Letters, Losses, Loved ones.

Settling In:

Mrs. Gobble-wart left me to unpack in my room. I felt quite calm and slightly glad to be away from london, and it felt strange not hearing the sound of bombs exploding in the distance, or seeing fire or burnt homes outside her window. I all of a sudden realised how truly stressful and painful it must have been for mother, and that now I had left to safety, she would finally feel at peace. And....for the first time in a very long time...so would I. I breathed in deeply, and slowly exhaled, as I fell onto the warm, soft mattress of my bed. "This is just temporary, I promise. Remember that Abigail." I recalled my mother saying. "Don't you break that promise, mother. Don't you break it." I whispered.

***One day later***

I heard I knock on my door. "Its supper time, miss abigail!" A timid voice called from the other side of the door. I flung the door open, to see a short young lady in an apron. She had olive skin with bright green eyes, and dark brown hair. "Hello." I smiled. "Who are you?" the maid blinked, as if shocked that a girl from the city didn't know a maid when she saw one. "I am April. Mr. and Mrs. Gobble-warts maid. I look after guests and clean." she said quietly, her head bowed. I hated the fact that she refused to make eye-contact, or join conversation with me. From the moment I met her I was determined to make her acquaintance as a friend, not as a servant. "Please don't bow your head, it makes me feel awful." I whimpered. April gave a nervous glance, and quickly said, "Only if it would make you feel better miss Abigail." she said, her head lifting, as our eyes met. I looked at her sternly. "And one more thing....just call me Abigail, please. I think we should become very good friends, don't you?"I said, as a smile crept upon my face. April gulped and shook her head. "I don't think Mr. and Mrs. Gobble-wart would be pleased with me." she sighed. "Nonsense," I said, " As long as I am pleased they are pleased. " I said, acting confident. But I wasn't so sure. "Oh, well, I suppose....If it pleases you." she said shyly. I let out a little sigh. "Does this girl even understand me? I specifically told her to act casual, and yet, here she is still worrying about what will please me. I suppose the only way to become friends is to persuade her that the only way I will be pleased is if she does so." I thought, as I glared at the maid. She stood in the doorway, fiddling her thumbs, awkwardly. "Er.......um.........Where do you come from April?" I asked, staring at her features. Nobody from london looked at all like her. "I was born here ma'am...I mean...A-Abigail. " she said. "But my parents were italian." she said, with a slightly sorrowful expression. "How peculiar." I said under my breath. April gasped and her eyes widened, "S-supper! I forgot! Mr. and Mrs. G-g-gobble-wart will b-be waiting!" she stuttered, and gestured for me to follow her, as she bolted down the hall. "Oops," I thought. "If they are anything like mother, I am in big trouble."

***

Mr. and Mrs. Gobble-wart were sitting at the table, with unsure expressions. Almost as if not sure whether to scold at me or simply say, "Just make sure not to be late next time."

April, apologised nervously, as the elderly couple shot her dangerous glares. I felt sympathy towards her, and all of a sudden realised why she had acted so carefully around me. "Let it not ever happen again, April." Mr. Gobble-wart scolded at her, and then turned to me, with a more gentle expression. "Your mistake is understandable, and we know how hard it must be to adjust. As long as you learn from your mistakes we are happy." he said calmly. "It won't happen again, sir." I said determinedly. "But..." I hesitated as if not sure whether to say this..."It was never Aprils fault, I forced her to stay....I wanted to talk to her, you see. I am very sorry, to all of you." I said nervously. Mrs. Gobble-wart let out a little chuckle, "Oh, don't be so hard on yourself dear. As my husband said, we understand. You know you speak just like your father." she said, signalling April to pull out a chair for me. "Sit, and we shall talk some more." I nodded, and glanced at April, smiling. "But there is one thing you must understand....Abigail..." Mr. Gobble-wart added sharply, "We do not befriend servants here. "