THE CAGED BIRD

CHAPTER 4

My punishment was finally over. I had forgotten how horrible it was to be confined to just the house. Two times before I was denied to leave the house and every time I promised myself, never again. But this time I would never take going outside for granted. I felt so much better to be outside again than be cooped up in the house.

With my privilege being given back to me, my days were much brighter, especially because I knew when my brother would return home, which was soon.

In a week, the party took place, of which I still had not figured out what its occasion was. It frustrated me greatly. Never had father hosted a party at our home. The only people who visited our home were Xavier, Mr Wright, and all the workers at our home. Therefore it was also exciting that finally, other people were going to visit us. I had hoped that I might even make a friend.

I made my way to the kitchen after my afternoon walk outside. Mary was eating a sandwich, which meant she was on her break.

‘Hello, Mary.’ I chirped.

‘Hello dear, how are you doing?’ She asked with a smile.

‘Really good, in a week Xavier is visiting again. Again! Maybe he will have some time to listen to the last piece I have learned on the piano.’ I mused.

‘That sounds lovely Ava. He will for sure love it.’

‘How do you know?’ I asked confused.

‘Well, I like hearing you play, so he will for sure like it as well. Anyone who would not like that is an idiot.’ I giggled.

‘Mary you can’t say that, that is not nice,’ I said between my giggles.

Mary sighed. ‘You are so pure my child. I hope you stay that way. The world is way too cruel for you.’

A frown appeared on my forehead. The outside world couldn’t be that cruel, I thought. Xavier, father, and Mary lived in it and they were kind-hearted. And from what I knew people who didn’t live according to the rules and law would be prosecuted and punished.

I shook my head, Mary’s words were confusing me too much.

‘So, Mary can I help you with something?’ Mary looked busy preparing the silverware to be cleaned.

‘Child you don’t have to help me, it is my job.’ The old lady laughed.

‘I know, but I’m bored. Please let me help you.’ I begged with my hands clasped in front of me.

‘Oh, I can’t say no to that face. I need to clean the silverware for the party next week. You can help me with that.’ I smiled. I knew I would be busy this afternoon and that I didn’t have to worry about dying of boredom.

As we were cleaning, the question about the party made its way into my head again. ‘Mary, do you know why father is holding this party?’ He has never held parties, but never held them here.’ I looked at her, but she was avoiding my gaze.

‘Mary?’ I asked as she remained quiet.

‘Your father has not told me or any of us for that matter why he is planning this party. We just do as he tells us what to do. You have nothing to worry about dear.’ A small ‘okay’ left my lips and we worked in silence until the job was finished.

A week went by and the whole house was filled with workers trying to set up the décor, furniture, and plates and glasses as quickly as they could for the party. The foyer was filled with white and light pink flowers and sheer satin curtains. I never thought there would be so much planning for a party. I didn’t complain, I liked the looks of it. It gave our home the warmth it often missed.

While I was reading in the library, a young man came up to me, informing me that my father wanted to speak to me. I slapped my book close and dusted off my skirt before making my way upstairs.

I went my way to his office and knocked on his door. ‘Come in.’

‘Hello father, you wished to see me?’ I held my hands in front of me, back straight, and legs close to each other. Wanting to appear as politely as possible as it was a stressful day for him. I could see the deep creases on his forehead from the spot I was standing by the door.

‘Yes, as you know I’m holding a party tonight.’ I nodded my head as he continued, ‘I want you to stay in your room tonight and stay there, no matter what. Do you understand?’

\my eyes widened. ‘But, I thought….’

‘You thought what?’ He asked impatiently.

‘You thought what?’ He asked impatiently.

‘That maybe I could attend as well.’

‘There is no reason for you to be at the party tonight. Stay in your room. Do you understand?’ He pressed the last words.

I nodded my head in defeat as I said, ‘Yes, I understand father.’

My father dismissed me, and I returned to the library, feeling disappointed. I had hoped I could go to the party. Meeting new people was as scary as it was thrilling. Staying in my room for the whole night was even worse than not being allowed to go outside.

Around five in the afternoon, a worker made her way into the library.

‘Young miss! What are you doing here?’ Her face was shocked and filled with worry.

‘I’m reading, the evening hasn’t started yet so I thought I could stay here for a bit longer.’ I tried to calm her down. Father had said ‘tonight’ and that meant after six. ‘No, no, you must go this instance, the first guests are about to arrive!’

I took my book with me and hurried to my room. Just after I had let myself fall on the bed, I heard the first cars on our driveway. Well, she was right. The guests were indeed close to arriving.

I got off my bed and settled myself on the windowsill, leaning against the pillow I had put there.

It was mostly men who entered our house, with on some occasions a woman hooked on their arms. It was quite interesting to look at the guests - people from the outside world. Sometimes I wished to be like the women downstairs. Being able to go into the world without any trouble.

Supper was served in my room, which was quite depressing. Most of the time I ate alone, but not being able to eat in the dining room because other people were there, people I could not meet, was even worse than sitting alone at the long table.

I had barely touched my food. Some moments ago, I saw my brother entering the house as well and I had hoped he would say a quick hello before he joined the party, but he did not.

To keep me busy, I watched a movie, only I had seen it already six times and it was not fun to watch anymore. I let the movie play in the background as I was looking through the window, in the hope I would see something interesting.

Just when I wanted to get ready for bed, Mary walked into my room.

‘Ava, dear, put on a dress and go to your father’s office.’ She had a sad face.

‘What do you mean? Father told me to stay in my room.’ I said confused. Why did my father change his mind and why did Mary look sad?

‘Please, just do as he says.’ Reluctantly I nodded my head and quickly changed into a neat dress. When I was done, I walked towards my father’s office. When I neared it, I could hear multiple voices. My hands started to get clam, nerves growing inside me. I had not much experience with meeting new people, so I was quite scared. I raised my hand to knock. After a short moment, I heard the words ‘COME IN... .’

I stepped inside as was met with six faces. My father was like usual sitting behind his desk. My brother was standing on his right side. In front of them was a younger and older male and a bodyguard stood on each side of the office.

‘You wanted to see me, father?’ I said in a timid voice. The powerful aura were clashing against each other in the room. Too many dominant males in such a small space.

‘Yes, please come here, Ava.’ He gestured with his hand to come to his left side. A small chair was settled next to him and he made me sit on it. I quickly looked around the room, searching for any clues that could tell me what was going on.

‘Gentlemen, meet my youngest child and daughter, Ava.’ The two men in front of him looked at me and I shared a quick look with them. When I felt too intimidated. I looked down at my lap. ‘Ava, I want you to meet Mr Verlice and his son Edric.’

 I again looked up and when I locked my eyes with Edric I felt a sudden cold feeling washing over me. I never judged people, but he had this darkness around him, which could mean anything but something good.

His eyes like his hair were as black as the night. Like Xavier he had a good pair of muscles on him, but was leaner than my brother. He let out a small scoff when I couldn’t hold eye contact.

Then Xavier suddenly spoke up. ‘Father this is wrong.’ He hissed. I had never seen my brother this angry at our father or any other time for that matter.

‘Xavier, stay out of it.’ Our Father snapped back.

A confused look settled on my face and I tried to make contact with Xavier, but he avoided my gaze. My father then turned to Mr Verlice and his son. ‘After seeing my daughter, do we have a deal?’ Both men turned to me one last time and stood up. Mr Verlice held his hand out and said, ‘We have a deal!’

Upon shaking their hands, my father looked at me.

‘Ava dear.’ He took his hand back and put it on my shoulder. ‘You will be marrying Mr Verlice’s son, Edric.