Flight of the Monarch

Hayley retrieved a pitcher and approached him cautiously. Pouring water into his goblet, Hayley sensed the eyes of Mrs. Sommers were upon her, from across the table. Becoming nervous, Hayley knocked over the goblet. Its chilled contents spilled over the edge of the table, and into Austin's lap. He jumped up immediately and grabbed a cloth napkin from the table. Hayley gasped and viewed the spot on his trousers as Austin wiped fervently. Being overcome with embarrassment, Hayley fled the room.

Austin smiled at the guest. "Please, excuse me." He pushed his chair toward the table, and glanced at his mother, who was trying to distract their attention away from the incident. As he reached the doorway of the dining room, he turned back to glance at his special guest. He thought of her beauty, and that she was everything his mother wanted for him. She had a sophisticated elegance. The "Beauty" looked at him, as though he was mad to stand in the doorway and stare at her. Her eyes widened as her cheeks blushed, and Austin left the room.