Chapter 5.Surprise visit

Annie was laid to rest. Everyone returned home. Peter returned to his study to drown his sorrows with a bottle of whiskey. Martha took Adrianna to her room. 

It was 6pm and the house was silent. Suddenly a loud knock on the door startled Mr Russell. He peeped through the looking glass on the door and sees old Mr and Mrs Walters. He quickly opens the door and welcomes them in, escorting them to the large sitting room. They sat on the large grey and red L shaped couch. It was italian style, soft and very comfortable. They looked around while they waited. The room was designed beautifully. Annie had designed it herself, red and grey curtains. Her paintings hung on the wall. Throughout the house were Annie's paintings. All were unique like her, beautiful and elegant. They massive 85 inch flat screen was mounted above their electric fire place. And a small glass coffee table was in front of them, letters lay unopen on it. 

Old Mrs Walters instructed Russell to collect the gifts for Adrianna from the car. She understood why her husband did not want to meet his granddaughter at the cemetery. Mrs Pots served them tea and sweet lemon bread. She rested the tray on the coffee table together with the matching cups and saucers. 

"Where is my granddaughter? Bring her to me", he asked.

Mrs Pots hurried to Martha's room to get Adrianna.

Martha had dressed Adrianna in a pink romper and wrapped her tightly with a pink and white blanket. She put on a pink hat. Adrianna looks like a little doll. They took her to her grandparents.

Mrs Walters was happy looking at the baby in her arms. She was sound asleep. Old Mr Walters looks at Adrianna with deep worry lines. Although he did not accept Annie, his heart melted when he looked at Adrianna. He instantly felt a bond forming in his heart. He shook his head to clear his feelings and his mind.

He called for his son, "PETER" . Peter stumbled down the stairs from his study. He reaked of alcohol, stale cigarettes and slurred when he spoke. Old Mr Walters was unhappy at this sight. His son had become a mess in a few days, equivalent to a beggar on the side of the street. The smell was unbearable. His clothes were dirty, stained and creased. 

"You, you hated my Annie, now you hold my useless daughter. You come here bringing gifts for that useless child. You, you, you," Peter slurred before passing out on the floor.

Mr Russell and all the servants stood shocked. They had not seen him since they returned home. Was he really drinking himself away in the study and he dared speak to his father that way. He hated Adrianna so much. They were deeply saddened by the words he spoke. It was so evident that he did not cherish the gem that Annie left behind. She was the only living memory of Annie, yet he could not see it. 

Old Mr Walters and Mrs Walters stood up,still holding Adrianna in her arms. They were disgusted by their sons state. They looked at each other as if to confirm. "We will be taking Adrianna home with us, she does not belong here. Peter is unfit to be parenting her in this state. She will return when he is in his right senses" Old Mr Walters spoke firmly.

Martha was in tears, she asked to bid farewell to Adrianna until they meet again. But Felicia wanted no such thing. Instead she said" I believe you are the maid that has been looking after Adrianna? " Martha nodded" collect your things, you will be living with us caring for Adrianna".

"Thank you Mrs Walters", Martha cried tears of joy. She couldn't bear the thought of being seperated from Adrianna. She quickly packed her clothes and other essentials and bid farewell to the other staff. They all asked her to keep them updated on Adrianna and to keep her safe.

They all left at 8pm to the Walters mansion. 

Russell picked Peter up and carried him to his bed as soon as they left. He tucked him in and closed the door.