Your Guise Is Slipping, Miss Pearl



Agnes gestured to the room at the end of the hallway upstairs. "He's in there, but be prepared. He might not open the door."

Esther's eyes welled up with tears. "Okay, thank you, Aunt Agnes."

She hurried to the door and knocked.

"I said I don't want lunch."

The voice was familiar but rough, and it almost made Esther cry. She paused, then gathered her courage. "James, it's me, Esther."

"Oh, it's you." James sounded uninterested and scoffed. "I didn't think your skin was so thick."

He was obviously mocking her.

Esther turned pale. "I'm not bothering you on purpose. I just wanted to see how you are." James coughed and then said casually, "What's that got to do with you?"

"I know it's not really my business—"

"You know? I doubt that. If you did, you wouldn't be here harassing me. I've told you enough times, Esther. I don't love you anymore. Please stop bothering me."

Esther was persistent. "I know you're seeing someone who looks a lot like me, just to deceive me."

"Deceive you?" James laughed as if he just heard a great joke. "Why would I do that? Who told you I found someone like you for that? If you don't believe it, try to find out if this person was even around five years ago."

Esther was shocked. "This person really exists?"

"Of course. Now, please leave me alone. I'm sick and you're disturbing my rest.

Esther stood frozen, her mouth open, realizing she had nothing else to say. "I'm sorry for the misunderstanding. I received some false information and thought something was wrong. It seems you're okay, so I won't worry anymore."

As she continued talking, James interrupted sharply, "Just piss off."

Esther was stunned. She had never heard such harsh words from him before. Tears began to fall, but she quickly wiped them away and asked, "Do you really despise me that much?"Content (C) Nôv/elDra/ma.Org.

"There are so many men out there. Why hang on to someone who lied to you and doesn't want you?"

Realizing it was inappropriate to stay any longer, Esther apologized sincerely, "I didn't mean to upset you or annoy you, James. I was just concerned. I promise I won't bother you again. Take care of yourself. I'll forget everything you said to me."

With that, she turned and left, feeling completely humiliated.