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» CHAPTER SEVEN: IF ONLY «

Kevin’s heart pounded as he sat in the library, trying to read a thick book. Brian had earlier came in and served him a tray of tea and scones. He was no longer curious, he didn’t want to know more, because he was scared to death now. Maybe he had jumped to conclusions, but someone had killed somebody, for some reason. But he didn’t want to know, he just wanted to be happy with Geri, not worry about anything else. He wished the wedding day would come soon, so that they could escape together, far away from the manor.

Brian shuffled in, noticing Kevin totally in some sort of daze. He gathered the tea things and balanced them on his hand.

“Brian...why didn’t you want Chester here?” Kevin broke the silence.

Brian gulped then said, “He was Mr. Halliwell’s dog... it’s not so much that the dog was terrible, he never did anything wrong. It’s just, I thought...”

“You thought I had been down to the cottage to get him?” Kevin raised an eyebrow.

“H-how... did you--”

“I didn’t go in the cottage when I found Chester, he was just running along the beach. But, I did visit it around noon today...”

Brian’s chest heaved in and out heavily, “What happened?”

“Nothing... but I did find something...” Kevin stood up, “A knife... a knife in one of the drawers...”

“A-a... a knife?”

“Definitly used...”

“Used? Used for what?”

“I dunno... it was stained with blood,”

“How terrible, I’m not quite sure what to tell you, Mr. Richardson...”

“You’re the one... the one, that told me not to go to that beach, obviously you knew something about that cottage, and I want some answers, and I want some answers now!”

“I don’t know about any of this either! I’m afraid I cannot answer your questions...” Brian said meekly, as if he was only two inches tall.

    “So... Melanie, have you any courters?”

“No, no... I’m not really in favor with the men. I’m much too homely and plain...” Melanie chatted with Kevin as they sat in front of a large fire that evening, the rain pouring down outside.

“I shouldn’t think so, I’m sure there are many men who would--”

“No, you’re wrong. It’s like I don’t exist sometimes... everyone adores Geri... all our relatives and friends, even our own servant... and... and you...”

“You must have some type of grudge against me then, right? Since I am Geri’s fiancee? You must think of me as another one of those who wishes to steal Geri’s heart?”

“Well... I, I don’t know...” Melanie sighed, looking into the fire.

“Melanie, you’ll find the perfect person for you one day... and you’ll forget all about Geri, because you’ll be so in love... there is somebody for you out there, somewhere,”

“Yes... I think I’ve already found him...” Melanie whispered, looking away from Kevin.

“I know that... that this is wrong... but...” Kevin began as he put his hand to Melanie’s face and kissed her softly. It was the strangest thing, to both of them. Melanie couldn’t believe what had just happened, but in all of the rush, she instantly kissed him back. Brian stood at the doorway.

    The next couple of days were kind of a blur to Kevin. He sometimes would just waddle around carelessly. He tried desperately to cast himself away from the other members of the household, except for during meals. He just couldn’t look Geri in the eye anymore, he’d betrayed her and he felt utterly terrible. He wished he could turn back the time, and never had touched his lips to Melanie’s. He was convinced that he was a total fool. Nothing would ever be perfectly right, never again. If only he’d never been unfaithful to his own fiancee. If only he’d never kissed her sister. If only he’d never been down to the beach. If only he hadn’t have searched the east wing. If only Brian would just disappear. If only he didn’t let his curiousity get the better of him.

The dishes clanged together musically as Brian collected them of the dining table.

“Wonderful supper, Brian,” Geri smiled gratefully. Brian didn’t acknowledge, just scampered into the kitchen, plates stacked high, silently. Kevin dismissed himself, escaping from the family. Ms. Halliwell followed, her long dress sweeping the ground. Melanie wiped her mouth daintily, then set the napkin down.

“Geri?”

“Hm?”

“You love Kevin, don’t you?”

“Well that’s quite a silly question!” Geri said. “Yes... yes, I do.”

“Oh...” Melanie nodded then took a final sip of her tea. “Geri?”

“Yes?”

“Oh... I need to tell you something... something that happened...”

“Oh, really... what?”

“I... I hate, to really actually have to tell you this. But I feel so guilty, I’ll have to let it out, or the secret will haunt me forever. But the consequences of telling just might be worse...”

“Melanie! You’re my sister... just tell me...”

“I know I’m your blasted sister, that’s what makes it worse!”

“Don’t say blasted, it’s slang,”

“Geri... you say it all the time! Anyways, that doesn’t matter... I’ve got to tell you,” Melanie paused for a long time, catching her breath. “Geri, I... I... kissed Kevin...”

Geri bit her lip, not saying a thing, just looking at Melanie, a look of disgust.

“I’m sorry, Geri... but actually... he was the one who--nevermind...”

“What? What were you going to say! You’ve already upset me enough you cannot upset me much more!”

“I think I can... Kevin kissed me first...”

“What are you trying to do? Get back at me now? Bragging that it was actually Kevin who kissed you, not you kissing him!” Geri screamed, a teacup crashing to the floor.

“You’re so concieted! Now you think that I was jealous of you!”

“I didn’t say that!” Geri yelled, slumping down in her chair.

“Well... I am... I am jealous of you Geri...” Melanie frowned, tears forming in her eyes, “I’m sorry... so... so sorry...”

Geri bit her lip hard again, fighting back the tears. She stood and put her hand to her forehead, then slowly trudged out of the room.

    A day passed, Kevin stayed locked in his room, Geri stayed in hers. Rain dripped down and the sky turned a dark gray, not a single ray of sunlight shone down. No birds sang, none of the girls went outside or took a walk, nobody said a word to one another.

    “Who is it?” Geri sniffled.

“It’s Brian... can I come in?” a familiar voice said softly.

“Umm... alright, if you’d like,”

Brian stepped inside Geri’s room, he’d already been there so many times. That room was most definitely his favorite of the whole house. It was so light and spring-like, but it looked very gloomy that day. Bags and suitcases were spread out across Geri’s bed, clothes and other important possessions were also scattered around.

“Geri... you’re not... are you?”

“I can’t stay here a moment longer, I really can’t. I hate it here!” Geri said cramming an evening dress into one of the suitcases.

“You’re leaving... now?”

“Yes, please don’t tell mother yet, she’ll only try to stop me...”

“But...”

“Why? Because--”

“No, it’s alright... I know, I saw. When you’re a servant around here, you see a lot, you know a lot,”

“Oh, I suppose...” Geri gazed into space for awhile then fell down on her bed, “I just cannot believe it. I really loved him. I really did.” Tears dripped down her cheek.

Brian wanted to rush over and comfort her but all he said was, “I’m really sorry... but do you really have to go?”

“Yes... I can’t stand it here, I told you. I hate it!”

“Oh...” Brian gulped and he shook nervously.

“No, no... I’m sorry, you’ve done not a thing wrong... I’ll miss you... I’ll miss you the most, dear,”

Brian smiled, “I’ll let you pack... bye Geri...”

“Goodbye Brian,” With that Brian left the room and went to find Kevin.

¤ Chapter 8: Anger And Confession ¤
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