unforeseen [h.p.]

SECRETS

Where Alex fell asleep is where she happened to wake up this time around.

Yawning, she sat up in bed, stretching her achy limbs. She didn't remember falling asleep. How long had she been out?

She looked out the bedroom window, almost choking at the sight she saw. The sun was rising in the east, golden rays brightly shining through the glass, bathing the room in sunlight.

"It's morning?" Alex asked herself. Why did she sleep so long? The last thing she remembers is drinking the tea yesterday evening, and then nothing. Had she really been so exhausted?

She threw the duvet off of her and climbed out of bed, trudging over to her trunk which held her tooth and hair brush. She planned on heading to the bathroom, but then realized she had no clue where that was.

Grabbing her things and leaving her room, she padded softly down the hallway and towards the kitchen, hoping maybe someone would be in there. She knew she'd guessed correct when she heard the bickering voices of Amelia and Mark.

"She's been asleep for over twelve hours! I thought the calming draught was just supposed to settle her nerves?"

"Amelia, she's fine."

"This is so stressful."

"It doesn't have to be. We could just tell her. The worst that could happen is she freaks out."

"Oh, I hope she doesn't freak out. Then I'll freak out!"

"Please, don't freak out."

Alex slowly walked into the kitchen, squeaking out a good morning. The couple immediately stopped their squabbling, acknowledging Alex with bright smiles and sunny faces.

"Good morning, Alex! How was your first night at the Johnson's residence?" Mark asked her, reaching for his tea and taking a sip.

Alex shrugged, forcing a smile. "Quite alright."

"You slept for quite a while," commented Amelia, watering a brilliant red flower.

"Yeah. Weird," said Alex. She coughed. "Uh--where's the bathroom?"

Amelia smiled at her again, leading Alex to the bathroom. She showed her how to work the faucets, toilet, and the shower, telling her to yell if she needed somebody.

"There's breakfast when you're ready to eat," Amelia told her before walking back down the corridor to the kitchen.

Alex cleaned her teeth and brushed her hair (which took years as always). She took a brisk shower, throwing on whatever random clothes she grabbed. Right now, she just wanted to eat. She was famished.

She emerged back into the kitchen, where Amelia and Mark were speaking in, for once, hushed conversation at the dining table. Mark appeared to be writing something down.

Amelia was the first to notice her. "Alex! Breakfast?"

She didn't wait for Alex to answer, retrieving a plate from the countertop and placing it on the table. "Ms. Joy told me you like French toast."

Alex nodded, taking a seat. Mark hardly acknowledged her, smiling fleetingly and then continuing to scribble on the sheet of paper.

"Something to drink? We have tea, orange juice. . ."

Alex definitely did not fancy a cup of tea. Whatever was in her tea last night knocked her out cold. She was sure of it. "Water?"

"Of course," Amelia smiled, filling a glass from the tap.

Alex quietly began to eat her food, savoring the syrupy goodness. Amelia went back to watering her flowers, several pots of them sitting around the house.