it seemed like even he was not good enough. As I already knew, nothing linked to me was good enough...

“Oh, Theo is coming with them this year. Home from traveling. How lowly…” Mum added under her breath, with a roll of her eyes, just before Zara and Leo walked into the kitchen with my Dad. Two friendly and familiar faces, both of whom lit up at the sight of me, big smiles as they made eye contact with me… and then there was Theo, standing a little shyly behind.

Dark blond hair in slight waves upon his head… hmm, yeah, I’d say he looked a little like a surfer… tanned… toned… and the brightest green eyes ever. Did he always look like that? I don't think he did... When was the last time I had seen him? His eyes met mine, a small smile teasing at the corner of his mouth, as I realized I may have been caught staring… whoops.