Pearl tears

CHAPTER 4

CHAPTER 4

“This is a very large place, the house, lawns and gardens are the largest in the state, and the best guarded. Being the oldest home standing we occasionally have some history buffs try to get in, but they don’t make it far.” Cass explains as she starts showing Pearl around. “As you can see here,” She point’s to the many pictures on the walls. “Most of the Family have always been very stern and firm in things that involve the Mason name.” She leans in close to Pearl's ear, whispering. “That’s why most of them look like they have a stick shoved up their asses.” They both go into a fit of laughter. 

“I was thinking that exact thing!” Pearl says, wiping the tears of laughter away. She looks at Cass who is mockingly walking and putting a face on as close to those in the pictures she can. Sending them into another giggle fit. “That was perfect!” Pearl gets out between breaths and giggles. 

They continue around the house Cass explaining where each door or hallway led too. “You do realise I’ll never be able to remember all of this,” Pearl says waving her arm in the air. “It’s just too much.”

“You know I thought the same when I first began working here, but it’s really not as hard as you think. But if you're overwhelmed just remember I’ll be here to help you.” She puts a hand on Pearl's shoulder reassuringly. The sparks Pearl feels is like when someone rubs their feet across carpet then touches someone or something. Except this is more subtle, yet more attention grabbing. Cass quickly steps away and Pearl instantly misses the contact. 

“Good, I'm counting on you.” Pearl turns her head trying to look elsewhere to hide the blush creeping up her face. Did she really just say that? Oh. My. God. What is going on with me? Pearl can’t believe she told someone she was counting on them. She finally looks toward Cass. Expecting anything but the flash of caring and… is that love? Pearl shakes her head. 

“How about we go look at the gardens next? The roses are beautiful this time of year.” Cass grabs Pearl's hand and they start walking to the doors leading out to the gardens. Pearl's heart skips a beat and a smile lights her face as they walk hand in hand. The relief that washes over her knowing that Cass didn’t reject or make fun of her was the next best thing, after the feeling of their hands intertwined. 

They walk silently down a path surrounded by the most beautiful flowers Pearl has ever seen. The scent of them filling her nose, she smiles. Cass leads her to a bench and then they both sit silently for a few moments. Their peaceful moment ends when they suddenly hear voices shouting. 

“No! Father you can’t be seriously considering this, you know I have no interest in marrying.” the first strong voice says. 

“Well, Drake, it really doesn’t matter what you have an interest in or not. I am very serious, serious enough that she is already here.” Mr. Mason's voice is commanding and clear.

“What!?!? Here? As In this house right now?” The shock and anger are clear in Drake's words. “What did you do? Kidnap some random girl off the streets? It doesn’t matter. I. AM. NOT. MARRYING. So you take whatever w***e you dug up back to wherever you found her and leave me to live my life!” 

Pearl sit’s frozen listening to the father son conflict when the sudden slam of doors grabs her attention. A very handsome man storms out of the house mumbling to himself his arms flaying as he paces back and forth in frustration.

“We should go back in.” Cass whispers to her. Pearl nods, her attention still on the angry man in front of her. A shiver runs through her as flashes of her mother going into rages and the beatings she would get. Much of the time she never knew what set her mother off. She just learned to keep her head down and take what her mother gave her silently. If she questioned why the beatings would be even worse.

As if sensing her distress Cass puts her arm around Pearl comfortingly. “Let;s get you back to your room. Ok?” Again all Pearl can do is nod. Suddenly the man turns and sees them as they stand and storms over. 

“I don’t know what my father paid or promised you but you’ve wasted your time. I’m not going to marry some random w***e just because my father wants it. So pack up and leave.” He screams at Pearl. Getting so close to her she can feel his hot breath hitting her face. Pearl shrinks back in fear. Cass steps in front of her protectively. 

“Drake, you don’t know her and have no right to call her a w***e or anything else! She is as much a victim in this as you are, more so if you ask me. Now.BACK.OFF!” Cass’s voice is low and threatening. Almost a growl. Drake steps back as Cass’s words get to him. His anger starts slipping away. 

“Look, I’m sorry. It’s just my father, and this entire situation, Cass is right,” he sighs, running a hand through his hair. “I don’t even know your name and I’ve no right to take my anger out on you.”

“Her name is Pearl.” Cass tells him, putting her arms around Pearl and pushing her gently towards the doors. “And next time try talking to her before being a total asshat.” She adds over her shoulder.

“I’m sorry, okay?” he yells at their backs. They continue on without turning around.

Getting back to her room Pearl rushes in throwing herself on the bed, tears streaming down her cheeks. “I’m n-n-not a wh-wh-whore.” She hiccups out between sobs. 

“Hey now, don’t you listen to that prick! He is just mad at his father and taking it out on you. He didn’t mean it but if he does that s**t again I’m going to knock him down a peg or two.” Pearl looks at Cass and sees the seriousness in her face. Pearl takes a deep breath and wipes at the tears. 

“Why would you do that for me? You're also risking your job here aren’t you?” Cass nods, still fuming.

 “I don’t care! There are many other jobs I can find. He has no right to talk to anyone that way, especially a sweet girl like you.” She puts her hands gently on Pearl's face. Her voice dropping slightly. “As for why I would do that for you, well, this is why.” 

She pulls Pearl's face to hers bringing their lips together gently. Pearl is shocked at first and is about to pull away but something inside her stops her. Her hands move on their own wrapping around Cass’s neck. She opens her mouth allowing their tongues to taste each other. 

Cass breaks the kiss first. “That was amazing.” She whispers.