BiteBound *completed*

Chapter 19

We were running a little behind on the Christmas decor since it's been a few days into December, but Anne was kind enough to go into the basement and gather all the boxes she could find.

With the extra help from Peterson, we planned out how the new look of the mansion was going to be. We needed fresh greens, more flowers for the outside, garland, and many, many Christmas lights in a warm white.

Although I was still not allowed to leave the mansion, Peterson made it easy for me to order for pick up. I kept insisting him to take my card to at least cover for gas, but he made it very clear that Arthur was going to pay for everything.

In the end, It was fine by me so long as we were going to make this happen.

By the time he returned at around 11AM, the foyer smelled heavily of fresh pine and was filled with boxes of Christmas decor.

And so, we got to work; hoping to surprise Arthur when he woke up from his slumber.

While Peterson was in charge of hanging the lights and giant ribbons, Anne and I started repotting the champagne poinsettias in new expensive pots.

"Fis is such a good idea Miss Rosalie. A change of pace in the mansion is exactly wot we needed."

"I couldn't have done it without Arthur's approval."

I smile at the thought of us resting on the desk last night. Talking and laughing until the sun was almost rising. It was very pleasant being able to talk to someone so comfortably for the first time in a long while.

"'been a long time since we've done anyfing like this." She said. "I usually wait until I go see me motha to get into the 'oliday spirit."

"and Peterson?" I asked.

"'e comes with me," She says. "'e is me 'usband after all."

Holy shit really?!

"Surprised?" She winks. "'e is also my maker."

"Oh!" I stopped planting, giving her my complete attention. "How long have you both been married?"

"Hm... 'bout... let's see. I was brought into the mansion in 1830... I was 24... 'e proposed to me in April of 1832... We have been married for 188 years." She said proudly.

I was astounded by her answer. "Holy shit Anne, that's incredible!"

"I'm surprised me self that we're still goin' strong." She giggles to herself. "I can be quite the bottle and glass on me bad days."

... I'ma take that as she has bad moods from time to time.

"Don't we all." I smile politely.

"I know 'e ain't the most dashin', but 'e's a good man." She says. "You can trust 'im if you need anythin' when Arthur isn't 'round. I know it must be 'ard for ya to keep up with 'is time schedule."

"It's not that big of a deal." I lied.

On the contrary, it made me miss him even more when the time had come for him to hide away from the sun. I know he was somewhere in the Mansion, and yet he still felt so far away.

"Sweet'art, I know a woman in love when I see it. You're an open book."

If only those emotions are mine and mine alone. The corners of my mouth droop slightly. I know that they are mine, but Arthur is so convinced that I'm just high off the bond, I can't help but doubt my feelings sometimes as well.

"Anne,"

"Yes Luv?" She answers as she continues to add soil to the pot.

"Have you... been fed on?"