Lunch party 2

She was right there. Laughing or smiling at something. Beside her was her husband. And they were not alone a lot of people had arrived and the party seems like have been started.

I felt numb. My old times start haunting me. Why she did what she did? Where I went wrong? It's been a long time that I have stopped thinking about these questions but watching her here today makes me wonder again.

I looked at my fingers. They felt heated and the pain was radiating like wave after wave. Grabbing my wrist I sank towards the floor as I winced in pain.

Most of the time I don't get these many hits in a single time. But today Mariah took things on the other level. It seems like she was venting off her anger. Only if I was paying attention and didn't bump into him.

In the end, it was my mistake again. Why? Why me? But then the pain became unbearable and I screamed in my brain.

"Sydney, Open the door. It's me." I heard Abigail from the other side.

It took everything in me to get up from my spot and open that door. She had a tray in her hand. She looked worried for me. Placing that tray on the table she helped me to sit on the bed.

"Where it hurts the most." She asked while getting me out of my T-shirt. I made her look at my fingers.

"Oh Dear," She sucked into the air. It took her 20 mins. In these 20 mins, she applied ointment. Wrapped a bandage around my fingers and gave me some anodyne along with some orange juice.

Tugging me into my bed she advised me to take some rest and left. I know she can't stay with me. Even though catering was taking care of everything, there must be a load of works from the Blake family itself. Laying on my bed I felt relaxed thinking that I won't be required to face anyone today. And let the darkness consume me.

My body responded to some thud. The moment I realize that someone was punching the door I forced myself to open my eyes. The first thing I noticed was the time. It was 1:45 pm. Indicating I only slept for 40 mins. Pushing the sheets away from my body I took my time to place my feet on the floor. My mind felt dizzy. Maybe it was the effect of the medicine.

"Sydney, I know honey.... That you are in there." Martha said.

My eyes shot open and my stomach dropped with fear. I could feel my throat is going dry. No, not this woman. But she never came to my room before. Because she always found you outside whenever she visits.

I start contemplating my options. And just like any other time I don't have any. The door was being knocked again. I let out a loud gasp and grab my t-shirt before going towards the door. I put my sweaty hand on the handle. Shutting my eyes closed I gulped down my saliva. You are numb. Just don't listen to any word or feel anything.

Turning the knob I opened the door. Two figures. I dread the most. I didn't look at them as my head was down. But I can imagine a little smile on their faces. I could feel their stare.

"Oh, sweet, I was looking for you everywhere. You know we only come to see you." Martha cooed and placed her hand on my shoulder. The pain shot from the lash on the shoulder. I pressed my lips and hold my breath to stop myself from wincing. But tears dread to come out. She took her hand back and start observing my room. It was their first time here.

"Just look at your room now. You know you are going to have a very big room really soon. Must be very happy." Sophie sneered.

I try not to pay attention to their words. I didn't have any option except being silent and taking whatever they have to throw at me. I do have a mouth but I am afraid of the consequences. Consequences. Yes, These very word rules over my life. But I still stand every day. I wonder how?

At first, Sofie was busy looking something on the walls but then she turned and asked. "Did you like that bridal dress? It was we who chose it for you."

I nod my head in yes. I don't know what else to say.

"What kind of question is this. Just look at her Sophie...." Martha said as she came to me and put her finger in the hole my t-shirt had on the belly. I totally forgot about it as I always wear an apron over it, So, I didn't mind this hole before. I sucked on my breath when her finger touched my bare stomach.

"... That dress is indeed a luxury. Right, Sydney?" Martha continued.

I don't know if I should be nodding or not. I just feel too embarrassed. "I am sorry..." I was about to explain when she cut me off.

"Don't be sorry Sydney. We are gonna be family.... Soon." Martha said the last part quite firmly.

"And yes it is gonna be really nice. Only if you won't try to snatch Arthur from us." Sophie said hurriedly.

"Don't be stupid Sophie. It's her who has to adjust. And I can already look through her. She will do just fine..." Martha said and then her mouth was on my ear making me flinch a little. "And you Sydney. We will look out for you. You will be more than fine with us." Martha continued.

"Sophie, let's just do for what we are here," Martha ordered.

"And you.. Umm, yes, Sydney. Look up." Martha told me.

I looked up and Sophie clicked a photo. I felt self-conscious. It was not the first time that they were taking my Pics. They always did. I should get used to it but I can't. Even the mere fact of that person's creepy fetish is enough to make me nauseous.

"Ok, honey, don't give that face. When he sees that pics of yours I want to see him happy. So, you better try with a smile." Martha ordered.

I try to felt numb. but it still hit me. They are clicking my pics for him. That horrible person. My breath got hitched. Fear overtook me as I started sweating profusely. I looked at Martha helplessly to see her eyes filled with amusement. She was enjoying the authority she had over me.

"I said smile," Martha repeated herself. But I was still.

"Martha her outfit is really too bad. How can she possibly smile wearing something like this." Sophie tried to say innocently like she is 14.

"A point well made." Martha agreed.

And the very next moment Sophie grab the very same blue dress Rose ordered me to iron last night.

"Try this one." Sophie chimed and her voice cringed me badly.

"I can't. It belongs to Rose." I tried to reason with them.

"Never talk back, Sydney. Wear this." Martha's dominating voice warned me and shook me to my core. I went behind the changing screen. My hands were shaking badly. And lashes still hurt. Not too much. As I was under analgesics now. But I could feel sore all over. I changed into the dress. I do recall that it is after years that I have tried a proper dress. I wish that Rose doesn't see me wearing her dress. It was a long off-shoulder V-neck dress. Wearing the dress I realized that the front cut of the dress was deep enough to show my cleavage. I felt self-conscious. I try to pull it up. I can't go in front of these women like this. And the lash on my right arm was all so apparent.

"Don't be shy, Sydney. Come out already." Martha said.

I didn't respond. My breathing became erratic.

"Come out, Now!" Martha said sharply. I flinched but I know they didn't see. Taking small steps I walk out.

"No offense. But you still look like shit." Martha commented.

"Malnutrition is the right word. You are awfully lean... " Sophie said but then stop and massage her forehead with her thumb and continued.

"And look at that mark on her arm. How she ever gonna wear that wedding gown with these marks?" She said those words showing a very fake concern.

My throat went dry. I just don't know how to get out of this. I never know. I could feel their gaze and just want to hide. So, I was just standing still in the middle of the room when Martha commanded. 

"Sit, Sydney."