His Siren, Her Doctor: Am I Still Yours?

Human Nature Part Two

"Miss Reed?" Martha pipped up, causing John and Jacqueline to turn to her. "It is almost time for supper, would you like me to show you to your room?" she asked the ravenette. Jacqueline nodded softly before turning back to John, who was sad that she had to leave. In only a few hours, she would be gone and sent away. 

"Joan should be back soon." Jacqueline signed to him before petting his hand. She gently got up from her seat and made sure to hold the book close to her, not wanting to leave it behind or forget about it. John was tempted to reach out for her hand, wishing that she would stay with him, if only for a moment longer. 

She let Martha leave first before following her. Martha closed the door behind her before showing her the direction as to where they were going. After a few minutes in silence, Martha stops their walk, causing Jacqueline to stare at her in confusion.

"Ma'am?" Martha said, causing Jacqueline to tilt her head to her. "That book." She pointed to it. Jacqueline looked down at the book and smiled softly at it.

"Oh, I'll look after it. Don't worry. He did say I could read it." She signed to Martha, reminding her of what John had said. Jacqueline scolded herself for signing and was going to reach for her notebook when Martha shook her head.

"It's alright, I know sign language." Martha informed her before returning her focus back to the book. "But it's silly, that's all. Just stories." she said, reaching her hand out to take it back but Jacqueline stopped her. 

"Who is he, Martha?" Jacqueline asked her. She knew that there was something about John that didn't make sense to her, she just didn't know what it was about it that she felt so connected to but something inside of her was wanting to stay for him, wanting to change her plans just to continue seeing him.

"I'm sorry?" Martha asked her, not knowing what else to say.

"It's like he's left the kettle on. Like he knows he has something to get back to, but he can't remember what." Jacqueline signed as she stared at Martha. She felt frustrated as she too knew that feeling. "There is so much being hidden behind those eyes of his." she signed to her. 

"That's just him." Martha said with a shrug. Martha began to continue their walk, causing Jacqueline to follow after her.

Jacqueline decided to drop the topic and switch it. "You know how to sign?" she fingered signed to Martha, matching her pace.

Martha nodded. "I was taught a bit by a friend. She picked it up as a hobby and taught me a bit on our free time." She told her hesitantly. Jacqueline wanted to ask more but she noticed Martha sad expression and stayed quiet. Whoever that friend was meant a lot to Martha. 

Once they finally got to the room, Jacqueline took a moment to look around, liking how simple the decorations were. "Well, if you need anything, I'll be in the servants' quarters till dark." Martha told her as she watched the girl look around the room. Her Amanda would be way more excited about the room and the decor, but this Amanda just seemed... not right. No, not Amanda; Jacqueline. She was too quiet for her but maybe that's because she just needed a friend.

Jacqueline nodded before moving to the window. Her grandfather was still very busy and she was quite bored already in her room. Martha noticed her bored expression and thought for a moment before getting Jacqueline's attention.

"How would you like to join me and my friend to the pub later tonight?" She asked her. Jacqueline stared at her and nodded shyly, before giving Martha a wide smile, happy that she was given an opportunity to have fun and get to know Martha. 

 [Outside the pub]

Jenny was a bit shocked when Martha arrived at the pub with Jacqueline but was quick to chat with her, excited to have someone join them. She was not shocked at all by Jacqueline's timid nature but was upset that she didn't know sign language. Martha was quick to translate for her and the three females were quick to learn about each other and their lives. Martha was quick to order their drinks, not wanting anyone from the school to recognize them and give them a hard time. The three made their way outside the pub, Jacqueline holding on tighter to her shawl as she stared up at the sky, wishing there were more stars out.