"STEPPING OUT OF PARADISE" by Kitty Yacomeni

"STEPPING OUT OF PARADISE" by Kitty Yacomeni

STORY LAST UPDATED ON 23/01/2003

This story contains characters created by V.C. Andrews.

Stepping Out of Paradise Prologue Chapter One Chapter Two Chapter Three Chapter Four Chapter Five Chapter Six Chapter Seven Epilogue

CHAPTER FOUR: THE ONE THING THAT I HAD BEEN SEARCHING FOR

A few hours later, after putting on the dress I ran a brush through my hair, and let it hang loose around my shoulders. I liked it better that way, although Momma constantly told me to tie it back. She was always encouraging me to try the 'new fashions' that she seemed to live for.
    I looked at myself in the full-length mirror one more time, and then slowly made my way downstairs to the dining room, a couple of minutes late, as planned.
    "Your appearance will have more effect on Mr VanVoreen if you show up a little after the rest of us," Momma had told me.
    I entered the dining room. Five people were sitting at the table already, just staring at me. Firstly Father, with his cold eyes, although he did give me a nod of approval. Then Momma, who gave me an encouraging smile. My two sisters, however, both looked me up and down, sneeringly, and I knew that if we didn't have a guest that day, they would have both come out with spiteful comments, and I, most likely, would have run away crying. Not today, however. I was determined to show them that I didn't care what they thought.
    Finally, I turned my attention toward Mr VanVoreen. He was dressed in a smart blue suit, very like the one Father was wearing, and his eyes sparkled at me as he reached out and took my hand. "You look just like your mother. Dinner with two beauties. I am very flattered to be here."
    I noticed that this Cleave only said 'two beauties', and enjoyed the looks upon my sisters' faces at not being included in this compliment. Cleave was a very handsome man, and seemed very charming.
    I sat down in my place at the table, which Momma and Father had made sure was beside Cleave. Father was at one end of the table, and Momma at the other. My two sisters sat opposite Cleave and I.
    One of the maids came in and started to serve us roast beef. This was one of the chef's specialities. As I began to eat, and the men talked business, I wondered if Cleave knew what he had really been invited for.
    "Jillian is very fond of travelling. Isn't that right, my dear?"
    "Yes, Father." I wasn't paying any attention to the conversation, rather praying for it to end so that I could hide in my bedroom once again.
    "Is that so, miss?" Cleave turned to me, showing a little more interest in what he saw.
    "Just call me Jillian," I said. "And yes, it's true. I've always loved the family holidays we've taken, although I don't recall ever using your line of ships."
    Cleave laughed, not at all put off by my attitude. I stared in fascination at this man who actually wanted to talk to me.
    "I don't suppose you have, for I would have met you before. Higher-class people such as you would have dined at the captain's table, alongside myself. You see; I take as many trips as possible. After all, I have no family now, and my business is the sea, so I have no need to root myself to dry land all the time."
    Smiling, I spoke again, gaining confidence now that I knew Cleave was safe to talk to. "I always loved the evenings aboard ocean liners. The music, the dancing…" I sighed. "It must be so wonderful to be surrounded by that all the time, Mr VanVoreen."
    "Please, call me Cleave. And yes, it IS wonderful. Although I seldom dance. I never really met anyone nice enough to ask." He gazed into my eyes, seemingly mesmerised.
    I realised that we were still sitting at the dining table, surrounded by my family, and hurriedly said, "Why don't we take a walk in the garden after dinner, Cleave? That is, unless you have somewhere more important to be."
    "Nothing would please me more, Jillian."

Stepping Out of Paradise Prologue Chapter One Chapter Two Chapter Three Chapter Four Chapter Five Chapter Six Chapter Seven Epilogue

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