WANTED (Sequel to One Hell of a Maid)

Chapter 8: Musings

What are they doing here? Sebastian obviously didn't wish to see me again when we made that deal, so what is going on?

I ponder these questions as I make hot drinks for everyone in the kitchen while Simon makes a fire and Catrine gathers blankets to dry and warmthen our guests.

After I'm done I pile the cart with cookies that Simon made earlier and wheel it all into the parlor.

I set down Simon and Catrine's warm milk and then set down my own coffee before going over to Ciel and Sebastian.

"Earl Grey for you young master. As for you Sebastian I didn't know what you'd prefer so I also fixed a cup of Earl Grey for you as well," I say setting down their cups on the table in front of them.

"That will do," Sebastian says, flashing me a smirk.

"I-I'm n-not your young m-master," Ciel says, teeth chattering as he shivers uncontrollably.

"Apologies then Earl Phantomhive," I feel sick.

Luckily that's when Simon is able to get the fire roaring and Catrine comes back balancing a mound of blankets in her arms.

"Allow me Miss," Sebastian says, eloquently standing and assisting Catrine with the blankets.

I notice that when their hands touch she winks seductively at him. From where I sit I cannot see his expression.

Simon swaddles Ciel in most of the blankets (much to Ciel's dislike) and then goes to Sebastian to hand him the remaining few. Sebastian however denies this with a polite smile, saying that the fire is enough.

After we're all settled I blurt out the question we are all wondering, "Why are you back?"

"Something went wrong with the engine of our ship a couple days ago and a rescue ship came and brought everyone on board back to California."

Their engine went bad? Deja vu hits me like a ton of bricks, my dream! I keep an emotionless face but my hands nervously fiddle with a loose string on my dress.

"That's terrible," Simon says, I can see him suppressing a smile until he can't hold it back any further, "But maybe this is the work of fate! I can't help but be ecstatic that you get to stay longer."

Ciel's eyes harden, "I suppose we have no choice now. So because of this unusual situation I ask of you that you allow us to stay here with you until the next ship arrives that goes to England."

Simon claps his hands together excitedly. He looks as if he can barely contain his bubbling joy. He reminds me of a young child on Christmas.

"Of course! I'd absolutely love to have you as guests. In the meantime you can relax and enjoy the great beauties of California in which dear Ebony can show you. Ah, this is truly fantastic! Such good fortune!"

"Hardly," Ciel mutters, however Simon doesn't seem to hear as he gushes about how much fun Ciel will have.

I can't take this confusion anymore and this irony is so peculiar that it makes me even more dumbfounded and foggy headed.

I rise from the couch an suddenly all eyes are on me. I smile charmingly, "I'm sorry to interrupt but I do believe that it is late and our guests have been through much. So I suggest we all get some much needed rest for the adventures of tomorrow."

"How wise of you dear! I completely agree." Simon looks at Ciel and Sebastian, "I'm assuming you both remember where your rooms were?"

Sebastian nods, "Yes."

"Good, then let us do as Ebony suggests and get some rest. Sleep tight and don't let the bed bugs bite!"

At that odd bidding of goodnight we all go to our rooms to sleep

When I get to my room I find that I still cannot go to sleep, plagued by the strangeness of my dream telling me what had occurred on the ship and the uncanny suspicion that it isn't a coincidence.

I muse over this for awhile. So what if it wasn't a coincidence, what would that exactly mean? What, was it fate that someone sabotaged the engines?

Hm, I don't exactly believe in fate. I believe that our decisions and actions make up our own destiny and that we make our own path. So no I don't believe it's fate. But could it really be sabotage either?

If there's one thing I do know it's that I'll figure this out, even if I'm wrong.

At that thought I can see dawn begin to lighten the skies and finally I'm able to fall asleep.

〰〰〰

The next morning after dressing I go down to breakfast to find everyone already seated. Grabbing a plate I take a seat and shovel the eggs and sausage into my mouth.

"Aren't you happy!" Simon suddenly exclaims.

We all look towards him, "You'll just love the tour Ebony will give you and of course I'll be joining." He says, speaking at Ciel.

The young Earl nods dully.

"Actually," Catrine says, voice so sweet it's sour, "I'd like to be the one to show them around since I've been here longer than Ebony."

She smiles a closed eyed smile.

"I see your point, is that alright with you dear?" Simon asks me.

"But of course. I completely understand, besides I do have some work to do." I say smoothly.

Catrine may believe she's annoying me with stealing my job as your guide but to be frank I'm quite relieved. It would be awkward and I have far too many questions bobbing around in my brain. Questions I intend to answer while everyone is gone. It's the only chance I have.