I took a deep breath but not a step off from where I stood. Did Mom ask the general to come take me out, or did she permit him to have his way with me? Mother is of great political influence; she had her way with a lot of things that were far beyond my reach.
I swallowed this time. What’s the point of dangling in thoughts? I turned and met Maria waiting by the stairs; her eyes staring me in the face like she was also startled to hear the general utter my mother in his words.
“The clothes,” she said, “they are ready.”
I faked a smile. she was in awe, too. I could see it clearly on her face. She was not good at hiding emotions. She was such a predictable and readable young lady.
“Okay,” I uttered and made for the stairs. She moved aside to have me pass, and I did. We had nothin
