Alexander stared at this silly girl in front of him. tea? He stared at her face with his cold eye, wondering where she got that courage from.
admist the total silence, the only sound that could be heard was the soft crackling of the cigarette and rhythm beat of her heart.
After a moment, he flicked the cigarette butt into a nearby ashtray, the tiny spark extinguished in the darkness. He turned to her, his eyes, now adjusted to the dim light, meeting hers.
"Follow me," he said, his voice cold and firm.
hazel was stunned. did she hear correctly?. she stood for some time when he said again.
" Are you expecting payment before you move those legs of yours.
Hazel snapped out of it and quickly walked behind, following him.
The house was quiet, a hushed stillness that settled over everything.
They headed towards the kitchen, her footsteps light and swift. The large, warm room, usually bustling with activity during the day, was quiet and shadowed now. The only light came from the moon filtering through the high windows, painting silver streaks across the countertops.
Hazel tried to switch on the lights but Mr stern stopped her saying he liked the darkness.
Hazel nodded and moved instinctively, her hands knowing exactly where everything was kept. She filled the kettle with fresh water, the quiet gurgle the only sound in the stillness. She found the small tin of cinnamon sticks, their fragrant aroma filling the air as she opened it. She added a few sticks to the kettle, along with a pinch of cloves and a sliver of orange peel, just as her father had taught her. and some other herbs.
Alexander stood in the corner near the window right across the dimly lit kitchen.
He stared at her every move. He had a lot on his mind. but right now only silence was his voice.
While the water heated, Hazel found two mugs in the cupboard, their familiar weight comforting in her hands. She placed them on a tray, along with a small sugar bowl and a spoon.
"Don't burn yourself ," he said quietly.
"okay sir," Hazel replied, her voice warm. "The tea is almost ready. Please, have a seat." She gestured towards the small kitchen table, tucked away in a corner.
He nodded and sat down, his movements still carrying that air of grace and authority. Hazel poured the steaming tea into the mugs, the fragrant steam curling upwards. She added a spoonful of honey to his, remembering his preference.
She placed the tray on the table and sat opposite him. "I hope this helps, sir," she said softly.
He took a sip of the tea, his eyes closing for a short moment then he opened them.
He paused, slowly looking at a her for a Moment. when....
"Are you trying to burn me, Hazel"? he said, with a serious expression and furrowed brows.
Hazel panicked she fan his mouth area with her hands.."i'm.. I'M SO SORRY !!."
""Are...are you alright sir?, I'll get some water" Hazel tried getting up to go get water only to have her hand grasped by Alexander pinning her down.
"Sit down. no need." Alexander said nonchalantly.
Hazel felt the heat creep to her cheeks she stared at his hands on her. Alexander nonchalant took his hands off and continued his tea.
but hazel was confused.. didn't it hurt him? why is he not reacting. she felt bad and lowered her head. she felt guilty.
They sat in silence for a few minutes. The only sound that could be heard was the gentle ticking of the grandfather clock in the hallway. The warm, spicy aroma of the cinnamon filled the kitchen, creating a sense of peace and tranquility. Hazel stole small glances Mr. stern as he drank his tea, a small, almost imperceptible softening in his features. Perhaps, she thought, just perhaps, a cup of cinnamon tea was exactly what he needed.
"why can't you sleep? Alex asked suddenly. causing hazel to raise her head to look at him.
she lowered her gaze slowly as Alex's intense gaze bored into hers.
"I... I had a nightmare." Hazel said softly.
"A nightmare?" Alex repeated.
Hazel nodded her head keeping her gaze low.
Alex looked at her silently before standing up from his seat.
Hazel immediately raised her head. was he leaving? she thought to herself.
She looked up at him, her blue eyes staring at him and containing an emotion he couldn't quite understand.
He walked away elegantly but suddenly paused at the gate.
"The tea was good" he remarked.
And with that, he walked away.
A small smile played at the corner of Hazel's lips. She was happy.
He allowed he to help him. She finished her tea quickly and decided to return to her room to prepare for the day. The sun was already peeking through the Windows.
And as she turned and walked silently back towards her room, she knew that their shared moment in the shadows was more than just a chance encounter. It was a connection, a silent understanding that transcended the boundaries of employer and employee, a bond forged in the quiet spaces between words.