Edie

Edie

SasatheShy

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Chapter Seventeen: Gift

--

Clothes scattered across the floor in the small bedroom. A single light from the small oil lamp resting upon a firm dresser glowed dimly, casting shadows along the walls. Soft, breathy moans filled the room, accompanied by an occasional squeak of wood.

The single bed was not alone.

A woolen blanket, twisted and wet, draped almost halfway up Lavan and Edie’s naked bodies. All that could be seen was Lavan’s firm, sweaty behind as he thrust his hips up and down while making passionate sex with Edie. He held her close, kissing her between her breasts as she arched her head back. She had her eyes squeezed shut as her hands brushed through Lavan’s moist, dirty hair. She was close to climax as Lavan’s thrusts quickened. Her hands moved down, wrapping around Lavan’s chest. She tilted her head as he kissed her neck, biting at her skin lightly, preventing any love bite from forming.

“Ah…!” she gasped. She spread her legs more, moving them out from beneath the ruffled blanket. She pushed her hips up as Lavan’s penis pushed deep inside of her. Tingling all over, Edie released a pleased moan as she shuddered with delight. Finishing her orgasm, she turned to see that Lavan, too, had released. He sighed as he fell over her, hugging her gently.

“Damn,” Lavan groaned. He peered down at Edie, smiling. When he saw that she was looking away, he raised a stunned brow. “Are you all right?”

“F -- fine,” Edie muttered. She slowly turned her head to stare up at Lavan. “Just -- catching my breath.” But in truth, she wasn’t all right. She was aching with worry since earlier that evening when she had talked with Cain.

The man had not left her mind.

Sighing, she held Lavan close, allowing him to kiss her as he pulled out of her. The motion caused her to moan. She sat up some as Lavan rolled over to sit beside her. He unwrapped the blanket and pulled it over their lower halves, covering their sweaty, sticky privates. He snuggled close to her, wrapping his arms around her. He gently rubbed her left breast, causing her to moan. She placed her hand over his, pulling it off of her breast.

“Are you sure you’re all right?” he tried again. She was acting -- strangely; differently. It was nearly freaking him out.

“Yes,” Edie sighed. She looked down. “It was great sex.”

Now Lavan knew something wasn’t right. He shook his head. “That’s -- not what I meant. You seem -- far away. Is something on your mind?”

Edie pulled the blanket up over her breasts. She leaned back as she looked at Lavan. She knew she had to say something. She did not want to hurt him. “I was -- thinking about something Cain said to me.”

“Oh,” said Lavan while scooting back some. “What did he say?”

Frowning, Edie looked down. She shook her head. “Never mind. It’s not important. I’m sorry for bringing it up.”

Worried, Lavan hugged Edie again, pulling her close to him. He kissed her cheek. “Edie, just remember that I’m here for you. Okay? If you -- need to talk, then I’m right here. I don’t want you to get hurt.”

She stared up at him, and she smiled softly. Lifting her hand, she gently cupped his cheek. He was starting to grow more facial hair. Edie sort of liked it. It tickled at her skin when they would kiss, causing her more pleasure.

“I know you are,” she whispered. “Thank you, Lavan.”

Leaning forward, Edie planted her lips against his. She sighed as he accepted this kiss, allowing her tongue to visit with his. He pulled her towards him as their eyes closed in synch. They fell back against the bed as the oil light continued to glimmer.

--

Come morning, Edie stood alone in her bedroom as she readied herself for work. Wearing a deep blue dress with some patchwork here and there, Edie pulled her hair into a pony using a small string. She wiped at her dress, getting out some wrinkles. The provided mirror Leigh had given her was a nice gift. She managed to keep it after her dinner with Cain.

As she stared at her own reflection, Edie sighed. She twirled around as she eyed what she was wearing. She looked to her left, imagining Lavan standing there.

‘You look beautiful, Edie,’ he would say. He’d take the chance to place a hand on her shoulder, or even wrap his arms around her waist, if she asked for him to.

“Really?” Edie said aloud.

‘Yes,’ he’d reply.

Smiling, Edie looked to her right, picturing Cain standing there. She shuddered a bit, and lifted her shoulders, knowing exactly what he’d do and say.

He’d lift his hand without her permission, and grasp her shoulder. He’d rub it while eyeing her with those deep, dark eyes of his.

‘Hideous,’ he’d say. ‘That dress you’re wearing doesn’t suit your beautiful face.’

“I don’t care,” Edie whispered. She wrapped her arms around herself. “I love this dress.”

Swaying her head, Edie looked back into the mirror. She sighed as the images of Lavan and Cain disappeared. Shaking her head, Edie shut her eyes and patted her cheeks. She groaned. “Why am I thinking about him?”

Suddenly, three sharp knocks pounding at her door made Edie nearly jump out of her skin. “C -- come in?”

The door opened. In stepped Tonisha. That day, she was wearing a bright red dress. She smiled at Edie. “Good morning, Edie.”

“Tonisha,” Edie smiled. “Good morning. What brings you to my room?”

“Well, there is a gentleman here,” Tonisha said. “He claims to have some cooking experience, and he is looking for work. I figured you should be the one to interview him.”

Edie gaped. This interesting news made her feel ecstatic. “Really?”

“Really, really,” giggled Tonisha. “He’s waiting in my office.”

Excited, Edie finished up getting ready before following after Tonisha. She never thought that something like this would happen. Sure, she had her assistants, but they had already been working at the inn, having been passed over to her after Tonisha lost her last best cook. But now, another person was coming in. A person a step below her, and Tonisha was allowing her to be the interviewer? The teacher? Edie never dreamed such a thing, but she was thrilled to meet this man and see what techniques he had.

Standing behind Tonisha, Edie neatly folded her hands as they entered Tonisha’s quarters. There, she saw a young, handsome man sitting on a stool. He looked up, and upon seeing them, he rose to his feet. Edie could tell that he was very nervous, more so than her. His entire body quaked, and he was sweating bullets. He hunched over while rubbing his hands nervously together.

“Edie,” Tonisha smiled. “This is Malvin.”

“Hi,” Malvin said as he put his hand out. Edie shook it. It was warm and sticky. Taking her hand back, she wiped it on her dress.

“Um… Hello.” She placed her hands behind her back.

“And Malvin, this is our star cook, Edie,” Tonisha said proudly. She put her hands on Edie’s shoulders, showing her off to the man. “She’ll be the one to determine if you’re good enough for her kitchen.”

Going pink, Edie nodded her head as Malvin chuckled.

“Sounds great,” Malvin said. He placed his hands in the small pockets sewed onto his brown pants as he waited for further instructions in silence. Tonisha took this time to look down at Edie.

“Why don’t you go ahead and show him the kitchen?” She suggested this while pulling away from Edie. “You can put him to the test.”

“Good idea,” smiled Edie. “If you’ll follow me?”

“Lead the way,” said Malvin.

So far, Malvin seemed kind enough. As Edie walked with him to the kitchen, she was determining what sort of test she could give him. She decided she’d study the basics for cooking a great meal. Once they got into the kitchen, she cleaned off one of the counters.

“Before you slice, always sanitize the counter,” she said, making Malvin nod. “How good are you with a knife?”

“I’m alright,” he shrugged.

“Okay,” Edie blinked. “Um -- first, let’s wash our hands.” She showed him over to the water bowl, and told him how she and the others would take turns heating up rinsing water over a small fire. Once heated up, she dipped her hands inside and wiped them dry with a side towel. “Now you.”

Malvin copied her movements. He kept his hands at his sides, after finished, instead of putting them back in his pockets. He stood with her next to the counter as she got out an onion and a knife.

“First,” she began. “A simple ring dice. We use ring onions for stews and then cut them in half for soups and sandwiches.” She demonstrated for him. Once she peeled off the skin around the onion, she easily cut decent-sized rings using her sharp knife. “There. You try?”

She moved aside and placed the knife down, waiting to see how good Malvin was. She watched as he moved in front of the half-sliced onion. He picked up the knife. Then, swiftly and cunningly, he diced the rest of the onion into rings faster than Edie had done. Edie’s mouth dropped as he cut them into slices, and then, dices. She was impressed.

“Wow,” she whispered. “You’re good. Let’s -- try a carrot, next.”

It had been the same, no matter what vegetable, fruit, or dough Edie gave to Malvin. He was a master. She smiled up at him as he finished cutting up some slices of baked bread. “Want to stay for the day?”

“Really?” he asked. He grinned and nodded. “Sure.”

“Great,” Edie said. “I’ll go and tell Tonisha. If you’re able to handle the large orders, then -- well, I think you’re hired. And believe me, we could really use the extra hands.” Turning, Edie paused to see Amana coming into the kitchen. “Good morning, Amana.”

“Morning,” smiled Amana. She paused when she saw Malvin. She waved cutely. “Hello.”

Malvin nodded his head. He seemed to be a very conservative man. He only really spoke if he was spoken to.

“Edie,” whispered Amana. “Who’s he?”

“Amana, this is Malvin,” Edie introduced. “He’s looking for work, and is very good. He’s going to be staying with us today, and if he’s two times as good as his knife skills, then he’ll be working with us.”

“Oh,” Amana said, sounding surprised. She bowed before Malvin. “It’s nice to meet you, then.” She turned to Edie. “Tonisha knows about him, right?”

“Of course she does,” Edie giggled. “She introduced us. I have to go see her, so I’ll be right back. Amana, mind getting the stew on the heat?”

“Okay,” said Amana as she went to work.

--

The remainder of the day had gone by smoothly. Edie was even more amazed by Malvin’s handiness in the kitchen. He had no trouble making salads, stirring stews, nor baking pies.

Him being there was destiny.

Edie was thankful.

Evening came. The sun was about ready to set. Edie groaned as she dragged a large bag of trash towards the back door. Her usual assistants had already headed home for the day, and Amana was upstairs wiping off tables. Malvin was putting away some potatoes when he spotted Edie struggling.

“Need help?” he suggested as he stood beside her, grabbing the bag.

“Thank you,” Edie smiled. They managed to get the garbage into the back alley. Edie sighed as she stretched her arms high into the air. “What a day.” She looked up at Malvin. “You look like you could keep going.”

He shrugged. “It’s what I do.”

“I understand,” Edie said. She was glad to make friends with another who enjoyed cooking just as much as she did. She walked with him back into the kitchen. “Well, I think that -- I could really use you, Malvin. Wish to start tomorrow?”

“Great,” he grinned.

“Let’s get this settled, then,” Edie said as they headed for Tonisha’s office.

--

“You look awful,” teased Leigh. She stared Edie up and down as she fixed up some drinks for two men in the inn. It was some minutes later after Edie had finished closing up the kitchen for the day. Her new assistant cook, Malvin, had left for the night. Now, since it had been a long, difficult day, Edie was helping Amana finish up cleaning some tables.

Covered in sweat, Edie’s hair was falling loose over her face. She had managed to not stain her dress that day, but she smelled of firewood, leftovers, and garbage.

Sighing, she looked over at Leigh. “Do I really look that bad?”

“Yes,” said Amana. She was farther back, picking up some dirty bowls. They still had to do the dishes, as well.

“Maybe you should let Amana finish up for you,” Leigh said. She leaned against the counter. “I’m sure she wouldn’t mind.”

Amana shook her head, smiling. “Not at all.”

“And that way,” Leigh continued, “You can go and take a nice, warm bath before you go to bed.”

Edie smiled at Leigh and Amana. Sighing, she looked down at herself. A bath did sound good. No, it sounded wonderful. She looked over at Amana. “Are you sure you can handle all of the dishes by yourself?”

“No problem,” giggled Amana.

“Well…” Edie unsurely said. “Alright. Thank you.”

The front door opened, then. Cain stepped through. Leigh nearly fainted at the sight of him. She moved around the counter as he scraped his boots against the provided rug. Amana smiled at him as she stopped working, and Edie -- well, Edie was a bit flabbergasted by his unexpected visit.

“Cain,” Leigh sighed. “What brings you here at this time?”

“Evening, Leigh,” Cain said. He closed the door, free, this time, of snow. It had been another warm, nice day. In his arms, he held something large hiding in wrapped green paper, but Edie could not make out what it was. “Good evening, um -- I am sorry, I have forgotten your name, girl.”

“Her name’s Amana,” Edie said rudely.

“But that’s okay,” smiled Amana. She placed her hands behind her back as she stood aside. She was just thankful he had took the knowledge of her being there.

Turning, Cain raised a brow. “Edie, you are up here again?” He circled her, causing her to shake. “Mm… You look awful.”

“That’s what I said,” twittered Leigh.

“It’s been a long day,” frowned Edie.

“Not a matter,” Cain said. He stood before Edie, giving her his usual grin. “It is the only time of day I figured I’d get to see you. I promised you the other day that I wouldn’t be gone for as long as I was. So here I am. And I have a gift for you.”

“A gift?” Edie squeaked. As her mouth fell open, so did Leigh’s and Amana’s. The two stood back, watching Cain anxiously. Leigh was astonished. She had never seen Cain so -- keen on some woman before.

After all, since when did Captain Cain give instead of take?

“Yes,” Cain said casually. He lifted the wrapped something. Pulling the paper gently down, he revealed a large, beautiful bouquet of flowers.

Bright, gorgeous yellow and pink carnations circled around a small amount of white daises resting in the middle. A few stranded wildflowers, purple and pink, poked out here and there.

The bouquet made Edie’s breath catch in her throat. She had tried gasping, but she did not succeed.

“For me?” she asked softly.

“Oh God,” Leigh gasped. She walked over to Cain just as Tonisha came into the room from the top stairs. “They’re beautiful!”

“What’s going on down here?” Tonisha questioned. She paused when she saw Cain holding the bouquet out in front of Edie. She walked over, smiling. She was just as stunned as the other women. “Well, well, well -- Cain. Who thought you had it in you?”

“Will you two please shut up?” Cain joked. He grinned as he looked down at Edie. “Yes, for you.”

Odd as her situation was, Edie found her arms reaching out for the flowers. She was mesmerized by Cain’s generosity, by the beautiful flowers, and by how she was heating up. Gently, she took the flowers as she shook her head slowly. Never in all her life had a man given her a present. And Edie loved flowers. What woman didn’t?

“I -- I don’t know what to say,” she whispered.

“Try thank you,” Tonisha hinted into her ear. However, loud enough for everyone to hear.

Blushing, Edie nodded her head as she looked at his chest. “T -- thank you.”

“You are most welcome,” Cain said.

Though it was not clear to Edie at that moment, Cain’s gift was one step made for the winning of her affection. He knew he had done well, seeing that Edie was amazed by the flowers. He was certain she never expected him to act kindly. Well, neither had he. If it had been anyone else, he wouldn’t have gone to such lengths. However, even he was shocked by all this. When he had stumbled across the flower shop, the idea just popped into his head. Edie had entered his mind, and he had pictured how she’d react. It had all gone well. And though it seemed unlikely, Cain knew that he had actually wanted to give Edie some flowers.

Doing so had made him tense.

Cracking his neck, Cain watched as Tonisha gently took the flowers from Edie.

“These should go into some water,” Tonisha smiled. “Leigh, come help me? I think I have a nice glass somewhere around here. We could put these in that, and then, Edie, you can take them down to your room.”

“Okay,” Edie said, nodding. “Thank you.”

“I’ll go take care of those dishes,” said Amana. She skipped away, seeming happy for her friend.

Once alone with Cain, Edie slowly managed to gaze up at him. His expression had not changed, which did not surprise her. She crossed her arms, suddenly feeling a bit cold. “Why?”

Lifting his head high, Cain whispered, “Why what?”

“Why did you -- get me flowers?”

Cain stepped forward. He cupped her left cheek, brushing at it softly. He was startled, for Edie did not quiver, this time. Instead, he almost swore he had heard her moan.

He was getting close. He knew.

“Because, Edie, I love you,” he said. “And I wanted to get them for you. Is that so bad?”

No. She felt special, and she knew that this was what Cain was going for.

“Now,” Cain said. “I have to get home, and do some work. My night is far from over.” He leaned forward, catching her off guard as he kissed her lips only briefly. He was the first to pull away, smirking like a madman on the inside, since Edie had kept still. “I will see you again -- tomorrow, perhaps?”

“Uh…” was all Edie managed to let out. She immediately felt embarrassed. She looked down, hiding her blush as she heard Cain chuckle.

“Very good,” he sighed. “It is settled, then. See you tomorrow, Edie. Goodnight.”

--

What was coming over her? Why was she getting these undesired feelings every time she saw Cain? Why did he continually fog up her mind? Why was she even allowing him to?

Frowning, Edie stared down at the carnations and daises. The flowers rested in a lovely glass filled with some water. Edie was holding the glass close to her body as she stood alone in her bedroom. She looked forward, eyeing herself in her mirror. The flowers delectable aromas filled her nose. She closed her eyes briefly, surpassing a moan aching in her throat.

“Why?” she shook. She peered down at the flowers again. “W -- why?”

She started to cry. And as she cried, her grip on the glass tightened. Glaring, she lifted the flowers up over her head, ready to throw them to the ground. But she paused. As the flowers hovered above her, she concluded that they did not need to suffer, even if she was.

Slowly, she lowered the flowers. She walked over to her dresser and placed them next to the oil lamp. She scooted the oil lamp far away, not wanting to risk catching the flowers on fire.

Once finished, she stepped back to admire them. They finely decorated her sad, almost bare room, livening the place up.

Seeing them there caused Edie to feel warm inside. While she looked at them, she smiled; a true, bright, adorable smile. She walked back up to the flowers and leaned down, taking in their amazing scent. She sighed happily as she touched at the carnations’ soft petals. Her happiness showed.

Opening her dresser, Edie readied herself for a bath. She took out her nightdress and a fresh undergarment pair. Before turning to go into the toiletry, she gave her new gift another blessed smile.

--

A skinny, swift shadow of a human figure ducked along every empty hallway and corridor. It moved silently through the darkness as it neared a half-open door casting a small ray of light. Looking this way and that, the person walked into the lit room, closing the door completely before standing tall before another.

A large puff of smoke filled the air. Hyatt stood from where he had been seated. “Were you able to succeed?”

“Yes, sir,” grinned Malvin. No longer hunched and dirty, the cleaned-up man stood tall. “I was easily able to trick Tonisha and Edie.”

“Good, good,” Hyatt laughed. He blew on his weed as he leaned on his heels. “Now, you remember the plan?”

Nodding his head, Malvin bowed. “Yes, sir. I will figure out the best way for Edie’s capture.”

“Splendid,” Hyatt grinned. “Bitch thought she couldn’t trust me, but when I get what I want out of a woman, I always give them what they crave in return. She‘ll be most pleased when she hears of this news. I’ll get in on the profit she’s going to make through Cain, and you, chef, will get your own reward.”

Malvin grinned. He was one of Cain’s chefs, but Hyatt had talked him into becoming a spy for a good sum of coins. “I shall work hard.”

Hyatt puffed. Laughing, he caused some smoke to travel down the wrong tube. He wheezed as he pounded his large, jiggly chest. He had not stopped laughing, even while nearly choking to death. “G -- good. Now go.”

Bowing, Malvin turned around and left Hyatt alone.

“There,” Hyatt coughed. “Part one of the plan is done. Now, it’s time for the second part of the plan.”

Tossing his nearly used up weed to the floor, Hyatt stomped it out before blowing out the candle to his right. When all was dark, he marched out of the room as he whistled obnoxiously.