by C. S Luis
“Claudia,” I heard Dr. Black say; he was calling me back.
I tried not to be too excited that he had called me back, but I couldn’t help it. “Yes, Dr. Black?” I very suddenly asked.
“Thank you for the wine,” he merely said, and I smiled back waiting. Had he wanted to say something else, or did I just hope that he wanted to? I wanted him to accompany me to the kitchen or say that he had bought me flowers.
But then Ms. Stephens started speaking again, “Thanks again for the flowers, John, but I really prefer tulips to daisies.” She laughed blankly. “John, remember Mrs. Whitney, you know her?” She started saying again.
I spun around and left the living room. I came into the kitchen were Michael was setting up the dishes. I saw the daisies in a vase on the counter. I suspected Michael had set them up in the vase; certainly Ms. Stephens hadn’t done it.
“Look what Dr. Black brought for Ms. Stephens,” Michael said. “I want to set these up as our centerpiece on the table. Claudia, could you be a dear and set the flowers on the table?”
I barely moved, rolling my eyes and sighing. Here I thought the flowers were supposed to be for me.
I told you not to get your hopes up. Like he would bring you flowers; that’s ridiculous.
I brought the vase into the dining room and began to set them up in the center of the table; from the other room I could hear the banshee laughing.
“God, how can he stand that woman?” I asked out loud as Michael was coming out of the kitchen.
“Did you say something, dear?” He asked, setting the main course upon the table.
“Nothing,” I mumbled. Did it matter?
I walked back into the kitchen; this dinner had turned into something I no longer wanted to be a part of. I just wanted to go up into my room and hide. In fact, I wanted to rip the dress off and forget it all. I felt stupid for doing it, for wanting to dress-up. In the kitchen I saw the unopened bottle of Concannon Dr. Black had brought and the one Michael had bought. I turned my head towards the sound of that woman laughing, and then a grin spread over my lips.
“Claudia,” I heard Michael say. “Can you tell our guests that dinner is almost ready? And, please, if they need another drink, don’t forget to be helpful and offer it.”
“Sure, Michael,” I said with a wicked little clever grin, and out I raced, almost leaping at my devilish thoughts. I came to the living room; the guys were still watching the game. In fact, Dr. Black seemed to be trying to watch too, but Ms. Stephens had started to wrap her little arm around his. He seemed distracted, yet nevertheless attentive when he spotted me at the entrance. He almost rose, but Ms. Stephens’s arm was firmly around his, so only smiled back at me.
“Dinner is almost ready,” I politely said. “Michael wanted to know if—”
“Ah, good,” Ms. Stephens interrupted. “I’m starving…since we’re still waiting, will you be a dear and get me another glass of wine while John and I wait?” She motioned for me to take the empty glasses. Dr. Black’s glass seemed practically untouched.
“It’s alright, Karen. I can go get us some more wine. Claudia’s not our servant,” Dr. Black firmly said to her.
“But we’re guests at her house, John,” she merely offered, laughing and then smiling over at me.
“Karen,” Dr. Black again said.
“No, it’s okay Dr. Black,” I said, already standing beside the coffee table and grabbing the glasses. “It’ll be my pleasure!” I said, grinning over at Ms. Stephens and snatching the glasses off of the table.
“Claudia you don’t have to. I can—” Dr. Black said, reaching for the glasses.
“John, you heard her; she said it’d be her pleasure. Now sit.”
She motioned for me to hurry off. Dr. Black made a weak attempt to be considerate. I turned, walking out the room with the largest grin upon my face.
In the kitchen I put the glasses in the sink and grabbed a few clean ones sitting on the counter, and then I grabbed the bottle of Concannon and hurried out, taking the corkscrew with me.
“Michael, would you open this for me?” I asked him, and he looked over at me. “Dr. Black wanted a glass of red wine.”
“Oh, sure dear,” he said, and opened the bottle. I took it, reentered the kitchen, and poured the red wine into two glasses. I glanced back at Michael; his back was turned as he was setting the table. I grabbed the bottle of Zinfandel and poured it into the sink.
“I only drink white wine…blah, blah, blah.”
I grabbed the glasses and hurried back into the living room. The game was still going on, and Mr. Vasquez and Mr. Claypool were just as excited as before; in fact, even Dr. Black had taken a greater interest in the game.
I put a glass for him on the coffee table, and he glanced over at me. “Red,” I said to him, and he blinked and smiled, taking a drink from his glass. “I thought you might like that better,” I again said to him.
“You’re far too kind to me,” he tenderly said; of course, I blushed. I came around and handed Ms. Stephens her glass.
“Wait, this is red,” she said, glaring up at me and not taking the glass from my hand. “What happened to the white Zinfandel Michael opened for me?”
“Oh, I’m sorry, Ms. Stephens, but I accidentally spilled the Zinfandel all over the counter,” I said.
She blinked up at me. “But I don’t drink red,” she said very rudely.
“Well, you should try it; you might like it. I’m sorry, but we don’t have any more white wine.”
Her lip folded slightly. I held the glass out to her, and then did something I will never regret. When she motioned to reach it, I let it go, and it spilled upon her lap. “Oops!” I said, putting a hand to my mouth to keep from laughing. She rose up, trying to wipe at it. “Oh, it got on your nice red dress,” I said very innocently, and she looked furious.
She glared up at me in disbelief. “And red wine is hard to come off,” I said again, and she blinked up at me.
“You did that on purpose you little—”
Dr. Black stopped her, coming between us. “Karen, take it easy. It was an accident. You’re out of line. Claudia would never do that on purpose,” he said to her.
“An accident?” She snapped at Dr. Black.
“I’m sorry,” I said from behind Dr. Black.
She snarled at me. “This is a three-hundred dollar dress! And now it’s ruined! You owe me—” She growled back at me, pointing a bony finger over at me.
“Karen, take it easy; if it makes you feel better I’ll get you a new dress. It was an accident.”
“I’m so sorry,” I said. “Could I get you some more wine?”
She narrowed her angry eyes back at me, and at that moment Michael entered. “Dinner is ready,” he said, noticing the scene before him in the living room. All the men were now standing and looking over at Ms. Stephens in her stained dress.
He noticed she was upset, and then he noticed the ugly stain. “What happened?” Michael asked.
“Your ward—” She began. “Purposely spilled red wine all over my dress!”
“Karen, it was an accident,” Dr. Black said, defending me.
“Oh, don’t give me that! She did this on purpose! She meant to do it,” she said, glaring angrily at me.
“No, I didn’t,” I calmly responded.
“You know very well you did!” she screamed.
“But weren’t you drinking Zinfandel?” Michael asked her.
“Apparently your little ward spilled it all over the counter. This was just a conspiracy so she could ruin my dress!”
Michael suspiciously glared over at me. “It was an accident,” I said innocently.
“Karen, I’ll buy you a new dress,” Dr. Black said again, but I didn’t want that. I didn’t want them to spend any time together.
“That’s not the point, John! She owes me an apology!” Ms. Stephens yelled at me.
“An apology for what?” I boldly asked her.
“Admit it; you did th
is on purpose,” she insisted.
“Karen, stop. You’re way out of line now. Come on. I’ll help you clean up,” Dr. Black said, trying to pull her away towards the kitchen.
“No! Not until she apologizes for ruining my dress,” she demanded.
“It was an accident,” I snapped back at her.
“You’re a little liar!” She snarled, trying to move forward upon me, but Dr. Black held her firmly back.
“Karen, don’t do this,” Dr. Black said, glaring down at her.
“Fine!” She growled. Grabbing Dr. Black’s glass off of the coffee table, she flung the wine in my direction, but instead spilled it all over Dr. Black’s suit. He had come between us, taking the damage for me. That only made Ms. Stephens angrier.
“You happy now?” Dr. Black said to her, and she didn’t say another word. She put the glass on the table and walked past us.
Michael tried to console Ms. Stephens, but Dr. Black didn’t make an effort to stop her or go after her. And it made me feel delighted. Michael, on the other hand, was apologizing and asking her to send him the bill for the dry cleaning. He walked out after her, and the door slammed behind us. It was very quiet for a moment. I was left alone with Dr. Black and the two assistant principals. Mr. Vasquez and Mr. Claypool didn’t have much to offer as they looked over at one another.
I folded my lip back, trying to keep from smiling as I watched the look on their faces; only the sounds of the TV kept us all from having the awkward silence drown us. I wanted to laugh, but that would have made me look guilty, so instead I said, “Let’s eat. I’m hungry.”
They all nodded, and we walked into the dining room.
A moment later I looked up very slowly. Dr. Black was making his way towards the dining room. I lowered my head and kept it down, looking very guilty.
17
Dr. John Black
I came into the dining room and stood at the other end of the table, taking off my suit and tie and putting them on the head of the chair and resting my hands there as well. I gazed over at Claudia as she sat very quietly, waiting for everyone else to come in and join her.
I couldn’t resist the smile now spreading upon my slim mouth. She was jealous. I could see it. I honestly think she did it on purpose. There could be no other explanation for what she had done. Had she done it out of some spite or rather simple jealousy? Maybe I was just getting a big ego. Karen wasn’t the nicest person. She had asked for it. I wanted to laugh, but I knew that wouldn’t be appropriate. Claudia looked up at me and blinked momentarily.
“It wasn’t an accident, was it?” I whispered; the guilt was obvious on her face. Of course it wasn’t an accident. We both knew it. I could see it on her face. She had guilt written all over it.
“Whatever do you mean, Dr. Black?” Claudia innocently answered. “She really should be careful with red wine,” she again said.
I folded my lip to keep from laughing.
“I’m sorry she ruined your shirt,” Claudia said, and then she rose and came around towards me and reached for the jacket and tie, taking them from the top of the chair where I had placed them.
“I’ll have Michael take them to the dry cleaner for you. It’s the least I could do. After all, she was aiming for me.” She gazed very slowly up at me, holding my suit in her embrace, and then she shamefully lowered her head. She was embarrassed at what had happened; she was bashful for sure. Again, I tried to keep from laughing.
“I really was hoping it was just going to be the three of us,” she mumbled. I grinned. “I know you like her,” she said, which surprised me. “I’m sorry I ruined things for you with Ms. Stephens.”
I stared madly at her. “She’ll get over it,” I offered, and then John Slater resurfaced. “You know, Ms. Stephens and I aren’t dating, in case you were wondering.”
She blushed, looking away now and biting her lip. “You didn’t have to do that,” Claudia softly whispered, referring to my daring moment when I blocked the wine that Karen had tossed. “That was very nice of you,” she again said.
I smirked, lifting her chin up and forcing her eyes to look up at me while she bashfully looked away. She did very slowly; they were so beautiful and impossible to resist, even when they resisted looking right up at me. She bit her lip and then looked up.
“That’s what a gentleman does, Miss Belle,” I said. “Besides, I didn’t want her to ruin your beautiful dress.”
“Perhaps Michael can lend you a shirt. I’m sure he wouldn’t mind,” she immediately offered.
“Don’t worry about the jacket and shirt,” I said, taking the suit back from her.
She looked sad. “I’ve ruined dinner, haven’t I? You’re leaving?”
But before I could answer, Michael returned and walked into the dining room and glared right over at Claudia. She lowered her head; he was angry and disappointed. Then Karen reappeared. I was shocked she had returned.
There was silence for a moment until Michael cleared his throat, motioning for Claudia to follow him into the kitchen. As they disappeared, Karen’s clever smile resurfaced to greet me. I was disgusted, but I tried my best not to show it.
18
Claudia
Michael looked over at me, and I knew it. He had convinced Ms. Stephens to return. He motioned me into the kitchen. I could feel Dr. Black’s eyes upon me as I walked into the kitchen with Michael. Mr. Claypool and Mr. Vasquez finally appeared at the dinner table and took their seats, making small talk with Ms. Stephens who was laughing like a banshee again.
“Before you deny it, I know you did it,” Michael began. “I know you did, so please don’t bother lying. What’s gotten into you? You told me you wouldn’t have any problems if I invited her,” he began.
I glared at him, lowering my head. My hair fell forward.
“You said you were fine with having her here. I asked you. You know you’re going to have to pay for the cleaning of her dress.” I suddenly narrowed my eyes up at him, surprised by his words. “Why did you do it?” He very plainly asked.
“She insulted me first. She deserved it! She’s not very nice,” I said, trying to keep my voice down, as he seemed to be doing.
“Deserved it? Nice or not, that’s no way to behave with guests or people I work with. Now you’ve embarrassed me and embarrassed yourself. I’ve asked Ms. Stephens to accept your apology, and I’ve told her that you plan to reimburse her for the cleaning of her dress.”
“What? Apologize to her? She’s lucky I didn’t turn the couch over with her still on it!” I said, raising my voice in anger.
“Claudia!” Michael firmly snapped, motioning for me to keep my voice down.
“I’ll pay for her stupid dress, but I will not apologize to her after she insulted me,” I firmly responded.
“Claudia.” He narrowed his eyes over at me.
“Michael, please do not make me do this.” I focused my eyes on him. My heart was racing, my anger growing. I was losing it, and I couldn’t stop it.
How dare they treat you that way, my pet? How dare they tell you what to do? Who does he think he is? Who does she think she is? You have more power than they do, my pet. Flatten them like the flies that they are!
“Quentin!” I gasped. Michael looked curiously over at me.
Do it! Foolish bugs! Foolish bugs! They can’t talk to you like that, my pet. You are powerful, and you are mine! You are far superior! Show them you are no child!
The pipes began to rattle, and then suddenly the sink began to flood. All around the house pipes were cracking to life. I gasped, and my breath rapidly increased. It felt like the strands of my hair had come alive, and a damp sweat gathered upon my brow as my breath grew faster.
“Claudia?” Michael gasped. “Control it, Claudia! Listen,” he pleaded.
“No!” I yelled. Michael was shoved back slightly, and he fell against the back of the kitchen wall.
I gasped. “I won’t!” I growled, “You can’t make me!” I glared over at him. “I don’t want
to!”
“Claudia! Stop, please!” Michael pleaded as he rose slowly from the kitchen floor. All around the toilet upstairs and sinks began to rattle as if they would overflow. The house shook like there was an earthquake.
Dr. Black came into the kitchen. “Claudia!” he yelled. I turned and exhaled, catching sight of him. I panicked and then blinked.
“It’s alright sweetheart. Just look at me,” Dr. Black hissed; the house continued shaking over his voice, and even as I exhaled, the house shook with me. I could hear screaming coming from the dining room.
Ms. Stephens cried out, “It’s an earthquake!”
“Take a deep breath,” Dr. Black said again to me as I felt my heart within my head, and I dropped upon my knees.
Michael watched as Dr. Black slowly reached out a hand to me; he kneeled before me, trying to calm me down. My breath slowed, and I blinked. Dr. Black was staring right at me, and suddenly the cracking pipes stopped and only groaned once more. It was then followed by an eerie silence. I collapsed in his arms as he grabbed hold of me before I could hit the floor.
“You know?” Michael gasped from the other end. Dr. Black gazed up at him and nodded in response. “But how?” He asked.
But Michael’s words went unanswered as Dr. Black gazed at me with urgent and caring concern. “Are you alright?” He asked. I shockingly gazed up at him.
“I couldn’t stop,” I whispered. “I couldn’t stop no matter how much I tried. I couldn’t. I didn’t want to,” I shamefully admitted, and then I lost consciousness.
I awoke to find myself in bed, and I immediately sat up. He was there by the window, looking towards me even in the darkness. I could see his shape sitting upon my window ledge.
Then I heard his voice speak: “We showed them. We showed them we’re a force not to be reckoned with. No one will challenge us ever again. Once we are together, you and I, no one will challenges us. They can’t, you see. We are powerful together, very powerful—all I need is an answer—all I need is you.”
