Lorina in the Dreamlands

Chapter 1

     I stared at the dainty china cup. Alice chattered on, oblivious to me. Aunt Merdith noticed me and said nothing, only nodding once in a while at Alice's story.

     Dinah, our little brown cat, peered over the table at the milk from her place on Alice's lap. I dripped a little on a saucer and set it on the floor. Dinah sprang from her perch and immediately went to work, occasionally wiping droplets from her whiskers. Dumb cat. All she did was sleep, wander, and make messes. I didn't know why Alice kept her around, she was completely useless. She didn't even catch the mice.

I wandered off to my thoughts, staring into the empty  hearth while Alice went on about the rabbit

     "Umm... Rina?" Alice paused, "hmm?" I was transfixed by the fireplace, it's warm coals flickering with eerie colors. "Lorina, your tea" Aunt Merdith cleared her throat. "Oh dear" I snatched several cloths from the kitchen. Dinah had finished her milk and had tipped my tea in her eagerness for more. I swiped at the ruined front of my dress. "usless, stupid, dim witted, cat" I muttered as I scrubbed.

     "She didn't mean to, did you Dinah Dear?" Alice cooed at the innocent looking feline. She cradled her, stroking the villainous pet. I tried my hardest not to send my eyes skyward. I gave up on the dress, putting the rags down with a sigh.

  "You seem tired Lorina" Aunt Merdith said with a frown. "A little" I admitted. "I'm sorry!" Alice gasped, "After all the hard work you put into giving me lessons, I've gone and wasted your time! Oh, I know your busy, I'm sorry Rina" she seemed genuinely upset. She might be a little distracted at times, but she really was a sweetheart. "It's alright Alice" I gave her a smile to show her, "I think we're all a little tired", this gave her some reassurance. Dinah sulked on the floor, forgotten. "I think you should rest Lorina" my aunt suggested, "It's not good for your health" I glanced at her, a bed did sound nice. "I will. Wake me when you start supper" I headed to my bedroom.

     It was a little ridiculous, but I changed into my long white nightgown. I would wear the dress again when I woke up, I didn't need to wear more than one dress a day. I stared longingly at my walls filled with books, it would be relaxing to read awhile, but I couldn't idle all day long with those two working without me. Besides, I steeled myself against the temptation, I had read plenty when Alice dozed off during her lesson. I dragged my feet towards my bed, my books calling to me. I'm sorry, I told them, maybe tonight. I settled the blankets on top of me, and shivered, delighting in the soft, cool, comfort.

     Instantly, I was wide awake. I growled in annoyance, I was so tired. Why couldn't i just sleep? Books, my mind told me, books will help you sleep. I stubbornly stayed in my bed. I glared at the ceiling, hoping that my mind would shut off. It too, was stubborn and replayed the mantra; books, books, books. Quiet! I screamed at it. I laid there, vainly trying for sleep.

It didn't come.