Flutter

Flutter: Sept (1/2)

The next morning, Nora jumped out of bed, knowing exactly what she was going to do. Nora was a girl on a mission. The first thing she planned to do was to avoid Quinton at all costs. It was obvious that he had control issues and she did not want to be around him for unnecessary reasons. Thinking about her treatment yesterday was enough to make her blood boil but his threats kept her at a stalemate. Nora refused to keep him in mind and resolved to complete the task she set out to do yesterday. She wouldn't let his threats keep her from living her life. Or making the best of it. She rose early so that she could catch up to Blaine before he and Quinton left to conduct their business affairs. 

In no time at all Nora dressed herself in comfortable clothes -  faded blue jean overalls and sandals. She had her hair up in a messy bun.  The outing she had planned today didn't require any fancy dress. Nora left her room and walked towards Catherine's and Blaine's rooms. This time though, she prayed that God would be giving and she would not run into any unfriendly characters. Nora continued down the hall and got to their door, knocking lightly. Hearing movement, she backed away just as the door was open. Unfortunately, God had not answered her prayers, for across from Nora stood Catherine. She stood in a blue robe, the sash tied loosely around her waist. Her hair was in disarray and her face void of any makeup. Nora was surprised to see her looking so... normal. Usually at dinner, or around the house, Catherine always looked so pristine and put together.

"Yes?" Catherine said peevishly, her piercing eyes filled with displeasure. 

Nora flushed, embarrassed, knowing that she was just staring at Catherine, rather than speaking.

"Yeah, sorry to bother you but is Blaine around?" Nora finally asked.

Catherine raised her eyebrows slightly.

"No, he is not. What do you want with my husband anyway?" Catherine said suspiciously.

"I had a question to ask him, but I could ask you since he isn't here."

"No need. You'll find him having breakfast in the ballroom. I don't have the time to be bothered by your silly questions." 

With that, Catherine shut the door in Nora's face and Nora gritted her teeth as she walked away to find Blaine. Nora tiptoed through the house, her ears straining and her nose ready to pick up even the slightest hint of Quinton anywhere near her. She made it to the ballroom and found Blaine there, eating a meal and writing furiously. 

"Yes?" He said without looking up from his work. Nora was sure that he had been able to hear her since she was at the top of the stairwell.

"Good morning, Blaine. I have something to ask you." Nora started.

"Go on then." He responded.

"Well, I was wondering if you would mind me taking out the kids for a sorta... play date?"

Blaine stopped then and turned his head in her direction, a little shocked and amused.

"You want to what?"

"Well it's just that they don't seem to get out much and I'm tired of being cooped in this house too. I think it would be good for us to get out a little." Nora said, taking a deep breath after her words were out.

Blaine pondered her words for a moment before saying, "I don't see why not. You're right. With my schedule, I rarely have the time to take the children out. They could do with a little sightseeing. Now where were you planning on taking them?"

"I figured we could have an outing. Travel down the road, pick berries, perhaps find a clearing, and have a nice picnic. I also wanted to bring them to a shop in the city and get some ice cream. Simple enough, right?"