My Father's House

Chapter 31

"I told you, boy, give her some space!"

The woman's shrill voice woke me from my slumber and pulled me from Madeline who was haunting my dreams yet again.

"There, see? I told you."

Disoriented, I looked up into the face of a plump English woman, complete with puffy red cheeks and frizzy red curls.

Kael's face came into view next. He must have been standing just to the side of my peripheral vision. The woman went on as he knelt down next to me.

"You just have to let these things take time. Probably just hit her head, poor darling. Nothing to worry yourself about."

"I told you what happened. She can't handle blood," Kael called to her over his shoulder impatiently.

"Where are we?" I croaked, looking around at the strange surroundings. We looked to be in someone's lounge. A floral loveseat and chair, matching the sofa I was currently on were opposite me. Several crooked paintings hung on peeling, striped wallpaper in pink and cream. The majority of the art were portraits of children or landscapes, nothing expensive or noteworthy. The lighting was dim at best with just one energy saving lamp lighting the whole room.

"It's ok. We're safe."

He reached up, gently brushing my hair from my face.

"I tell you, if you don't stop crowding her, she's just going to black out again!" The woman was calling from some distant point in the room, "We women need air!" She was back in my sight again, redder than before. She carried a teapot in one hand, a few cups in the other. "This will fix you up dearie," she smiled and I noted several missing teeth. "You'll have to sit up though," she prompted.

"Ok."

I rubbed my face and pushed myself to a seated position on the couch. Kael kept his position kneeling by the couch and watched me. I looked down at him and was struck by the concern I saw in his face.

"I can't believe I fainted again. I'm so sorry."

"Don't," he whispered before turning to help the woman pour the tea, taking a seat beside me when he was finished. Once I had a few sips of tea in me, I noted that the woman was staring at me over her cup from her seat on the colorful floral chair.

Continuing her unguarded stare, she asked, "What did you say your name was, dearie?"

"Agatha!" Kael interrupted as I opened my mouth, "I told you to leave it alone!"

"Fine!"

She smashed her china cup onto the saucer. Surprisingly, it remained intact despite her use of force.

"But this is why I disowned you! Complete nonsense, boy!"

She stood up and brushed out past us, allotting a fair share of dirty looks at us both as she passed.

Eyes wide, I turned to Kael and blurted, "What on earth?"

He rubbed his face and responded tiredly, "She's very emotional. Don't worry. She has amazing recovery time."

As if on cue she returned, taking her seat with a cool glance in our direction. "No one has a right to stop me from finishing my tea," she pointed out as she adjusted her plump self in the seat.

"Absolutely," Kael agreed, glancing at me.

I said nothing. I was trying not to find too much amusement at the expense of this woman, Agatha. I sipped my tea, noting a couple small bandages on my right arm and leg. I guessed the injuries were no more than grazes, but I was afraid to open my mouth. Kael apparently didn't want Agatha to know anything about me, not even my name.