Teddy Bear Love

Chapter III - The Early Bird

Lucy

I rubbed my eyes tiredly and checked the time on the clock again. Being here felt unreal to me. I should be back at home at the orphanage, not here in Vox Manor... My stomach churned throughout the night, and my mind wouldn't stop racing with a thousand thoughts.

I made sure to repeat the rules Mrs. Carver laid out for me. I couldn't allow myself to make mistakes. "Time to get up," I whispered to myself. I stilled for a moment, listening for any signs of movement beyond the door. Luckily, I couldn't hear anything, just the chirping from the early birds.

I slipped out from under the covers, my feet touched the cold wooden floor, and a shiver ran through my body—not from the chill but from the nerves that quivered within—the same ones that kept me up all night. As I stood, I pulled my nightgown off over my head and placed it on a hanger in the closet. I tried smoothing the front of the gown as if to iron out the wrinkles.

I crinkled my nose as I contemplated which outfit would be the most suitable for the day. After careful consideration, I chose a flowing brown maxi dress adorned with delicate pale flowers, complemented by a cozy brown sweater, and worn white sneakers. Once dressed, I meticulously brushed and braided my hair, securing it into a bun.

I looked in the mirror and bit my lip. I was best dressed for me... I hoped it would be presentable enough to meet the Vox family. I cringed, thinking about my brief meeting with Vivianne. I had to make a better impression of myself to her.

I said a prayer before leaving my room and made my way to the kitchen. I was surprised to see the remnants of last night's dinner on the grand dining table. I took a deep breath, filled with determination, as I turned on the lights. The room flooded with brightness, and I knew exactly what my first task would be.

Rolling up the sleeves of my sweater, I began by washing and drying the dishes. The kitchen was well organized, and it only took me a few passes back and forth to get acquainted. Next, I meticulously set the tables, making sure every detail was picturesque.

I filled a bucket with warm, soapy water, the scent of vinegar mingling with the lingering aroma of rich spices from the previous evening's feast. My movements were methodical, a dance of diligence as I scrubbed each surface with a sponge, my brows furrowed in concentration. After a short while, all surfaces gleamed under my touch.

I then swept and mopped the floor with care. I found solace in the ritual of cleaning; it was my way of giving a small thanks to the headmistress who had raised me.

The sun climbed higher, its rays filtering through the windows, casting a golden glow on the dining room table set for breakfast. I stood back, inspecting my work with a critical eye before nodding in approval.

Time for the fun part. My heart fluttered with excitement. Cooking in a kitchen like this is a dream come true. Not to mention, this was an opportunity for me to impress my hosts. Cooking, baking, and anything food were the only talents I had. I often dreamed of opening my own restaurant.

I pulled out the necessary ingredients from the refrigerator and pantry. I didn't know what everyone preferred for breakfast, so I'd keep it simple. After masterfully making a large, fluffy, and hearty omelet, I moved to pan-frying bacon until crispy. Once finished, I only had one more thing to cook—something sweet to accompany the savory. I measured each ingredient with a practiced eye. No recipe was needed for my signature pancakes.

I plated the food and lined it up on the counter. I put out fresh berries and brewed a pot of coffee. Let's hope this is enough to make a good impression.

"Miss Windsor," Mrs. Carver's crisp voice said from the hallway. I turned, my eyes meeting her stern gaze. Mrs. Carver's posture was rigid. A flicker of something unreadable was in her eyes as she surveyed the scene before her.

"Mrs. Carver," I greeted, my tone matching the respectful cadence of the housekeeper. "I hope everything is okay."

"Indeed, it is," Mrs. Carver said stiffly, though her eyes lingered on the kitchen behind me and the breakfast that awaited the family. It seemed as if she might smile for a moment, but the thought vanished as quickly as it had appeared. "You have done well, very well indeed. Though I must say, you've set quite a high standard for yourself on your first day."

"Thank you, ma'am. I only wish to contribute my best to the household," I responded sincerely.

"See that you maintain it," Mrs. Carver advised before turning on her heel and leaving me. Yet even as she disappeared down the hall, the hint of a compliment lingered in the air, mingling with the scent of freshly brewed coffee.

I softly announced, "Breakfast has been served," as I would to the girls back home. I loved seeing the joy on their faces as they saw the new menu each day.

The clink of shoes and the murmur of morning voices heralded the arrival of the Vox family. Standing just off to the side, I watched as they entered the dining room one by one, their expressions transforming from half-awake indifference to surprised pleasure.

"Goodness, what's all this?" the beautiful matriarch, Mrs. Vox, said as she stood at the threshold. Her hair was perfectly coiffed, and her professional dress was finely pressed.

"I'd say this is the work of our work-study, dear," Mr. Vox added, his voice rich with approval as he surveyed the spread before him.

"Mom - Dad, she prefers to be called Lucy," Vivianne drawled, her hazel eyes sweeping over the display. She leaned in, sniffing delicately at the food, her expression one of begrudging admiration. "Smells so yummy."

"Thank you all. It's a pleasure to meet you," I replied as I discreetly studied the elegant family. My hands were clasped neatly in front of me, betraying just a hint of my nervous anticipation.

"Sit down, everyone. Let's not let this wonderful meal get cold," Mrs. Vox ushered her family to their chairs.

I took a discreet step back, allowing the family to immerse themselves in the meal I had prepared. Observing their pleased reactions, I felt a warm sense of satisfaction bloom within. Today would be a good day.

The clinking of silverware and the murmur of contented conversations filled the dining room as I edged toward the doorway.

"Excuse me," Mrs. Carver inquired, her stern gaze softening ever so slightly as it met mine. "Are you not eating, dear?"

I shook my head, "I should start making my way to Beckington Academy. I wouldn't want to be late on my first day."

"Surely you can wait a bit longer," Mr. Vox suggested genially. "Vivianne's friends always chauffeur her to school. They could easily take you along."

A flicker of panic shot through my heart, hastily concealed by a practiced smile. "I've always been fond of morning walks. Plus, the exercise is good for me," I said as earnestly as I could.

"As you wish." Vivianne interposed, her hazel eyes gleaming with unspoken challenge. "Well, if you must insist on walking, make sure you don't get lost. Beckington can be rather overwhelming... Not to mention a long walk."

"Thank you. I'll keep that in mind," I replied kindly. I turned away, hurriedly grabbed my backpack from my duffle, and left the manor.

Crossing the threshold, I stepped onto the grand pathway leading away from Vox Manor. My heart beat an erratic rhythm, echoing nervousness at the unfamiliar journey ahead and excitement for the new life unfolding. With each step, the distance between me and the manor grew, as did my resolve to face whatever Beckington Academy had in store for me.

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