Finding My Nightingale [UNDER CONSTRUCTION]

Chapter Four

Chapter four

I had finally hit the bottom and I could see the redness of the back of my eyelids. My eyes flew open and I was on the floor of my bedroom.
The brightness of the sun made me realize that it was all just a dream. Though, I wanted to ponder if all it were true or not but if I didn't stop worrying about petty dreams I would be late for work and john would have my arse for it.

I get up and close my curtains. I grab a beautiful red dress. It was one of the ones Rosemarie gave to me.

When I looked in the mirror I noticed it was a little big on me so I grabbed the belt from the green one and wiped off the mud and tightened it around my waist.

I braided my hair and as I walked out the door. I yelled bye to Rosemarie and I ran to the butchers shop.

***

"What can I get for this?" I showed him my pay.

He laughs and grabs something from behind the counter. I tip toe to see as he dropped something on the counter.

"This?!" The piece of meat wasn't even the size of his palm. "This isn't even enough to feed two people much less me! Please, are you sure you don't have anything else bigger?"

He glares at me but goes in the back and I was about to go behind the counter when he walks back out. Hope coursed through my veins until I saw that he was empty handed my heart dropped. I almost cry.

"This is all I have. Take it or get out of my shop." I glare at him and grab the piece of meat and throw the money on the counter.

***

"You're almost late, girl." John smirks.

"Sorry the butcher held me up." I sigh.

"What we're you doing at the butcher's?"

"Well not getting a decent meal that's for sure! This is all I got." I pull out the meat. He bust out laughing.

"He sure did cheat you, didn't he?"

"Yeah, he did."

"Let me put that in the freezer, it'll spoil by the end of the day in your bag." I put my bag on the counter but it slips and falls everything scattered everywhere.

"Sorry, let me help." He bends down to help me.

"No, no, don't worry--" I saw him looking at my figurine. "My mom gave me that when I was really little. She told me to keep it close to me. That it was good luck."

"It's a nightingale. They're songs are beautiful."

"Yeah," I say slowly staring at it. I could feel the tears about to fall as I told him, "mom would tell me if I were ever lost listen to their song and they'd guide me home."

"Your mom's a wise woman."

"I guess so, I don't really know where she is now." I say quickly and look away before he could see the single tear escape from my eye.

"I'm sorry."

"It happened when I was six, Rosemarie our house keeper took care of me."

He starts to say something but we were interrupted by a voice. "Hello?"

"You get that and I'll put your meat in the back."

"Thank you." I whisper. "Hold on one more second please." I pick up the rest of my stuff an stand up. "Sorry for the delay. Welcome to John's bakery--" as I turn around I bumped into a table and a bowl of muffins fell onto the floor and scattered everywhere. "Surely I'm going to lose my job!" I mumble as I drop down to pick up the muffins. I notice a hand reaching down to help me as we get all the muffins back I stand up to thank my helper when I did I almost tripped. I felt strong arms catching me and I look into the eyes of my savior and jumped right out of my skin. I quickly regain my own balance.

"P-prince W-William." I curtsy. "I'm sorry."

"I think the muffins deserve more an apology than I do. I'm not the one scattered across the floor."

I laugh nervously.

"Girl what are you doing? Prince William!" He stops in his tracks and bowed.

His name is William Nightingale. The kingdom is named after the royal family.

Imagine if you do something to dishonor the name the whole kingdom is effected.

Lots of stress.

It's a peaceful kingdom. We try to stay out of bloody battles and ugly affairs.

The whole kingdom was a joyful place to be in.

There's King Edward and Queen Ella.

The two oldest daughters are married off to different kingdoms to keep peace.

Prince William is their only son.

They've got two younger girls Elizabeth and Victoria they're both nine years old. You can find them in the flower and dress bouquets all the time.

"It's been a while sir. How have you been?" William smiles. "Who's your clumsy new assistant?"

"Clumsy?! Wait just a minute--"

"Elena Carter." He snaps at me. "She's a lovely girl isn't she?"

"That she is, John. That she is." He looks at me. "Perhaps that clumsiness will go away soon."

"Perhaps." I say through my teeth.

He thinks he's funny, I'd show him funny.

"Well I must be on my way. I only stopped by to say hello and perhaps get a few muffins along the way. Some freshly made muffins." He smirks at me. My blood was already boiling hot with anger. Who does he think he is!

The prince, I say to myself. I groan inwardly.

"Elena? There are some muffins in the back." John hurries me along.

I grabbed the batch of fresh baked muffins and hurry back.

When I came back in I noticed that William and John were laughing when they saw me they stopped.

ARE YOU KIDDING ME??

I took a deep breath to calm myself. Here you go, sir. That'll be--"

"No, no, girly. It's on the house."

"But--"

"Hand him the basket, Elena." John mutters sharply at me. I Hand him he the basket. "Here you go, sir." I repeat.

Prince William chuckles and walks out. More of that and I'd pull my hair out.

Finally it was the end of the day. "I'm stepping out for a minute you can go home." I jump up and run to the back. I grabbed my meat and was hit with a most glorious smell. I felt like I was floating on a strawberry cloud.

I look to the fresh batch of muffins.

Maybe he won't notice if a few is missing.

I snatch up a couple of muffins and run out. I find an old building and hide behind it. I shove the first muffin into my mouth and sigh in happiness. I had forgotten what muffins and strawberries tasted like.

I swallow that one and as I take the first bite I hear a voice. " I do hope those aren't from the floor."

Copyright by @kelsey_rumsey14