Do As I Say

Chapter Eleven

There was an uneven bookshelf in the corner. The bed was pushed against the far right wall, that way when the sun came up and peeked through the draped windows at the back of the room, Cree could feel the warmth on the top of her head. She sat up and rubbed her eyes. Something fell off the bed. Cree stood up, nearly tripping over her backpack in the process. Memories flushed her mind and she took a deep breath to steady herself.

On the floor was a maroon shirt, a pair of jeans, and socks. She picked them up delicately; pleasantly surprised by their great condition. A thought crossed her mind and she dropped the clothes, scooping her bag up instead and tossing it on the bed. She unzipped it and scanned the contents. "Good," She murmured and closed the bag. Nothing was stolen.

She now noticed the petite dresser beside the door and as she made her way to it the floorboards creaked above her head. Cree must've been on the second floor. The dresser was filled with countless outfits, all in the same dark colour scheme. Her chest swam with thanks, and with a small smile, undressed and changed.

The outside of her door had her name on it. C. Mournjay, 2083- It read. She had just clicked the door shut when she heard feet padding across the carpet towards her.

"Morning," Jules said with a smile. He was holding two cups of orange juice and had the last pages of the spell tucked into his pocket. "Join me for breakfast?"

"Of course," Cree took a cup with thanks and descended the stairs with Jules, his caramel hair bobbing. "What time is it?"

"Just past eight," He answered. The orphanage was quiet in the morning; not enough people up to cause any noise, Cree guessed. Cree liked how Jules's thoughts were hushed and peaceful, that way she could have thoughts of her own without his breaking through.

"I like mornings," Jules sniffed, "You can see things differently now than in the afternoon or night." He turned to Cree, "You sleep alright?"

"Yeah, best sleep I've had in ages." They arrived at the first floor, at the eating area. A couple teenagers were already up and playing cards at the closest table. Jules led her to one near the wall.

They ate breakfast in comfortable silence; no more small talk. Cree had bacon and eggs, Jules had pancakes. By the end Cree's tight stomach was stuffed. The blue haired girl from before came over and took their plates. Once she left Jules folded his arms on the table.

"I was thinking...and maybe you'd consider registering for Ghoul School?" He sensed Cree bristle and rambled on, "I mean, you could take seer classes and meet people and...I just think it could be something you'd actually look forward to."

"I don't get it."

"Get what?"

Cree sighed, "Why do you care so much?"

Jules shifted uncomfortably, "I just thought you'd like the school."

"But it's not just that it's the...the way you hush your thoughts when I'm around so I can have some silence. And the orange juice and the -"

"Stop."

"What?"

"Stop analyzing me."

"I'm not -"

"Yeah, you are," His eyes were frosty now; "I'm not going to hurt you Cree so stop imagining motives behind everything I do." Jules stood and backed away from the table. "I'm going to the school to look for Thimble. If you want to register go to the office and speak to Theresa, tell her you're a friend of mine. You don't have to if you don't want to; I'm not going to push you."

Cree blinked, "Thanks..."

Jules's eyebrows drew together and he shoved his hands into his pockets, "You're not alone anymore Cree so stop acting so damn surprised whenever someone helps you. Some people do actually care."