Chapter 2
Early the next morning, piano music drifted up from the garden below.
The notes were light and tinkling.
Für Elise. It floated up, clear and perfect, every note in its place.
I pressed my face against the floor-to-ceiling window, peering down.
Evelyn was dressed in a white tracksuit, sitting gracefully at a white grand piano.
The morning sunlight wrapped her in a golden glow.
She looked just like an angel.
Richard and Grace stood off to the side, listening.
Their faces were openly filled with pride and affection for her.
When the last note faded, they clapped.
Applause echoed through the garden.
Grace couldn't help but praise her, "Evelyn, it's just beautiful. So elegant. It's simply in your nature."
Evelyn gave a shy little smile.
Her eyes glanced over at my window, almost like she was making sure I saw her.
There was a touch of provocation in her gaze.
I yawned.
I slipped on the shoes they'd left out and headed downstairs.
The kitchen was huge.
Stainless steel counters shone under the lights.
Edith Green, the maid, was bustling around in her apron.
"Good morning, Ms. Felicity Foster. What would you like for breakfast? I can whip up anything you want," she said, polite as ever, but giving me a curious once-over.
"Got any flour?" I asked.
"Uh... yeah, of course," she replied.
"Eggs?"
"Yep."
"Scallions?"
She blinked. "I... Yes, I believe so."
"Great," I said.
I rolled up my sleeves and washed my hands at the big sink.
I measured out some flour, cracked some eggs, chopped some scallions, and mixed it all with water.
I wasn't rushing, just moving methodically.
I heated a pan until it was good and hot, then swirled in some oil.
It sizzled sharply when it hit the metal.
I poured the batter in, tilting the pan to spread it thin.
The kitchen soon filled with a warm, savory smell.
I slid a spatula under the edge and flipped it.
The other side was a perfect, crispy golden brown.
The delicious, simple scent pushed through the air.
Somehow, the piano music in the living room had faded away.
The whole family was standing in the kitchen doorway.
Just staring at me.
Each of them wore a different expression.
Richard was stunned.
Grace looked like she wanted to say something, but stopped herself
Evelyn's lips tightened as she eyed the golden, crispy pancake sizzling in the pan, then glanced at the fancy salad with mint leaves sitting in front of her.
Her gaze grew a bit gloomy.
I slid the pancake out of the pan and onto a plate.
I didn't reach for a knife and fork.
I just used my hands.
Tore off a big piece.
The steam was still rising off it.
I blew on it a few times and then took a big bite.
I munched away, totally satisfied.
Right in the kitchen doorway.
Right in front of them.
"Felicity, something that greasy for breakfast really isn't good for you," Evelyn said, her tone a bit stiff.
"Oh," I said, tearing off another piece. "Tastes great."
Holding my plate, I strode straight into the living room.
I plunked myself down right next to that ridiculously expensive white grand piano.
And I kept eating.
The aroma of scallion oil filled the air.
It totally drowned out the subtle scent of those expensive flowers in the vase by the piano.
*****
That evening, we all sat down for a family meeting.
Richard took his usual spot at the head of the table.
He started things off. "Felicity's finally home. This is a huge moment for our family," he announced, his tone full of pride. "Next month, Foster Group is holding an important charity gala, and I want both of you to attend with me."
He glanced over at me and Evelyn.
"Evelyn, get ready to play the opening piece. It's the perfect showcase for you," he said.
Evelyn's eyes lit up, and she nodded politely. "Of course, Dad. I'll be ready."
Then Richard turned to me, his voice gentle, almost coaxing. "Felicity, you'll prepare as well. It will be a wonderful opportunity to meet everyone. We can have a dress made for you. Is there a particular designer you admire? Maybe Evelyn can go with you tomorrow to pick one out?"
Everyone's eyes landed on me.
Evelyn looked at me like she was just waiting for the show to start.
I slouched back into the plush sofa, my eyelids starting to droop.
"Nope," I said.
No hesitation.
Richard was stunned.
Grace grew anxious. "Felicity, wait..."
"I'm tired," I yawned. "I'm going to bed."
I got up and shuffled to the stairs, my feet dragging with a loose, tired sound all the way up.
I left a perfect, dead silence behind me in the living room.
Evelyn was still there, her stunned expression frozen on her face.