Chapter 16 CALM
~Haven.
Cheating, adultery, sleeping with your brother-in-law… it all came with a price.
And I was about to receive my own share of it.
………
Walter’s grip loosened around the bags, and they slipped from his hand, hitting the floor with a dull thud.
The sound was too loud.
Too final.
Hannah stood there, confusion knitting her brows together, her weak frame stiffening as she followed the noise with her eyes. And me? My heart slammed violently against my ribs, like it was trying to escape before the truth could drag it down with me.
Mason didn’t move. His eyes lingered on me for a while before a warm smile escaped his lips.
“Forgive me,” he said, calmly.
Way too calm…like the calm before the storm.
“I was only suprised…. I didn't know Mrs. Blake has a twin sister. She barely says anything about family. Please, forgive me.”
Hannah sighed, relieved.
“Thank you. Just act like she's not there. Nothing over the top,” Hannah warned. She was indirectly telling Mason not to mind me. To overlook me like everyone else did.
My heart still raced, sweat dripping down my face.
Mason avoided my gaze after. He didn't say anything else till he walked away.
I cleared my throat, watching as Hannah left with Walter. Walter turned to look at me, his gaze laced with fear.
They left, and I gasped.
A part of me wished Mason had reacted, wished Mason had said something. His silence was piercing through me like a knife.
A lot was at stake. I had plans…plans to get my life together. Plans to finally find me and heaven knows…I don't want to return to LA. And dad finding out I slept with Walter, was a one way ticket to that.
I walked into my room and sat at the edge of the bed. My hands were sweating.
Questions keep popping up in my head.
What does Mason want?
What would he say?
What does he want in return for keeping his mouth shut? Why didn't he say anything?
The knob turned and my heart hit my chest.
Walter walked in. I sighed, relieved….
But then, I rushed up.
“What are we going to do?” I asked, my hands rubbing my thighs. “Where's Hannah?”
“She took injections. She's asleep,” he answered.
“And why didn't you mention anything about Hannah's coming?” I asked … “We could have found a way to sort things out ..with Mason. What if he tells her? That I've been coming around?”
“Were you really waiting for me?” Walter asked. Like everything I'd said had no meaning.
“What?”
“You were happy to get the door. Were you really waiting for me?” He asked again.
“Is that what matters to you, Walter? Mason has our damned lives at the tip of his fingers and you're here, asking me whether or not I was waiting for you?”
Walter was crazy.
I was sure.
“I'll pay him. Forget him. You shouldn't let it bother you,” he answered.
“You should return to your wife then,” I cleared my throat before walking towards the bed.
“Sure,” Walter whispered, almost inaudible before walking out, shutting the door quietly behind him.…………..
Hannah, Walter and myself sat at opposite sides of the table.
Walter hadn't touched his food yet, he was busy feeding Hannah's hers.
It irritated me…. Not that I cared about Walter or anything but … she knows she can barely do things herself. Why is she here?
I didn't raise my head, my gaze was fixed on the stake in front of me but I could tell, Hannah's eyes were on me the whole time.
I cut a piece of the meat, about to eat when Mason's voice sounded behind me.
“Can I join in?” Mason asked, confidence dripping in his voice.
I turned to look at him, he stared ..no fear in his eyes. Not for Hannah, not for Walter.
His confidence towards Walter was understandable. He knew of our affair. But for Hannah? It still remained unknown to me. Like there was something between them no one knew.
“I'll take a seat,” Mason said, pulling a chair.
“Don't!” Walter dismissed, almost immediately….. dropping the dork in his hand.
Mason lowered his head, a smile parted his lips.
“Fine then, can I at least have a word with Miss. Haven,” he said, his gaze still down.
My heart raced.
Walter's hands slammed the table. He wanted to speak, but he swallowed them.
“Why?” He asked, being careful of his choice of words.
He couldn't say much. …Hannah would suspect.
“I only want to have a friendly conversation with her. Miss Haven understands,” He smiled again.
I raised my head …. Waiting for Walter to do something…
“And what right do you think you have…..”
“Walter, Hannah called,” a sense of jealousy hinting in the way she sounded. “I can barely breathe with her being at the table. You should let them talk. I'll be relieved,” she sniffled.
Something wasn't right…. I felt it but I couldn't lay my hands on it.
“I said, no!” Walter sneered. “I'm sorry,” he whispered after.
Mason smiled. “If you don't want me to have a word with her in private, then I'll just say it here then.”
What!
“No,” I refused, immediately getting up.
“I'll have a word with you since it's important,” I forced a smile….
“Sure then. This way ma'am,” he said, gesturing towards the entrance.
I looked at Walter one more time before leaving. His eyes burned with something more of jealousy than fear.
Mason's behavior scared me, but it didn't seem to have any impact on Walter.
Mason and I arrived at the balcony.
He rested his head back with no expression on his face.
“What do you want to talk about?” I asked…..
“You were the one who came over, right? Those days when moans filled the house and I kept asking questions. It was you, wasn't it?” He asked.
“Mason, please….” I begged.
“Oh, no Miss Haven. I should be the one saying sorry. I'm sorry for bothering you those times that I did. I didn't know you were the one greasing Mr. Blake's bed. I thought it was Mrs. Blake. Forgive me,” he said, then he walked away leaving me there ….. quiet.