TAKEN TO THE GRAVE, original.

III ― the kids from st. howard's street

28 January 1888

― So... Why are you upset, Sunny? ― Marion walked down the staircase and sat beside her friend on one of the lower steps.

― Because Miss Teacher kept going on and on about how talented you were and barely said a word 'bout me! This is unfair, innit?

― Well, surely it is, but I can't do nothin' to help you fix that. Unless I teach you how to draw.

― Oh, sure, that seems like a neat idea! I will give you ten shillings for each lesson you teach me.

― Deal?

― Deal!

The girls shook hands and smiled. Certainly, nothing could go wrong.

― Where are you getting the money from? ― Smiley asked.

― My mum and dad have lots of it. Or maybe my siblings could lend me some. ― Philippa wrapped a curl of golden hair around her tiny finger, as she showed a cheeky smile towards Marion. ― Now I may ask, shall the lessons start now?

― Let's begin. ― Marion nodded ― Do you have any pencils around?

― We'll find some.

― Neat.

Philippa got up, an action that was copied by the tiniest girl. Grey looked out for any of the harsh adults who sought to punish them for any sort of unexpected behaviour.

― Philomena! ― Pippa yelled, knocking on the door of her sister's bedroom ― Philly, can I talk to you?

― What is it, for Christ's sake? ― Philomena opened the door and sighed ― Can't you see that I'm busy?

― Do you have ten shillings? ― the six-year-old asked.

― No, I do not. Now you two get out of here and leave me alone. ― Philomena closed the door.

― Aren't we supposed to be looking for pencils, Sunny? ― the shorter girl asked.

― Yes, but I also don't have any money in my piggy bank.

― How'd it disappear?

― I wasted it all on candy...

The two children walked to the garden, mesmerized by the labyrinth of staff-only hallways and staircases. In the green garden, amidst the flowers, stood Phineas, the oldest Grey child, playing with the family's Border Collie, Lilou.

― Phineas! ― called the youngest ― Do you have ten shillings I could borrow?

― No, I do not. ― Phineas rolled his eyes ― Anything else?

― Can we play ball with you? ― Marion asked, with such innocence even Pippa was surprised.

― No, you can't! ― Phineas directed his speech towards Marion ― And your people from the slums shouldn't even be allowed to come near normal people. Now go away or I'll get my dad to fire you and your dirty older sisters from our house, lice-y! ― he taunted the younger girl, who had tears formed in her eyes already.

― Sorry for asking. ― the little one muttered under her breath.

Putting her hands in the pockets of her dilapidated pinafore, Marion sighed, once again in a state of misery she knew so well. An upset Philippa wrapped her arm around of her friend's, leading her away from Phineas' ignorance.