A Glimpse of the Ankle

"Annabelle!" shouted Mother. "It's time to get up for the big day, at once."

Uh. Just another boring old day, except I'm a year older. Well, not even a year older! Just a day when I was born out of my mother's womb. I really don't see the need for a fuss when I was alive inside my mom already. Nevertheless, with a big stretch and a long yawn, I creeped out of bed, falling out of my laying area dramatically.

"This is no time for theatricals my dear. Today is going to be a long day, and we have suitors lined up to your ankles! Well, not YOUR ankles, because that would be simply scandalous."

Mother's cheeks flushed bright red, after realizing she said something entirely improper. It was not appropriate to mention one's ankles, even if they were married. It was just not something a person would talk about in proper society.

I galloped down the stairs, not caring to put on a corset nor my clothes at all. My father met me abruptly, took a single glance at my attire, and exclaimed his prepared speech,

"ANNABELLE. YOUNG LADY. YOU MUST PUT ON YOUR CLOTHES AT ONCE. YOU ARE BRINGING TEARS TO YOUR MOTHER'S EYES!!! IF YOU DO NOT ABIDE BY OUR RULES, ESPECIALLY ON A DAY SUCH AS THIS, YOU SHALL BE DISOWNED LIKE YOUR LATE BROTHER."

Laughing, I stormed down the banister of cruel stairs and winked at our housekeeper, Chadwick.

"Hey there...Chaddy Baddy. What a nice day this is! I'm finally 16 years old, officially almost as old as you. Maybe I'll even become an old maid..."

Chadwick simply glanced at me. But rather than his usual snarky comment back, he looked me up and down with a different expression on his face. Instead of amusement, it was almost fascination.

"You do not look as old as 16, that's for sure. Not even a corset would help you."

I sighed, as he reached out and took my hand in a gentleman like gesture, which surely enough, he was not. At this point, I do not even know why my family pays him or keeps him to work. He is literally the definition of a nuisance.

I sprinted outside as fast as I could, throwing open our grand front door. The winter breeze was finally upon us, as England was surprising hot this past summer. The leaves were turning a soft auburn color, and I danced around. To be entirely honest, this day was not as bad as it seemed. Though there were no obvious changes in my 16 year old body, to be expected, I still enjoyed this fruitful autumnal weather that had been thrust upon us.

After tireless hours of my mother and some rouge-applying lady fixing everything, from my hair to my ankle hair, I was done with looking pretty. 

"MOTHER. I am SO TIRED. Can't I just say hello to everyone and make my way back to sleeping quarters? Because...that would be my truest birthday wish!"

"Shush. Now is not the time to berate me with such requests. You shall pick a rich man to marry by moonlight. No husband will want to marry you if you have a stray ankle hair. They shall be groomed in order, just like non-existent eyebrows."

"MOTHER. Why so scandalous? This is the second time today you mentioned such an unbeknown topic!"

"Daughter, there is something you must know before you marry. Ankles are a hidden topic, as known by most. Nevertheless, you husband may be interested in showing off your ankles. I know, I know. This is something hidden from society. But it is in your best interest to understand."

I gasped as my mother revealed such words. I never knew something like this would happen. As I paced around the room, I became more and more self-conscious of my groomed ankle hair.

"It's time!!" my mother exclaimed daftly. "You shall now pick a person for marriage."

My heart raced as I rushed down the ever-daunting steps. However, Chadwick was not there. My nerves increased, as I didn't have someone to distract me from such adult things. Hundreds of people filled the daft house, and though the cold temperature outside, the room felt sweltering. And worst of all, all eyes glanced to me, and especially, my ankles. I had been preparing for this day all of my life, even though I was messing around every time I practiced this ceremonial courtship. 

Apparently, my lack of training proved ineffective, as with a few steps I flew into the air and rolled down the steps. 

"OH DEAR! SOMEONE...HELP ME!! For my ankle is swollen!!"

After those few moments, Chadwick appeared before me. But, it was not the Chadwick I knew. For he was handsome, dark, and had hair similar to that of Paul McCartney. 

He picked me up, in a dashing strong hold, and rushed me to the back of the mansion. Except, we were now unchaperoned. 

"Annabelle, you sure have knack for screwing up fancy events."

"Shut up, Chadwick. You know I am the life of the party," I said in a sarcastically arrogant tone.

"Not to change the subject but...I need to check to see if your ankle is okay. The doctor is miles away, and won't be able to see you till the following morning. I just...want to make sure you are okay..."

"Yes, I give you permission. What is this? Ancient Rome or something?"

He lifted my skirt slightly, revealing tender flesh in the lower leg region. He had revealed my ankle, and brushed it slightly with his hand

"Do you feel any pain, my lady?"

I was so distracted by how handsome he looked that night that I completely missed his question. In a way, he realized the abrupt change in my demeanor. 

All of the sudden, he gazed into my eyes. For I knew, this was the same expression he had given me earlier this morning! Maybe something had changed with this new age...

"Annabelle, I feel I can hold this in no longer. I love you. I've always loved you. From the moment I saw you, I knew you had to be mine. I know, I know, I'm merely a servant boy. You are rich and come from a successful family. But what is life without true love? Oh please Annie, please tell me you feel the same way! I know you do, or else you wouldn't have gazed at me like you did moments prior!"

Not giving me time to say my answer, he pushed me against the wall and smothered me with deep, long kisses. Something stirred inside me, and I knew he was the one. I grabbed his muscular shoulders (most likely forming from opening the large front door) and pushed him away.

"Chadwick! You have corrupted my innocence!"

"Annie, you know you have never been innocent."

With a kiss to my forbidden ankle, he picked me up once more and stole me away into the secret forest behind the town, to where we would live, hidden away from the world.

It all began with that once glance to my ankle.