Flutter

Flutter: Dix

Nora stepped out of the bathroom and reached for the towel to dry off the water droplets that clung to her skin. It was mid-morning and though she wished that she could sleep the day away, it wasn't feasible for her to remain in bed. Nora approached the vanity and began going through the drawers when her eyes caught in the mirror. Nora's eyes were focused on the bruised skin of her wrist. She lightly touched the blue and purple patch, wincing slightly. Todd had gripped her yesterday with such force. She traced the outline of the bruise and looking at herself up and down noticed other marks that were peppering her skin. Nora was distracted by a knocking on the door. Mary announced herself and Nora stated she could come in after throwing a robe about herself. Mary came in with a tray in her hands -- a plate of toast, butter, jam, and fresh fruit. 

"Good morning, dear. How are you fairing?" Mary asked softly, setting the tray down on the night table besides the bed.

"I'm alright, Mary." Nora responded. "What's all this?" She said, pointing to the breakfast.

"I wanted to bring up your breakfast to you, in case you weren't feeling up to leaving your room today."

"That's kind of you, Mary." Nora responded, going to the tray and picking up a slice of toast to nibble on.

"Are you certain? I mean I still cannot believe what happened last night." 

"I can hardly believe it happened. I mean I wish I could say that it was just a bad dream, but..." Nora shook her head and water droplets jumped from her wet hair.

"I'm just glad that you're alright. Quinton asked for you...he wanted to make sure you were okay."

"That's something he could've asked himself." Nora said, rolling her eyes (as if her ears didn't perk  at Quinton's name.) Nora wanted to ignore that reaction, to sweep it underneath the rug. She was still surprised by the jolt of disappointment that ran through her when she woke up in her bed alone. Turning over to look behind her, the bed was bare and nothing was left of Quinton but his scent. Without a thought, Nora had ran her hands over the crumpled sheets that held his indentation, hoping that if she closed her eyes and counted to ten, he'd appear underneath her searching fingers.

"Quinton wanted to bid you farewell but had important business to attend to this morning He had an early meeting but he returned not too long ago. " Mary replied.

"Doesn't he always?" 

Nora popped a strawberry into her mouth, chewing on it harshly.

"Though, once you're finished here, he'd like you to meet him in his office."

"Really?" Nora's eyes opened wide, not expecting to be sent for.

"Yes. There's an individual that he'd like you to meet. On that note I'll let you finish getting prepared." 

"Thanks again, Mary." Nora said as Mary departed from her room.

"What could he possible want from me now...?'" Nora thought, letting herself fall back onto her bed. 'She new she would be meeting with the tutor but that wasn't until tomorrow. She would finish her breakfast, as slowly as possible, and then go down to see what was next.

o.O.o.O.o.O.o.O.o.O.o.O.o.O.o

"I don't need a body guard!" Nora said disbelievingly.

"This is not up for discussion." Quinton said flatly. "I feel like I am beginning to sound like a broken record these days."

"This is just absurd! You're making a mountain out of a mole hill." Nora said, flinging her hands up into the air.