Lightning interrupted the dark night. The town looked so deserted; the trees swayed from side to side. The windmill blades pick up speed; the roofs of every house made creaking noises.
When the thunder struck, the noise woke Susan up, she grabbed her blanket. I can’t believe I’m still afraid of thunder, she thought.
After a while she fell back asleep. When the light rays shone on Susan’s face, she opened her eyes, to see Macy, the housemaid opening the curtains.
“Good Morning, Miss.”
Macy had blonde shoulder length hair with blue eyes and a button nose; her lips were thin and had been taking of Sudan since she was baby.
Susan stood up from her bed and walked towards the window.
The room was fit for a princess; The queen size bed was at the centre of the room, the dresser table was next to the bed; a shelf of books beside the study table was on the wall in front of the bed and the walk in closet was opposite the door of the room.
The rainbow outside the window caught Susan’s attention. “What a wonderful view,” she said smiling.
“Miss, you need to get ready soon, breakfast will soon be served,” said Macy.
Susan turned towards Macy with a childish smile on her face.
Macy went into the bathroom to prepare the bath. Susan walked into the bathroom as she looked at mirror.
Her brown long wavy hair was tangled like a bird’s nest; her pale greens eyes had eye bags under them; her small pointed nose was puffy from rubbing it in her sleep; her lips were dry and cracked.
She was displeased with her reflection, when Macy came to get her.
“Miss? What’s the matter?”
Susan stood motionless with her mouth open but no words came out.
Macy noticed how unpleasant Susan’s reflection was and led her to tub, then proceeded to bath her.
When she was done bathing her, they came out of the bathroom. Susan sat on the chair near her dresser while Macy dried her hair with a dryer. As Susan applied her body lotion, Macy went to get her outfit for the day from the walk in closet.
Macy put the dress on the bed and the shoes on the floor beside it. Macy did Susan’s make up and she helped her put on her dress; which was a white A-line dress that made her figure look defined and just stopped above her knees. Macy also helped Susan into her peach strapped stilettos.
“Is there anything else you need help with, miss?”
“No, thank you.”
Macy bowed and left the room, heading to the kitchen to help out with breakfast.
Susan went to her dress table and put on her white stud earrings. Then she left her room and walked down the stairs. As she climbed down the stairs, the pictures of the former heads of the Peyton lineage on the wall always caught her attention.
They all had this burdened look in their eyes or maybe she was just seeing things.
The dining room was exquisite. The walls were covered with a shimmering gold paper and in the middle of the ceiling above the carved oak table was a candelabra. Down the center of the table was a runner with Celtic design woven in gold and green into the fabric itself. At the end of the table were floor to ceiling wooden French doors. The polished silver cutlery was heavy to the hand and shone brightly in the early morning light. At each place stood a tall empty wine glass and there were beautifully folded napkins to match the runner. All that was missing was the food and the guests.
Mr James Peyton and Mrs Jennifer Peyton sat at the edges of the table, facing each other. Susan took her seat at the centre of the table.
“Good Morning Mother and Father.”
“Good Morning Dear,” Mrs and Mr Peyton replied in unison.
The maids came into the dining hall through the wooden French doors with plates of food. Each maid placed a plate in front of them and another maid poured orange juice into their glass cup.
When all the plates were placed on the table the maids left.
This oatmeal is so delicious, Susan thought.
During breakfast all talking ceased, allowing everyone to eat in silence. When everyone finished eating they went about their daily activities.
***
Susan laid on her bed reading a book, the knock on the door interrupted her. “Come in.”
Susan’s mother came into the room and sat down on the bed.
“Susan, dear, we need to talk.”
Susan closed the book she was reading and sat beside her mother.
“Alright, mother.”
“Mr Jason Jackson is coming tomorrow and you know what that means.”
“Not really, mother,” Susan said sounding not interested.
“Wedding bells Dear,” Mrs Peyton said sounding so excited.
“Mother, I am not ready to get married yet.”
“Why Dear?.”
“For crying out loud, I’m only seventeen!”
“You’re turning eighteen soon and will technically be an adult.”
“I still have my whole life ahead of me.”
“Marriage is the best way to start then.”
She rolled her eyes at her mother’s remark.
“We’re in the present mom and talk of early marriage proposals is a thing of the past.”
Her mother just giggled at her daughter’s silly concept of marriage.
“Dear you’re still naive to the things of this world. Trust me you will thank me later.”
“If I say am going to meet him will you stop bothering me?” she asked trying her best not to lose her composure.
“Wonderful! You’re really a smart girl, I raised you well.” Her mother hugged her tightly and kissed her cheeks.
“You won’t regret this dear.”
Then she left the room practically skipping out the door like a five year old with a new piece of candy.
My mother can be so unbearable sometimes, Susan thought.
***
Macy was helping Susan get ready for bed.
“You know Macy, I’m going to meet somebody tomorrow.”
“Who?” Macy asked, while brushing Susan’s hair.
“Mister Jason Jackson.”
“The Jackson’s are very well known for their many business accomplishments.”
“Why is my mother insisting, I met him.” Susan said. “Your family has a history with them which has been held on for a century.”
“I’m still not happy about this.”
“Miss, there’s no need to be sad I’m sure his visit is strictly business.”
“I hope so but my mother made it seem his was to met me personally. How misleading!” Susan shrugged.
“Alright I am done brushing your hair, is their anything else you need my help with, miss?”
“No you may leave.”
Macy bowed and left the room to the servant quarters. Susan laid on her bed and covered herself with her blanket.
I hope tomorrow goes well, she thought then she turned off the light and fall asleep.