12. VERENA GRAVENHURST
TWELVE
VERENA GRAVENHURST
Steam curls around the rim of my coffee cup, swirling into the air, sending wafts of sweet notes straight to my nose.
I take a sip, peering over the manor grounds from the balcony of my bedroom.
It’s a gorgeous Saturday morning. Raindrops create a dewy shimmer, coating the fallen leaves.
The world seems stiller than usual and a beauty to admire.
Mauve should be arriving any moment. She’s been relentless with how many questions she’s asked about my entire life, wanting to learn anything and everything about her ‘new best friend’.
I’ve invited her to spend the day with me at the manor, hoping that my ordinary life won’t be a disappointment when she sees that being Verena Gravenhurst isn’t all it’s chalked up to be.
A vehicle makes its way up the arched driveway, and excitement stirs in my stomach.
When I notice her bright hair glimmering through the front window, I confirm that it is indeed Mauve arriving and sprint through the manor to greet my friend at the door.
Skipping down the bifurcated staircase, I can’t help the smile that stretches across my mouth when I hear Archie scoff at something that has Mauve in stitches.
“Well, I see you two are becoming fast friends.” I snicker as I approach the two in the entranceway.
“Arch here was just telling me how much he loves the colour of my hair. I think this colour would suit him well, dontcha think?” she teases, and Archie’s face pales.
“I have no desire for my hair to match the walls of this establishment, Ms. Mauve.” Archie lifts his head a little higher, proud of himself for the smooth dig.
“Ouch, Arch,” Mauve’s hand flies to her chest as if stung by his words, “I thought we were friends.”
“Indeed, Ms. Mauve, we can be…friends,” he says awkwardly, and a howl escapes me, finding this unlikely interaction entirely amusing. Mauve and Archie are polar opposites, but their quirks oddly complement each other.
Archie takes his opportunity to sneak away, leaving us to our morning.
“Ren! This place is insane! You didn’t tell me you live in a mansion!
” Mauve gawks. Her eyes are so wide they look like they’re about to bulge out of her skull.
She lifts her arms out wide and spins in a circle, taking in the grandiosity of it all.
If only she knew how foreign this way of living is to me, too.
She spots the adjacent sitting room and gasps, stalking over to ogle at the fine furniture and embellished decor.
I stifle a laugh and link my arm through hers. “Come on, there’s lots to see and so much to talk about.”
She nods, allowing me to lead her to my bedroom, where we can gossip without prying ears. I quite like having a girlfriend I can spend time with. Another concept that is foreign to me.
We spend the remainder of the morning sitting on my plush bedding, laughing and talking about everything under the sun.
Mauve gives me details on students at Hollowcrest and the cliques that have never truly accepted her.
She’s always felt like the odd one out. The black sheep.
And I feel a kinship with her longing to fit in, in a place where she’s felt she’s never truly belonged.
It bonds us, the need for companionship and understanding.
“So, are you going to tell me how you and pretty boy are doing?” She raises a brow, waiting for me to spill the details. I look down at my hands, nervously picking at my nails, an anxious habit I picked up when I was younger, and have yet to break.
“Things are going well, actually. He planned a romantic date for us the other night at his family’s drive-in theatre, and we had a very nice time.
I have to admit, I kind of like him.” Mauve purses her lips, her unease at the way I speak about him apparent in her expression.
But she doesn’t say anything, just listens intently as I speak.
“Last night, things became more…intimate between us.” I struggle to find the words to explain the rapture of Reed’s tongue. ”
“Oh?” That seems to have piqued her interest.
“Down in the tunnels, after hours. We didn’t have sex, but we did do other things. I didn’t expect it to go as far as it did, but Mauve…” I sigh. Memories of last night flit through my mind. “It was amazing. He’s amazing. It just felt so…right.”
I can’t tell what she’s thinking, and I’m worried she may be judging me. Should I have shared this information with her? Panic begins to settle in my gut. She shakes her head, as if shaking off her own intrusive thoughts before she speaks.
“I don’t want to see you get hurt, Ren. I know you care about him, and your feelings are genuine, but sometimes an ugly heart can be disguised by a charming personality and a pretty face. And sometimes it’s too late once the truth comes to light.”
Reaching across the bed, I place my hand gently over hers. The look in her eyes tells me she’s deeply concerned, and I have no other way to put her at ease than with validation that I hear her words.
“I appreciate you looking out for me. It’s new to have someone care about my well-being. It means more to me than you know.”
She nods, accepting my gratitude, and I decide it’s probably best to change the subject.
Out of the corner of my eye, I see a blur of motion pass by my doorway and my heart stutters.
Loxen. He didn’t hear what I just said to Mauve, did he?
Mauve immediately notices the shift in my demeanour and narrows her eyes.
She looks to the door, where my eyes continue to flicker, a clear indication that I am on edge.
“What’s with the sour face?” she teases.
I sigh. “There’s this guy…the groundskeeper…” I trail off, rolling my eyes.
A devilish smirk plays on Mauve’s lips. “I need ALL of the details.”
I snicker, amused by her sudden interest in a complete and total stranger.
“Well, for one, he’s a pompous ASS,” I speak loud enough in case he is standing outside of my door, eavesdropping on our conversation.
She chuckles. “I’m sensing some tension between you two.”
“Not the good kind. He’s frustrating, self-righteous, and his ego is so big it could easily fill this entire room, depriving us of oxygen.” This has her doubled over. Her laughter brings a smile to my face, and I realize I must sound downright insane.
“Is he good-looking, though?” A coy smile graces her lips. I try my best to control my expression, but I must be failing miserably. A slow grin creeps up my cheeks as I bite my bottom lip.
“Infuriatingly so.”
It’s late in the afternoon when Mauve decides it’s best she heads home. I hand her the pleated coat she wore over and pull her into a tight hug before seeing her out. “Will I see you at the party tonight?” I ask as she walks out the massive dark oak doors.
Her brows furrow. “Party?”
“Yeah, at the Whitmore Estate. I was told most of the academy would be attending.” My smile drops from the look on her face, leading me to believe she had no idea there was a party happening tonight.
My heart breaks for my friend, who has been left out once again.
“Would you like to come with me? It would be a great time!” I try my best to sound excited, wanting to make this moment less painful for her, but she shakes her head and gives me a soft smile.
“I’ll see you at school on Monday, yeah? Have a great time tonight.” She hugs me again and promises to let me know that she’s arrived home safely before getting in her car and heading on her way.
I close the door and tip the back of my head against the hardwood, hating the overwhelming urge I have to go after her.
No one should ever be made to feel unwanted, not like this.
I exhale a breath, taking a moment to gather myself and then trudge back upstairs to get ready for the long night ahead of me.
I’m in no mood to attend anymore, not wanting to be in a place that refuses to welcome one of the most amazing humans I’ve ever met.
But I promised Reed I’d meet him there tonight, and I’ll admit, I’m eager to see him again.