Flutter

Flutter: Dix - Neuf

Nora was dragging out her morning routine for as long as she could. 

"There's no rush." She told herself, even though she knew deep inside that she just didn't want to have to leave her room and run the risk of facing Quinton. Though, Nora couldn't hide in her room forever, but that didn't mean she couldn't try.

So, Nora sat in front of her vanity brushing her hair with precision, making sure that every strand got equal attention from the bristles. Thinking back to yesterday,  Nora grimaced.  Quinton's rage heated words resounded, clear and loud, in her head.  Nora tried to ignore the tinge of sadness that nicked her heat.  "Pull yourself together." Nora told herself, brushing a bit more vigorously. How could she lament over a facade? The gentleness that Quinton had projected to Nora in the past few weeks had warmed Nora's heart. However, the person - the person who pulled her against his chest at night and chased away the nightmares -  was nothing more than a ghost. That  Quinton was present only moment to moment and only during certain circumstances. Quinton's unforgiving, harsh words solidified to Nora that the affections she had believed he possessed were nothing more than a farce. He had just wanted her to drop her defenses and make her more pliable to his desires.

 Nora sat there brushing until her hand began to cramp. The rest of the morning routine continued on in a similar way, with Nora making sure to take as much time as possible to do all and every ta. Even pulling up her pantyhose became a chore that required mastery, for Nora took her sweet time pulling the hosiery up her legs, inch by inch. Mary came and went, providing Nora with breakfast in her room. Eventually, two hours had passed since Nora had awoken. 

Nora looked around for more to do, but she was beyond ready - washed, brushed, and dressed.

Nora looked at the wood door that led out of her bedroom. There was no other way out. 

So, taking a deep breath, she strode towards the door and walked into the hallway. Nora took a sniff in the air. She caught a familiar scent.

"It can't be?" She thought. She followed the scent which grew stronger. Nora walked with purpose towards the far side of the hall. She stopped short before one of the bedrooms. It had been previously unoccupied but luggage now rested outside the door.

"Tifa?" Nora said out loud, sticking her head in the room. 

The redhead came out of a closet, clothing hanging off of an arm.

"Nora! Finally, you've come. I was expecting you." Tifa replied brightly.

"I can't say the same, though I'm happy to see you."

Nora drew her friend into a big hug.

"What are you doing here? What's with the clothes and suitcases?"  Nora asked, gazing around the room, taking in the scene of upheaval. 

"Well..." Tifa began, rubbing the back of her neck nervously. "The plan was always for me to move in, right?" Tifa shrugged.

Realization dawned on Nora, and she put all the pieces together.

"You're going to be living here!?" Nora exclaimed.

"Yes. You're not protesting are you?"

"No. No. Not at all.  I mean, I knew you were going to eventually, but I didn't imagine this soon."

"I barely had warning myself. I was called for late last night by Mr. Reeves and he declared that I was supposed to be packed and ready to move in her by the morning. Didn't really give me any explanation as to why though."

Nora's eyes widened. Of course this had to be Quinton's doing. 

"So, you just dropped everything and came here?"