A RECIPE FOR RUIN

Chapter 3- The Unexpected First Lesson

Amber was there in the entrance of the Cooper mansion the following morning, and she was holding her small apron in her arms, as though it were armor. The place was too big to be so quiet, too clean, too... frightening.

Good morning, said she to nobody in particular.

"Good morning, Miss Smith."

Linda, the head maid, stared down and up at her with an already annoyed face, already put off by the presence of Amber. "You're early. Follow me."

Amber crossed the marble-lined corridor behind her, making almost no sound with her cheap flats on the shiny floor. The kitchen was enormous larger than her entire apartment up to the ceiling--and smelled a little of vanilla and lemon polish.

“You will be teaching Mrs. Cooper today” said Linda almost smirking in the hope that Amber would fail.

Amber's stomach twisted. “Today? Already?”

She was not ready psychologically to deal with the intimidating lady.

She had scarcely drawn a breath before the door of the kitchen flew open.

Caroline came in as though it were in a magazine, a fresh blown-out, dainty diamond bracelet, silk robe wrapped about her tiny waist. She smiled and looked at Amber slowly all the way up and down.

But it wasn't friendly.

"Oh," Caroline said softly. "You're the new chef."

Amber lowered her head. "Yes, ma'am."

Please do not address me as ma'am, Caroline quipped. "Makes me feel old."

Her heels clicked this way, as she walked nearer. Well, what shall we cook today?

Amber swallowed. I..I suppose we might begin with something very simple. Homemade ravioli? Or maybe.."

"Oh please." Caroline waved a hand. Just show me whatever Richard likes.

Amber froze. The air was all too thin all at once.

She did not want to bring up that topic.

"Of course," she murmured. We can make his favorite breakfast.

Caroline pulled her hands across her breast, her eyes drawing. "You know his favorite? Already?"

Amber blinked, confused. "I... yes? Mr. Cooper declared that he likes something light in the morning, so…

"Well." Caroline's lips curled. Hopelessly, she says, "Let us find out whether you can really cook or Richard only employed a pretty face.

Amber's cheeks heated. This was not the usual manner of her. But she smiled and fled to the counter.

"Let's start."

THE COOKING LESSON

Amber was moving very softly and familiarly, withdrawing ingredients and demonstrating each procedure. Caroline did not pay much attention; she was scrolling on her phone, painting her nails, and sighing loudly whenever Amber gave her a proposal.

"Could you hand me the basil?" Amber asked gently.

Caroline picked it between two fingers as it disgusted her. "Here."

"Thank you."

You speak too whisperingly, Caroline said. "Speak up when you teach."

"S-sorry."

"And stop apologizing so much. It's annoying."

Amber closed its eyes and shook a bit, though its hands.

But she kept cooking.

Caroline followed her close at last when she began to saute garlic. The scent was in the kitchen and it was homely. Caroline relaxed,... for a moment.

"Hm," Caroline murmured. "That actually smells good."

Amber tried not to smile. "It's the garlic."

No, no, no, Caroline said, looking at Amber.

"It's you."

Amber froze.

Caroline tilted her head. Something about you is familiar. Have we met?"

Amber blinked. "I don't think so."

"Oh." Caroline's smile sharpened. "Maybe not."

Amber didn't think much of it.

But Caroline was well aware that she looked way too familiar.

The past was twinkling behind her eyes.

THE FIRST INTRUSION

"Mommyyyyy!"

With the hair disheveled, the socks mismatched, Edith came flying into the kitchen like a miniature hurricane. When she saw Amber she stopped.

The shadow of a dark line crossed her face.

"You," Edith said firmly. "I don't like you."

Amber blinked. I am sorry... have I done anything wrong?

"You exist," Edith said.

Caroline laughed lightly. "Don't mind her. Edith is... expressive."

Amber cowered and spoke in a low voice. "Hi, sweetheart. I'm Amber. I only come to help your mommy cook.

"I don't want you here."

Edith went nearer, and her eyes were pinched shut with childish viciousness.

"You're too pretty."

Amber actually choked.

Caroline didn't defend her.

“ Amber” Amber softly said “being nice is…”

"I'm not nice."

Edith stuck her tongue out.

"And I'll make you go away."

Amber flinched.

Caroline did not raise her eyes from her phone.

Come now, Edith, she said in a listless way. "Don't bother the help."

RICHARD ENTERS

The door again opened and Richard walked in.

Amber stood straighter, he heart rate increased in her chest despite her will.

He paused when he saw her.

"Good morning, Amber."

His voice dropped a little. Warm. Gentle.

Amber flushed and turned away. "Good morning, sir."

Caroline put on a wonderful smile. “Richaaard, guess what I’m preparing for you?”

Richard continued to stare at Amber long enough for it to attract Caroline.

You look... weary... he said to Amber.

Oh…just getting used to everything, she said.

Richard moved up… so near as to be too near.

Amber's breath caught.

Caroline then noisily cleared her throat.

Scratching at the back of his neck, Richard moved back. "So, what are you two cooking?"

Amber didn't answer.

Caroline did.

"Your favorite," she said. "Of course."

Richard stared inquisitively, but did not comment. He instead went to the pan and smelled it.

"You cooked this?" he asked Amber.

She nodded shyly. "Yes, sir."

His eyes were softened too, in a manner that made something in the breast of Amber ache.

"It smells incredible."

Caroline's smile vanished.

THE MISTAKE

All was going fine till Caroline made her decision to flip the eggs like Amber. She took the pan, and raised it too fast, and…

SPLAT!!

The half-baked eggs flew all over the counter and fell on the clean floor.

Caroline screamed.

Edith giggled.

Amber rushed forward. "It's okay! It's fine, I can…”

Don't touch it, Caroline said snatching it up.

Amber froze.

Richard frowned. "Caroline…”

"No."

Caroline was pointing at Amber with eyes so wet with indignation.

"This is your fault. You're distracting me."

Amber's throat tightened. "I…I didn't..”

Richard cut in gently.

No she did not do anything, Caroline.

Caroline's jaw clenched. Her eyes were full of tears of rage.

You’re always staring at her, you’ve never looked at me like you look at her” she said to herself.

The room turned cold.

Amber withdrew at a slow pace and felt out of place.

Richard opened his mouth, ..more likely to say something but immediately Amber bowed.

“I will wipe clean this and give you both the room” she said softly

She did not wait to receive any response.

She sneaked out of the kitchen and her heart beat increased, and her lungs trembled.

RICHARD WATCHES HER LEAVE

Richard stood looking at her profile and as the door closed, she was already out of sight down the corridor. There was a sharp twist within him.

He shouldn't care.

He should not see how her shoulders contracted when she was injured...

But he did.

Caroline was looking over his shoulder at Amber, and her lips gave a slow bitter smile.

Interesting, interesting, she said to herself.