Droplets
1037 Words
The dinner table was silent as she entered the dining hall. She spied the population of the DuPont family sitting on the table which was made up of the three sisters and their children. Her aunt Magi's kids were Robert and Rosaline who were twins, Hannah, Lily and Cherry. Alex on the other hand had three daughters Lizzy, Bella and Beth who were also twins. She sometimes wondered who fathered the children.
Until a week ago, she had no idea about the fact that her mother had other siblings, and that the DuPont family was well guided in following traditions, but of course she didn't mind because it was fun meeting new people and indulging in new things.
Taking a seat next to Lizzy she sat to her meals after greeting the elders, while Robert broke the silence with a narration of how his day went in the martial arts academy he was recently signed up in, she didn't get the essence of signing a 4 year old boy up for martial arts when he should be in school learning to write, but well that was none of her business.
"A warning was sent today" said Magi "some difficulties regarding the Cafe"
The whole table went silent.
" A matter best discussed in private" said Martha as she continued picking her food.
"Best made private you say" Magi replied as she picked up her wine glass and took a sip from it " quite understandable sister, but I fear some people will not find it so"
"A manner of respect is demanded on this table Mageret and you will abide to it"
Magi let out a hysterical laughter in response to Alex's reprimanding words " A crown does not bow to a crow dear sister, keep that in mind"
Tilda didn't know why but she felt as if the words were directed to Martha and not Alex.
" I have a feeling this won't turn out well" whispered Lizzy to her
"I agree" Tilda replied in the same hushed tone " Why are they always at each others neck" she asked
"Don't know" Lizzy replied " They always go on about things they think we don't know"
" Well do you know?" Tilda asked
" I hear things" replied Lizzy " Certain whispers that get to me about...."
"A crow haa" Alex asked " I think that not Magi, but I appreciate your demeaning self esteem, maybe we should take that to counsel" she said looking to Martha
"A great opinion Alex, but I think that should also be left for private" Aunt Martha replied " I think this great feast prepared by the children shouldn't go to waste for frivolous concerns"
Aunt Alex gave a small nod and went back to eating while Magi scoffed and picked up her wine glass again.
"Frivolous Indeed" she mocked "Even the days are weary of what is to come, what more we that sit and watch not knowing what to expect, don't be negligent dear sister, these are perilous times, the barrel will soon move on us"
"Mageret" Alex gasped
"What is it, I merely dropped a pin and you already look abashed" Alex asked in a raised voice "What more the truth"
Every where went silent, Matilda had to agree that she herself was curious to know the truth, who wouldn't want to.
"I noticed the amount of barley has reduced and won't do for tomorrow, if you would please let us harvest a little aunt Martha?"
Lizzy said breaking the silence
"It is night Lizzy, can't it wait till tomorrow"
"I fear not Aunt, for it is needed for tomorrow's feast"
"I swear we won't be long" she added
Martha gave it some thought before letting them embark " Lily take Robert and Rosaline to their bedroom and make haste to join the others"
Lily bowed as she stood and escorted the twins who were the youngest in the family to their bedroom.
Matilda casually stood up not noticing that other kids gave a bow before leaving, she strode to the door before Martha called her attention.
"Yes" she answered, earning a scoff from Magi
"Meet me in my Chambers after the harvest"
"Okay" she replied as she followed the other children.
As they gathered their baskets for the harvest, Lizzy picked up a basket and handed to her " What was that" she asked
"What was what" Tilda replied
"You act formal when talking to elders Tilda not the other way round, that will surely earn more hates for you from Aunt Magi" she said while face palming herself
"Soooooo" Tilda asked
"This is Harvabridge Matilda not Carlifonia"
"Yeah like I can act like you guys" Tilda replied " You all act like dolls"
"Dolls" little Beth asked chirping into the conversation
"Yeah baby, dolls" she replied " And I am no doll dear, more like telling me to put a watermelon down my throat, no can't do sweetie, they can all burn with their formality"
"You say that now" replied Lizzy
"Maybe" Tilda answered as she felt a hand tapping her, she looked down to see little Beth who was only eight, why wasn't she also in her bedroom? she thought
"I like you" said the little girl which coerced a sweet smile from Tilda
"Aww I like you too" she replied sweetly
"I know" said Beth " But mummy won't let me relate with people and go to fares, she said to be weary of everyone"
"Weary" Tilda asked and gained a vigorous nod from Beth, she thought back to the episode in the dining hall and more or less agreed with her mother.
"Well maybe your mother has reasons" Tilda replied as she ruffled Beth's hair.
Beth gave it a thought before asking " But you are an exception right?"
Matilda looked at the girl and saw nothing but a reflection of her small self, when she was deserted, lonely and in need of a friend and she did be damned if she didn't love the girl.
"Of course Bethie, we are friends"
She replied.
"And sisters" Beth added as she linked their hands together.
"And sisters" Matilda repeated smiling.
"Come on girls, time to go" Lizzy called out "We won't like to get on Aunt Martha's last nerve"
- Writer
