Behind Closed Doors

The women and children were alone in the mansion like every single day in thier life.

It was 11 am, the cooks of the Blackwood family were working quietly in the kitchen. The cleaning staff was cleaning already spotless pieces of art.

“Start preparing for dinner already, everything should be to perfection” said Catherine Blackwood. The wife of the Don. The lady of the Blackwood household. She walked in a way that asserted her power on every creature around her.

The staff straightened under her gaze and continued working. They knew how important tonight was. It was the annual family meeting that happened between the Blackwoods and the Winchesters.

It had been five years since the lady of the Winchester household had passed after suffering for two long years due to a dreadful disease. Lorraine Winchester’s death had left her mansion without a lady, and because of this, every annual meeting since that year had been held at the Blackwood mansion.

As Catherine sat on the couch looking at the crockery choises for the night, a shrill cry broke the silence of the morning. With three grandchildren in the house, it was difficult for Catherine to guess which one was crying these days.

The intensity of the wails told her that it was the youngest one, Mae, the nine month old baby. She never told anyone but Mae was her favourite grandchild.

Upstairs in the room where the crying came from, Madeline bounced her baby lightly to get her to calm down. She kissed the side of Mae’s head repeatedly, mumbling sweet things. “It’s okay baby… mama’s here”

Madeline was the eldest daughter of the Winchesters, married to the eldest son of the Blackwoods, Lucian. They took their vows seven years ago, in an arranged setting. Their wedding was less of a marriage and more of a merger between their families.

Madeline looked down at her daughter and wiped her tears as she began calming down. Things with Mae were easier, since she was her second child. Five years of experience with Noah, their first born, had made her quite efficient.

The giant doors of the mansion opened as a car came to a stop in front of them. Madeline walked down the stairs holding mae in her arms as she heard the sound.

Catherine looked up at her walking down and smiled politely at her. Both the women had an understanding of some sort that had made them respectful of each other. They were both strong in their own ways, but oppressed alike. The ways of their lifestyles demanded them to be tolerant of each other at the very least.

Madeline however, liked her mother in to an extent. She always thought Catherine was kind. Coward, but kind. For the most part her fondness for Catherine came from the fact that her own mother was cruel to her, Lorraine Winchester was anything but kind.

“Mommy!” Noah yelled as he hopped out of the car and ran to Madeline. The little boy wrapped his arms around his mother while his nanny took his school bag upto his room.

“How was your day sweet boy?” Madeline asked bending slightly to kiss all over his face, making him scrunch his nose and giggle.

“It was fun” he mumbled absent mindedly as he reaced for mae who smiled at him from their mom’s arms.

“Sit down on the couch, I’ll let you hild her” Madeline instructed, making Noah settle down than quicker than ever.

“Did you miss your baby sister?” Catherine cooed from beside him, watching in amusement as Noah held his tiny hands out.

Mae instantly snuggled into him. Even after nine months, Madeline found it fascinating how her kids found comfort in each other instinctively. It always made her wonder if her relationship with her own brother was ever like that, but she couldn’t recall any instants as such.

“Get him dressed formally for tonight” Catherine said breaking Madeline’s thoughts. She nodded like she always did.

Lucian was the heir, Noah was the heir’s son, looking presentable for such important events was a must.

“His custom ordered suit is kept ready in his room. Everything must be to perfection, the Don demands it. You know better than to upset your sire darling” Catherine announced, getting up and smoothing her pants before walking off to her room.

“Where is Layla?” Noah asked about his two year old cousin. The daughter of Lucian’s younger brother.

“She’s sleeping honey”

“I wanna play with her, mommy” noah pouted

“No playtime today. You heard grandma”

Noah wined a little but gave in. Madeline gently took mae from his arms, and they walked upstairs.

“Don’t you look just like daddy” Madeline squealed looking at Noah in his tiny tuxedo.

“Most handsome boy in the entire world” she kissed his nose.

Noah smiled sheepishly at the compliments. “Thank you” he said shyly

“You know all the rules right?” Madeline says as slight concern takes over her face.

“Stay with mommy or daddy. No wandering off. Don’t eat anything from someone you don’t know. No talking to strangers” she repeats

“I know, I am a big boy” he nods

Just then mae demands attention, crying from her crib.

“Someone’s hungry” Madeline walks to the crib, pulling a strap of her dress off one shoulder.

Mae calms down quickly, latching onto her mom’s breast. Madeline brushes the baby’s curls off her face, before turning her attention to her ringing phone.

It was Lucian, it was unusual for him to call during his work hours. “Hey” she picked up instantly.

“Maddie…” his voice sounded tense

“Yeah?”

“Fahter… he-he is insisting on bringing on of his friends to the dinner tonight. The man doesn’t have the best reputation. Just giving you a heads up. Stay alert”

“I will. Don’t worry. By when will reach home?” She adjusted Mae so she could drink better.

“Eight-“

“Daddy!” Noah hopped into the conversation

“Hi sweetheart” Madeline could imagine Lucian smiling.

“Mommy said I look just like you wearing big boy clothes” tje little boy grinned

Lucian chuckled on the line, “can’t wait to see my handsome boy”