Yes Tom

"Evangaline!"

I hear Tom bark out my name, his tone cold; I can only imagine his demeanor. Not being disappointed I am greeted by the sight of a scowling Tom Riddle in the doorway, his presence seemingly taking up the room. "Yes Tom?" Quietly I respond with a slight glance in his direction. But he doesn't say anything for a few minutes, just stands there, his essence becoming stronger, I can feel him all around the room and I still my gathering of books for Tommy, setting them down I turn and face him completely. I inquire, "Is there something you need me to do for you?"

"I believe that I informed you we'd be having guests over today, did I not?"

"Yes dear, you did." I respond, shutting my eyes briefly before I open them. He's walking across the floor towards me. I shiver a bit, the room seems cold and I wrap my arms around myself, rubbing my hands on them hoping to get warm.

"I've been very kind to you and the boy have I not?"

His words put me on edge, what did he mean by that? "Yes Tom. You have been very good to us." Since you returned; I did not voice it but I'm sure he knew that it was intended. My words sitting in the air he looks at me and then reaches out-pulling me to him. My head is resting upon his chest, his chin upon my head and his long, strong arms encircled my body, holding me to him. I move my own arms to rest upon his waist.

"I am going to allow you to stay upstairs for the day instead of entertaining my guests with me-but this is the only time." I've been far too kind and they think they can walk all over me.

I am still confused by his words, I didn't realize that I had an obligation to help him entertain people today. "Tom I-" I start as his comforting hug becomes tighter and tighter, like an anaconda slowly killing its prey, he's squeezing me tighter and tighter. "Tom I wasn't aware I was to help you-I'm sorry. I-" I take a breath, or try to. "Tom you're hurting me please," My chest was heavy and it was hard to breathe. "P-please Tom…" I whimper to him and I mentally sigh as his hold begins to loosen. "I was under the impression you were having a meeting all day that is what you told me. I-I thought that if Tommy and I were upstairs then we'd be out of your way." I try to move away but his grasp remains firm and I return my head to his chest. "Please don't be cross with him-he didn't mean to."

"What are you babbling about woman?"

"I-Tommy. He didn't mean to ruin your day." For some reason I felt scared for my son. Having Tom back made everything so difficult, I could never tell his mood and it was hard to play the buffer with them.

"I'm aware that it was unintentional." She was tense, the muscles in her back taught. "Evangaline, would you like to make me happy?"

Make him happy? "Tom of course I want to-you know that." Everything I do is in the hopes that it'll please you; that it'll make you want me, stay here, to be with me more than your work. He lets go of me suddenly. Unprepared I wobble a bit and he just looks at me, a stern look plays across his dashing features before he turns on his heel suddenly. Without a look over his shoulder he's out the door and turning to the right,

"Come."