Marriage Formula - (Jadey321 & Sharliery)

[Sharliery]

Russia- 1963


Winter


The sun began to set behind the Alexander estate as the evening was soon approaching. The snow had begun to fall ever so lightly onto the ground with the wind whisking about the trees. A winter wonderland played out side the castle walls. The estate was quiet and inside the servants and maids were moving around the home with haste. Setting up for the evening preparation - was rumored to have special guests. And leave it to Kathrine , the home had to be pristine.


Kathrine stood in the grand dining room, she watched as the maids lay out the table runner.


"Mia, Do we not have the white silk?" Kathrine asked softly to the nearest maid.


"Yes ma'dam. We can fetch it at once. Would you also prefer the white and gold china then?"


"That would be grand." Kathrine smiled, clapping her hands ever so lightly. She hoped tonight would go smoothly, it's not everyday a grand family like Boskov agreed to meet a prospective husband for their daughter's! She was praying Abram would be a 'formidable' host for once.


Kathrine sighed as she turned from the dining area, heading to the kitchen to insure all feats were being prepared as asked. Her head was heavy with thoughts. Her son was great with formula's and his brain surpassed knowledge beyond any text book, but with everything it comes with a price and unfortunately in Abram's case..


"Social suicide.." His mother grumbled. As she approached the door she saw her head butler.


"Resnov! Is Abram ready?"


"Abram? Ma'dam Alexander...Abram is still in his work." Resnov said nervously.


"Still in his work!?" She kept her composure but he could feel the strain in her voice. "Make him aware our guest will be arriving at once. I want him on-time or so help me God."


"Yes of course Ma'dam." He said in a whisper as she stormed off into the kitchen. Straightening his vest and adjusting his tie and began toward the grand stairs, to the West Wing that held Abram's Laboratory.


<p><a href="<fileStore.core_Attachment>/monthly_2013_08/home.jpg.331c950174897072271d51c3f79198da.jpg" class="ipsAttachLink ipsAttachLink_image"><img data-fileid="4334" src="<fileStore.core_Attachment>/monthly_2013_08/home.jpg.331c950174897072271d51c3f79198da.jpg" class="ipsImage ipsImage_thumbnailed" alt=""></a></p> The Alexander Estate. ( In Summer LOL)

 

[Jadey321]

"Madam, the carriage will be ready in about an hour."Her personal maid, Annabel told Josephine before exiting the room to leave her alone again. Josie looked at herself in the mirror, her fingers touching her face lightly. She considered herself a very pretty girl, she looked just like her mother with just a hint of her father too. She broke her gaze from the mirror and turned around, looking at the dress her mother had laid out for her to wear tonight. They were going to the Alexander estate for some reason, her parents wouldn't say why until they actually got there. Which was nerve racking. The dress was form fitting and deep red to bring out her eyes and her pale skin. There was a knock on her door and Annabel came into the room again, like she just knew Josie would need help getting into the dress."Thank you"Josie said lightly, her light russian accent coming through a little.


The dress fit like a glove, her curves standing out perfectly and her bust almost exploding out of her dress. She immediately realized why her mother chose this dress. She must be meeting a guy tonight. She rolled her eyes, looking at herself in the full length mirror as Annabel fixed her hair. It only took Annabel a couple minutes to get Josephine ready, her hair curled to perfection so it framed her face perfectly and cascaded down her back. And then she helped do Josephine's make up, painting her lips red to match her dress."There, your heels are right by the door miss, the carriage should be ready now."

 

[Sharliery]

Resnov continued down the hallway of the grand eststate, turning right into another trail of a grand hall . The only thing he could hear were the tapping of his foot steps against the marble floors. Not many people traveled to the West Wing so the floors were perfectly polished still. At the end of the hall he could see the oak doors, a shadow passing back and forth.


"Sir Abram," Resonv called knocking on the door ever so lightly. He heard shifting in the room, someone mummbling, a scribble or two being written down. "Sir Abram?" He repeated slightly pushing the door open.


Entering the room Resnov took in his surroundings to the right a large table trailed the lining of the walls, beakers , potions, tools labeled, neatly filled the vast space, above the table formula and drawing were written posted with a tack on the walls. The wall to the left of the room was covered by a book shelf, high to the ceiling and even more piled down at the floor. The middle of the room consisted of several stations, different projects working at the same time. Everything seemed still, so Resnov assumed he must be thinking up something new before continuing.


Abram's desk faced the window, he stood crouched over scribbling intensely onto paper with his quill.


"The influenza virion is roughly spherical. It is an enveloped virus – that is, the outer layer is a lipid membrane which is taken from the host cell in which the virus multiplies..." He rambled.


Resnov cleared his throat, knocking on the door loudly. Abram whipped his body around, his white jacket flowing behind him, he placed his hands on his hip, a wide smile on his face.


"Resnov! Where did you run to? How long has it been? Two days?"


"Four, Sir."


Abram was shocked , he looked behind him to the setting sun and started to remove his glasses. His eyes were red, bags starting to form he rubbed them as if suddenly realizing he was tired.


"I must have gotten carried away, I think I have finally solved the formula to the influenza effecting the Chinese." He turned to the desk, gathering his papers. "Quite facinating actually, transferred from animals to humans through- well in theory- food. And from human to human with a mere touch of hands or cough. IT evolves! " Abram's eyes and face were lighting up despite the apparent lack of sleep. "And this!" Abram quickly approached Resnov, practically shoving a drawing into his face. IT looked like a man covered in a bag, a glass helmet covering it.


"Of course, it's only a rough draft but I'm sure Father and I can come up with something! This will revolutionize safety inside a space craft! A self contained oxygen suppy , they will be able to move freely without the har-"


"Sir, I assure you this is all quite fasinating. But their is another pressing matter we should address." Resnov started.


"Ah, yes! You wanted me to conjour and aphrodisiac for your brother's horse! Let me s-"


"No Sir it isn't that."


"Then?"


"Your mother."


"My mother?" His face twisted, confused about his statement.


"Yes Sir for dinner."


"Is she fussing over that again? She very well knows I have work and deadlines, we can eat together any other time, tell her I would love to join her for brunch in the morning."


"That wouldn't be wise Sir. You did promise her tonight for a special occasion."


"Promise?" He huffed. "I remember no such th-"


***


Kathrine stormed into the lab, pushing open the doors that startled Abram.


"That's it I've had it! We had guests, your brother's brought their wives! and again you dileberately missed it for what these potions?!" She boomed. Abram startled with a jump, dropping the beaker that crashed to the floor. "How long do you plan to stay cooped in this, this.." She looked around the room, flaring her hands into the air. "Cell!"


"Mother I assure you it isn't a cell. I am actually quite happy working and not being interrupted..." He growled staring down at the compund he just wasted.


"Abram, interruptions should be the least of your worries. Once your father returns from the United States we'll be having a talk about this laboratory of yours! You're 25, handsome and I have yet to see you speak to a woman, actually ever leave this place!"


"I talk to Mia"


"She's a maid and you ask her for food and ink for your quills!"


"I talk to Irina."


"She cleans and organizes this hell hole! Stop trying to avoid the conversation. You have to be married to earn the estate Abram or you and your sweet laboratory will have no where to live!"


"Mother please I have this all under control. We can request our neighbor Celia for a hand in marriage, you remember her when we kids, there problem solved."


"She's married with 1 babe and 1 on the way.." His mother repeated dry. Not amused. Abram looked at her shock.


"What? When was this? She didn't even invite us to the wedding!" He rubbed his chin.


"Yes, your father and I attened! You were busy burning down the east wing with your rockets!" She yelled watching as a light sparked in her son's eyes, Oh no... She thought. She had just sparked him with another idea.


"The rocket! Too much oxygen reles-" He stepped over the broken beaker, turning away from her fumbling to reach his paper and quill while heading for his books.


"Abram! Stop it!" Kathrine stormed over to him, her dress clenched in both hands.


"Mother, I have a lot of work to do.."


"And I'd like to see my son happy with something other then this." She opened her arms. "You're brothers all have wives along with their passions, why can't you?"


"Because I have no time.." He honestly said, rubbing the bridge of his nose.


"So let me make some time for you. Thursday evening 7pm. Sharp."


"Yes, yes fine." He looked behind her where Resnov was beginning to pick up the shattered glass with gloved hands.


"Dressed. Shaven. Ontime."


"Yes yes." He pulled a book from the shelf, scribbling notes into it.


"Abram.." His mother almost begged, he looked up from the book.


"I promise Mother, I will be there and on time..."


***


"Uhm..Resnov.." Abram's face was almost white, remembering his spat with his mother. If he didn't show up surely she would come burn this room down.


"Sir?" Resnov too looked concerned.


"How much time do I have?"


Resnov sighed, the young master finally remembered. Resnov could hear the carriage approaching, since the West Wing was directly a few miles from the entrance to the estate.


"I would say 10 minutes sir."


"10 minutes!!!?" He dropped his papers.


"Should I call Irina to draw a bath."


"No time.." He started towards the door, leaving his laboratory door open. He had to get to his room quick. At least to shave and wash the tiredness from his eyes. God save him from his mother's wrath.

 

[Jadey321]

Her mother, Renee was standing in her green gown that made her blonde hair and pale skin stand out, her hand in her father, Hance's hand."Ah there you are, what took you so long?"Her mother spoke, her thick accent ringing out through the castle. Josephine stepped down from the last step of the stair case, gracefully letting go of the railing and regaining her balance. She couldn't really move well in the tight dress."Apologies mother, I was just making sure that I looked presentable, even though I have no clue where we are going. But I assume that you both want me to meet someone."Josie said, her hands flatting out the dress against her body. A hint of a smile tugged at her mothers lips,"Oh? Why's that?"Renee asked, amused. Josephine wanted to just roll her eyes, but she knew that wasn't proper."The dress? Mother this dress is the tightest, most form fitting dress I have ever worn before."She explained, putting her hand against her hip, leaning against the stair railing.


Renee scoffed,"Oh darling, you know me too well. We are going to the Alexander Estate to have dinner. And yes there is a man that we want you to meet."Her mother explained, starting to turn as her husband led her outside."Oh and you both will be married within the year."She added like it was no big deal. Josephine's world just altered and tipped, she felt like her breath was just taken from her."Are you okay miss?"Annabel was at her side, her hands against Josephine's elbow."M-m-married?"Josie sputtered out, her eyes were starting to get watery as Annabel and another maid helped her to the carriage. She wanted to run, run far far away from this place that suddenly became foreign.


The whole carriage ride there was miserable, she wouldn't look at her parents. Her father stayed quiet the entire time, so it was probably all her mothers idea and plan for the arranged marriage. When they were finally there, Josephine let her parents get out before she herself getting out of the carriage. Her eyes scanned the castle looking house, it was pretty huge, much bigger then her home. Then it all hit her, Josie picked up her pace and grabbed her mothers arm, pulling her back."You're doing this for the money aren't you?"She hissed and her mother looked enraged. With a swift slap across Josephine's face, Renee glared at her daughter."You will not ever speak those words again. Stay in your place young lady."She snapped as Josephine pressed her hand against her throbbing cheek.


After gathering herself and getting her emotions in tack, she followed her parents to the huge from doors. Josephine had a light pout on her lips, her cheek was probably red, and she just hoped someone questioned her on it. Her mother's true colors came out tonight.

 

[Sharliery]

Kathrine paced the grand floor in front of the main door to the Alexander estate, gribbing the side of her tan gown so hard he knuckles were turning white. Where was Abram? She thought. It was bad enough her husband was still in America and now her son was late. Again. Had Resnov not been able to pursuade him to come down? He promised. She thought to herself. She stopped her pacing and looked up towards the grand stairs. No one. She again started to pace. Hearing someone at the steps she whirled around, disappointed that it was only Resnov.


"And Abram?"


"He's preparing himself Ma'dam. What he can get done at least." Resnov walked down the steps meeting by her side.


"Preparing himself? He was to be here at 7 Sharp. This boy, really, I could say I did a great job in his brillance bu-" She stopped abruptly and she heard the footman knocking at the door. "They're here... " She said nervously, brushing down the rumbled side of her dress, fixing her pearls around her neck and adjusting a blonde curl that fell from her up-do behind her ear. She slapped her cheeks slightly to make them a pinch of red for blush.


"Resnov please get the door."


Resnov shook his head and headed to the door. With one pull he hoisted the grand door open.


" Mr. and Mrs. Boskov , I'm head Butler Renov Venokich, on behalf of the entire Alexander estate we'd like to express how happy we are that you are joining us. " He bowed slightly, taking Mrs. Boskov hand and placing a polite kiss on the top as a sign of respect. "Miss Boskov," He bowed to Josephine, placing a kiss on her hand as well. Standing abruptly he placed his hands to his side. "If you'd please follow me." He placed his hand out welcoming the family in towards Kathrine, who seeing Josephine's beauty was smiling from ear to ear. In the back of her mind cursing her son for making her look foolish!

 

[Jadey321]

Josephine's light pout stayed on her lips as the huge doors opened to reveal a man in a suit. A butler. She wanted to turn right on her heels and head straight back to her room, where she felt safe and away from danger. Her eyes wandered around the entrance room, it looked like the same layout of their house. But of course, the Alexander estate was larger and seemed more homely if that made any sense. Their stair case was mesmerizing though, so pretty. Her eyes were on the stair case when her mothers elbow logged its way into her ribs. She winced and turned to look at her. Josie watched as her mother curtsied at the woman in another extravagant gown. This must be the woman of the house.


With the pout still firmly on her lips, she looked at the lady and curtsied like she was raised to do. Her mother didn't so much as give her a nod as she spoke to the woman."Thank you for inviting us over for dinner so that my daughter can meet your son. I assure you that our Josephine is most looking forward to meeting your son, Reid." Her mother straight lied to the woman's face and Josie wanted to laugh out loud. Really? Lying to someone you just met right off the bat? But then, Josie shouldn't be that shocked, her mother did just choose her own daughters future and is forcing her to marry a complete stranger.


"Josephine? Do you have anything to say?"Her father piped up for the first time, looking at her with a hard gaze. Josephine blinked a couple times, moving a little so her father's fingers didn't touch her arm like he intended them to do. Her eyes met the woman's and she pulled the most fake smile on earth,"Very happy to be here."She said, her light accent blooming through her lies.

 

[Sharliery]

Kathrine beamed with happiness, her emerald eyes glowing, she was fooled by Josephine's smile. She curtsied in reply to both women.


"It is enitrely my pleasure." Kathrine touched her pearls nervously fiddling. She couldn't believe Abram was still not down, what excuse could she possibly come up with.


"I must apologize in advance that my husband was unable to join us this evening. You know NASA has contracted Christov to work on their latest flight, he couldn't possibly pass it up." Kathrine smiled with admiration. "He did ask me to warn Hance of promptly visiting for a Chess match when he returns." She giggled gracefully, placing her hands softly infront of her. "I am afraid my husband doesn't take his defeat to you as well as I thought."


"And Ma'adam Renne, Josephine is most beautiful." Kathrine smiled at Josephine. "We must have a confrence with your tailor, your gowns are marvolous. " Her American accent poured with everyword. She begged her nerves to be calm, hoping they didn't question about Abram..

 

[Jadey321]

Josephine could feel her mother just beaming with pure happiness at how happy madam Alexander was. Josie wanted to just blurb out what had just happened outside the doors of this woman's castle! Her eyes looked around the place again, where was this boy she was supposed to be meeting already? Her father got closer to her, which broke her out of her thoughts completely, taking another step away from him. Nasa, she repeated in her head, watching Madam Alexander explain her husbands whereabouts. Josie of course didn't really care about the husband, or the son for that matter. All she cared about was her books and her paintings."Oh yes, well we understand about your husband, and tell him that I would love to play chess with him sometime soon!"Her fathers voice boomed throughout the entryway.


Madam Alexander mentioned her name and she was yet again thrown out of her thoughts, her lips pouting again as she looked at the lady. Renee smiled, the smile fake of course as she looked at her daughter and then back at Katherine."Oh, I will send you the name of the lady who made the dress. I actually designed it special for tonight." Her mother boasted and Josie looked away so her mother didn't see her eye roll. Josephine was practically popping out of her dress!

 

[Sharliery]

Kathrine laughed along with the Renne.


"Again it's completely enchanting, and Josephine that color does suit you so well!" Kathrine sighed. "I always hoped for a daughter of my own, but instead 3 boys. While they were growing up Christov would wonder if it was a blessing or a curse!" The women all laughed together, but Kathrine notice Josephine was not one pit amused. "Is everything alright dear?" She reached out, touching her shoulder lightly.


Resnov appeared behind Kathrine once again, he had a habit of disappearing then reappearing.


"Ma'dam," He bowed slightly. "Your table awaits you and your guests..."

 

[Jadey321]

Josephine curtsied at the lady's compliment, pulling a small faint smile for her mother really."Thank you"She said lightly, looking away and at the stair case again. When her fingers touched her shoulder, she jumped a little, looking at the woman with big eyes."Uh.. Um, yes Madam, my applogies. My thoughts are just else where at the moment."She shook her head, taking a step away. She could feel her mothers cold hard glare as Josie lagged behind when everyone made their way to the dining room. Her mother stopped Josie once they were out of sight range. Renee gripped her daughters thin arm, squeezing and yanking her closer."Don't you ruin this Josephine"She hissed, speaking a couple choice words in Russian at her. Josie just stared at the ground as her mother insulted her and threatened her, letting it all roll right off her back.


Finally her mother lat her go and Josephine walked into the dining room, she made sure that she wasn't sitting next to her mother of course. She rubbed her arm as she sat down, the butler pushing her chair in."Thank you" She said kindly for once before resuming to her usual pout.

 

[Sharliery]

Kathrine sat on the far end of the table the seat right before the foot of the table, across from Reene who sat next to her husband and he across from Josephine. She looked to the head of the table where Abram's seat was empty , everyone was trying not to stare and the air became thick with the aparent knowledge that someone was missing.


Kathrine sigh. "I must apologize for my son being so late, He's quite bright but I'm afraid he loses tra-"


"Nonsense Mother," A deep voice chuckles. "Dobryy vecher vsem.." Abram bid everyone a good evening in his native tongue. Kathrine smiled as she whirled her head over her left shoulder toward the dining entrance, her smile quickly turned into a scowl.


"Good Afternoon..." Kathtine hissed. Abram stood by the door way, his 6'1 stature towering over Mia who was paitently waiting for him to take seat so she could begin pouring refreshments. He had his hands jammed into the pockets of his white laboratory coat, his white shirt tucked neatly into his black courdroy pants and his laboratory shoes polished as ever. She could have killed him. He hadn't changed since Monday! ..Not that anyone knew but Kathrine felt her face growing warm in embarassment. At least he's shaven.. Her mind grumbled and she took the in the strong features of his face and the sparkle of his blue eyes behind framed glasses. Abram's dark blonde hair was pushed back, a bit unruly.


"I hope I didn't keep you all waiting too long. The estate is so large I must have gotten lost! " Abram laughed a little trying to lighten up the mood for his mother's sake, his long legs taking strides towards his seat at the table.


"It's nice that you've finally joined up."


Abram could feel the annoyance in her voice, a twist in her lip, he could tell he was in for a verbal lashing later..


"Of course , I wouldn't have missed it if my life depended on it.." He continued to grin as wide as he could, his life did depend on it.


"Well would you like to introduce yourself then?"


"You know this is always my favorite part." His eyes sparkled. "My name is Dr. Abram Alexander, Third , and might I add Brilliant son of Christov and Kathrine Alexander. I've attened 3 A-list universities , one in which I am a professor of Virology and Science Technology. Currently I am working on the epeidemic in China which if no one knew is sw-"


Kathrine cleared her throat, glaring at Abram before he got carried away. He chuckled.


"I'm sorry, I sometimes forget I'm not in a class room..." He nervously laughed, keeping his dashing smile as he adjusted his glasses up the bridge of his nose. From the instant he removed his hand, Josephine had caught his attention.

 

[Jadey321]

Josephine looked at her napkin in front of her, taking it in her fingers and placing it in her lap. When Katherine mentioned her son, she couldn't help but tune into the conversation. He was the whole reason she was present at the dinner, and he wasn't even here. Josie tucked a loose curl behind her ear, licking her bottom lip and flattening out her napkin in her lap. And then suddenly a deep voice rang through the dining room, her head tipped up in the direction of the voice. Her first reaction to Abram was that he was cute in a nerdy way kind of cute. And that she suddenly was way over dressed.


Josephine cleared her throat a little, looking at her mother with a weird look. But was only glared back at by her mother and her father. She looked away, rolling her shoulders back and listening to Abram come into the room chatting it up. She felt like he hadn't looked at her yet, did that bother her? No, but still. Josie took a sip of the wine that was set out, wanting to chug it all down in that instant but she knew her place and manners.


And then Josephine finally tuned into all the talking and looked up at everyone. Abram was looking at her, looking at her for the first time. She didn't want to blush so she just lightly pouted, tilted her head and then took a sip from her wine glass once again.

 

[Sharliery]

Abram watched as Josephine took a sip from her glass, not even smile creeped onto her face. He cleared his throat and looked away. "Erm, well then," What was going on anyway, he looked over to his mother with a questioning look on his face as he took a seat.


Kathrine raised her glass to her lips too. Why did it seem she was ignoring him too? His mouth twitched into a scowl and he turned to Mrs. Boscov taking her hand into his and placing a kiss onto it, his smile had returned. " You must be the Mrs. " He said in a charming manner and looking to her husband he tipped his head. He'd met him before when he came to match his father in chest. "Sir Boscov, how long has it been? Still strategic as ever I take it? I have be honest I've gotten better at chess."


He looked across the table to Josephine, lifting the glass of wine to his lips he sipped and he studied her from behind his glass, what was her mood all about? Placing his glass down he smiled brightly and directed his voice to her,


"And this? Can I assume this is your lovely sister Mrs. Bescov?"

 

[Jadey321]

Josephine felt his gaze on her from time to time, knowing that he must be confused as to why there was a pout on her lips. Did he know the plan that their parents were cooking up? Probably not, and that thought almost made a smile tug at the corners of her lips. Her head turned and she watched her father smile at Abram, nodding,"Yes, it's been a month or two."he said in reply, sipping at his wine of course. Her father and wine were best friends, closer then him and her mother. And then Abram said the wrong thing, of course Josie was taking a sip of her wine when he spoke.


She choked on the wine, covering her mouth with her napkin before it got on her dress. Her eyes got huge and she shook her head,"No.. No"She sputtered, once the wine was sown though, her mother kicked her in the shin. There was already a bruise there from another time so when she kicked it, Josephine winced a little."What Josephine was saying before she made a rude commotion was, no we are not sisters. She is my daughter."Renee said the last part through her teeth, settling back in her seat and taking a swig of the wine that was almost gone already.


"Excuse me for just a second please."Josephine whispered, standing up and setting her napkin on the table. A butler followed her out but she ignored him and she went straight for the stairs. She carefully sat down on a step and looked at her leg, it was yellow, blue, and purple. The nastiest sight ever, and only getting worse. Then she remembered the slap across her face, it was good that the lighting in the dining room was dim. Josephine had to get a hold of herself, just until they left this place and went back home.

 

[Sharliery]

Abram was at a loss for words and Josephine excused her self from the table. He looked to her mother who just as shocked and he was, flashed with apparent anger. What was going on? He had never been at a dinner party so.. odd.


"I'm sure Abram only meant it as a compliment.." Kathrine broke through the silence.


"Of course." Abram smiled , chuckling lightly with his mother trying to ease the tension.


"She must have scared herself with almost choking and all. She must just need a bit of air for a moment?" Kathrine looked to Renne. "I'll have Resnov bring in the appatizers then." She clapped her hands together and noticed Abram staring out to the dining room doors. She lightly kicked him under the table.. Go on. Her eyes read.


"Uhm yes, while that's happening, I do remember I have a rather a great vodka in my laboratory...Let me go fetch it." Abram said as he stood from his chair.


Kathrine smiled pleasantly. "Why this sounds grand! Abram always selected the best of Vodka's here in Russia. Once he-" As she trailed on conversation with Renne and her husband , Abram took it upon himself to take a quick exit, placing his hands back into his coat pockets, he found her at the stiars. Stopping to not alarm her, his next step was soundless.


"I don't very much want to be down here either.. " He finally said, closing the gap between then he looked down at her. "But I must say I'm quite famished..."

 

[Jadey321]

Josephine could already tell that she was in for one hell of a night when they got home for her behavior. She took her hair down without a care, running her fingers through her hair and looking at the ground. She didn't hear any foot steps so when Abram spoke, she jumped and sat up onto the next step. Her free hand was clutching at her chest, while the other slid away from her now messed up hair."Y-you startled me."She said lightly, standing up and fixing herself up as best as she could. When she had finally gotten a hold on herself, she looked him in the eyes.


"I apologize,for my behavior back in the dining room. It wasn't really on my agenda for my mother and father to throw a man at me like this."She shook her head, biting her lower lip. Even though she still didn't really know what her parents had planned, she had an idea. And it had to do with Abram, of course. Her and her family never just went to some other persons estate to have dinner. There was more to it. She didn't want to be with Abram, sure he was a cute guy but she could already tell that she wouldn't have anything in common with this man.


"You didn't have to come out here you know, you could have stayed in there with everyone else."Josephine told him lightly, her hands clasped together as she walked away from the beautiful stair case and closer to the dining room. Josie caught a sight of herself in the mirror and sure enough, there was spots of discoloration from her mothers harsh slap. Hoping Abram didn't see, she turned so her bruised side wasn't showing.

 

[Sharliery]

Abram was smiling , he watched as she gathered herself smoothing out the creases in her dress. He quite enjoyed how she fumbled from his approach. Josephine's hair cascaded down her back, strands lingering over her shoulder, He took his time to take in her image, the curves of her body perfectly lined out with a tight corset, her exposed neckline and the mounds of her chest almost bursting from her bodice, he felt his mouth go dry.


"No need to apologize , it's my own fault. I seemed to have frazzled everyone with my attempt to A. Give your mother a compliment and B. Learn who you were. A simple introduction would have probably sufficed ! " Abram's broad shoulders shrugged under his jacket and he flashed her another charming smile. She seemed to have ignored him.


"You didn't have to come out here you know, you could have stayed in there with everyone else." Her voice was soft but Abram could feel how she forced her polite manner. He felt the tension and she walked past him, Abram turned on his heels behind her.


"It's a gentlemen's duty to make sure his guests are enjoying themselves . My mother would have a fit if I didn't come get you. " Abram came up behind her he noticed how she would only half face him. Did he bother her? Did she know him from somewhere? Why was she here? His brain continued rattling questions , his train of thought broken by the sound of plates being lowered onto the table, champagne being opened and the laughter of their mother.


"I have to admit I've been lost in my work so much I haven't had time to eat, " Abram's hands went to her chin moving her face towards him, "Why don't we join the- your face.." His smile quickly turned into a scowl and her turned her face more to see the formation of a bruise. "What happened?"

 

[Jadey321]

She could feel his eyes examining her and it made her tense up a little, but then she relaxed. She didn't want to act like a snob just because he was looking her over, it was the whole reason why her mother put her in this dress. For him to look at her, like she was some kind of exhibit. Josephine had to admit that she was happy with the way the blood rushed to his cheeks as his eyes scanned down the front of her. After a couple more seconds, she cleared her throat and he started talking again."You did have a very loud and animated entrance."She agreed, nodding her head as she glanced at him, taking her time in looking him over. She wondered under the nerdy look, was he muscular? Six pack? Her thoughts went south and she actually started blushing, looking away from him.


When she started walking towards the ball room, she froze as he was right there next to her. His back was almost brushing her shoulder. She couldn't show her cheek, she just couldn't. So she just stared down at the tiled floor, counting the squares around them.


Then he actually turned her face to look her in the eyes, her lips started to part and her other hand was about to swat his hand away from her face. But then he saw it, her cheek, the one thing she had been trying to hide from him."I-I uh.. Fell"She lied, looking away from him before swatting his hand away and hiding her cheek again. "It's nothing."She added lightly.

 

[Sharliery]

Abram's scowl twitched as she swated his hand away. He stepped back as if to catch his balance and gripped his hand into a fist , offended by her gesture. His eyes narrowed almost as if to burn holes into her back. What was her problem , was she that disgusted with him? His eyes glazed over as if calculating a formula.


"A fall wouldn't bruise your face in that matter, at the velocity of the fall with your height you would have a scrape from here," He pointed to the top of her cheek bone and made an out line in the air to the bottom of her jaw. "To here" Abram made it a point not to touch her face. "And with the natural instinct of the human brain , your hands would have come to your aide, " he grabbed her soft hand swiftly turnig her palms to the ceiling , "causing again apparent scraping." His hand dropped hers with no feeling of comfort.


"Now will you test my intelligence again or will you tell me who hit you?" Abram adjusted his glasses up the bridge of his nose , then ramming his hand back into his pocket, his height toward over her , his eyebrow shot up in question.

 

[Jadey321]

His reaction was expected, her hands clutching at each other as she looked away. But he didn't give up on asking her about her face. When he started talking about the fake fall in depth, she wanted to roll her eyes but she refrained from doing so. Who was this guy? Why did he seem so concerned about her? Then he grabbed her again, catching her off guard as she watched her hand in his as he brought her hand up in the air. Then he dropped it and she was the one shocked now, she quickly changed her facial expression to the light pout."Why does it matter who hit me? Are you going to have them banished from the land?"She joked, looking into his eyes for the first time.


After a couple minutes though, she regained her composure and looked at him not as harshly."It was my mother." She said lightly,walking past him then and into the dining room. Everyone was laughing and talking until she came in, her mothers expression faltering right when her eyes laid on her.


Josephine breathed in and out slowly before walking back to her seat and sitting down."Sorry" she whispered lightly, taking a couple sips of her drink.

 

[Sharliery]

Her Mother? But.. "Why?" Abram mumbled under his breath. What reason would anyone have to strike her? His own mother had wacked him here and there but to strike a woman across the face was extensive. Especially , seeing as the bruise was just starting to form , had to be recent. Lost in his train of thought he did not notice that he stood in the hall by himself until he heard his Mother's voice.


" Josephine I'm so happy you're back, your mother was just telling me about you fascination with books! Abram himself has a large collection, though I don't know what he had there, actually, where is Abram?"


Abram came into the room at that moment, again his long legs taking wide strides to reach his end of the table. He said nothing , and didn't look to Josephine , he simply took a seat , Mia began to place his food down in front of him, he looked to Mia and gave her a smile, practically ignoring everyone else at the table.


"I haven't seen this dress before. " Abram said, studing Mia as she went around his right shoulder, pouring his mother another glass of wine.


"Lady Alexander presented it to me as an early gift."


"Early gift?" Abram began to shovel food into his mouth, Kathrine's brows forrowed. She cleared her throat, giving Mia an indication to end the conversation. Mia gave Abram a smile as to indicate she would talk with him later and began to decend back into the kitchen.


"Abram. Mia does have plenty of work to do and you have guests , so let's please have your attention here.." Kathrine tried to sound as polite as possible, the tension at te table was so thick she felt she could cut it with her knife. She looked to her son, who seemed to ignore her. He continued to eat , pausing momentarily to just take a drink. Katherine became annoyed , she looked to her guests, they all had blank looks, confused to where the charming doctor had went to.


"Abram!"


"Mother.." Abram said between bites, he didn't look from his plate, his eyebrows arched showing apparent annoyance.


"What is the matter with you? You're being quite rude! I did not set this up for-" Kathirine was cut short from his slamming of the silverware, her face was red , her hands trippin the sides of her dress, she looked to her son with eyes that could kill.


"Let's cut the formalities and this, game. " Abram pushed the plate from infront him, he picked up the fork and began to twirl it in his hand. "Would anyone care to share why I was dragged from my work, to meet woman who dare I say is less than thrilled to be here? It seems to me she was dragged against her will , it doesn't take a genius to see this... But I am quite stumped on why they are here?" He looked around the room, everyone was quiet. "Anyone? "


"Abram really if we can just enjoy din-"


"This isn't just dinner Mother, so if we are done playing me for a fool, let's hear it. What is so important that you had to strike her to get her here?" At the moment Abram's entire body directed to Mrs. Boscov, the entire room was silent , his eyes pierced like daggers.

 

[Jadey321]

Josephine was taken back by Abram's behavior, but then she couldn't blame him. She would act the same if he acted the way she did to him and his mother. But she couldn't help it, they were strangers and she just didn't want to be there. Her eyes looked over at her mother, who was clutching at her chest as Abram snapped and yelled at no one really in particular. He was doing the exact thing she wanted to do, she's just glad he did it and not her. Her tongue ran across her bottom lip, pushing her hair away from her eyes as she took two more sips of her drink, wishing she could just down the drink.


When he demanded what was going on, everyone was silent. She looked at her parents, watching their faces and seeing if they would speak up. But of course they didn't, they were cowards. Her lips parted but then her mouth shut, pressing her lips together and looking back down at her lap. What is so important that you had to strike her to get her here? Did he really just say that? Her eyes shot up, huge as her jaw dropped at him. Josie heard her mother gasp lightly, acting shocked and appalled that he would accuse her of hitting her own daughter."I.. I don't know what you're talking about."Her mother lied and Josephine was floored. That's when she spoke up,"Mother you know that's a lie, would you like me to show them my arm and rib cage?"Josie sounded polite but there was an edge to her voice.


"You ungrateful scum!"Her mother shrieked, losing herself and totally snatching Josephine's chin in her hand to make Josie look at her."I am your mother, don't you dare disrespect me or I swear you won't see tomorrow." She threatened and then slapped her again, pushing Josephine out of her chair and onto the floor.


"Well sir Abram, You are to be married to Josephine within the year."Josephine's father piped up, drinking the rest of his drink and then standing up to hold his wife away from their daughter."My apologies for my daughter's appalling behavior, we assure you that she won't act like this again."Her father stated, glaring at Josephine who was still on the ground, clutching her cheek.

 

[Sharliery]

Kayhrine practically fell out her seat, seeing the skeptical take place her hands came to her lips, never had she seen a family act with so much hatred.


"Please this does not have to get thi-" Kathrine was silenced from the load echo of Mrs. Boscov's slap across Josephine's face, she barely had a chance to react before Abram slapped his hands on the table, standing abruptly , she could tell her sons blood was boiling .


Abram couldn't believe what had happened right infront of his eyes, at his dinner table and infront of his mother. Everyone could see his teeth grinding as he tried to find the words To describe what he was feeling. He looked to his mother, she reached for Josephine's hand , Kathrine's face was full Of concern for her perspective daughter in law, his mother's soft eyes felt for Josephine.


Daughter in law, Marriage, the end of this year? Did he hear them correctly.


"Marriage?" Abram looked at everyone at the table, Josephine's mother was standing upright not even looking at him. "This is what all this is about ? Why wasn't I informed, or asked even? " He was now looking to his Mother.


"Abram, I knew you were busy with work, and couldn't possibly meet someone cooped up in tht laboratory of yours. And well Mrs. Boscov had already agreed before your birth.. Josephine was intended for Vlad but as circumstances have it, he found his own wife.so."


"So then you're left with me. Really mother you couldn't even talk to me about it and then this added to the mess!" He yelled at the top of his lungs his voice booming , everyone in the room including the servants were staring at him. Abram looked to his mother who had moved down next to the floor where Josephie had been sitting holding her cheek. Kathrine looked to her son with sympathetic eyes, she was holding Josephine's hand and gripping it lightly.


"Abram," Kathrine pleded.


"My apologies for my daughters appealing behavior, we assure you that she won't act like this again." Abrams anger began to boil at the sound of his voice and his nature of speaking.


Kathrine squeezed Josephine's hand. "Oh dear.." She said low enough for Josephine to ear.


" I assure you, Sir, this appalling behavior will not happen again," He brought his hands to his glasses removing them to stare straight into the eyes of Josephine's father. "Simply because you will be leaving my home without her..." His eyes were dark blue and menecing, his body was hunched over the table gripping the sides with intense force his knuckles were white .

 

[Jadey321]

Josephine was shocked by everything that followed after the slap. Katherine came to her aid, taking her hand away from her bruised cheek, her mother didn't like that. Renee wanted Katherine to be on her side, so when she went for Josie it put her through a loop."Katherine, I assure you she's fine. She's just acting pitiful for sympathy."Renee lied like a snake, it was her nature. But then Abram started yelling again and it startled Renee. Josephine looked to Abram, listening to him talk to his parents with such force. All the commotion and yelling made her overwhelmed, not to mention the marriage subject. So suddenly her eyes rolled in the back of her head and she fainted in Katherine's arms, going limp.


When Josephine opened her eyes, she wasn't where she had been. Someone had moved her to a bed, a nice bed at that. She lifted her head, but then that hurt too much, a headache forming from everything that had happened. Why was she here and not with her parents? Josie looked down at herself and she wasn't in her dress anymore, but in a loose thin nightgown. She carefully swung her legs over and stood up, attempting to walk and find someone to ask them what's going on.

 

[Sharliery]

From outside the door , Resnov was talking to one of the chamber maids.


"It's 3 past midnight, is he still working ? " The chamber maid sounded concerned. Resnov sighed deeply.


"You know how he is... Dinner tonight got him riled, he did take a good hit to his face from the girls Father but of course infront of his mother Master Abram had to keep his composure, young master was always like that with his older siblings as well. Never infront of his parents anyway." Resnov laughed lightly, the chamber maid snickered her teeth.


"But Resnov, " the chamber maid sounded concerned. "He has been in the laboratory since Monday morn, and it isn't good for his health, and Mia hasn't once seen him in bed, she said he's spent the last hour drinking , someone should really check up on him. "


Resnov heard the rustling in the room.


"Miss Josephine Boscov...?"