Downhill

10: Question Two

I sat up and sighed. I wiped my eyes because there were still tears even though I had stopped crying. I needed to look okay, there was no way to survive this if I didn't look okay.

I walked down the hall and entered the dining room. My mother and father were already there sitting in their usual places. I sat down in my usual place too. I felt uncomfortable if I didn't sit where I always do.

Dinner always felt like I am being judged for every little move I make, it is a unique form of torture. Well Mother is judging, my father doesn't judge.

I awkwardly watched as the chefs set down our plates. My parents were eating a caviar dish, meanwhile I had my own dinner of chicken and mashed potatoes. I'm a picky eater.

I poked at my food a bit and didn't exactly feel like eating it all. I wasn't hungry, I ate lunch not that long ago. Plus this food lacked the ingredient that Hector called 'love.'

"Maxwell, do you wish to tell your father about Hector?" my mother smiled at me and I froze. I looked at her confused for a moment as she sat there with a smile on her face. My father would probably be happy for me. He wants me to have a friend.

"Who's Hector?" my father asked as he took another bite of food, he spoke with his mouth full. Not the most noble thing to do, but it's better than him being angry. I thought he would kind of have a clue since he chatted with him at the ball. He is clueless at times though so I wouldn't put it past him to not notice.

"He is my friend, Father," I responded awkwardly, poking at the food on my plate.

"Why are you gonna make me say it, Maxwell? Tell him about your friend." Mother closed her eyes sadly and sighed. The surge of guilt set in again and I paused before speaking.

"His name is Hector and he is, he is my favorite person. He shows me things and lets me try out new things. We went swimming today," I mumbled, staring down at the table. It is very awkward to talk about for some reason. "He made me a grilled cheese today, it was very good. He came to the ball too. He liked the cake," I added and set my fork down on my plate.

"That's amazing Max! Where is he from? I hope he is from Toutis and not some foreigner. Foreigners can be so conservative at times," my father said. He actually looked very happy for me. That made me happy.

He always wanted me to go outside and talk to people. He even once told me that he didn't want me to hang out with rich kids either.

"He lives in the forest in a small cottage with his mothers," I said with a smile, poking at my food some more.

"What do his parents do?" my father asked curiously before taking another bite of food.

"His parents are on vacation at the moment. I know his mom likes to garden and grow plants. That's all I know so far," I picked up the chicken and took a bite from it. It was good.

"I am happy to hear that you have a friend Max," Father smiled and ate his food. Mother thought I didn't catch the angry glare she gave my father. I don't see why she can't be happy like my father.

I just don't know how it will go when my father talks to my mother. He has stood up for me before but at the end of the day he doesn't know how to say no to my mother.

"What is wrong honey?" Father asked, looking at my angry mother. She smiled at him before dropping the act quickly.

"Alistair, do you not see the issue?" she snapped looking at my father.

"What issue Cordelia?" Father looked at her confused as he set down his fork. I looked up at the chandelier that hung up above us and tried to zone out. I watched the flames burn and the wax melt slowly. I always found fire comforting.