The Girl Who Liked To Play With Snakes

Chapter 3

(Still Arabella's Point of view)

Staring up at my family's manor one last time, I started my way down the street with Rocco gripped in my hands. Tears ran down my face, most likely smudging my makeup. All of that happened so fast. One minute we're eating dinner and the next I am thrown out on the street with my best friend dead and my father disowning me. Screw them. I hope they die.

Since it was getting late there weren't many people out and about. This was London after all. The night was not going to be safe, especially for someone like me. I started to hate my choice of clothing. Skimpy and not very thick. Great, I'm on full display and freezing. 

Looking to my left I saw a shop that still had lights on. What kind of shop would be open t this time? I walked closer and read the sign.

"Undertaker?" I looked down at Rocco who had begun to go cold. "Perhaps they would help us out Rocco."

I walked to the door and pushed it slightly. Opening, it made a very loud creaking sound. I winched and walked in further. The lights inside were very dim and there were coffins covering almost every inch of the establishment. 

"Hello?" I called. I took another step and the door slammed behind me. "Jesus Christ!" I jumped and threw a hand in front of my face, turning around. Opening my hand I see a coffin behind where the door was, slightly open. 

"Quiet the language coming from a young lady," said a really creepy voice. Was that coming from inside?

The coffin lid fell forward to the ground revealing a man in all grey and black tones. How fitting for this type of job, I thought. 

"I'm sorry about that. You just startled me." I brought my hands to my chest, trying to calm my heart. 

"No problem deary." He walked forward letting me get a better look at him. My mind started to wirl. Why do you get flustered by all men Arabella?

"What can I help ya with? A coffin for a family member or maybe a grave plot. How about a coffin for yourself?" He paused letting my mind catch up. "I could make you the most gorgeous thing. Not like I'd have to do much though." He giggled and smiled the biggest smile I had ever seen. I guess men in London like to be obvious with their flirting. 

"Actually I was wondering if you do coffins for ... pets." I looked down at my hands once again, Rocco now cold. The man looked down as well.

"Well not usually. Let me see what you've got there." I picked up my hands and opened them to show Rocco. The man, from what I could see of his face, showed understanding. "More than just a friend, wasn't he?" He took Rocco carefully from my hands. "Best friend perhaps?"

"Aw, yes. Only friend actually." The man walked over to his counter and set Rocco down gently. He was showing as much respect as one would for a dead human. I followed him, standing in front of his counter. "I've had him since I was 5. He was probably a year old when he found me. I know that sounds weird, but I swear Rocco heard me talking to the other animals and knew that he was suppose to be with me." I started to tear up a bit causing my voice to shake. The man came up from under his counter holding a small coffin. 

"Talking to the animals?" He questioned me. I don't know why, but I felt like I could tell him the truth about me.

"Yeah, I have this ability so I can understand animals." I looked at him to see his reaction. He wasn't even looking at me, he was placing Rocco in the coffin. I guess he didn't care.

"Did he ever tell you what his favourite flower was?" He finally looked up at me. A completely serious expression.

"Baby's Breath. Rocco liked to hide in it."