Love Is Never Ugly

Chapter 34

"What do you mean Charlotte is busy?" Alastor asked Niffty when she answered his question about her whereabouts.

"I mean she's busy. She's doing something right now and would prefer not to be disturbed."

"What is she doing?"

"You know sir you look a little bleak this morning. How about a nice cup of hot tea to make you feel more awake?"

"Niffty."

"I'll put the kettle on right now."

"Niffty."

"I think pyracantha berry tea would be best suited to your tastes. It's very bitter you know."

"Niffty."

"But if you want enhancements I have a plentiful of them. I have milk, cinnamon, honey, nectar, maple sap, lemon, mint leaves. You'd most likely want to add the lemon or the mint leave, correct?"

"Niffty!"

"Yes sir?"

"Niffty." He said with a raised eyebrow. "Are you trying to distract me?"

"Goodness no sir." She fake laughed. "Oh my sir, that's a very lovely coat you're wearing today. Is it new?"

"Niffty what's going on?"

"Nothing."

"Then why won't you tell me what Charlotte is up to?"

"Because she asked me not to."

"Oh really? May I remind you who makes the rules around here?"

"No sir."

"Then tell me what has Charlotte so busy?"

"Did I say that she was busy? I meant she wasn't feeling well."

"Then why isn't she in bed?"

"Why isn't she in bed? Very good question sir. My compliments on your perceptive skills. You've always been so clever. It amazes me how-"

"Niffty enough with the stalling. I'm a patient man but even I have my limits and we're both about to reach them. Now answer my question."

"Please sir don't make me tell you. It's personal."

"Personal? How do you mean?"

"Uh...Well..." Niffty racked her brain for a possible excuse that wouldn't ruin the surprise. Then she thought of something perfect. Something that she knew a gentleman like Alastor wouldn't dare pry into. "She's not in bed because her stomach hurts and I was going to make her tea for it."

"If that's true why didn't you say so in the first place?"

"Because her stomach hurts in a very peculiar way."

"Forgive me, I don't follow."

"Well sir as you know she's a woman and you are aware that women will have a...Call it a monthly bleeding."

"Oh. Oh! My apologies then. Uh...I'll just leave her be for the day then."

"Wise decision sir."

"Wait a moment you're not going to make her that pyracantha berry tea are you? That'll tear her stomach up."

"Oh no I was going to just make her some black tea."

"That won't due. What she needs is ginger tea."

"But we're out of ginger."

"In that case I'll go search the forest for some fresh ginger."

"Good idea sir! Brilliant really!"