Gabriella then humbly approached the young man, and thanked him, he was still adjusting himself from the fall when his eyes gazed at Gabriella's eyes. He was mute for a moment till she touched him and said, “ Hi, I’m Gabriella”, he managed to reply saying “I'm Zik". He handed her pause to her and was only barely courageous to say, “permit me to say Gabriella but you are indeed beautiful” he said with an innocent look and still lost at her gaze. They talked for a while, exchanged contact and there began a love story that birthed their union together. Gabriella pulled off her shoes, undressed and headed for the shower instead. She Had a quick warm water bath, then dried her body and got something casual to wear and went to bed for a nap. It was already some minutes past eight o’clock. The dining room had been set, all decorated with brightly looking flowers and brilliant white linens. The dining room consisted of a spacious room on the extreme end of the walkway and behind the central walkway. The dining room had a long rectangular table with chairs around it then on the other side were two long sofas made with plain beige coloured fabric with two large-sized pillows each both made with royal flower-designed fabric. On the floor were exotic Spanish rugs having red and wine flowered design. On both ends of the walls were large paintings by an eighteenth-century English artist named Michael Rutherford. Mr Williams was a fan of artistic works, both craftworks and paintings could be found all around his home. On the dining table were assorted dishes and appetizers ranging from tater tots, key lime pie, cobb salad, Fajitas, Buffalo wings, Apple pie and barbecue chicken. At the central line of the long rectangular dining table were two bottles of three different exotic wines, Romanée Conti, Musigny grand cruz and Riesling Trockenbeerenauslese from Germany.On a black wooden table beside the sofas at the corner of the dining table was Mrs Jennifer's birthday cake which was veiled with transparent nylon to shield it from dust. There was also a background piano music playing to match the moment. The butler and the maids were moving tirelessly, ensuring everything was rightly done. They arranged the ceramic plates, cutleries and napkins on the dining table. After much work, they were all set for the celebration, as it was customary for the butler and the maid to be present at the dining room before any of the guests arrived. The butler stood firm and erect with both hands crossed in front of him and below his abdomen. His black suit and suit vest were very much fitted on him alongside his well-polished shoes that seemed to reflect even the dim light of the room. His hair was straightened backwards and had a shiny appearance giving him a dashy younger look for his age. The butler, Mr Richard, was a man in his early forties. He was tall and had broad shoulders. However, The maids Lilian and Bella both wore their customary dress, a black gown with white laces around the edges, reaching past the knee. A half-sized apron also hung around the waist. A moderate high heeled shoe to match with, and a choker necklace worn by only Bella. Lilian didn’t seem to fancy it nor did she soak herself in what was to be celebrated that night. Her mistress was becoming more unbearable to put up with. Either way she was going to try and adjust notwithstanding the acts from Mrs Jennifer. She has been working for the Parker’s for a very long time and has maintained her neutral stand. Lilian was a woman in her mid-forties, well built with the agility and strength to get things done, even despite her age she still does most of the house chores by herself often neglecting Bella's position as the second maid. Bella, on the other hand, was younger and newly employed by Mrs Parker to assist Lilian. Lilian had thought that Mrs Parker’s plan for hiring Bella was to equip Bella with the necessary knowledge she needs to know about the house before firing her. She felt it was the best reason that could only be attached to her madam's hostility towards her but she has promised herself to accept whatever comes in good fate and be just in all she does. It was some minutes towards 9:00 pm, Gabriella first arrived. Looking majestic in her new Jovani rose, off the shoulder high slit evening gown which had sparkling tiny stones embedded in it. She walked in and settled on the sofa at the corner. Shortly after, Vincent came in, wearing a colourful flower patterned long sleeve with a gold chain across his neck and a pair of white sneakers. He approached his sister with a smile and gave her a hug, he sat beside her while they conversed. Then came Mr Allen and Mrs Veronica, both chattering as they came in...... “look who we have here" Mr Allen announced, looking happily at Gabriella and Vincent who both stood up to welcome their uncle and aunt. “how was your flight dear?” Veronica asked, “it was great” replied Gabriella.... just as they were talking Mr Williams came in, wearing a burnt orange blazer and an inner black shirt. He came in and graced the assembly of his family..... “my dear Ella, so good to see you dear" he said while he hugged her. Thanks for making it, he said facing Veronica and Allen. Mr Williams then turned around and inquired, where in the world is our celebrant. Gabriella then volunteered to fetch her, just as she was about to leave, her mother came in, Gabriella stopped halfway in astonishment, so did the others as they marvelled at her appearance. She wore a McLouis designer, emerald green jewel neckline embellished evening gown. Mrs Parker had a knack for designers collection in clothing and other brands. She walked steadily to join the others while approaching Gabriella first and giving her a peck. Just as they were about heading to the dining table, the doorbell rang. They all stopped, wondering who it could be. The butler hurried off to answer the door, it was Patricia, Jennifer’s sister. She walked in flamboyantly as everyone watched speechlessly as she came in. She approached her sister and said “I thought I could surprise you if I came unannounced, well, your lovely husband gave me the heads up for the proper timing for an entrance......happy birthday sister" she said having reached where Jennifer was, she hugged and kissed her. Jennifer smiled and said “I'm glad you could make it dear, I didn’t want to bother you with the trip down here"..... “oh no, it’s fine, anything for you sister" Patricia replied as she walked to meet the others. Jennifer then gave Williams a surprising look which he simply replied by shaking his head. They all sat on the dining table which was very well illuminated by the set of chandeliers above. They began chattering and having fun as the butler played a piece of fine piano music for the scenario. They ate and drank as the maid served them their foods and drinks. Patricia refused to be served, and so she tried out the apple pie and other appetizers before she settled for the main dishes. She was ahead in eating among all at the table. Vincent watched his young aunty, Patricia, in surprise as she ate and drank. Meanwhile, Jennifer whispered to Williams “why did you have to invite her?".... Williams simply said, “I thought it would make you feel better you know, having a relative of yours on your birthday”. “of all my relatives, she was the best you came up with" Jennifer retorted silently as she shook her head and focused on her meal. Jennifer was so fed up with her sister’s dramas and wayward lifestyle. Patricia had had several relationships that ended with either her cheating or the man breaking up with her. She has made a mess of herself and was surviving majorly on the money Mr Williams gives her monthly. Patricia was also a pretty lady, an attractive one at that and in her early thirties. She was nowhere been a female role model. Jennifer has always advised, encouraged and exhorted her but she would sob when being advised by her sister but on the long run, it was all on deaf ears as she would return to her odd life.
Mr Williams gave Allen a sign then he stood up and went to the other corner of the room where the sofa was and said “Attention please”, Everyone stopped and turned...Mr Allen announced while hitting a wine glass with his spoon and signalling the butler to turn down the volume of the piano music. Can we all rise and move over here please, the hour is nigh. And so they all stood up but Patricia paused while trying to have a final bite from a barbecue stack. She gulped a glass of wine, drank water hurriedly and belched, reached for a napkin to wipe her mouth before she finally decided to move over and join the others.
Mr Allen then continued, firstly, thank you all for being here, it means a lot to me, the celebrant and all of us present here. We gather here to celebrate life, a new age of someone very de
ar to all of us, Mrs Jennifer Parker, he said, as he raised his empty glass cup and beckoned her to come over to where he stood. The butler then played a soft birthday piano music. On approaching the end of the song they all chorused “happy birthday”.
So now we shall make a toast, but that would be done by no other than her husband, Mr. Williams Parker, Allen announced while they all clapped. Mr. Williams approached the spot where Allen had just left, took a glass cup being served round to everyone by the maid, while the butler brought in a bottle of cheval blanc 1947 red wine. He Opened it and served it to everyone in their wine glasses. Mr William’s then paused and said, raising his wine cup, “here is to the celebration of the new age of my dear wife, for with you in my life, I have known nothing but love that knows no bound, you are the best thing that has happened to me dear.. cheers to many more fruitful years of Mrs Parker”, he said loudly raising his wine glass even higher then colliding it with that of his wife. He looked at her and then kissed her, now turning outwards he reached forth to cheer his wine glass with the rest of the family. The maids then unveiled the cake, it was a sweet and creamy vanilla almond cake filled with three layers of fresh triple berry compote. With a bold inscription of “happy birthday Mrs Jennifer Parker" written on it and also decorated with chocolate drizzles and purple ball sprinkles. It was the kind that Jennifer loved, and Mr Williams took time to find the perfect caterer for the job. They all gathered to cut the cake and took random photos. The butler then played a classic dance hall piano music which they all danced to. They jollied and drank and danced for long till they got tired. Patricia was the first to get knocked out from too much drinking, she was shown to her room by Bella. Then Vincent came up to his mother and said “happy birthday mom”, he kissed her and said “goodnight”. Gabriella did the same. Mr Williams got tired and went upstairs after bidding everyone else goodnight...” see you upstairs honey" he said to Jennifer while he kissed her and then went upstairs to retire for the night. After a while, Veronica got tired and decided to go upstairs to sleep thereby leaving Jennifer and Allen to continue with the conversation they were all having. The maid and the butler tried to clear things up hastily as it was already getting late. At this time, it was already past 11:00 pm.
CHAPTER 3
The butler and the maids were all about clearing the table and putting things back in order. The butler returned the wine glass cups and the unopened wine bottles back to their shelves while Bella and Lilian took the used plates to the kitchen for washing alongside the leftovers for disposal. Lilian instructed Bella to wipe the table, dress the dining chairs and have the floors and rugs of the dining room cleaned while she would do the dishes herself as she had noticed Bella wasn’t too accustomed to a perfect dishwashing or maybe she was, but Lilian took pride in what she knows how to do best. Bella did as instructed and by past 12:00 pm she was done, switched off the lights of the dining room and headed to the kitchen to assist Lilian with the dishes but she resisted. The butler came into the kitchen, looked randomly and said: “oh dear”, he said shaking his head lightly, “that’s a lot of dishes you’ve got for yourself tonight” the butler said jokingly. “Thank you for your concern, Mr. Richard, I accept your sympathy”.....Lilian responded. Why not Bella here, assist you. “We know the dishes don’t like her handling them though, but this here is too much for you Mrs Lilian”, said the butler. “Once again, thanks but no thanks, you know what, why not you two go to bed, I’ll handle this, it's my job, and I love doing it"... “Alright then”, goodnight Mrs Lilian, The butler said as he turned to Bella and waved at her and said goodnight then he left the kitchen. Bella was still standing, feeling bad watching Mrs Lilian work herself out and couldn’t do anything to help.... Lilian turned to her and said, “don’t worry dear, off you go, goodnight. I really don’t want another broken plate in the kitchen under my watch, so.... go to bed, I’ll be done and I’ll join you in the room soon, okay?” She said smiling. Bella then succumbed and decided to retire for the night. “Okay Mrs Lilian goodnight”, She said as she pulled off her apron and kept in a plastic container containing stained or used aprons that required washing. She then took her leave, glad and excited to have someone as compassionate as Mrs Lilian. She remembered the day Mrs Parker first brought her to the house, Mrs Lilian was kind enough to help her with her things despite her age and knowing she was to be her superior. Bella was a woman in her late twenties, her father Mr Anthony Quil had just died as a result of an accident that occurred in the factory where he worked. He had first suffered terminal injuries from third-degree burns which attracted infections and more complications and so being an aged man, his body wasn’t strong enough to hold and so he passed away in the hospital. Her mother Mrs Theresa Quil who died a few months later from a stroke, leaving her as an orphan. The Quil's were devout Catholics back in Mexico and so growing up, she had always followed her mother to the chapel every day to clean the church. Her parents were both of American origin. Her father worked in the production unit of a chemical factory, while her mother was a petty trader in the market downtown of Ciudad Neza. Her real name was Benedicta and being a girl and the only child she was brought up in the church, devoted to moral values. She was strictly brought up in the way of the Lord that she found it difficult to tell lies or do anything against her mother’s wishes or instructions. She always wore her rosary and prayed it daily. On the death of her mother, she had no choice than to look for a handwork to do. She tried sewing but she failed woefully at it. She then moved with her aunt to America, where someone tipped her about a maids job at a mansion. She was interested, but her aunt was reluctant to let her go simply because the mansion was too far away from where they stayed. Eventually, she allowed her to go after much persuasion but still wasn’t feeling okay about it. Bella left and after working for some time was able to gather some money which she sent to her aunt Mrs Elizabeth who forgot about her reservations earlier and received the money with joy. Initially, on arrival at the Parker’s mansion, It was Jennifer who gave her the name Bella after suggesting her actual name didn’t suit her. She had no choice than to accept the changes.
Bella entered the room that she and Mrs Lilian shared. It was a quite spacious room but had a rather more casual look. There were two beds on both sides of the room, one for each of them. Bella undressed, went into the bathroom for a bath. After which she came out and Wore her pyjamas, knelt down and said her prayers before going to bed hoping that Lilian would join her soon.
It was past 1:00 pm. Everyone except Lilian was fast asleep. Lilian had just finished the dishes. She moped the tiled kitchen floor before adjusting some few kitchen settings. Having finished the kitchen job she switched off the kitchen light and was about closing the kitchen door when she heard a thumping noise in the dining room area which sounded like something hitting the dining chair. “Mr Richard, is that you?”.....no reply came. She approached the dining room from the second kitchen entrance closest to the dining room, she walked further while minding her steps. She was acclimated with the path to take while in the dark dining room. As she approached the adjacent wall of the dining room where the switches were, she switched on the light, and right beside the switches was a man with only half of his face visible as he was wearing a black hood as well as his overall. He smelt of cigarette and alcohol and had desperate looking bloodshot eyes. Her heart skipped a beat as her adrenaline was set into motion in her blood. Her jaws dropped as her fear was boldly written on her face. As if she had lost her voice for a second she tried to shout but her voice was muffled and squashed with terror, she tried to run but the stranger ran after her, she hit the dining table and fell on one of the chairs, making a loud noise that echoed in the space downstairs as the chair hit the dining table. The stranger grabbed her by the arm, but she tried to resist his grip so he forcefully gripped her from behind now crossing his hand around her neck and choking her throat. She struggled to break free but she couldn’t, she tried to scream but her voice was seized by the hand choking her throa
t. The stranger tried covering her mouth to further silence her but his last finger mistakenly went into her mouth. Without being told, out of survival instinct, she bit the finger so deep as if trying to tear up meat scrap from a bone. The stranger grunted in pain while trying his best not to risk making any further noise. Out of anger, he choked her neck more tightly and held onto it for long. Lilian's face was already swollen, and reddish, the veins on her head were more visible and the blood from his finger stained her teeth and lips which made her face more horrible and ghostly as she slowly lost consciousness. Everywhere was now becoming blurry for her as she was been suffocated. Slowly she stopped moving as she descended gradually to the floor. Her killer still held a firm grip on her neck even while she appeared to have lost every atom of life in her body. He held on for a moment then released her from his grip, as her lifeless body dashed for the marble floor of the dining room.
The Case of the Parker's Page 2