What appears to be a dozen large rectangular air conditioning systems line the corners. They pump out air at a balanced enough temperature for the snow.
Right in the middle of the foyer, is a massive Christmas tree. It's classically decorated with golden ribbons and brilliant ornaments, an Angel figurine holding a Cross tops the tree in completion.
Amongst the snow, there is an artificial ginger bread man, elves, Childrens Ginger bread house, large candy canes sticking about and other ornaments. A small railtrack for a miniature train surrounds the foyer. I spot Arielle and Charlie, dressed in snow boots and jackets with mittens, tossing snowballs at eachother.
"This is..wow.." I breath, and pivot towards Katie in a mixture of marvel and puzzlement. "..I didn't do this .."
"Ofcourse you did, you played a major role in it!" Katie laughs and grabs my arm and we rapidly descend the steps. "Come lets get into the kitchen, Rachael is expecting you!"
When we arrive in the kitchen, I'm swarmed by Rachael, Anya, Mrs.Agnelli, and Lorna's warm hugs. I can't help but smile and ask. "What's going on ?"
"Your surprise worked! I found this in the corridor near his room!" Rachael proudly states. She holds out the crumpled handwritten note of yesterday and my breathing hitches in my throat.
She continues elatedly. "He's finally departed his room and look at what he's done overnight! This will be the best Christmas ever in years!"
"You're a blessing to this family." Mrs.Agnelli embraces me again. Both Anya and Lorna give my hands an affectionate squeeze.
"What happened to your lips? " Rachael questions in rapid concern and the others agree.
I might have most likely turned red as a tomato at her inquiry. I had been hoping my bruised lips would have healed by now. But they weren't as swollen as they were last night.
"Uh.." I sift my mind for an excuse. " I must have burned them while drinking tea.."
Lorna chortles shaking her head . "You have a habit of quickly gulping down extremely hot and cold drinks, don't you ?"
I merely provide her a nervous chuckle.
"Sanam, get ready soon, we will be having a Christmas party and banquet this afternoon up until nine pm." Rachael informs and then picks up a folder from the counter. "If you all will excuse me, I have a guest list to sort out, but everyone must be ready before twelve pm."
"Wait.." I halt her. She looks at me expectantly. "I..Is it alright right if I choose to remain in my room?"
She slightly frowns. "Absolutely not, I want you to join us and I won't be taking no for an answer."
She departs the kitchen as I'm left staring after her ruefully. After what had occurred between me and the demon, I hadn't expected the events to unfold like this. I found it bizarre that she hadn't questioned him about why the note was crumpled up and tossed in the corridor. But a part of me was relieved that the demon hasn't disclosed any details of last nights occurrence.
Later in the evening, around 125 guests are within the vicinity of the manor. Some of them I remembered, a few Nielsens and most of them Molotovs including Mister Molotov himself but yet there were also present unfamiliar faces.
I didn't spot the demon all day, perhaps he was still preoccupied with managing all the Holiday preparation. Whatever may be the case, I was relieved for not running into him.
Arielle and Charlie along with a couple of other children enlisted my help in building a snowman. I had been reluctant initially since the sinful kiss was still plaguing my mind with regret and misery. Building the snowman became a good momentary distraction. Once we were done, we high fived eachother.
I snapped a few pics and selfies along with the kids next to the snowman. A part of me wished Bilal was here, he would have had tons of fun. The judge adjourned the court case to a date after he completed his first semester.
In the meantime Rachael was paying for his school tuition since the courts restraining order halted Baba from contacting the academy. Rachael was being far too generous with me and It's why I obliged easily to her.
I told Leila over the phone about her kindness, but nothing more than that. I didn't inform her that I resided amongst a family tied with the Mafia or what could possibly become of me if stepped foot outside the manor after I turned 19.
Suddenly the Christmas melodies halt playing on the stereo overhead and instead we hear the distinct sounds of jingles. The manor's double main entrance doors open wide, and in trot a dozen reindeers tugging a sled.
Atop the sled sits someone dressed as Santa and behind him on the sled, a massive velvety sack containing gifts. A few people in elves costumes trail in behind him and close the doors to keep the outside warm air from entering.
"Ho Ho Ho!!" Santa announces in pseudo booming voice. "Merry Christmas!!"
The children's excited laughter fill the air as they all rush and gather around him. He peers around in mock curiosity at their tiny eager faces and begins. "So far this year all of you kids have made it to the good list and steered clear of the bad one. So I've brought presents for all!"
The children voice their happy approval. Santa then reaches at his side and unravels a scroll. "The first kid on this list is Sanam Kashani! Please step up. "
Huh???
I along with him and the elves were the only adults present in this foyer. I was certainly not a child. But then he looks my way and with his hand, gestures me to come closer.
How the heck does he know I'm Sanam Kashani?
"But I'm not a kid.." I remind, folding my arms across my chest.
"Kids can be of all ages, many of us are still kids at heart including myself." He replies in his fake voice. "So come here kid, don't keep the line waiting miss Kashani."
The children voice their agreements. I reluctantly walk and come to an awkward stand infront of him. That's when I recognize within moments, under the fake beard is none other than Serge's face.
I suppress the urge to laugh and reveal him. He winks at me and whispers. "Besides, you're only a teenager right now..that's kid enough."
I roll my eyes and he chuckles, bringing up his hands in defence. "Don't get angry at me, Rachael wanted me to add you to the list..not that you aren't deserving of it..oh and what happened to your mouth?"
"I burned it while drinking tea." I lie smoothly this time as I bite down on my lips, hoping he doesn't notice my blush.
Behind him, the elves unzip the sack completely wide, all the presents are laid bare. They pluck out around a couple of them with my name tags. I shake my head and exasperate. "Rachael is doing too much for me, I don't deserve any of this.."
"Please accept them or she'll have my head!" Serge whispers while the elves stack my gifts into my arms. He then adds. "And yes you do deserve them! Open them on Christmas morning with the rest of us."
After voicing my gratitude, I carry them into the lounge towards the initial Christmas tree and set them amongst the piles of other gifts. There are a few women reclining there, chatting with eachother without paying attention to me.
I head to the kitchen to check on Mrs.Agnelli and Lorna. There were more chefs and maids hired to help them out with their duties for this evening. Dinner was being set in the dining hall. But I immediately regret venturing in when Lorna halts me for a task.
"One of the stewards left these two water jugs here, Sanam will you do me a quick favour and deliver them to left end of the dining table?" Lorna requests hastily as she is setting up a platter.
"Uh.." I stare at her blankly.
What if he's out there?
I certainly didn't want to come across the demon. But Lorna entreats. "Please Sanam, hurry. I'm sorry to ask you to do this but a child is seated at that area and no alcohol for them."
I reluctantly take ahold of the tray and walk in the direction of the dining hall. Drawing in a nervous shaky breath, I part the double doors and my heart nearly stops.
He's there, formidable presence dressed in a business suit and reclining at the table's far left end in his usual seat. Silky golden hair styled in that
of the 1940's . But thankfully he hasn't noticed me yet since his face is turned towards a man sitting next to him and Mister Molotov.
All three are apparently in a deep discussion. The long dining table hasn't been fully occupied with most of the guests remaining in the ballroom yet. The stewards are still busy enhancing the table with porcelain China dish ware and steaming dinner platters.
Anya brushes past me with a few soiled dishes to carry back to the kitchen and I pause her. "Excuse me but, where should i place these water jugs? Lorna said the left side."
"Oh" she gestures with her chin to the far left end of the table. "You see the lady and little boy sitting across Mister Molotov ? That's his wife and child, that is Serge's mother and stepbrother. Place it infront of them."
"Mister Molotov is also Serge's father?" I curiously look towards the elegantly dressed woman speaking gently to her 5 year old child.
"No, he's Serge's stepfather, Serge and Grigori aren't related by blood except for their youngest brother. Serge's mother is mister Molotovs second marriage." Anya informs quickly before departing back to the kitchen.
I began walking in their direction with the tray of jugs. My sight focused on the blonde I dreaded seeing. He was still immersed in hushed conversation with the man next to him and Mister Molotov.
Please don't notice me please don't notice me please don't notice me..
Right in those dreadful seconds he turns his head and those incisive azure eyes land on me. His expression hardens. My heart nearly constricts as my legs feel like blocks of concrete, the memory of last night resurfacing.
I briefly avert my gaze towards Mrs.Molotov and the child before looking back at him again. He's still staring at me, expression unreadable now.
The man next to him pauses talking to him. He notices the demon is no longer paying attention to the discussion. With confusion, the man follows the demons gaze and looks at me.
I feel my face flushing red as I approach nearer to their vicinity. I adjust my sight on Mrs.Molotov and the child instead.
She smiles at me sweetly, and I recognized the semblance between her and Serge. The little boy took more after Mister Molotov in the looks department.
Placing the jugs infront of them, I glance nervously in the demons presence again. The entirety of his attention still remains on me and my heart hammers against my rib cage in repleted apprehension.
Even Mister Molotov raises his brow questioningly while he notices the demons quietude and lack of response to him. The other man and Mister Molotov glance towards me, then at the demon before exchanging puzzled looks with one another.
In embarrassment, I quickly swivel on my heel, wanting to rush back into the kitchen. Right around then, I hear Katie's voice addressing me. "Hey Sanam! Sit there with me!"
She's approaching me down the dining table, grinning widely. I sense everyone's eyes on me, and wished Katie hadn't shown up at this time.
She pulls the seat out next to Mrs.Molotov, and gestures me to sit. My throat feels dry to voice a decline and I hesitantly take a seat.
I was sitting far too close to him for my liking. I shift in my seat towards Katie's direction, so I wouldn't have to face him. Yet I sense his gaze searing my back relentlessly and I suppress a shudder.
Soon the dining hall begins filling up with the guests. Bev and Katie fall into happy chatter. While I stare down at my lap, refusing to touch my food.
I could still feel his eyes on me, I pilfer a glance his way and gulp in sudden shyness. Indeed he was still looking, this time brows furrowed in mild perplexity.
The man next to him was now chatting to Mister Molotov and Grigori instead.
I direct my gaze miserably back to my lap.
why is he looking at me ??
He needs to stop looking at me, he's making it so obvious. People will start asking questions...would he tell them ?
It was as if he was already laying bare to the public of what occurred between us last night. My mind roils with shame and guilt.
It felt like eternity when dinner was completed. I wasted no time in rushing out of there and into the kitchen. I wanted to wait till all the guests began to leave the manor before I could run upstairs to hide in my room.
Hide from his eyes stripping my soul, layer by layer, secret by secret.
"Are you alright?" Mrs.Agnelli asks while piling the dishes in the dishwasher.
I pause in my tracks. "Oh um just tired I guess.."
"Then go upstairs to relax." She gives me a concerned look. "Use that stairwell next to the fireplace since the foyer must be crowded by now."
I hesitate before going, after all it directly led towards the demon's door way, which I wasn't keen on passing. But I figure I could make a dash past his door. He's likely outside, seeing off the guests right now, particularly his uncle.
When I ascend up there and rapidly round the corner, I bump into someone and nearly stumble back. I glance up to find that familiar man that had been sitting next to the demon.
He apologizes for knocking into me as he curiously peers at me. "My name is Ivan Molotov..if you don't mind me asking, how are you acquainted with the Nielsens ?"
"I'm just..a temporary guest.." I answer hesitantly while peering behind him in caution of the demon.
"Ah..I expected another answer. " Ivan sternly evaluates my face.
I raise a brow. "Excuse me?"
"Prior to this night, I've never witnessed such..odd behaviour on the account of my cousin." He remarks suspiciously .
"All through out dinner he was gawking at you nonstop.."
I'm unable to suppress the blush tainting my face red. "I don't know what you're talking about."
"Ofcourse you do. " He evades my excuse curtly. "As far as we're informed, Vladimir doesn't gawk at anyone nor does he ignore uncle like he has during dinner."
Why is this man bringing this up?
"Sorry, don't know what you're talking about." I reprise in vexation.
"May I be acquainted with your full name ?" He persists instead.
How about you mind your own business, pal!
"Um!" I wrack my mind for a way out of this uneasy conversation. "I'm sorry! I'm in a bit of a rush right now!"
I dash past him in the direction of my room. Inwardly scolding myself for my rude departure. But I didn't even know him and he was coming across much too intrusive.
◆◆◆
"A membership card for a gun club?" I give Bev an incredulous look while holding up the unwrapped gift card in my hand.
She nods excitedly. "Yes ! Grig, Serge, and I are members, it's one of the most exclusive and expensive gun clubs in Aus! You'll love it!"
Next to her on the couch, Grigori aims me a monotone look while stating. "You'll learn exceptional self defence methods, it will come in handy when you leave here."
"Oh.." I say with slight glumness from the reminder. "Well..thanks."
"Very smart gift indeed." Huxley approves sternly while sipping a glass of brandy. "Very intelligently thought out gift."
"Teach you how to shoot." Serge remarks and winks at me. I smile halfheartedly and next to him Duffield laughs while gobbling up a brownie.
It's Christmas morning, everyone is in the midst of opening their gifts. Tattered gift wraps and ribbons scatter the lounge.
Deviant Fixation Page 36
