You're Mine

Chapter Eleven: Too Late

All too soon, it's the morning of the party. Everything is ready for tonight, so we have all been told not to go into the west wing. Even though it's Christmas morning, my little gang is down despite today being Kara's favorite holiday. I sigh as I look over at her still asleep. The three of us have barely slept the past two nights after we learned of the murders. She and Ash were coming up with different theories and trying to see if they were connected to our school's murder. I chimed in very little on it because I wanted to be sure I didn't slip up on my promise to Alister or the detectives. I sigh as I get up and slip-on a robe that Ash had gotten me. He joked I needed something light to put on for my morning routines since I always forget a jacket. I softly smile as I run my hand down and enjoy the softness of it. It reminds me of a throw blanket with the way the material feels.

With caution, I sneak down the stairs and out to the garden. I pause at the door as some policemen walk by on their patrols. Soon as they pace by, I slip out and go to the rose bush that I've grown to love over the past few days. "Even with the world-beating against you, you still stand strong and bloom," I whisper as I dust some snow off it. The pink flowers peak back at with me with a few buds joining them as if to prove a point. "Strong and blooming," I repeat softly with a sigh. I sit down on the path behind it and look to the valley as the sunrise begins to show itself from behind the mountains. I pull my pack out and turn it over in my hands. I sigh as I pull one out. I'm going to quit after this pack. I don't need these to calm my nerves. I think as I flick my lighter to make it ignite. I don't need to depend on these. I place my cigarette to my lips as I light it. I'm stronger than my nerves. I inhale the smoke and slowly release it where it merges with the fog of my breath in the chill air. I am stronger...right? I think as I hear the soft crunch of snow.

I turn and see Andrew walking over to me. He dusts a spot off and joins me in my hiding place, "I thought I might find you out here. I didn't mean to disturb your deep thought process," He tells me.

"How did you know I was in deep thought?" I muse as I take another drag.

"I'm afraid your face reveals when you deep in thought." He pauses as he looks over the valley. "Not to mention, as a butler, it's my job to read people to know how to help them," He tells me.

"I see," I say softly. "I'm afraid I failed to do your favor," I tell him as I look from him to the sunrise. "Today is her favorite holiday, and she isn't even excited about it," I mumble. 

"I have a feeling you might be able to fix that," He tells me as he rubs his hands together to warm them.

I curiously look at him. Despite Andrew being a butler, his beard is untamed and his hair is messy. A frazzled look I know all too well. "You seem stressed, Andrew," I say softly. "Penny for your thoughts?" I ask him. Even though he is the help as people have viewed him recently, I have come to consider him a friend over the past few days.

"I'm afraid it's something you can't help me, Ms. Evans," He sighs out. "I wish it were simple, but I fear my time at the Michealson Manner will be coming to a resign here," He tells me as a sad smile graces his lips.

"You're being fired?" I ask in shock. "They can't do that!" I exclaim before lowering my voice. "You're the head butler and best at your job, but Kara also needs you. You can't leave," I tell him.

"As much as I don't want to," He pauses and sighs. "Let's just say a secret of mine has come to light. It will cause more harm than good, so I find it best to simply leave than face the music," He tells me.

"That's the thing about secrets. The cause more damage nowadays," I mutter before I take another drag. "However, secrets happen for a reason, whatever yours may be, do you think the outcome is worse than you keeping it?" I ask him.