Dark Hearts

Chapter Eight

Melia's pov

People are of different kinds. Some people stay with you for years and you barely know who they really are. But some people draw you in by the smallest of things. It could be the look on their face, an expression they make or even a smile.

Looking at the woman who just entered the room, I could feel myself connecting to her in the weirdest way.

The stranger was radiant as she looked around the room. She was dressed down unlike Bastain and Mrs. Monroe who always wore the finest of apparels. Everything about her screamed “wealthy” in a subtle way.

“Sister.” Bastain muttered. “You're here.”

That explained it. I guess good looks did run in the family.

“Well, isn't this a cozy little gathering.” She announced. “And no one invited me.”

Touching her chest in mock hurt, she tried faking a crying face, but her expression didn't move from one of sheer boredom. It was so similar to Bastain's that I did a double take.

“My darling.” Mrs. Monroe said, going to give her a hug.

“You didn't tell me you'd be back this early.” She said, touching her daughter's face tenderly. “Are you alright?”

Bastain's sister rolled her eyes and stepped out of her mother's embrace. “If I'd known you'd be this touchy, I would've stayed back in Mexico.”

A hurt expression, unlike anything I'd ever seen on her, flashed through Mrs. Monroe's face but it was gone as soon as it appeared.

The sister walked off and into Bastain's open arms. When she pulled away, they seemed to be having a silent conversation before she nodded and wiped at her face.

Turning and finally noting my presence, she asked curiously. “And who might this be?”

“Mariana, say hi. This is your brother's fiancee, Melia.” Marianna's eyes widened in surprise at her mother's words.

“Fiancee? Well that is unexpected.” She walked straight for me, pulling me up from the chair and began walking in circles around me slowly. I felt like a fish on display. The room was silent, as if everyone awaited her response and of course, approval.

“She doesn't look like your normal type, B. You usually like them to be incredibly obnoxious and talkative.” Marianna sneered at him, playfully. “Airheaded even.”

Bastian's eyes locked with the ceiling, a silent cry for help. “Marianna…” he groaned in exasperation.

Then the most unexpected thing happened, she stopped in front of me and gave me a hug.

“You look like you need it.” She whispered. The study was quiet, Mr. Collins had left the room moments after Marianna walked in.

Bastian and Mrs. Monroe stared at Marianna like she'd grown two heads. Seems like hugging people willingly wasn't an everyday occurrence. She pulled away and walked around the study, touching different items.

“Mari, since you're here, can you help Melia prepare for tonight's dinner?” Bastian asked.

He handed her a black card. At Marianna's hesitation, he added. “Please, Mari. There's no one else I trust to do this.”

Marianna finally conceded and took the card.

“See you guys later.” She said walking out the door.

“C'mon, Melia.” She threw over her shoulder.

Bastian looked at me and as usual, I was swept under the intensity of his piercing gaze.

“I.. I guess I'll go.” I muttered to no one in particular.

I was almost out the door when I heard his deep voice. “I'll see you tonight.”

I don't even want to know why that made me smile so wide.

******

A sporty convertible was parked next to the fountain, looking extremely expensive. In the last few weeks, I'd become exposed to wealth that I'd only seen on TV and many times imagined.

I stared at the fine invention for so long, I didn't notice that Marianna had already walked to the driver's side.

“What are you doing?” She said, giving me a confused look. “Get in.”

I rushed over to the passenger side, pushed open the door and took a seat. The car roared to life as we sped through the city. The silence was comfortable and I wanted it to remain.

“Are you always this quiet?” Marianna asked, her words breaking the long silence.

“N-No. I…I don't know what to say “ I stuttered.

“My family. They can be really intense.” She said, eyes laser focused on the road.

“I saw it. The documents, before Collins packed it up and left.” One hand on the wheel, eyes meeting mine she spoke again. “Whatever it is, I hope you sort it out. You look like one of the good ones.”

I scoffed and a light laugh escaped me. “You can tell just by looking at me.”

“Yeah.” She said, smiling. “My instincts have only failed me once.”

Her smile faded slowly. Her expression turned blank and she shut down. I knew better than to ask, so I pressed my lips together and looked out the window. We spent the rest of the ride in silence.

As we stepped into the boutique an hour later, there was an obvious shift in her demeanor. The woman who spoke kind words to me back in the car was gone, replaced by a business woman. Even in her casual clothes.

The boutique was a haven of luxury. There were racks of designer clothes, shelves of exquisite accessories and attentive stylists to cater to our every whim. The staff seemed to fall over themselves trying to impress us. Marianna, more especially. I was almost invisible.

“We need something stunning for tonight.” She declared to the stylist who'd been following us since we'd walked in. “This is my good friend and we are going to a special dinner. She needs to look the part.”

Good friend. I loved the sound of that.

The stylist nodded eagerly and within moments, I was ushered into a dressing room, surrounded by racks and an array of elegant pieces of clothing.

“Here.” She said, handing me a silk green gown. “Try this on.”

I took the gown, my eyes moving to the stylist.

“Um… could you please excuse me?” She looked rather shocked that I was talking to her. Marianna gave her a pointed look which sent her scurrying off.

I didn't want her to see either. But I'd choose her over that nosy stylist.

“I can leave, you know.” Marianna said, reading the look on my face.

“No, it's fine.”

I slowly pulled off my sundress. Bastian's housekeeper, Pam, had given it to me this morning because I had nothing to wear and hadn't gotten around to buying new clothes.

Her gasp was soft but loud as she stared at my back in horror. I knew what she was seeing. Pink marks, little welts, and scars from years of suffering under Beatrix's abuse. I put the gown on and marveled at how something so little could stretch over my barely-existing figure.

Shame and self-consciousness made me wrap my arms around myself.

“It's- it's not what it looks like.” But Marianna looked unconvinced. She walked towards me and pulled my arms from around myself.

“You are beautiful, Melia. No matter what you've been through. You are stronger than you think. I see that.”

Her eyes grew misty and I felt the dampness on my cheek.

“Now come on. Let's make my brother lose his tongue.” Her words made me giggle. I didn't think that would happen but I didn't want to argue with her. For the first time ever, it felt like I had someone in my life who actually saw me.