Flutter

Flutter: Cinq (1/2)

Birds chirped happily outside Nora's window. It was fifteen past nine and Nora was already up. Dressed for the day in a white cotton button and cornflower blue skirt, Nora felt ready to take on the day. The aggravation of last night had faded away in her sleep and she was determined to have a better today.  Sitting on her bed, Nora thought about what the day would have in store for her.  At nine thirty Mary strode into her bedroom.

"Oh Ms. Nora? Awake are you? What a surprise." She said, winking. Nora gave a sheepish smile. 

"I'm not usually a heavy sleeper. I hope what I'm wearing is okay for breakfast." Nora asked timidly.

"Quite fine my dear. Quinton is away on business with Blaine. Catherine is away at well. Typically, it'll be just us servants and the children. No need to impress us." Mary turned around and signaled for Nora to follow. They walked down the stairs and through the halls. . They stopped when they entered a small room that had a simple round table and chairs. The room was bright because of a large window that looked out into the garden.

"This is the breakfast nook where most of us eat. Since no one will be eating with you, I assumed you'd be more comfortable here."

"This is just wonderful. Warm and cozy. Reminds me of home."

"Good. The paper is there for your reading pleasure."

Mary started to walk of but Nora called for her attention.

"Perhaps I can help out in the kitchen? I'm not used to being waited on and I know my way around a stove."

"What? That's a preposterous notion. You shan't lift a finger my girl. We have servants enough here, thank you very much."

Mary left swiftly, indicating that no more would be said in regards to the subject.

Nora sat at the table, picking up the paper to read. There were still a couple of minutes left till breakfast was served. She couldn't focus on what she was reading, though. Nora simply wasn't used to such a lack luster morning. Back home she'd be up preparing breakfast for her father and practically the rest of the town. It was habit for the people of Wicks to drop by for a bite to eat of Nora's delicious pancakes or muffins. Sitting here, not contributing, Nora felt useless. Ten minutes later Nora heard the pitter-patter of little feet coming towards her. Sensing someone near, Nora slowly put down her paper. Two big hazel eyes peered up at her through a mess of strawberry blond ringlets. The eyes were set in a tiny round face with a button nose. A small mouth revealed a toothy grin. Nora's heart instantly filled with warmth for the little wolf.

"Hello." Nora said gently.

"Hi. Are you a maid?" The girl responded curiously.

"No. I just moved in. My name's Nora. What's yours?" Nora leaned in to speak to her, taking her little hands in hers.

"I'm Annabelle." She turned around and pointed to the entrance way. "And that's Peyton. He's hiding."

Sure enough, a dark haired head popped into view.

"Anna! What are you doing? You're not supposed to let the enemies know our location." The boy, Peyton, exclaimed.

"Peyton said you were a spy. You don't look like one." Anna said to Nora.

"You are a very smart little girl. I'm not a spy. I'm a guest." Nora said brightly.

"That's what an enemy would say!" Peyton said walking towards them. He looked older than Anna, and was a bit chubby with jet black hair. Though he tried to sound like a menacing lion but he was really a meowing cub. He came to stand behind Annabelle, eyeing Nora distrustfully.