The Phantom

Chapter Two

TWO

Victoria woke up with the light from the sun slanting on her windows. It was a yellowish kind light, which was odd, considering the heavy fall of snow last night.

She was still wearing her silky robe, as she slipped out of bed onto her bunny slippers and caught herself in the mirror.

Ugh. She was a mess. Her hair was tangled like a haystack, and her eyes still looked groggy from her lack of sleep. How late did she sleep last night?

And why was she tossing in her sleep? She knew that she had been so restless in her sleep. Her hair was evidence enough, and the sheets of her bed are mostly on the floor now.

 Must be the nerves, she thought glumly and sighed. “Today’s the day.” She muttered to herself.

Victoria went over to her window and glanced below the gardens of Mrs. Cornwell. Sure, snow was still intact on the ground. But at least it was not falling down from the heavens anymore. But she had a feeling that today’s going to be cold still…

She quickly went over to her dresser and opened a drawer where her denim jeans were being kept.

“…quiet there. She might hear us…” Victoria could hear voices outside her door now.

“Shhh! Keep quiet!” a childish, soprano voice whispered.

Another one whispered. “Do you think she’s already awake?”

Curiously, Victoria went to stand by the door and pressed her right ear toward it, straining to hear.

She could faintly hear people outside, shifting their weights from foot to foot. There were also low murmurs of children, their voices almost wheezing due to their barely-contained excitement.

That’s it, Victoria thought as she opened the door. She couldn’t hold her curiosity anymore.

Every one outside of her door gasped, and she gasped, too.

Ashley, the little blonde girl, was the one who’s nearest to the door, her hand fisted into the air in a gesture of knocking.

Victoria raised an eyebrow at them. “Why are you guys carrying balloons?”

“HAPPY BIRTHDAY VICKY!” The children bellowed altogether, after that was a chorus of giggles and laughter.

“Ew, kids! Don’t call me Vicky! It’s my gross-est nickname.” To her surprise, she laughed, too. And it came out naturally. Easy.

Mother Elena was suddenly at her side, embracing her. “Shall we go down stairs? But first, I have to give you this.” She held an attractive circle of flowers in the air. “It’s a garland. And look! It matches your eyes.” Mother Elena smiled at her and placed the garland on her head, like a crown.

Mrs. Cornwell laughed quietly beside Mother Elena. “Always count Elena to give garlands as presents.”

“Wow. Thank you, Mother, Mrs. Cornwell. It’s lilac. My favorite.” Victoria said quickly, her throat constricting again. Uh-oh.

“And there’s freesia, too! Smell it? The fragrance is heady, but not quite. I think it’s perfect for you, dear. Don’t you think?”

“It smells wonderful, Mother! Thank you.” She hugged the little lady fiercely and smiled toward the others.

Mrs. Cornwell took her hand, then. “I have my present, too.” The tall, olive-toned lady was not close to Victoria as Mother Elena was. But she was always kind toward her. “Here. It’s a perfume. And an herb, too. It’s extracted from Fennel leaves. I blended lilac, freesia, and chamomile and Rose petals to it.”