Lipstick on the Glass

Eden There was a storm brewing, maybe not one in the sky but within the family. My parents had been arguing over me and my life more-so than usual. It's supposed to be the only thing I could have control over but I've lost that privilege the second I decided to stain the white marbled floors with my blood. I sighed, staring into the vanity mirror. I twirled the pearl earrings while gazing at my reflection. It became silent which gained my attention. Standing from my bench, I opened the door and made my way down the stairs. There was laughter, it sounded fake and forced. I rolled my eyes and ventured further down. "Oh, there she is! Eden, darling, come meet a friend of mine." My father flagged me down. I slapped a graceful smile upon my face and walked across the large area of marble flooring. There was an elder couple, well not exactly old but younger than my parents I suppose. The woman wore her hair in loose curls that fell down her shoulder. She was lovely with a fawn complexion, her deep chocolate brown eyes were slightly slanted and mysterious if anything else. She clung to her husband's arm, a tall man almost six foot even. He smiled kindly while the lights from the chandelier casted a golden hue off his deep umber skin. His eyes were russet but maybe a little brighter. While he held out his hand, I took it and bowed as I greeted them. "This is Andre and Monroe Geoffrey, they'll be joining us for dinner." My father informed me. "Oh, well it's a pleasure to be in your presence for the evening." I smiled graciously. "You're too kind, our son will be joining us as well. I think that your mother has dragged him to the piano." Monroe smiled looking off to the left. My father led the way as we went in search of them. A melodious sound filled my ears, we stopped just a couple feet away from the grand piano. The sight of the Kingsley Geoffrey was a rare one. He was never captured by the media and if he was it was for something righteous or of good deed. Never a scandal. I watched as his fingers moved skillfully about the keys to the very end. My mother's thunderous clap filled the room, she stood up and squeezed his shoulders as she leaned in to whisper to him. What she said, I have no idea. "Oh, there you are. Sweetheart, wasn't that just beautiful?" She asked, turning towards me. I nodded, "It was amazing, he is very skillful with his hands." I agreed. She giggled and popped my hand as she placed her attention back on Kingsley. I tilted my head back to look up at him, he was taller than his father, maybe by a couple inches. He shared the same eyes as his father, only duller. He stared back uninterested, regardless, he reached for my hand and introduced himself personally. "Your mother has been speaking of you non-stop. It's great to finally meet you." He said. My eyes cut to my mother who looked away, twirling her mulberry-dyed hair around her finger. I twisted my lips into a smile and nodded. "Well, I hope it was all good things." So, why don't you two chat for a while until dinner is ready." My mother clasped her hands together. Monroe wore an entertained smirk as she glanced to her husband. "Of course, Marigold, show me your home museum that you've been bragging about. I'm sure you have many pieces that I'd enjoy." Monroe detached herself from her husband. Her eyes traveled from my mother and to Kingsley, she stood so close to him. My father wasn't apart of the conversation as he was on his phone, further away from the group. Kingsley turned to me and I followed to the couch. Sitting on the opposite side of him, I watch my mother watch us. She remained for some lingering seconds before she led Monroe away. My father and Andre disappeared soon after. "Do you drink?" He asked, pulling a flask from his chest pocket. "I do but I have my own." I muttered, reaching under the seat cushion of the couch. "Safe hiding spot?" Kingsley smirked. "You think my mother lifts a finger to clean? One of the safest." I chuckled twisting the top off. "You know what this is, right?" He asked. I noted the tone of his voice, relaxed and deeper. Glancing up, I nodded. It happened every each. I'm introduced to a man, suggested in dating and then marriage is brought up soon after. "So. what's your deal? Why are your folks trying to buy a husband for you?" He asked. His expression was amused, but he seemed like he truly wanted to know by the way he stared, waiting for an answer. I shook my head, "I don't know a man who'd want a wife that tried to kill themselves, multiple times." I claimed. He brought the flask to his lips, "You've gotten caught each time?" He asked. "You could say that." I hummed, looking away. "I was caught once, the other times they just found me sooner than expected." He said, leaning into the couch. He threw an arm over the back and sighed. "Your parents think that a partner is what you're missing and would fix things? That's what my mother thinks about me at least." I rolled my eyes at the thought. He smiled shaking his head, "Not quite but something around that neighborhood." He mumbled. Footsteps approached, Kingsley dropped his flask into his pocket and I slid my hand behind the throw pillow. My mother stood in the doorway smiling. She approached us, and sat on the other side of Kingsley. "Dinner is ready, are you two joining now or will be joining us shortly?" She asked. "I think we'll be there shortly, we were having an interesting conversation about a piece of artwork that she showed me." Kingsley turned his body towards her. He placed a hand on her knee and she blushed like a teenager. It was no secret that my mother enjoyed the attention of men, my father knew very well before they married. He didn't care as long as she didn't get pregnant by another. "Is it that portrait of her? It's lovely isn't it?" She asked. "Absolutely gorgeous." Kingsley replied. "Okay, but don't be too long." She smiled as she rose from the chair. She flashed me a quick smile before she disappeared beyond the door. "Are you screwing my mother?" I questioned. "I'm not but she has asked multiple times, so back to situation at hand. Would you like to make a alliance?" Against our families." He smiled. "I'm intrigued but explain." I brought out my flask again. "Let's give them what they want. Let's date for a year, get engaged the following and them a year after, let's get married. I think they'll approve." He said. "Of course they would, but why?" I was hesitant to agree. "To put an end to these, unless you're holding out hope that a sane man will make you their wife?" He quirked a thick brow. "I'll agree for now, but we can get together and draw out some rules and expectations." I agreed, partially. "Just one thing that's non-negotiable, kids. I don't want any kids." He said. "You took the words right out of my mouth, that's something I can definitely agree with." I stood up and stretched. Kingsley stood as well and fixed his suit. As we made our way down the hall, we could hear our parents. Turning the corner, we entered the dining room. Kingsley pulled out my chair, being seated, he pushed me forward before sitting across from me. My mother cleared her throat, looking to the empty chair on the other side of her. "So, Eden and I have made a date for the weekend. I hope that's alright with everyone?" He looked around the table. "Really?" My father gawked. "You look shocked, daddy." I smiled. "I'm just happy is all, well I'm just dandy with that." He said, nudging my mother. "Are you sure, Kingsley? I know she can be a handful." She said. "I like a challenge." Kingsley turned to me. "Great." My mother gritted through a forced smile. "That's great, so don't worry about working all this week. You just take your time making things perfect for this weekend." Monroe beamed. Her husband opened his mouth to speak but she gave him a side look and he nodded in agreement. "I think I will." Kingsley agreeded.