HIS STRANGE DAMSEL

Delaney’s pov

Tears rolled down my cheeks as I stared at the snakes but what looks like worms too.

My heart had already jumped into my mouth because of the fear I had.

Xavier and his mom came running into the kitchen breathlessly.

Xavier’s mom took her gaze from me to stare at the broken plate and the worms the maid had given me as the so-called spaghetti.

“Laney, what is it? Why did you scream out so loud?” Xavier’s mom panicked.

“Worms! I hate worms and I’m scared of them. But the maid gave me to eat them!” I cried out, shivering in fear.

My whole body was trembling in fear and my heart beat wasn’t helping matters– it was beating faster than normal.

“Worms! These are not worms!” Xavier cried.

“Oh Laney, you made me panic for nothing!” Xavier’s mom groaned.

She had looked so scared but after I had explained briefly to her about the maid serving me, works, she became calm.

“Mom, you need to take this girl back to wherever she came from.

Can you imagine? We almost had heart attack because of her.

Who calls spaghetti worms? Probably girls from the bush!” Xavier lashed out angrily.

I suddenly felt so bad and stared guiltily at my feet.

“I’m sorry. I haven’t seen or eaten a meal like this before. I thought they were worms.

I’m really sorry.” I whimpered tearfully and stared at my feet– afraid to meet their gazes.

Tears streamed down my face, I felt really bad.

I didn’t mean to frighten them or make them mad at me.

Now, Xavier is vexed at me.

And his mom, I don’t even know how she feels.

“You are just too dumb! You are just too annoying for my liking!” Xavier yelled and stomped out of the kitchen.

“I’m sorry.” I hiccupped and wiped my tears which won’t stop pouring out.

“Come here Laney, it’s okay.” Xavier’s mom finally spoke up.

I walked into her opened arms and hugged her tightly and hiccupped.

“It’s fine dear. Now, stop crying.” She consoled and soothed my back.

I wiped my tears and breathe in and out.

*

*

I didn’t bother to eat dinner because I already lost my appetite.

I went to bed early.

Xavier didn’t say anything to me, but I wasn’t feeling bad because it wasn’t my fault.

He should understand that it wasn’t entirely my fault. He should know I was just being ignorant of the fact that the food given to me wasn’t worms.

*

*

The next day, I got ready for school with the help of one of the maids.

I wore my uniform and brushed my hair down my shoulders.

I wore my socks and shoes. I looked at myself in the mirror and when I was sure I was good to go, I walked happily out of my room.

I got to the dinning room and Xavier and his mom were already seated.

“I was just about sending for you.” Xavier’s mom smiled as I got to where they sat.

“Good morning.” I smiled shyly and sat on the dinning chair.

“Morning dear.” She responded and stroked my hair affectionately.

“Morning Xavier.” I greeted shyly.

He glanced at me and rolled his eyes.

“Don’t mind him. He woke up from the wrong side of the bed.” His mom whispered.

I giggled lightly and bent my head.

The maids served the dishes and I was more than glad because it was what I was already used to.

Hot chocolate tea and toasted bread with egg sauce.

“Good morning family!”

We turned and saw Chelsea smiling as she walked up to meet us.

Her face dropped as soon as her eyes caught with mine.

She suddenly looked angry and her glare on me made me shiver.

What’s up with her?

Did I do something wrong?

“Morning Chels.” Xavier’s mom smiled.

Chelsea took her gaze away from it and replaced her angry countenance to a smiling one.

Chelsea hugged her briefly and sat on a chair beside Xavier.

“Good morning.” She greeted him and placed her lips on his cheeks.

“Yeah, morning.” He groaned.

“What is it Xavier? You look gloomy this morning.” Chelsea observed and touched his face worriedly.

“I’m fine Chels.” He said and removed her hand from his face.

“Oh!” She said– and I could tell she felt embarrassed because her countenance dropped in disappointment.

Shortly after, we started eating.

*

*

Chelsea’s pov

Gosh! I felt like ripping off that girl’s hair.

Seeing her in the dinning room only made me angry. I thought she wouldn’t be there and on a second thought, I didn’t even think she”d still be in Xavier’s mansion.

I had almost forgotten that she still existed in the mansion.

I glared at her as she ate. Everything about her disgust and annoys me.

And with the look on Xavier’s face, my psyche tells me that she’s the reason of his dull look.

Sooner or later, I”d definitely get rid of her.

*

*

We alighted from the car– Xavier, Delaney and I.

As usual, the students stared at Xavier and I as we held hands together and walk into the school compound.

Some students took photos of us and that got me smiling more.

I pressed closer to Xavier and flashed the students my charming smiles.

*

*

Delaney’s pov

“Hey you!” I heard a tiny voice behind me.

I stopped walking and turned around to see three beautiful girls.

They looked really pretty with their skimpy uniforms.

They were of the same height but I could tell they weren’t sisters.

“Me?” I asked and poked my chest.

“Yes!” One of them snapped as they approached me.

I stood and folded my arms.

“You are Delaney right?” One of them asked, this time, they were already close to me.

“Ye…ah.” I stuttered, feeling intimidated by their looks.

“You’re one pretty girl you know?” Another said.

“Yeah, thanks.” I shrugged.

“A little introduction would do. I’m Brielle.” The first girl who had spoken, introduced with a smile I knew wasn’t genuine.

“I’m Brianna.” Another said with a smirk.

“And I’m Blair.” The last girl smiled.

“And we are the B3 girls.” They chorused. I stared at them with a plain expression.

I still don’t know why they stopped me.

“Okay, nice. But what exactly do you girls want?” I asked the question I wanted to ask before they introduced themselves like they are some kind of princesses.

“Oh! That’s a nice question Delaney.” The first girl, who I had quite gotten her name said.

‘so, I like you and you’re pretty.

And so, I’m inviting you for my birthday party at my parents mansion.” She added pridefully and touched the tip of my hair.

“Huh?” I blinked my eyes rapidly.ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

“My birthday is this weekend and I’m inviting you as a special guest.” She smiled and withdrew her hand from my hair.

“You’ve got a really long hair.” She added.

“But I…” I trailed off as she placed her finger on my lips.

“Please don’t say no Delaney, I really like you and I want you to be there.” She pouted and removed her finger from my lips.

“Okay.” I gave up.

I don’t even know them and I just agreed to attend her birthday party.

‘really? Thank you!” She squealed happily.

“I’ll give you the invitation card before school would be over.” She squealed elatedly.

“Okay.” I replied perfunctorily.

“I promise you Delaney, you won’t regret attending my party. You are gonna love it.” She winked at me and with the other two girls behind her, she walked gracefully away.

*

*

TBC

Who else thinks that the girls are up to something?