Pearl tears

Chapter 2

     Pearl reached the door first. Ok, this is it, let's see who our guest is.  Pearl was so nervous her hands shook as she opened the door. Standing before her was a tall, dashing man, dressed in a very expensive suit. He had short dark brown hair and very handsome features. His eyes are what caught Pearl's attention the most, they were a deep sea blue that seemed to penetrate the soul. 

     "Hello, welcome to our home" Pearl said politely, trying to hide how nervous she was. "Please won't you come in?"

     "Well now, aren't you sweet, you must be Pearl," he said as he gave her a small bow. 

     "Yes sir, I am. May I take your jacket?" Who is this man? I don't think I've ever seen anyone so debonair. 

     "Why yes you may my dear," He said as he removed his jacket and placed it softly into Pearl's hands. "Let me introduce myself, I am John Mason, but please call me John." 

      "It's a pleasure to meet you sir." Pearl placed her hand out offering a handshake but was shocked by another small bow and a kiss to her hand. She gave a nervous giggle then quickly turned and called to her mother. " Mother, Mr. John Mason is here. Shall I seat him in the living area or the dining area?" 

      "Oh dear! Mr. Mason you're early. I must look a fright" she said with a flirty and feigned look of shock. " I do apologize sir, I have been working on dinner and lost complete track of time. I do so love cooking." She sauntered over to us placing her hand out to Mr. Mason.

     "You look gorgeous as always my dear," he took her hand and gave it a small quick peck. "I don't think you could ever look frightful" he said as he gave Pearl a quick wink. 

     Ok, this is just too weird, Thought Pearl. They seem to know each other, but how? And for how long?  She looked back and forth at the two as the questions raced through her mind. Why have I never met or even heard his name before now? What is going on? And who is this woman kidding? Is she for real? That was the worst flirt I've ever seen! 'I do so just love cooking' Pearl mocked her mother in her thoughts. Eww! Lie! She hates cooking and always makes me do it… What is she playing at? Pearl just didn't have any answers and it was really irritating. She gave her head a small shake to clear her thoughts.  

     "Pearl, please seat Mr. Mason in the dining room and then come help me serve dinner." She turned back to Mr. Mason. "I'll be there in just a moment John," she said with a flirtatious smile. She walked back to the kitchen. 

      Pearl seated Mr. Mason. "Would you like a drink? I do believe we have a red wine chilling." 

     "That would be delightful, Thank you Pearl." 

    She nodded then hurriedly walked to the kitchen. 

     "Mother, Mr. Mason would like a glass of wine."

     "Then get him one and hurry back, it's time to serve dinner." Then in a much lower and menacing tone she added, "You better not screw this up, you hear me? Because if you do I'll give you the worst punishment of your life!"

     "Yes Mother, I hear you. I won't mess up I swear." Pearl rushed out to pour the wine for Mr. Mason and her mother. She knew her mother would be angry if she didn't. Her hands were shaking as she poured the wine into both glasses. Breath Pearl, she told herself, you got this. Steady those hands, don't spill any. She filled the glasses to the mark her mother had taught her. She handed one to Mr. Mason and placed the other in front of her mother's plate. 

     "Thank you, Pearl. It's nice to see such manners from a young person these days. You know I've tried to teach my son manners," he said with a laugh. "But I don't think he's remembered how to use them since he was a child." He shook his head. "Your mother should be very proud to have such a wonderful daughter." There was something in his eyes when he spoke but it was gone as quickly as it came. 

     Confused by the look he gave, Pearl quickly thanked him and rushed back to the kitchen to start serving dinner. 

      Once dinner was served and they were all seated her mother and Mr. Mason was quickly engrossed in conversation. Pearl sat there listening as she nibbled on her food. Hoping she could find some clue as to who Mr. Mason was and why her mother went to such great lengths to impress him.

     "This is delicious Jackie, I can't remember the last time I had such amazing food."

     "Thank you John, I'm glad you like it. How's your son? Drake is it?"

     "That's correct, and he's very well, he actually just got back from visiting a few of the colleges in the area. He's applied to several different ones but can't seem to decide on any specific place." He turned and looked at Pearl. "Have you made any plans for college?"

     "No sir, not as of yet" she said looking towards her mother. Yeah right, Pearl thought. Like I'm ever going to go to college. I'll be lucky if I can find a job and get out of here. 

     "Pearl just can't make up her mind either, and as you know we've had a few financial difficulties. So that does limit her choices" her mother said sadly. 

     "That's a real shame. Such a bright and pleasant young lady shouldn't be limited in any way" he looked over at Pearl and then back to her mother. "I may have a solution for you both, but let's discuss that later. Right now I'm going to enjoy this dinner" he said, picking up his fork. 

      "Sounds wonderful John. I'm happy you decided to join us this evening. We haven't seen each other in so long. The last time was… well just after High school wasn't it?"

     "You are correct. I guess we all just got busy with life. I did send flowers when I heard of your husband's accident. I do hope you got them."

    "We did thank you. It was very thoughtful of you."

     So they went to school together. Did he know daddy too? Pearl finally got one answer but she still has so many questions. She desperately wanted to ask them out loud but she didn't dare. She knew if she asked the wrong thing her mother would beat her for days.

     The rest of the dinner was full of talk of their school days and catching up. Finally the meal ended. 

     "Pearl sweetie, would you be a dear and clear the table? Me and John will adjourn to the living room. We have a few things to discuss and don't need to be disturbed" she said pointedly. The way she spoke made Pearl very uneasy. She didn't understand why it disturbed her, but she did as her mother requested.

      An hour later Pearl's mother called her into the living room. The uneasy feeling seemed to get worse but Pearl tried to ignore it as she walked in and sat in the chair her mother pointed to.

     "John and I have been talking," she said with a happy gleam in her eye. "We have decided you will marry his son, Drake."

     "Wait.. Marry someone I've never met?" Pearl couldn't keep the shock from her voice. "What are you talking about Mother?"

      "I know this is sudden but you'll have plenty of time to get to know Drake." She stood up and walked over to the drink table. She continued with her back towards us. "You will go tonight. No need to pack a thing either. John has everything you'll need and if not he'll purchase it." She walked over to Pearl handing her a glass of wine. "Here dear this should help your nerves. Drink up, I know you want to protest everything but once you take a few moments to relax and think things over I believe you will agree this is what's best."   

     Pearl looked at her mother and took the glass of wine. She tried to take only a sip but her mother held the bottom of the glass forcing it up so Pearl had no choice but to drink. "Mother I.." Before she could say anymore Mr. Mason interrupted.

     "I am offering you an opportunity for a lifetime of wealth and a chance for all your dreams to come true. You'll have everything you'll ever need." Pearl heard his words but her mind was racing so fast she couldn't comprehend what he was saying. 

     "I'm not understanding. Mother, Mr. Mason, you can't be serious…" she trailed off. Lost for words.

    "We are serious, and what's to not understand? You will have everything you could ever want! It's not that bad of a choice," her mother said irritated. "I would take the offer in a heartbeat!"

     Pearl was at a loss. She knew that if she didn't agree her mother would probably kill her. It can't be any worse than it is living here.. Mr. Mason seems nice. I don't think he would do something to hurt me… but he is still a stranger.. Whoa.. I feel weird. Pearl started to feel light headed. 

     "I think I need to lay down Mother," Pearl said as she tried to stand. "I'm feeling very odd." She tripped. Luckily Mr. Mason caught her or she would have fallen face first into the end table.

     "I think it best if you sit back down," Said John, helping her back into the chair. "You must have a low tolerance to wine."

     Of course I do, Thought Pearl. I don't drink.  She tried to speak but nothing came out. Then everything went dark.