The Blood Heiress

Falling into Place

Adella

My purse hit the comforter with a muted thud. That's right! I had managed to forget all about the box that was enticing enough to 'borrow' from work. All thanks to Cass's visit. I pulled it out of my purse but lost my train of thought again as I started dwelling on Saturday. Could this really be happening to me? This seemed too good to be something that happened to me Adella...

"Addie?" Verity's voice called out from my cracked door. "You home?"

"Yep" I tore myself away from my thoughts and tried to focus on my friend now entering my room by throwing open my door.

"Bennie said that you had come home early. Everything good?" She looked me up and down. "What's that? That looks old!" She moved quickly over to sit next to me on the bed, her eyes fixated on the box. Darn it!

"Oh, nothing. Can't figure out how to open it." Technically true... She held out her hand and I hesitated but eventually let her look it over. My eyes followed it nervously.

"You're right. This box is super old. Huh...These markings on it make it look like something out of a movie. Is this gold?!" She moved over to a window and manipulated the box in her hands. "I think this is gold on here."

I followed her over and looked where she was pointing. "Wait, Ver those look like hinges! It is meant to open. Now to figure out how" I moved to a chair by the fireplace and mulled it over.

"Who made this thing? An established artist? Or someone new?" Her footsteps came closer and the box came into view. She offered to me and I took it. She sat opposite me.

I shrugged. "It is a mystery. I found it in an unmarked crate. It doesn't look like any style I have seen from our artists." Or any modern artist.

"Weird, so weird." Both of our attention turned to the object in question and then Verity broke our trance. "So, you ever going to make this place yours? Or did you and this is 'yours'" She quirked up an eyebrow and moved her hands about to indicate the whole space.

I pulled out my phone and ordered tea. "I haven't really thought about it. I like the room the way it is now."

"When you change your mind I am right across the hall and am itching to to do something" She looked to the walls and gave a shudder. "I wouldn't give up a chance to modernize this place just a little."

"I will keep that in mind thank you." Ver brushed off my sarcasm and just moved to the next topic. The box was weighing heavily in my hands. How did it open?

"Oh, did you get my photos? I took them just for you." She smirked and glanced up and c****d my head to one side.

"Yes, I did. I am glad you were able to get outside." I watched her become animated at my response.

"For one whole hour. I think I may have even gotten a sunburn on my nose." Her eyes crossed, punctuating her worry. Finally, she pulled out her phone and turned on the camera to double check the possible sunburn.

"I can't see one" Reassuring her, I stood up and moved to my closet. Regardless, she was going to still worry about something that wasn't there. And I wasn't going worry anymore about this box and its secrets. With that in mind, my goal changed and I became intent on hiding the box, keeping it safely stowed. I would return it, eventually. When I could figure what it was, what it held, and why it felt like it had a connection to me. That was for another day though.

"I had a busy day besides the requested intake of fresh air." She must have given up on discerning whether the sunburn existed.

"Does that mean you made a decision about school?" My voice carried an eager tone. Verity should have a chance to finish school, it was certainly more important now than ever.

"Yes and no." I emerged from my closet to see she had moved to stand by the window once more, her eyes surveyong the gardens. "I want to go back to school. I know that much." She looked back at me. Conviction and purpose set on her face, set in her brown eyes. "But since my parents are no longer paying for it. I want to go back and go for me. No more pre-med classes. No more med degree. I am going to figure out what I want to do by trying out what interests me while getting my prerequisites done. It may take a little longer but I never really wanted to do the pre-med route or the med route for that matter. Sure, I could make a crap ton of money that way. But if I am going to do life my way, it isn't going to just be about the money I could make. I owe it to myself. To my baby."

"That is great Ver," Tea service interrupted me as it arrived with Lana. I nodded gratefully, she smiled in return. "I can't wait to see what you choose."

"Thanks, me neither." She looked down at her still flat stomach. "Do you think you or Ben can help me apply for financial aid?"

"Sure, did you find anything of use to you in the packet he made? I am sure he knows which ones you can apply for." After grabbing a cup and some snacks I sat down in the chair once more and enjoyed the tea.

"Yes, it almost covers the cost but I will need something else to fill the gaps. Are you sure that you a a-okay with me taking your money? Even as a loan. You aren't even charging me interest. That isn't good business practice." She quirked up one side of her mouth in a half hearted smile and came over to grab herself some tea.

"It is the friends and family rate." I gave what I hoped was a reassuring smile. "Ver, I wouldn't have offered it to you if I wasn't sure that I wanted to. I don't want you to take it if you don't want to, though. I know you chose that school because you parents wanted you to go there and were going to pay for it. It is an expensive school to go to. You do not have to go to that college only. You could pick another and attend."

"I like it though. It has a great reputation and its programs are challenging. Just if I change my major that will throw me back to the beginning. I will most likely be in school for another four years. Thought that beats eight to twelve by a long shot." Her lips pressed themselves into a small line. She looked as if she may be trying to convince herself attending classes there was a good, responsible choice.

"Four years invested in an education that you get to chose. What is the down side? I think you should go for it. As far as the financial side of things we can ask Ben to aid you in applying for and securing it."

She nodded in agreement and then let out a big yawn. "Whoops, guess making major life decisions and soaking up the sun is too much for this pregnant lady." She wore a satisfied smile and stood up. "I will ask Ben tomorrow. I am going to go get some beauty sleep." I stood up next to her and gave her a quick hug. She squeezed me back and left for her room.

I lasted about ten minutes in my room by myself. My mind was buzzing between the box, the upcoming outing with Cassian and Verity's big decsion. I wasn't quite ready to relax. If I could even.

I made an alarm for Saturday on my phone, as if I needed a reminder and then went to write to Cassian. I froze though when I got to the messaging application. What do I even say? Nothing I could come up sounded any good. I eventually sent off the rather lackluster and run of the mill:

Excited for Saturday.

A few minutes passed with me just staring at the three words, contemplating if I should attempt to delete it. Then finding out I could only delete it for me. What a whole lot of good that would do me. I quickly exited the messaging app before could dig myself further into a hole. And I certainly wasn't ready to face whatever response Cass had to my feeble attempt.

It was then that my mind finally chose to function. I had let a very important piece of information get overshadowed by everything else. I still had to deal with Evander's response. I made a quick reminder alarm for next Monday at 5pm at the Gallery.

With determination, I left my room on a mission. Talking over Evander's response to my acceptance with Ben became the solution to filling the rest of the afternoon. I had some idea what black tie meant but I am sure I didn't know everything I needed to in order to be adequately prepared. I also needed to know what precisely was expected of me now in regards to the internship. And I wondered as I searched for Ben in the usual places, whether I should bring up René's recent behavior. The disappearing act in particular.

I leaned against the foyer wall and felt a little defeated. Ben wasn't in any of his usual spots. The maids were curiously absent as well. I ended up retreating to the dining room. It was almost my normal dinner time and more often than not Ben stopped by to catch up then. I sat in my usual spot and waited. Dinner came out at six sharp. I ate a delicious italian inspired pasta dinner, alone. Just as dessert was being served Ben made his appearance.

He had a bright, glowing aura around himself. It was odd on a man that usually was self possesed and reserved. His brown eyes shone out from his face and his skin seemed rejuvenated. He met my gawking gaze.

"Addie, please forgive my tardiness. I had some matters to attend to." He took his usual seat and it must have been my imagination that he was moving much faster than usual.

"Ben, something is different about you." I shook my head a little to try and clear it. He frowned slightly, dimming a bit.

"Ah yes, I have been eating healthier. No extra sugar." He cleared his throat and changed the subject. "What have you decided about Mr. Santos's offer? Have you had a chance to reach out to him?

"I texted him my acceptance this afternoon. He replied that we have a blacktie event on Monday." Ben nodded along with my words.

"Splendid! I will make sure that we make time to secure a suitable dress. Did he mention what type of event, specifically?"

"No, just blacktie. Do I need to know anything in particular for it?"

"Black tie in general refers to the dress code. But it can give you some helpful standards on some other aspects and what to expect. It is a typically formal affair. Many people who will attend will be powerful and prominent figures. It is wise to use your most professional etiquette no one will look down on being overly formal. Did he mention where the event is taking place."

I shook my head. "He plans on picking me up at 5pm in the plaze in front of Russo's Gallery."

"Hmm, well now that you are working with him, we need to change where you are picked up. Perhaps he could come here or we could have you meet him at his building."

"Why not the gallery?"

"You no longer need to intern there so it will just end up being out of the way. No one is supposed to know your true identity as of yet."

"I am not going back to galley?"

"Not after Friday, that part of your requirements is fulfilled. It is done for now. Of course when you fully assume your role you can work, visit or spend time in whichever business you like, whenever you'd like, if you'd like."

The thought of not going back to the gallery for a good while struck me as a blessing but how would René know what had happened. I need to tell him.

"Should I let René know?"

"Know what?"

"That I am not coming back to the gallery after Friday."

"Just let him know that you are no longer going to be working there and have accepted the position with Mr. Santos. He was there when the position was offered, wasn't he?"

"Yes, but how do I let him know."

He gave me a sideways look and then I saw a lightbulb go off. "Right, this would be your first time. In writing is customary. Write down your intention to move on and hand it to him. The other choice is verbally. More professinal to write it down though."

"That may be a problem Ben. René hasn't been into the galley for at least a week. If I leave without telling him, he won't be able to put someone in to fill my spot. Only Silvia and Greta will be there everyday. They hardly touch anything outside of assiting the customers."

"René hasn't been in for a week?" Ben looked surprised. And angry.

"Yes, Evan...Mr. Santos has been trying to track him down as well. But he can't find him."

"Interesting. I will look into contacting René myself then. You don't need to worry about it after all. I will take care of it and see that he knows and that he shows up. And Addie, don't worry then about going back to the galley between now and Monday. Your time there is completed. Unless you would like to. We can spend that time instead on proper etiquette for your upcoming event with Mr. Santos."

I nodded feeling a little lighter that I had time for some instruction on how to be succesful with Mr. Santos. The last thing I needed was to embarass him or myself and end this job before it began. Perhaps that is why he chose this event as a test.

"Thanks Ben I think I will need some help. Oh and speaking of help. Verity has decided to apply for financial aid and then take the loan to fill gaps. Could you help with that. At the very least, maybe just point her in the right direction?"

"Of course." I pushed my dessert plate off to the side and stood up. Ben followed. We discussed the best time for lessons to begin the following day and settled on around lunch time. Then I excused myself back to my room. There was much to sort out and get my head around. Best way to do that for me was to journal. I spent an hour filling in page after page. Disgesting, documenting the time that had lapsed since my last entry. Then I revisited the page of questions I still needed answers to. I managed to cross off two more but there still so many left. At this rate I will be five years older before I had all the answers I desired. A text notification roused me from the list and a silly smile spread on my face as I saw the sender.

Me too

Two little words but more than enough to send my heart fluttering again.

***

Between lessons on etiquette with Ben and hanging out with Verity the rest of the week passed quickly. Verity and I had manufactured a plan to get me to the park without making Ben suspicious. We opted to go with the simplest plan. Verity and I wanted to spend the day out and about having fun. She would accompany me to the park and then catch a cab to go shopping at the mall. Depending on when she finished she would tell Ben one of a few different excuses as to why I hadn't come back with her.

With that unpleasantness out of the way, the rest of our time together involved movie marathons, gossip sessions and unhealthy delivery. Ben was often left confused by the food we desired to have brought in when there was a perfectly good kitchen and chef on site.

Before I knew it, it was time to get ready for meeting Cassian at Occidental Park. As a rite of passage I spent a large portion of Friday evening in my closet at the urging of Verity. We were trying to get the perfect outfit put together. My fifth choice had Verity throwing up her hands.

"Addie, I love ya but this isn't date material." Her acussing finger pointed at the pile of clothes I had already gone through.

"Yes but it is....."

"Not a date, it is an outing." She swatted my concern away. "I know, I know. Seriously though? What the heck does outing even mean? Who talks like that any more? Are you or aren't going to spend time with your crush for whom you have romantic feelings?" I couldn't blame her for being impaitient with me. I knew it was a date. But Cass and I kept referring to it as and outing. What if he didn't want it to be a date? You know better than that... I did know better. At least I hoped so. This was all new.

"Okay fine, Ver what do you think I should wear then?" I stepped aside and with a flourish gave her permission to access my clothing.

"Finally!" She jumped at the chance to dress me. I flopped on an upholstered bench and watched her greedily grab a variety of options.

"How are these any different than what I picked out?" All I was seeing in her growing pile of 'appropriate' clothing was more of the same. I held up a pair of jeans with the top that she deemed worthy enough to go with them.

"It is all in the details. A sweetheart neckline, flirty lace, color. Your clothing choice is a nonverbal communication form. Do you want Cassian to know that you want him? Or are you trying to keep that under wraps?" She put her hand on her hip and looked at me expectantly.

I let out a sigh, irritated with where my mind went with her words. "Want him? We haven't even discussed whether this is a proper date or not. Now you want me to silently communicate with him that I want him?" She definitely picked up on the quiet panic growing in my voice.

"Woah woah woah, Addie. Chill I didn't mean carnal knowledge want. I simply meant that you are interested in pursing a relationship with him. That he gives you butterflies in your stomach. That you like him."

"Then say that next time." I glared at her for a second and then she laughed. I joined her.

"You are wound up a little tighter than usual, you sure you don't want him want him. Like..." She wiggled her eyebrows in suggestion.

I rolled my eyes and blushed harder. "Maybe...I don't know. And I certainly don't want him knowing. So make sure that my clothing says 'I'm interested' and not 'take me I'm yours'."

"Aye aye captain." She turned back around "You know Addie, Cassian seems like a guy who has lots of experience. I doubt you have much to worry about if the time every comes." Her tone was sincere those her word choice left me wanting to run.

"Oh my goodness! Ver can we not talk about this?"

"Sure thing, but if you need to, you know where I live." She turned to the pile she had created and spent some time going through it. My mind wouldn't stop spiraling thanks to the current topic of conversation. My leg started bouncing as a way to diffuse my growing stress.

After an absurd amount of deliberation Verity placed her choice in front of me, wearing her triumph on her face. I looked it over, picking it apart. A dark blue blouse, to match my eyes. A leather jacket to go over the top and black stretch jeans. She paired some ankle boots with it that match the leather jacket. I had to admit that I didn't hate it.

"What do you think?" She waved the clothing pieces in front of my face.

"I would have never thought to put this together. I like it."

"Just like it? Not loooovvveee it?" Her bottom lips jutted out.

"Fine I loooovvvee it." I purposefully used a rather flat tone but she took it anyway.

"He won't know what hit him. Do you have any ideas on what kind of hair style you want?" I sighed in defeat.

"No, what are you thinking?" I moved to start picking up the clothing and she pitched in without a word.

"I want to surprise you. Do you trust me?"

"Maybe..." I grinned.

She punched my arm lightly. "I will be in first thing tomorrow morning and you will just have to wait and see."

Once the closet was put back together she left and I got ready for bed. I wasn't sure with the nervousness gnawing at my stomach whether or not I would actually get some sleep before tomorrow. But sleep did visit me eventually. And with it came my recently absent nightmares. I broke free from them around 3 o'clock and decided a hot shower would calm my nerves. It did the trick and I was soon sleeping again with three hours before I needed to get up. At least some sleep was better than none.