Copper
I didn't know how to respond to him. I couldn't. All I could do was grip onto this pristine, white Oakwood table.
What I didn't realize that night was that I was scared.
Scared that when I tell him the truth, he will take Darling's side and accuse me of being jealous. He'd tell me that I was trying to stain Darling's name because I didn't like her. then he wouldn't listen to a word I say for the next two years, effectively destroying the peace I've worked to build between us. She's his love after all. In what world would he believe me when his "angel" says otherwise?
He has never been the nicest person, but he might fully turn against me.
But at the time, all I felt was a lot of conflicting feelings that I couldn't quite put into words. After a few deep breaths, I felt a bit calmer.
Copper, I thought to myself. Going off on Kenny now would cause problems for me later. Besides, he didn't do anything.
I combed my fingers through my hair and took one last, deep breath. I spun on my heel.
Our eyes met. I tried to keep a straight face.
"It's not worth mentioning," I told him in a calmer voice. "Your mother was pleasant as always. I'm tired, you must be too. Make sure to eat dinner, alright?"
After picking up my bag, I said goodnight and strode up the stairs. A long ass nap would do me some good.
Kenny
"Goodnight," I said loud enough for her to hear. I watched her until she disappeared to the upper floor.
Silence fills the house. The hoots of an owl can be heard from outside. I walked into the gift room and took a seat on the couch. I withdrew my phone from my pocket and dialled a number. As their phone rang, I stared at the space beside me. A memory played out of her and I sitting here going through wedding presents. He answers after three rings.
"Yes, Sir? How can I help you tonight?"
"Standford, as you know, I couldn't make it to dinner tonight. I want you to tell my father that I regretted it and that I'll see him soon."
"Of course, Sir."
"Before you do that, did something happen at dinner? Was there an incident concerning Copper?"
He didn't respond for a few seconds. I prepared myself for the worst.
"That depends on your definition of an incident, Sir."
"Tell me!"
"Your mother didn't want me to tell you yet, but Darling Stark has returned to Atlanta."
My eyes widened. She... she's back? But why now? It's not like I can pursue her. I'm not sure that I want to pursue her.
When I first expressed my interest in Darling, both my parents were against it. Compared to then, they'd grown fond of her.
But what does Darling have to do with this?
"She was invited to dinner where the two of them were introduced to each other by your mother. Before dinner, they were taking a walk alone on the second floor. From what I gathered, they were joking lightly when Miss Harmony caused her to fall. She apologized right after and the two reconciled. Darling explained everything to the family. No harm was done and they were behaving friendly with each other during dinner."
"Is that it?"
"As far as I know, Sir."
"Huh. Interesting. Thank you, Stanford. Have a good night."
"To you as well, Sir. I will relay your message to your father."
"Thank you." I hung up.
I crossed my legs, rubbing the bottom of my chin.
That's it? That's such a small accident that it really isn't worth mentioning like Copper said. Was she feeling guilty over it despite Darling not being mad at her? I'm surprised, to say the least.
I smiled. Then I chuckled before I could stop myself.
Behind her tough exterior, she truly is a sensitive soul.
_______
The next morning I should have been able to relax on my day off, but I wasn't. An uninvited guest appeared on my doorstep.
"Good morning, dear friend." Justin was on the other side of the door when I opened it. "Did I wake you up? Well, I wouldn't unless you slept on the floor in the foyer. You didn't, right?"
Justin's dirty blond hair was something he took pride in. As well as his broad, bright smile. His eyes twinkled with mischief, something I liked to avoid at all cost.
He's taller than me and sometimes doesn't know when to keep his mouth shut.
I sighed, pinching the bridge of my nose. "Isn't it too early for this? You didn't let me know that you were coming."
I walked away, leaving the door open for him to close.
Justin closed it, humming beneath his breath. "Dude, it's almost ten. In no universe is this early. Unless you didn't plan to get out of bed at all."
I crashed into a sofa while Justin went on. "And I did text you, multiple times! Did you even check your phone?"
As if to call me out, my phone buzzed with a notification only a foot away from me. Justin gave me a look. I made my eyes look somewhere else. I cleared my throat.
Justin chuckled, taking a seat on the other end of the round sofa.
"I'm sorry I missed your wedding," he said. "You know how work is. But Sylvester Harmony's granddaughter? Nice! Where is your wife anyway?"
Before I could answer him, I heard the click of heels coming down the stairs. Both of us turn our heads.
Copper is at the foot of the stairs in a flowing teal skirt and a simple blouse. She has a white handbag underneath her arm. Our eyes met.
"There you are! I'm going to my grandpa's to meet up and go into the city for some last-minute supplies that he missed. I wanted to let you know before I left."
Copper is talking to me from behind the part of the sofa, so she doesn't see Justin while he's leaning into the cushions.
But Justin can see her. And he can't take his eyes off her. His mouth is slightly open, eyes wide.
I knew that look, and it wasn't good.