The Fox, Red

007 - It's An Upper Class Gathering

"Our next stop I need you to be on your best behavior. Always address me as Lady Odette. Always be courteous. And keep yourself calm." She says that but that only makes me more nervous. I just agree, "Yes, Madam Odette," and hope for the best.

We share a two-and-a-half-hour ride to a house that somewhat resembles Madam Odette's but with a very different feel. I keep my mouth shut and just follow Madam Odette up the stairs. The main doors open with a stately-looking ferret holding them. I'm trying to hide my surprise but it's just too much. There's a very vibrant purple and gold theme around the entire place. The echo of a high tweeting voice hits my ears, "Odette! Darling! You made it!" A short woman no taller than 5' comes flying, almost literally, down the stairs. She's a very mobile finch with a beautiful set of feathers, almost a full rainbow.

She runs up to Madam Odette wings open hugging her. I see Madam Odette smile ever so slightly, "Hello Mary. How are you?"

"I'm doing well. I'm glad you could make it this weekend. You've been so busy."

"I have. Been taking care of him."

She points to me over her shoulder with her thumb. I perk up as Mary's eyes catch mine. She swiftly moves around Madam Odette into my face cocking her head sideways, "So this is what's been keeping you occupied. I see why." I'm a little offended. I'm a "thing" to her and just a "him" to Madam Odette. "Well Odette, he's cute."

I lock up and I see Madam Odette do the same. "Now I can see why you've been at home the whole time. I wouldn't want to leave either." I'm trying not to laugh. I'm not sure if she means exactly what I think I'm hearing but it looks like Madam Odette is about to lose it. I have never seen her like this. It's amusing to finally see her under pressure.

Madam Odette managed to calm herself, "Mary, I'm teaching him..."

"Oh, I bet you are! Look at him! I'd learn new things to teach him."

I can't help but smile as Madam Odette continues, "Magic, Mary. I'm teaching him magic."

"The magic of love? Tell me kiddo, what has she 'taught' you?"

I can't anymore, "I'm staying with Lady Odette..."

"Ah, so that's how she is. I kind of guessed she was dominant."

I lost it. I laughed like an immature 14-year-old to where I begin to tear up. I'm trying to collect myself but I looked at Madam Odette who is flustered beyond all reasoning to where I cannot help but laugh harder. Madam Odette is trying to keep herself composed but with every sentence, it just gets worse. I feel a little bad but it's just so comical.

Even Mary is enjoying it. "I'm sorry Odette! We haven't seen you in so long we had to speculate what was happening. But, Red, you have the best teacher you could have. She'll take care of you." I nod to her. "But will you be joining us this evening?"

"Joining for what, Lady Mary?"

"Lady Mary? Odette, he's so cute. Can I keep him?"

Madam Odette pouts, "No, Mary, you can't. I'm trying to keep him alive."

"Mm, yea. You are better suited for that, but will he be able to join us this evening?"

"Red, do you have an interest in poker?"

I'm a little taken aback, "I haven't played much but I do, Lady Odette."

"Do you have $500 for the buy-in?"

Now I have to pause. $500 is most of my money but, "I do, Lady Odette."

Madam Odette turns to Mary, "Then I will cover the other $4,500 of his buy-in. He can work the rest of it off when he loses it."