ɢʀօաȶɦ, աɛ ɢʀօա ȶօɢɛȶɦɛʀ | Enoch O'Connor

Part of The Family

Enoch leads Adrenna through the winding paths of the garden to where Miss Peregrine, along with Emma and Olive, were having their tea. They were seated at a quaint, very antique small table that was filled with an array of delightful finger bites and accompanied by a very expensive teapot that caught the sunlight beautifully, causing Adrenna to take special notice.

Just as they arrive at the charming little gathering, Horace suddenly calls out for Enoch, his voice cutting through the serene atmosphere: "Enoch! Our ball is stuck!"

Enoch, initially tempted to ignore the commotion, finds it increasingly difficult to do so as Hugh and Millard join in, their voices rising and sounding like a rowdy group of school children on a noisy excursion. This is precisely what Enoch despises; loud noises have always grated on his nerves.

Letting out an exasperated sigh, he prepares to go and help, but not before being polite and considerate. He pulls out a chair for Adrenna to sit down at the elegant table, ensuring she is comfortable. After offering her a gentle smile, Enoch leans in slightly and whispers to her, "I'll be back," making a point to keep his voice low, though everyone at the table undeniably hears his promise.

Adrenna felt a gentle flutter in her chest as Enoch's fingers lightly grazed her hair, causing a strand to slip free and drape over her shoulder. She blinked, momentarily lost in the unexpected tenderness of the touch. Glancing up at him as he walked away toward the boys, she saw him casting a quick look over his shoulder, his expression unreadable before he turned his attention back to the ruckus.

She hesitated for a moment before lowering herself into the chair Enoch had pulled out for her. The small, antique table in front of her was elegantly set with a delicate porcelain teapot, fine china cups, and an assortment of finger sandwiches and pastries. Everything looked far more refined than anything she had been used to in her previous life, especially the circus, where meals were far from elegant. Adrenna's gaze lingered on the intricate details of the teapot, admiring its elaborate floral design and gold trim.

Miss Peregrine watched her with a keen eye, a faint smile playing at the corners of her lips. "You're just in time for tea, my dear," she said, her voice carrying that calm, soothing quality. "Emma, Olive, would you be so kind as to pour for Adrenna?"

Emma immediately reached for the teapot, her movements fluid and practiced. "Of course, Miss Peregrine." She poured a cup of tea for Adrenna and then gently placed it in front of her.

"Help yourself to anything you'd like," Olive added, her bright eyes twinkling with kindness as she motioned toward the finger foods. "The lemon cakes are especially good."

"Thank you," Adrenna murmured, her voice quiet. She reached for the tea, wrapping her hands around the cup and taking in the soothing warmth. One hand still has a hold on the umbrella above her, keeping her in the shade.

Miss Peregrine regarded her carefully as she took a sip from her own cup. "I hope you're finding the grounds to your liking. It can be a bit much to take in at first."

Adrenna set her cup down, her fingers still resting on the handle. "It's... different," she admitted. "But it's nice. E-Everyone's been very kind."

Emma chuckled softly. "Well, some of us can be, anyway. I'm sure Enoch hasn't been too charming," she teased, glancing in the direction where he was struggling with the boys to dislodge the ball from the tree.

Adrenna shook her head, her lips curving into a faint smile. "H-He's been helpful," she said softly, though her eyes flickered briefly in Enoch's direction. There was something about him that made her feel at ease, despite his often grumpy demeanor.

Miss Peregrine's gaze sharpened as she leaned in slightly, her smile widening as though she'd picked up on something unspoken. "Enoch has his own way of showing concern, though it may not be obvious," she said.

As if on cue, a frustrated shout came from the boys, followed by a loud rustling sound as Enoch finally managed to knock the ball down from the tree. His triumphant expression melted into a scowl when Hugh and Millard erupted into cheers, causing him to snap, "Stop making such a racket, or I'll send the ball back up there myself."

Emma giggled into her teacup while Olive bit back a smile, and even Miss Peregrine's composure seemed to crack for a moment.

Adrenna watched Enoch return to the boys with a mix of exasperation and fondness. It was almost endearing how he pretended not to care when he clearly did, albeit in his own stubborn way.

The tea and finger foods provided a quiet comfort for Adrenna as she continued to observe from the table. It was peaceful here, different from the loud chaos she'd known. As she sipped her tea, she found herself feeling, perhaps for the first time, that this place could really become a home.

Adrenna placed her cup down and clasped her hands in her lap, glancing up at Miss Peregrine, Emma, and Olive with a hesitant expression. "I, um, just wanted to say I'm sorry... for my first impression," she began, her voice soft. "I-I'm not really used to people being so... eager to meet me."

Miss Peregrine's eyes softened, her calm gaze steady on Adrenna. "No need for apologies, my dear," she said, her tone reassuring. "It's understandable. You've come from a very different world, one where trust is earned the hard way. Here, we have the luxury of kindness, and I hope you'll come to feel comfortable accepting it."

Adrenna nodded, a little of the tension in her shoulders easing. "I suppose I'm just... n-not... used to it," she admitted. "In the circus, people would only approach me because of what I could do, not who I was."

Emma reached over to place a gentle hand on Adrenna's. "Well, that's not the case here," she said with a warm smile. "We're a family, of sorts. We look out for each other—peculiarity or no peculiarity."

Olive nodded in agreement, her expression earnest. "And you're already one of us, Adrenna. Enoch wouldn't be dragging you around introducing you to everyone otherwise."

A small, surprised laugh escaped Adrenna at that. "I suppose that's true..." she murmured, glancing toward where Enoch was still dealing with the boys. She felt a quiet warmth at the thought that he had gone out of his way to make her feel included, even if he'd grumbled about it the entire time.