September - A Novella

"Of course not. I mean ... " Mother sighed deeply as she continued to examine her drink. "It's her and her kind."

Natalie burst into laughter. "Pray tell, Mother, exactly what kind would that be?"

"Your mother will get very upset if they keep this up!" exclaimed Tabitha.

"I know," I sighed.

"Know what, Natasha?" asked Mother.

"Oh, sorry. I was talking to Tabitha."

With that, my mother and sisters became dreadfully quiet.

"Here we go, again," said Tabitha.

Mother turned her attention away from her drink and raised an eyebrow at me. "Darling, you know very well ... " Her voice trailed off as her eyes went from me to the floor. "Who on earth split all that muddy water on my new floor!!?"

One of the servants rushed into the sunroom at the sound of her bellowing. Tabitha released her grip and fled past him. The servant shuddered as he knelt down to clean up the water.

"I'm sorry, Mother," I said. "When Tabitha is in one spot too long, her clothes start dripping terribly. I didn't even notice. I shall be more careful in the future."

Natalie and Nicolette looked at each other. Nicolette pretended to resume reading her book, while Natalie stood up and started toward Mother. Mother grabbed her drink and gulped down half the glass.