Annie was laid to rest. Everyone returned home. Peter returned to his study to drown his sorrows with a bottle of whiskey. Martha took Adrianna to her room.
It was 6pm and the house was silent. Suddenly a loud knock on the door startled Mr Russell. He peeped through the looking glass on the door and sees old Mr and Mrs Walters. He quickly opens the door and welcomes them in, escorting them to the large sitting room. They sat on the large grey and red L shaped couch. It was italian style, soft and very comfortable. They looked around while they waited. The room was designed beautifully. Annie had designed it herself, red and grey curtains. Her paintings hung on the wall. Throughout the house were Annie's paintings. All were unique like her, beautiful and elegant. They massive 85 inch flat screen was mounted above their electric fire place. And a small glass coffee table was in front of them, letters lay unopen on it.
Old Mrs Walters instructed Russell to collect the gifts for Adrianna from the car. She understood why her husband did not want to meet his granddaughter at the cemetery. Mrs Pots served them tea and sweet lemon bread. She rested the tray on the coffee table together with the matching cups and saucers.
"Where is my granddaughter? Bring her to me", he asked.
Mrs Pots hurried to Martha's room to get Adrianna.
Martha had dressed Adrianna in a pink romper and wrapped her tightly with a pink and white blanket. She put on a pink hat. Adrianna looks like a little doll. They took her to her grandparents.
Mrs Walters was happy looking at the baby in her arms. She was sound asleep. Old Mr Walters looks at Adrianna with deep worry lines. Although he did not accept Annie, his heart melted when he looked at Adrianna. He instantly felt a bond forming in his heart. He shook his head to clear his feelings and his mind.
He called for his son, "PETER" . Peter stumbled down the stairs from his study. He reaked of alcohol, stale cigarettes and slurred when he spoke. Old Mr Walters was unhappy at this sight. His son had become a mess in a few days, equivalent to a beggar on the side of the street. The smell was unbearable. His clothes were dirty, stained and creased.
"You, you hated my Annie, now you hold my useless daughter. You come here bringing gifts for that useless child. You, you, you," Peter slurred before passing out on the floor.
Mr Russell and all the servants stood shocked. They had not seen him since they returned home. Was he really drinking himself away in the study and he dared speak to his father that way. He hated Adrianna so much. They were deeply saddened by the words he spoke. It was so evident that he did not cherish the gem that Annie left behind. She was the only living memory of Annie, yet he could not see it.
Old Mr Walters and Mrs Walters stood up,still holding Adrianna in her arms. They were disgusted by their sons state. They looked at each other as if to confirm. "We will be taking Adrianna home with us, she does not belong here. Peter is unfit to be parenting her in this state. She will return when he is in his right senses" Old Mr Walters spoke firmly.
Martha was in tears, she asked to bid farewell to Adrianna until they meet again. But Felicia wanted no such thing. Instead she said" I believe you are the maid that has been looking after Adrianna? " Martha nodded" collect your things, you will be living with us caring for Adrianna".
"Thank you Mrs Walters", Martha cried tears of joy. She couldn't bear the thought of being seperated from Adrianna. She quickly packed her clothes and other essentials and bid farewell to the other staff. They all asked her to keep them updated on Adrianna and to keep her safe.
They all left at 8pm to the Walters mansion.
Russell picked Peter up and carried him to his bed as soon as they left. He tucked him in and closed the door.
A year passes and Adrianna turns one years old. Martha has watched her grow her first tooth, and take her first steps. She is well taken care of in the Walters mansion. Her grandparents, although very dominanting and bossy are fond of Adrianna.Martha takes her to the garden often. Adrianna loves the outdoors. She has taught her colours, shapes, alphabets and numbers.At one year old, she was smart. Adrianna loved learning new things. She could now dress herself. She was now talking as if she was a five year old, full sentences and complicated words. She was advanced for her age. Her grandmother Felicia secretly enjoyed the company of her granddaughter. Old Mr Walters also enjoyed her company but did not show it. Both her grandparents were proud of her and saw potential in her oneday leading their company. But they also knew that they had two other grandchildren with equal intelligence. They were used to her cheerful banter in the mornings.Adrianna secretly stole their he
Sierra explained her plan to the others before they left Old Walters mansion. She felt so cheerful being the one to come up with this bright idea. She looked at all of them, waiting to be praised, but nothing was said. Instead they all concentrated on discussing the plan in finer detail.The next day Andrew and Jefferson went to Peters house. They knocked at the door and Russell let them in. " ah, young masters, what do we owe the pleasure?"Andrew and Jefferson did not beat around the bush,"We are here to see Peter".Russell guided them to the study where Peter sat, sipping glass after glass of the finest whiskey. They entered, welcomed by the smell of stale cigarette smoke and alcohol. It was revolting but they had no choice but to bear the stomach churning smell.Their brother now looked like a homeless man,a mere pauper.His hair is long and knotted,beird unruly and clothes dirty and crumpled.They were disgusted.Andrew walked over to his
After last nights meeting with his brothers, Peter feels as if he is ready to take on the world. He may not like their entire plan but if its going to win back his favour from his parents, he might as well go through with it. After all his beloved is now gone, he might as well reap some benefits fits from her death. He had a long shower, scrubbing every inch of his body with the Old Spice shower gel. Once he had finished, he dried himself and laid on his king sized bed in his towel.He felt clean and hot after the piping hot shower he had a few minutes ago. He switched on the fan and enjoyed the cool air blowing on his skin. His room was large with built-in cupboards leading to a walk in closet which was for Annie and then into a large en-suite. The bathroom had a large jucuzzi bathtub an automatic shower and a floating toilet.He had only used the jucuzzi once since it was installed, and that was with Annie. His brothers had made arrangements last night for the grooming service to gr
With his new look, Peter strode down the staircase. The confidence that he felt was exhilarating. Adrenaline coursed through his veins, he almost felt like leaping down the stairs. He sat at the dining table and read the morning paper. Mrs Pots served him his morning coffee with a large slice of apple pie and a side of crisp bacon. Mrs Pots watched him intently. She knew this transformation was from the meeting last night. She felt it in her gut that something was not quite right but couldn't put her finger on it.Peter finished his breakfast, put on his hat and grabbed his keys for his lincoln, whistling his way out the foor He took the scenic route, stopping along the way to buy three bunches of bright yellow daisy's. Today he would have to win the hearts of his mother, his daughter and Martha. He needed this. He needed to win favour. He needed to gain his status at any cost.Peter parked at the entrance of the Walters mansion. He entered the large wooden sculptured do
" Father, I would like to take Adrianna back home. She may be a handful and I dont want to burden both of you with her. You both should be enjoying your old age togethe". Peter requested. His mother and father looked at each other, they were still very reluctant since this is the first time they had seen him in more than a year" You do not know how to raise a toddler"."Adrianna will need a mother, there are plenty of young woman out there for you to choose a suitable bride for yourself and a mother for your child" Felicia said with concern. Peter knew this was going to be a suggestion, he was already well prepared for it."I have already found a bride. She does not know as yet but I am pretty sure she will not decline my advances towards her" Peter smiled.He gathered up his daisy's along with his charm and walked down the path towards Martha and Adrianna. He sucked in his breath and calmed himself. He needed to be calm. He may not like Adrianna but this show must go on.
***One month later***A bright summers day, every girls dream. For Peters second wedding, he wanted it to be plain and simple, after all this was just an arrangement. Old Mr Walters, did not agree at first but after much coaxing from his family especially Felicia, he agreed. Since it was Martha's first wedding, Felicia went all out. She was in the family for more than 10 years and she cared for Adrianna. She wanted today to be special. She genuinely thought Peter had gotten a new lease on life.It was a garden wedding. All white with a lilac backdrop and lilac overlays. She ordered the finest lily's and a live band to welcome the bride and groom. Adrianna was the flower girl. Her basket was full off lilac petals.In the brides room,Martha was nervous. Her smooth brown hair put up in a loose bun, a few tendrils of hair around her cheeks. Her white sleeveless gown hugged her body. Felicai entered" oh, Martha, you look stunning". She put on her veil and
They reached home exhausted. Adrianna was to stay at her grandparents house to give the couple time together. It was their honeymoon night. Martha followed him to his room. The bed was decorated with red rose petals. There was a table in the corner with champagne in an ice bucket, two goblets and a tray of strawberries and whipped cream. Peter looked at Martha. He knew he would never love her. He knew that he wasn't going to touch her tonight or any night for that matter. He relaxed on the decorated bed while she removed his shoes and socks. He thought she was done when she stood up. Martha turned around and unzipped her dress letting it fall to the floor. Her white skin glowed in the moonlight but Peter looked at her in shock. "could this woman really think that I was going to do anything with her, she is a maid! She will never be Annie" he thought.Martha had a white lace lingerie set on and her body was curved in all the right places but still it did not arouse Peter. He got up an
Martha woke up at the crack of dawn. She wondered why she was in her bed at Peters house and not the Walters mansion with Adrianna. She looked around and saw the wedding gown hanging on her cupboard. Then she shared at the large diamond ring on her finger and last night all came back to her.She frowned thinking of how she was dismissed to her room. Peter didn't even look at her last night or even touch her. She didn't let this dampen her spirits, he married her after all. He could have any woman he wanted but he chose her. He may have been too exhausted after yesterdays events, she hoped he would be in a cheerful mood today. Adrianna was coming home. She remembered how happy he was when he told Old Mr Walters that he wanted to marry Martha and take Adrianna home one month ago.Martha had a quick shower and changed into a floral dress. She went into the kitchen and decided to surprise her husband with breakfast. Mrs Pots greeted Martha and hugged her," what d