The Most Wonderful Time of the Year?

Chapter 13 - Theo

Okay, I am not quite sure where this new me came from. I seem to have become a whole lot more confident, all in a bid to defend Autumn. But hearing Elodie talk that way to her infuriated me, and I could not hold back. Usually I have so many sharp-tongued thoughts whirring through my mind. Things I should have said, but rarely have the guts to actually say out loud, because I am not really one to rock the boat, but today, it seemed I was saying them out loud. All in a bid to be a knight in shining armor for Autumn.

I did not like them talking down to her, and she seemed afraid to speak up for herself, so it seemed I ws going to do it for her… and the sparkle it had brought to her eyes as she tried valiantly not to laugh at the infuriated expression upon her sister's face told me I was doing the right thing. Without a doubt, I was doing the right thing. I was here for this. And, I think spending time with Autumn may well be the thing that gets me through the holiday season.

She had taken my arm, and we walked into the room Annabel had referred to as the drawing room. It looked an awful lot like a large lounge area. Now filled with a number of additional people, some looking vaguely familiar, others who did not. And, all with a drink in hand. All turned to look in our direction as we walked through the door. The look of horror upon Annabel’s face was a f*****g picture the moment she saw Autumn with her arm through mine! Oh, I think I may enjoy causing some chaos while being forced to spend my holidays here, so long as I have this girl by my side...

“Autumn, come here please.” Her voice was tight, and I knew she was about to give her daughter the third degree, so I decided to accompany Autumn as she walked over to her mother, who was sitting on a large decorative seat, lording it over everyone, like a f*****g queen over her people. I don't think I could detest this woman more than I did right about now.

“Yes?” Autumn’s voice wobbled a little as she spoke, telling me she was nervous. I wanted nothing more than to put my arm around her and tell her I was there, and that things would be okay, but given the look Queen Annabel had already given us for just hooking our arms together as we walked into the room, I doubted it would be the best thing to do; and I did not want to make things any worse for Autumn.

“Why are you with him?" Annabel asked, and the emphasis on the word him was more than clear and most certainly disgusted. I think it was safe to say this woman was not keen on me. She gave me a cold look before she continued. "And not just keeping him company, which could be seen as friendly, but walking arm in arm. You are not a couple. Do not show us up.” She hissed under her breath. Had I not been standing close to them, I would not have heard, and instantly Autumn dropped her arm to her side, and stepped away from me. I missed the heat of her body next to me the moment she had stepped away. But I also felt an ache in my heart for this girl that her own mother could make her feel this way...

I shook my head in disbelief. “We were catching up. Is there a law against that, Mrs Anderson? Friends. Like we always have been. I have seen you on many occasions walk arm-in-arm with my mother, or even my father.”

“Yes, as that may be. But it would not hurt Autumn to remember she is a married woman, and we do not want rumors spreading about the family.” She gave me a cold look. “Especially not with a man like you.”

I nodded. “A man like me, of course.”

Autumn’s eyes widened a little. I don't know why she was surprised by the way her mother spoke. She was truly vile. “Mum. Theo is the son of your friends. A childhood friend of both me and Elodie. He is a good man. You should not talk about him like that.”

“Yet one who could not follow his father into gainful employment, and swanned off to be a photographer. Hmm. Yes, a wonderful man, I am sure. Traveling the world, doing very little.” she said bluntly. So now I knew some of what the Evil Queen thought of me. I was truly worthless, it appeared. Though I could not care less. Her opinion mattered little to me, and it was not the first time I had heard such things said by the idiots that my parents called friends.

“I am sorry Theo, my mother does not…” Autumn began, her eyes looking towards me almost pleadingly, a hint of color to her cheeks telling me she was embarrassed by the whole situation.

“Do not apologize on my behalf, and do not say I do not mean it. I am entitled to my opinions.” Annabel interrupted, and with that Autumn quickly walked away, rushing out of the room. I turned to look at Annabel with shock.

“Would you rather me go home?” I asked, curious why they had agreed for me to be here if this is how they viewed me. But Annabel simply stared vacantly at me. Her stare was almost as if she was looking through me, and she slowly shook her head.

“We told your parents you could come with them. We would not let them down. Just do not make a nuisance of yourself, and be aware my daughter is a married woman. I realize her husband may be away with work for the holidays, but that does not mean he does not want her. Nor that he is not a good husband. The type of man she needs. One fitting of our family.” Annabel said, all while giving me a cold stare.

I could not help but smile, nodding in reply. Of course. The husband. The type of man Autumn needed. Fitting of her family? Her family had no clue what she needed. That much was evident to see. I had nothing left to say to the woman in front of me, and knew I would not be able to tolerate her presence any longer. I moved away from the Evil Queen as quickly as I could. She irritated me to the core. I headed to the door, desperate to go and see if Autumn was okay. She deserved so much more than the people that surrounded her. I just hoped she was okay…