Filed to story: Seventeen Heartbreaks: When Love Has No Voice
For Rola, the thrill was in torturing the timid, and she wasn’t about to give in.
Impatiently, Rola blurted out, ‘What are you waiting for? Throw it now!’
With those harsh words, another servant began to drag Jeanette into the murky waters of the lake.
Jeanette’s fear turned to terror, and her screams increased just as Leila passed by.
By the time Leila reached them, Jeanette was already hanging over the water.
Below Jeanette, the lake glistened in shades of green and black, visibly dirty and undoubtedly deep.
For a child, a fall would be disastrous, much worse for someone as young as Jeanette.
Overwhelmed with frustration, Leila exploded.
‘Get the girl up at once, or I’ll call the police!’ her voice pierced the air like a siren.
Rola turned around, irritation briefly crossing her face.
When she saw Leila, however, she froze, her face an expression of shock and disbelief.
Fear and resentment twisted her features as a forgotten wound throbbed anew.
Hesitantly, she reached up to stroke the scar on her forehead.
The servants, unfamiliar with Leila but shocked by her authoritative attitude, hesitated, exchanging uncertain glances.
They waited for Rola’s command, who remained silent, her stubbornness sealing her lips.
Leila’s voice cut through the tension, cold and sharp.
‘Seriously, Rola, have you learned nothing from today’s scolding in front of everyone? I used to think your father was too harsh, but now it’s clear he had his reasons.
Keep up this nonsense, and I’ll make sure he knows it.’
Rola clenched her jaw, reluctance etched in every line of her face.
‘Give her back,’ she finally ordered.
With that order, Jeanette was quickly pulled to safety.
Her tiny feet barely touched the ground as she collapsed in tears.
Leila crouched beside Jeanette, her touch gentle as she wiped away the girl’s tears.
‘It’s okay, dear. Don’t worry. No one will hurt you now.’
As Jeanette listened to the soft tone of Leila’s voice, her fear began to fade.
Looking through her tear-filled eyes, she studied Leila’s face, a face that aroused a vague sense of recognition, though she couldn’t remember where she had seen Leila before.
Rola, feeling humiliated and uncomfortable, addressed Leila with a biting coldness:
‘Even if my father disciplines me in public, it is only a reflection of his concern for his reputation. After all, this is my home.’
‘Challenging me will only get you into trouble. Why don’t you let me keep the child? Once I’ve had my fill of this entertainment, I’ll calm down and forget about denouncing you.’
Rola’s words sent a shiver through Leila.
Rola still referred to Jeanette as a child, but she treated her more like a doll.
The worst part was that there wasn’t much of an age difference between Jeanette and Rola.
The idea of Rola being like that at such a young age was disturbing.
Leila responded firmly, without relenting: ‘Go ahead, give it a try. I’m curious to see how much influence your family really has on Avalon.
Let me make it clear.
This is not a foreign country where your family rules with an iron fist.
If your parents don’t discipline you, rest assured the law will.’
With a reassuring caress on Jeanette’s head, Leila said, ‘Come on.
Let’s go.’
In the end, Rola could only watch as Leila took Jeanette away.
In a fit of rage, Rola lashed out at the other servants, berating them for their incompetence.
Leila led Jeanette into the lounge, a cosy space fully stocked with a variety of refreshments, from snacks to drinks.
Jeanette hesitated at the entrance, alternately looking at the options and at Leila, her expression combining curiosity with a hint of shyness.
Leila, ever patient, began to explain the variety of treats available: ‘These are some sweets, and they’re quite tasty.
If you’re worried about your teeth, feel free to try them.
We also have biscuits. Maybe some milk to go with them?’
Jeanette, still at the door, murmured, ‘Oh, I wouldn’t want to impose.
Really, I’m not hungry.’ However, her stomach betrayed her with a soft growl.
Earlier that day, Jeanette had arrived with Lacey, unsuspecting of the festivities in progress.
They hadn’t anticipated being sidelined at the event, forced to wait while the others celebrated.
Time passed slowly until Lacey was called away, leaving Jeanette to be alone.
It was during this solitude that she crossed paths with Rola.
Disenchanted by the previous experience, Jeanette decided to tell Lacey that she did not wish to return there.
Noticing her reluctance, Leila offered a reassuring smile.
‘Don’t worry about it.
Help yourself. The food is complimentary, and you’re not causing me any trouble.’
Leila took Jeanette’s hand and led her inside.
‘Choose what you want to eat.
It’s important to be more assertive sometimes, especially when you’re out.’ Jeanette looked up at Leila, with a confused expression.
‘Miss Pretty, why are you being so nice to me?’ Leila smiled at Jeanette’s sweet question.
‘I have children your age.
Seeing you reminds me of them, and I can’t stand the thought of them or any child being bullied.
That’s why I try to help where I can.