These Fragmented Parts

CHAPTER TEN

“Let us not become what became of them becomes of us.”

-Brandon Villasenor

THE DINING ROOM WAS SPACIOUS and this was the first time I was able to observe more of this part of the house since the majority of my shift yesterday, I was upstairs removing the dusts and organizing a couple of things and consuming my thoughts with the mental reruns of what Stinson did to me. However, I didn’t even know that they also have this kind of room located on the right wing of the living room, I didn’t observe that much. The area where Celine and I ate was just an extension of the pantry on the left wing of the living room which I wasn’t able to explore that much since it wasn’t in the scope of Claudia’s job, the one that I substituted for. The place says so much about how wealthy this family is. The dining room was minimalistic as well, but the colors in this room were mostly in cream and there was a long wooden table with cream wingback chairs and a hanging exquisite minka lavery chandelier that made this area glimmer more. On the left side from my vantage point was a low glass door cabinet in white where porcelain dinnerware was displayed, I wonder where this came from. There was also another extension of this dining room which is another kitchen where the actual cook of this family does his job- I wonder what it would be like to live here although the residents of this house barely stays.

I was just finished arranging the flowers for the centerpiece which mainly composed of peonies and alliums in neutral colors that were delivered earlier this afternoon and now I was folding the napkins silently. Celine was utterly grateful of how knowledgeable I am of these things as she did not assume that I know how to do things like this. Apparently, I learned this and other home economics skills from my mother as she always tried to pit the four of us against each other. Apart from learning things from her, academically, she made sure that we are skilled as well with basic home economics activities such as sewing, table setting and other cleaning hacks but I never heard from her that I did well. Stinson walked in the dining area which made me subtly jolt- his mere existence instills more terror within me the more I see him. I tried to act calm as possible but my heart was already racing.

His fingertips touched the flowers as he took some time to scrutinize it before breaking the silence. “You know, I have a very delicate taste for flowers, in fact, I was the one who ordered this and the thought of you being the one who arranged these makes me feel entirely special,” His lips curved into a lopsided smile which boiled the fury I had within me but at the same time aggravation but I made sure he didn’t notice

“Flowers do remind me of you,” He took a step closer to me as he leaned on the wall observing how I folded the napkins and pretending he did not exist at all. “Fresh, soft and delicate, except you are resistant.”  This time, he neared more, leaning his elbow on the table with the proximity of our faces intensely close. I swallowed hard.

“Do I have to ruin your relationship with your sister more to actually get you to bed? I see you like being insulted, you masochistic baby.” He caressed my cheek. I couldn’t even look at him.

“It’s already ruined, so please leave me alone.” I grumbled.

“Come one, Charlie. Just one night. I’d stop bugging you. I assure to rekindle your relationship with your sister if you just let me taste you. She’ll never know.” I let go of the napkin and slapped his face and I was fortunate enough that no one heard but I got more terrified even when I was entitled to do that to him. He looked at me without the absence of shock. I bett he was used to this after harassing multiple women, as what Celine have told me.

“Okay,” He muttered. “You don’t want me? You get what you deserve then, you feisty shit.” He condemned and stomped his way out of the dining room. I breathed out to release tension but I wasn’t reasonably certain if it relieved me or caused further anxiety.  I hope his s**t show ends here.  I can’t stand it already.

I finalized the last napkin I was folding; I decided to do a goblet fan type of fold since it matched the cabernet wine glass and the elegant dinnerware. To some extent, I was growing quite hopeful that I only have a few hours left before I could finally go home and try to forget everything once again but as usual the hours felt painstakingly long.

-

After an hour, from my estimation, Mr. Lacour arrived and checked if everything were in the perfect place and even did a taste test on the dishes the chef prepared to ensure that all things are in the right place. Celine did mention to me that he and Elena are very meticulous when it comes to intricate details as the blow up with one single flaw so they make sure that everything is made in accordance with the way they wanted it. Reputation is extremely valued for people like them and I think this is the of people that my mother prepared us for, to have class and composure at all times because indeed we will encounter more of these people as we pursue our endeavors and eventually make impressions that last as she what always inculcated but I guess I am the one who slipped away. If she were still alive, she would probably disown me if she found out that I substituted as a helper.

People were coming by but not much as Celine and I just stood on the corner and waited for their orders. All of the people were in suits with their wives that wore dresses that and jewelries that looked luxurious as well as Mr. Lacour entertained them. It portrayed the corporate setting so much that it looked draining for me, I don’t know if I can ever settle with this kind of people or to even have a job that emits this kind of energy although my parents always wanted me to, so much that I have no clear idea with what I really want and if it’s right. Once the guests have settled, Celine and I did some extra assistance for the helpers to serve food and after that we just stayed in the corner once again in case they order us to do something. The sound of subtle chatter filled the room which toned down for a bit when Stinson entered the room, before speaking he looked at me with the same gaze that teased.

“I’m sorry for being late,” He smiled, before taking a seat.

“Who are these people?” I quietly asked Celine. She turned her head to me, before turning again to look at the floor. “They are Mr. Lacour’s colleagues, Mr. Lacour owns a primary school downtown and I think he is proposing a partnership project with these people.”

“I see,” I nodded. After a couple of minutes of chatting, Mr. Lacour stood from his chair and left the dining room momentarily, but he returned right away and walked towards us.

“Have you seen the folder on my desk?” He almost whispered.

“No sir, I wasn’t in your office today.” Celine shook her head. “What about you?” His glare on me was sharp, as if prodding for an immediate response.

“When I cleaned your desk, there wasn’t anything there.”

“Oh, so you’re the one who cleaned my office today,” He confirmed as I nodded. He just left the two of us, and went back to his seat.

He cleared his throat before he spoke. “For the proposal, my bad I think I forgot where I placed it.” He tried to laugh it off.

“I can look for it,” Stinson volunteered. Eventually, Celine and I proceeded to the kitchen to assist the other helpers in preparing the dessert and just when I was about to start arranging the small plates, Mr. Lacour came storming in the kitchen with a crumpled folder on his hand. He slammed it on the counter that the other helpers who were occupied with their jobs suddenly paused.

“What the hell is this?” He was speaking directly at me, his face red in fury as if in any minute he would hit me. “Stinson found this on the trash, you piece of s**t. And can you see it? It’s crumpled. Do you know how important this document is?” The helpers, even Celine were just staring at us. Of course it was Stinson who stirred this s**t.

“I didn’t do it,” I said in defense but it was far from saving me. I don’t give a f**k whether I’d lose this job but what concerned me is the plethora of emotions already swarming within me that I want to get out of here as quick as I can.

“Then who the hell did?! You were the one who cleaned my office.” He slammed once again the counter that made me jolt. “One thing that you must have before entering this f*****g household is accountability, you know that? And if you don’t have that, you must get the f**k out of here before I humiliate you more. Understand?” He seethed before leaving the kitchen.

“Did you really do it?” Celine asked me, “I didn’t. Stinson probably did it to get me blamed. Anyway, I’m leaving. I’m sorry.” I told her avoiding the conversation as the helpers continued doing their work. I excused myself and passed to the dining room with my face heated in shame although it wasn’t me who did that.  I proceeded to the pantry, where there was a small locker that contained my small backpack with my clothes in it. I took off the apron and just left it there.

I left the house without even changing my clothes. I was already trembling in wrath and frustration, but I drove away and found myself pausing before I was able to leave the neighborhood because I found myself crying in defeat and aggravation as if I was told face-to-face that I have no place here on earth.