Chapter Six

Rori followed Kristi and Mina into a small sitting area with large luscious arm chairs surrounding a small round simple wood table, the walls were lined with so many bookshelves it looked as if they were made of books themselves. The only false light in the room was a small desk lamp, on the far side of the room the entire wall was made of small windows with a door in the middle leading out onto a patio surrounded by thick blooming vines. Rori and Krist took their seats around the small table while Mina left to grab the tea. “Kristi, who is that guy,” Rori asked, leaning forward in her chair she looked at Kristi who was staring at her knees with her hands dug into the arms of her chair. “He umm he’s an old friend of my dad’s but Mace and I haven't seen him since we were little kids,” Kristi was almost whispering. “Kris?” Rori’s voice was almost nonexistent and Kristi looked up at her friend who had huge tears ready to fall from her face.  Kristi suddenly realized that although she knew Murdok, Rori did not and the girl looked genuinely afraid for her life. “Oh hay Roro it's ok, he can be kinda scary but he would never hurt anybody.” Kristi rushed to her side as Rori looked down letting her hair cover her sobs but Kristi could still hear her small hiccups. Kristi grabbed Rori’s hands as Mina came back into the room carrying a small silver tea tray. Mina observed the girl's behaviour and clattered the tray to the table before rushing to Rori’s other side. 

The sound of the tray and Kristi grabbing her caused Rori to jump slightly, Mina sat down next to her and placed her hands over the top of Rori’s, almost instantly she felt a sense of warm and calm flood her, Rori sniffled and looked up at Mina. “Thank you Mrs. Scopuli,” she hiccuped, Mina smiled at Rori and touched her cheek, she closed her eyes and smiled inhaling the calm that Mina was covertly overwhelming her with. 

“Rori sweetheart, how many times have I told you to call me Mina,” Rori opened her eyes and Mina brought her other hand up to wipe the tears away. “Now,” Mina said in an almost hypnotically calm tone, “why don't we all sit and have a little tea, you can tell me all about what has you so upset before we join the boys for dinner,” Mina eyed her daughter, “it seems your father has some things he needs to say to Mason and believes it's not appropriate conversation for ladies.” Mina and Kristi laughed at each other before Mina stood and set to work making three cups of tea. Kristi turned to her mother and before Rori could form a coherent thought her friend betrayed her, “Rori is afraid of Murdok.” Rori’s head shot up, if looks could kill she would be mourning Kristi while she began to shout, “I am not afraid of him it's just-.” Mina put her hand on top of Rori’s and again the young girl felt calm and warm, “I'm not afraid,” she said in an almost hushed tone, “he was just really...he was really.” 

“Hot?” Kristi cut in and Rori kicked her from under the table causing her friend to groan and grab her ankle. Mina laughed and removed her hands to serve tea. Rori took her cup and brought it to her nose to inhale the aroma, she had asked Mina over a hundred times how she made her tea and Mina would laugh and tell her it was a family secret and if she shared it with her it meant she never had to come visit again. Rori always found the Scopuli’s to be an interesting family; they never actually said what they meant, it was always really weird insinuations or fisherman’s analogies.            

Rori cleared her thoughts and straightened her body out of habit; caused by years of edicate classes and debutante training courses courtesy of Henry. Rori also made sure she spoke clearly but respectfully from behind her tea cup before she took a mouthful of the delicious warm nectar begging for her attention. “I am not afraid of him, he is just very...intense,” Rori closed her eyes to enjoy the delicious liquid as it passed her lips and traveled down her throat to her stomach, before it felt like the tea traveled back through her body and wrapped her up in a warm haze of calm and something else, she lightly placed her cup down on the delicate saucer waiting for it, barely making a sound while Krist almost thrust hers back together, causing the delicate china to clunk in protest. 

Mina hummed with amusement nodding her head, “that is very true Rori, for as long as I have known Murdok he has always been very intense in everything he does, he means no harm... I'm afraid it is just the way his lifestyle has conditioned him.” Mina looked almost sad or pitiful, Rori thought and she wondered what it was Murdok did that made him that way, and why it was Mina looked so sad for him. Rori silently rolled her bottom lip over her teeth and Kristi nudged her knee from under the table with a sly grin. “I can't believe you knew what kind of bike that was,” Rori rolled her eyes. “Henry loves to spend his money almost as much as he enjoys talking about spending his money...he has a few bikes and cars and I just love the thought of almost flying down the road with nothing between you and the wind.” Rori hadn't noticed but she had stood up and walked to the window at some point, looking out into the courtyard at the beautiful bike, she spun around when she heard Mina and Kristi laughing softly and Rori blushed a deep crimson, “sorry I guess that sounds silly.” Mina stood up and crossed the room “not at all Rori, it is something that brings you joy in a situation you are not happy with but can’t control,” Mina laughed softly, “it is also perfectly natural to want something somewhat wild and dangerous.” Rori looked deep into Mina’s eyes trying to figure out what she was really talking about but only found them warm and content with the hint of something wild and secret. 

Before the ladies could say anymore Mason came crashing into the room, almost sliding on the floor but he grabbed a hold of the door frame to steady himself. “Uuuh, calling all females of this house to the table grub is on the slab,” Kristi rolled her eyes as Mina slapped her hand onto her thigh in agitation. “Mason do you have to be so vulgar... and don't run in the house, you will scratch the floors.” Mason rolled his eyes as he nodded blankly, as if this were not the first time his mother yelled at him for very the same things. Rori laughed a little to herself and when Mason shot her an excited grin she looked down at her feet instantly, she had not spoken to Mason much since the bathroom incident and even though she was good at putting on a happy face she couldn't wear that mask all the time, especially since the reality was that Mason was Kristi’s twin so he was sort of like Rori’s best friend too and she wasn't sure what the hell was going on in his head right now but she wanted to avoid the situation until Mason was sober and could think clearly.

Rori walked next to Mina while Kristi and Mason walked a few steps ahead whispering to each other. “Rori, sweetheart are you alright?” Rori jumped in surprise even though Mina had not even touched her. “Hu?” Rori responded then suddenly kicked herself for how idiotic she sounded but continued speaking when Mina only smiled. “Oh umm yeah, yes I'm ok, I think I'm just a little tired is all, I got in today and was just thinking maybe I should have stayed and unpacked,” Rori offered Mina a tired smile and tried not to think about Henry and her mom. Mina looked at Rori for what seemed like an eternity and Rori was almost in tears again, she didn't want to but all she could think about was everything that had happened today and how Henry made sure she knew she was no longer his obligation after graduation. Rori cleared her throat and straightened her shoulders as they walked but Mina stopped her; grabbing Rori’s elbow and spinning her to face the older version of her best friend. “Rori I hope you don't think Aruther meant to imply you were not welcome, Kristi and Mason love you like you were born right next them and we adore you darling, I can't imagine what you go through with your family but know that you are always welcome here,” Mina rolled her eyes while a little smirk danced across her mouth. “Even if my husband doesn't exactly know how to express himself I know he would be horrified if he thought you assumed he thought otherwise of you.” Mina looked ahead at her children and sighed, suddenly it was like her calm was a mask she let slip for a moment and Rori swore she saw age and something else on the woman’s face. “Aruther used to be a very active part of a private security force contracted out to the military and it made him a very different man, he has come a long way since thin but still has a hard time with his feelings.” Rori hummed and smiled at Mina before she did something that shocked both women, Rori hugged Mina tightly into her chest and spoke softly in the woman's ear, “that’s alright Mina, I understand trauma too, thank you for telling me.” Rori gripped Mina tightly and she heard the sound of breath catching in her chest before she squeezed Rori in return, “Oh Rori, what a beautiful soul you are.”

Rori and Mina held each other at arms distance and laughed as the tears in each other's eyes spoke volumes and even though neither had said a word there was an understanding sitting in the air between them that had not been there before, Rori suddenly felt closer to all of somehow. Mina wiped her own face and cleared her throat as Rori mimicked her actions, “alright,” Mina said “now that we have that out of the way let's eat.” they started walking again and Mina stopped dead in her tracks, halting Rori just before the dining hall doors. “Oh I almost forgot...Arthur and Mason are not getting along… you see Mason’s new choice in-,” Rori held her hand up to stop Mina, “Its ok, Kristi already told me and I kinda figured that's why they baited me into coming tonight,” Mina smiled and laughed a little,“let's join the others then shall we?” 

Rori thought dinner seemed somehow normal and abnormal at the same time, everyone was eating but nobody said a word, and for this group aside from maybe Murdok that was unusual. Rori thought about starting a conversation but the air was so thick with pent up feelings and words left unsaid she decided it was better to just eat; not to mention since the first course she was pretty sure Murdok had been staring at her, but she also thought it could just be her imagination, because she kept stealing glances at him every time she was sure nobody would notice. Rori was finishing her soup when Aruther finally spoke. “So Rori, how is school going for you dear?” The sound of Arthur's voice startled her and Rori jumped, dropping her spoon into her bowl, blushing when Murdok looked her way but continued to fill his mouth with a spoon full of soup. “Oh umm it's going very well thank you, although I am not sure I'm quite ready for graduation I am excited,” pleased with her answer Rori let out a breath she didn't realize she had been holding, Arthur nodded and motioned for the wait staff to clear their plates and bring out the pre dinner toast; .Rori thought it a strange tradition the Scopuli’s had, they would toast before and after the main course. 

A waiter set a glass of champagne in front of Rori and she blushed when he flashed her a wide flirty smile, not bothering to hide the fact that he was looking at the exposed skin of her sternum and collar bone. Murdok cleared his throat and Rori jumped in her seat as it sounded more like a beast than a man. The waiter recoiled and almost ran back toward the kitchen, Arthur stood up with his glass raised and everyone lifted their own toward him while Rori silently prayed this toast did not take as long as the last time; her shoulder had been killing her by the time they actually got around to drinking anything. “I would like to toast this dinner to my children Kristi and Mason; also to Rori for their upcoming changes in life, may the choices you make after graduation lead down a road of lifetime success and happiness.” Arthur lifted his glass and took a sip, prompting the others to do the same; Rori closed her eyes and allowed the cool alcohol to glide down her throat before placing the glass back down. 

The main course consisted of a large steak and greens with cauliflower rice and bresuto wrapped asparagus. Out of habit Rori instantly cut up her steak and asparagus, her cuts were precise and silent just the way she had been taught by her madam; Rori had hated that old nun, but now silently thanked her for the lessons. An ear splitting screech snapped Rori out of her thoughts again and she glanced toward the sound to see Mrudok’s large frame struggling with the dainty silverware he held as Mason and Kristi snickered. 

Arthur made a sound in his throat that was half grunt and half stifled laughter, Rori narrowed her eyes at the trio, “how rude to laugh just because his hands are so beautifully large and muscular they can't properly handle the obnoxiously small set of dinnerware presented him” she thought and before Rori had control of her body she silently set her own silverware down, pushed out her chair and walked to Murdoks side. Placing her small hand on top of his mountains knuckles she all but whispered,“may I?” 

 Murdok did not look up at Rori; he only lay down the cutlery and placed his hands, palms down on the table, in an effort to avoid reaching out and touching the fabric of her pantsuit that was so very close to him. Murdok noticed how it clung to her hips and upper thighs, making them look like plump fruit and he very desperately wanted to take a bite. 

Murdok looked up as Rori suddenly began walking away, looking back down at his plate he noticed she had cut his entire meal into stupid proper size bites. 

Murdok hated Arthur for the way his wife had changed him but would never express that to his friend, after all it was not for him to say how he lived his life. Arthur had always respected Murdok and he would do the same.

Rori’s heart was thundering loudly and the entire room was silent so she was pretty sure everyone could hear her heart pounding in her chest, Murdok didn't say a word so she went swiftly back to her seat to resume her meal and hoped her friends would not make a big deal out of what she had done. 

Arthur and Mina almost couldn't believe their eyes. Rori, meek, terrified, withdrawn, sweet little Rori took it upon herself to waltz over to a mammoth of a man whose very presence was smolderingly terrifying to all he interacted with and she proceeded to cut up his meal for him like it was the most normal thing to do before silently walking back to her own chair.   The pair stared at each other from across the table wide eyed and Mina shook her head covertly at her husband as Arthur simply continued to eat. 

Murdok spoke softly and even then it rumbled throughout the room. “So principesa, what is it you study?” Rori jumped and almost stabbed herself in the mouth with her fork before gently placing it back down on the plate and dabbing at her mouth with a napkin. “I was a dance major but I switched to a history major at the end of my second quarter.” Murdok nodded slightly and said nothing else, the entire table was silent with shock. These two were speaking to each other as if they were the most natural of beings to be in a room together. Mina gave Aruther a pointed look as if to tell her husband he needed to stop this immediately and Arthur sighed slightly. “So Rori, may I ask what made you change your major?” 

Rori instantly felt the need to throw up, she hadn't intended to answer Murdok’s question and now Arthur was pressing her for more answers, “this was a lot of pressure,” Rori thought “no wonder Kristi and Mason didn't want to be alone it was like being interrogated about your life choices.” Rori placed her hands in her lap and sat straight, looking Arthur in the eye. “Well Mr. Spi-'' Arthur raised his eyebrow at Rori and crossed his arms “Ujhh Sir,” she corrected, coaxing a playful twitch at the corner of Arthur’s mouth. 

“I changed my major to make sure I had a practical back up plan, I might be a good dancer but that won't last forever and I need to think about the future beyond just the next ten years I suppose.” Rori mentally high fived herself, she had not expected her answer to sound so profound. Arthur simply went back to eating his meal and nodded before pointing his knife lazely in his son’s direction. “You see Mace, a good back up plan is what you need as well,” Mason grumbled and mumbled under his breath, to which Arthur slammed his utensils on the table, “What was that?” Arthur almost roared and Mason stopped moving the food around his plate to sit back defiantly in his chair, “I have a back up plan old man, after i'm done being the best Olympic swimmer the world has ever seen and I break every record known to man I will ride out my glory days high on fame and cocaine.”

 Rori, Kristi, and Mina were all staring at Mason with their mouths wide open, Arthur slammed his hands down on the table so hard glasses and plates clanked against one another, Rori jumped in her seat and squeaked involuntarily. “Dammit Mason, I'm serious you are not a boy anymore! yet you refuse to act like a man! You will do as you are told for the sake of this family or you will train in the military next year!” Arthur's voice seemed to rise with every declaration and Mason shot to his feet. “Mom are you really gonna let him do that...he can't do that,” Mina simply looked at her lap and tried not to make a sound as Arthur continued to bellow, “sit down right now you will do as you are told.” Mason did not sit down instead he looked right at Rori and mouthed an Im sorry, she was confused until he spoke further. “I can't do that dad because Rori and I are getting married after graduation.” Kristi choked on her food and Murdok stopped eating to now concentrate on the conversation, staring intently at the seething boy in front of him. Kristi slapped her brother in the chest open handed but hard enough to make him groan in protest. “Stop it Mace that's not funny and it's not nice, we can talk about this later... I think we should just finish eating for now.” Kristi gritted through her teeth and Mason sat down. Rori was mortified, “what the hell is going on today?” she thought as she pushed herself out from the table and stood holding her hands together in front of herself. “I'm sorry, excuse me...I need to wash my hands,” it was almost a whisper and she walked quickly out of the room and down the hall.//