August DWC Day 4 - Impress
Rhys nervously stared at the sealed envelope sitting atop the dining table as he drummed his fingers around it. It had been nearly a year now since he last attempted to pass the final exam in order to finally graduate from secondary school. It had been too painful to try again too soon after, and he probably would have given up if not for the encouragement of his employer’s wife, Mrs. Padley – Eve, as she preferred.
She was always rooting for and encouraging him, she also often spoiled him with new clothes, treats, and the occasional massage. He had to admit that it felt really good to be doted upon, it was a feeling he had never really experienced before growing up in the orphanage. Her hand gently rested atop his shoulder, giving it a small squeeze, “It’s gonna be good news this time, hun, I just know it.” Her lips ghosted across his cheek before she sauntered back into the kitchen to continue making dessert. Her husband was out of town on business for a couple days, and she had invited Rhys to join her for nearly every meal in the main house. He wasn’t going to turn down free food and good company!
With a sigh, he ripped open the envelope and pulled out the letter, eyes slowly scanning back and forth. “...I passed…” He didn’t trust the words coming out of his mouth, so after reading the letter once more, it finally sank in. “I did it, I passed!” He didn’t realize he had jumped up from his seat, bouncing on the balls of his feet in excitement. Sure, it may not have seemed like such a big accomplishment to most, but Rhys had always struggled with school. For once, he was actually impressed with himself!
“Ohhh, that is wonderful news, honey! I am SO proud of you!” Before he knew what happened, Eve had cupped his cheeks and planted a big kiss smack against his lips, leaving behind a bright red smudge. She gave him a wink before returning to her baking.
The bewilderment was evident in his expression. He wasn’t upset by her action, quite the contrary. Eve was a beautiful woman, sure she was old enough to be his mother but that didn’t always matter. …But she was also married, not that Mr. Padley seemed to really care when she flirted with him or with various other friends and acquaintances they had over. He cleared his throat awkwardly and briefly rubbed at his lips. Was it hot in here? It suddenly felt hot in here. “Heh..thanks Mrs — Eve.”
“We’ll open a bottle of wine and celebrate properly later, mmm?”
“I uhhh…” Wait, was she coming onto him? No…there was no way. Not him. She was just being real nice. “That sounds great!”
@daily-writing-challenge














