Deadly Silence (complete) Chapter 18

Since Vivian didn’t have her driver’s license, and felt no desire to acquire it in the near future — something Gabriel had yet to come to terms with — Samuel had arranged for someone to be her driver.

It was a bit of a shock hearing this, as she’d planned to use public transportation — it was cheaper and seemed the easiest option, though not always reliable — and part of her wanted to turn down the offer but at no time was she given the opportunity.

She was also of the belief even if an opportunity had come up where she could’ve say, “no, thank you, it’s fine,” it would’ve been ignored.

This was how she found herself sitting in the back seat of a sleek, black car with her own personal chauffeur at the wheel.

His name was Gilbert Morris — pronounced Jill-Bair Mow-ree, French accent included — and seemed nice enough. He was always impeccably dressed in a black suit and matching tie, a white button up under the suit jacket almost blinding in contrast to the dark of the jacket and tie. His grey hair was cut short, matching his grey eyes that seemed to stand out against his tanned skin.

Vivian wasn’t sure if it was from the summer sun of if his skin was naturally that colour, but she couldn’t help but find the older man handsome, hooked nose and all. He was quiet, soft spoken when he chose to say anything, and didn’t seem to mind driving around a teenage girl.

Not that she had need of him often. Since being assigned the man, Vivian had used his services exactly once within the first week. Samuel had been too busy to make it to the seamstress who had tailored Vivian’s school uniform and had asked her to pick it up instead.

Vivian had been nervous about doing so, never liking crowded areas, especially alone, but as if sensing her trepidation Gilbert had parked the vehicle and escorted her to and from the shop. He stood back and let Vivian do what had to be done without saying a word, his expression never wavering from a polite smile. He even carried the bags back to the car for her, packing them safely in the trunk before taking his spot behind the wheel.

The next time she needed Gilbert was a week after the first, a day she’d been dreading.

The first day of school.

It was a bit of luck that Vivian didn’t mind the uniform. A navy blue skirt that stopped at the knees, a white button up shirt — a long and short sleeve version could be chosen from depending on the weather, with all buttons fastened — and a maroon blazer. There was also a cardigan and sweater vest — both maroon — that could be worn instead of the blazer, though it was allowed to forgo all three unless there was an assembly planned or were told otherwise. 

The boys had a tie and the girls a bow tie, both maroon, to be worn at all times. As the boys’ uniform were pants, they weren’t forced to wear knee high socks or tights — student’s choice — to cover the bottom portion of their legs like the girls.

Black shoes that Vivian would describe as ‘fuddy-duddy’ finished the uniform.

There was also the school backpack, toque, gloves and mittens, scarf, umbrella… and a ton of other miscellaneous accessories they were to use as required.

Basically, if they were wearing the uniform everything on them had to be about the school with very few exceptions.

They even had to wear a specific outfit for gym class — shorts or sweat pants, blue for the boys and maroon for the girls, and a white short sleeve shirt. Sneakers were dealer’s choice, so long as they were for active use and not just style.

The day looked to be a nice one, the late summer air still warm even with a light breeze but Vivian hardly noticed as Gilbert pulled the car up outside the school where students were milling about waiting for first bell.

A few students had glanced over at the car but lost interest soon enough.

Inside, Vivian watched them, lips pursed again as she gathered what courage she had to face this new chapter.

“You may call at any time if you wish to go home,” Gilbert told her after five minutes of failed self motivational thoughts hadn’t moved her from the vehicle.

“Any time?” She murmured, fingers clutching at the seatbelt she had yet to unbuckle.

“Any time,” he assured her with a nod.

Taking in a deep breath, Vivian unbuckled the seatbelt and opened the door, not allowing herself a moment for doubt to creep back into her mind. “I’ll see you… end of day… I guess…”

“Yes, Miss,” the driver replied before she closed to the door and turned to face the school.

The car didn’t move from its spot, and Vivian was secretly glad. If Gilbert had simply driven off to leave her alone she would have … well, she would have felt alone, left to fend for herself.

As it was, she’d denied Samuel and both older brother’s from joining her the first day, not wanting to burden them with all this — there was also the fact she was registered under St Peter and not Devreaux, so unless someone already knew, or asked, no one would connect her to the rich family. If she showed up with one of them it would squash any attempt she had of disappearing into the background.

Letting out the breath she hadn’t realized she’d been holding, Vivian allowed herself a few more deep breaths before walking towards the school.

She kept her eyes focussed on her destination, making sure her posture spoke of confidence she didn’t feel in that moment.

The front door was heavier than she expected, and she flushed a little in embarrassment as it took her a moment to get it open and slip inside.

Did anyone see her struggle? God she hoped not.