Chapter 109: Mrs. Perfection

ALMA

"Here we are!" I exclaimed as I pulled up in front of my apartment.

"I can't thank you and your husband enough for everything you've done for me," Alice expressed, her hands gently touching mine.

She thought Carl was my husband? Sweet.

A warm smile spread across my face as I found myself lost in her captivating hazel eyes.

Alice was not only intelligent, but she possessed remarkable beauty and a wonderful personality.

"Is everything alright, ma'am?" Her voice snapped me out of my trance.

Gathering my thoughts, I replied, "I'm okay. Plus, you don't have to thank me at all. I was helping because I know the hurt of being mistreated, and I just can't stand the thought of someone else going through what I went through." As I said this, the past experiences with Carl and Linda came flooding back to me.

"I'm glad you've overcome it, ma'am. I want to be like you when I grow up," Alice complimented, causing both of us to burst into laughter.

Stepping out of the car, I led Alice into my apartment. "Welcome to my humble abode," I murmured, making way for her to enter.

"This place is beautiful," she remarked, her eyes fixated on the pictures and artwork adorning the walls.

"Thank you. Please make yourself at home," I offered, guiding Alice into the main living room.

"I already love it here," I overheard Alice whisper. Placing my handbag on the dining table, I made my way to the kitchen.

"Agatha, Agatha," I called out, scanning the room. "Agatha," I whispered, but there was no sign of her.

Where could Agatha have disappeared, especially when I needed her the most? How was I supposed to prepare something for Alice?

Frustration welled up within me as I tapped my fingers on the countertop, contemplating what to make for lunch.

Just then, Alice appeared in the kitchen. "Do you need any help?" she asked. "No, no, I'm fine," I replied sharply.

"Are you sure, ma'am? I can-" "I said I don't need your help!" My voice unintentionally grew louder. "I'm sorry. I'm sorry." I quickly apologized, realizing my outburst.

"I get it, ma'am," Alice said, leaving me at a loss for words. Alice is truly understanding! Just what I needed.

How can one person possess so many great qualities? I can't help but wonder how her husband could mistreat her with all that she has to offer.

I made my way to the cupboard and grabbed a pot, still unsure of what to cook.

"Agatha, my help, isn't here. I'll just make something simple," I said as Alice approached.

"I can assist if you'd like," Alice offered.

"I don't want you to go through any trouble, Alice. You need to rest," I replied calmly.

"I want to help. Let me do something for you. You and your husband have done so much for me," she insisted.

"Alright, you can," I finally agreed, moving aside as Alice took over the gas cooker.

"I'll be quick," Alice promised, and a part of me wanted to say 'better be,' but I held my tongue. I don't understand why I feel a certain way about Alice.

I knew she was kind and all, but she brought up a feeling in me that I haven't felt in years.

Sitting on the couch in the living room, I scrolled through my phone. My attention was drawn to the delicious aroma of Alice's cooking filling the room.

What could she be making that smells so good? Agatha was a good cook, but I've never craved her food like I was craving Alice's now.

Curious, I got up and went to the kitchen. I saw Alice plating the food, making my mouth water. "I'm done," Alice said, placing the plates on trays.

"I hope it tastes as good as it smells," I commented, a slight frown on my face.

"It definitely will, ma'am. You're going to love it," Alice assured me, a smile on her face as I forced a smile in return.

"I definitely hope so!" I replied sharply, taking my tray and leaving the room.

At the dining table, I eagerly dug into the chicken stew and veggies that Alice had prepared. It was delicious.

As Alice approached, I quickly pretended that I hadn't touched my food yet.

"Enjoy your meal," she said, taking a seat next to me. I observed her effortlessly using her fork and spoon, wondering if she was also skilled in such matters.

I had assumed that people from her background wouldn't be familiar with proper table etiquette. Alice never failed to surprise me.

When Alice asked if I was going to eat or if I didn't like the food, I felt anger rising inside of me, and I wanted to snap back, but I held my tongue.

"I will eat," I replied, taking a spoonful of the stew. "How is it?" Alice inquired, waiting for my response.

"It's not bad. It's not as good as what Agatha makes, but I'll manage," I said, trying to mask my rudeness with a fake smile.

Alice casually mentioned that she used to be a cooking expert in college, unfazed by my comments.

I couldn't help but feel irritated by how easily she brushed off my criticisms. Her ability to adapt to any situation in my house was starting to get on my nerves.

"Oh, so you're an expert at cooking too? Because what you made doesn't even compare to a beginner's dish," I retorted, my anger bubbling to the surface.

Just then, Velma's voice broke the tension between Alice and me. I hurried to the living room to greet my daughter, feeling a sense of relief.

As Velma ran into my arms, I noticed Carl standing behind her. He had slipped out when Alice was in fje kitchen to picked Velma up from school, a task that was usually Agatha's responsibility. But she was absent, for reasons I didn't understand yet

"How was school today?" I asked Velma, trying to shift my focus away from the earlier confrontation.

"Awesome," Velma replied with a smile. Alice joined us in the living room, and I introduced her to Velma. "This is Alice, my daughter," I said, introducing them to each other.

"Hi Aunty Alice," Velma replied, waving her hand in excitement. As I glanced in the direction of Carl's gaze, my racing heart momentarily calmed.

"Mom, our dance teacher taught us this," Velma mentioned, twirling gracefully with one hand on her hair and the other on her waist.

"That's wonderful, my darling," I commented. "No, mom. I didn't get it right. My dance teacher told me there's more to it," Velma said, causing me to playfully roll my eyes.

"You're already amazing just the way you are."

"I can teach you," Alice interrupted. "I don't think you should. I mean, Velma just came back from school, and she'd probably want to re—"

"I don't think it's a big deal. Let her teach her," Carl interjected, cutting me off mid-sentence. "Velma looks so ecstatic to learn!"

Anger flashed in my eyes as I clenched my fists. Just what I needed. Carl defended the great Alice in my presence.

"Yes! Yes! Let's do it!" Velma exclaimed, her face lighting up with excitement.

"Show me what you've got!" Alice exclaimed, rising to her feet and inviting Velma to dance once more.

Velma giggled at herself when she made a small mistake. "I know the dance! It's the twirl and spin dance, right?" Alice exclaimed.

"Yay! That's correct!" Velma replied, bouncing up and down with joy.

"Great! First, let's start with our feet shoulder-width apart. Can you show me that?" Alice asked.

Velma nodded eagerly and widened her stance.

"Excellent! Now, take a deep breath in... and out... and as we exhale, we're going to twirl around!" Alice demonstrated the move, and Velma followed suit, twirling around with a delightful giggle.

"Wow, you're a talented dancer! Now, let's add the spin. As we twirl, we're going to spin around in a circle. Ready?" Alice inquired.

Velma nodded enthusiastically, and together they twirled and spun, filling the room with their laughter. A pang of jealousy pierced my heart as I watched them both.

"Keep it up! You're doing amazing!" Alice's voice snapped me out of my thoughts.

As they continued to dance, Alice provided encouragement and gentle corrections, guiding Velma through the steps.

"Let's do it one more time, and this time, let's finish with a grand curtsy!" Alice suggested.

Velma beamed with pride and twirled one final time, gracefully ending with a curtsy.

"Bravo! You're an incredible dancer! I'm so proud of you!" Alice exclaimed, her admiration evident in her voice.

"Can we do it again? Pretty please?" Velma asked.

Alice grinned back. "Of course, my dear! We'll dance together again in no time."

"Mom, is she staying here?" Velma asked, and my heart sank at the question.

"No, sweetheart. Daddy is taking her back to her suite," I responded, a tinge of envy creeping into my voice. It hurt to see Velma so excited about Alice.

Not that it matters much, but I can't help feeling insignificant compared to her. She's a talented cook and an extraordinary dancer, and she could excel at anything she sets her mind to.

Alice kneeled to embrace Velma. "I have to go now, sweetie. But I'll be back soon to dance with you again!" Her words interrupted my thoughts, and an irritating smirk played on my face.

Velma's expression fell, and she clung tightly to Alice's neck. "No, no! Don't go! I don't want you to leave!"

"Velma, behave yourself," I interjected, my voice unintentionally louder than I intended.

"I will be back soon," Alice stated, planting a kiss on Velma's forehead before releasing herself from her embrace.

"Thank you for everything, Mrs. Harrison," Alice expressed as I rose from my seat.

"It's me who should be thanking you. Velma enjoyed your company. It's nice to see you two get along so well," I observed, as Velma hurried to her bedroom.

"She's a delightful child," Alice remarked.

"It looks like it's time for us to go," Carl said, stepping in as Alice walked towards him.

"Be careful, Alice. And don't forget about your interview prep," I reminded her.

"Sure," she responded, heading for the door. As Carl was about to follow, I called out to him.

"Leaving without this?" I asked playfully, wrapping my arms around his neck.

"Of course not," he answered, catching my drift. He kissed me softly, and I whispered, "Come back quick "

"I'll be here soon, darling," he promised, and with that, I released him. "Tomorrow isn't far."

I watched him exit before going upstairs. Peeking into Velma's room, she was already in dreamland.

My mind wandered to Alice's graceful dance, puzzling over how quickly she had bonded with Velma.

"Alma, don't overthink it," I told myself. Settling into bed, I reached for my phone.

Where on earth could Agatha be? I shouldn't be fretting over her, I thought. My attention should be on Carl and Alice.

She's skilled at everything, could she also be adept at charming men? Pushing away these thoughts, I sought a distraction. Yet, curiosity remained.

There's only one way to know, I mused, unlocking my phone to dial Carl digit.

But then, an unexpected message caught my eye. I tapped on it, and the words made my heart skip a beat: "I am watching you."

Who could this be?