The Fox, Red

014 - How The Other Staff Live

I'm sure how, and I'm not 100% sure why, but it was like she heard me. Anne emerged from the door to the main house walking down the stairs towards my little table. I don't know how she does it but she just knows when her name comes up. "Hello Red, how can I assist?" And now I remember that Madam Odette told her that she was to help me when I needed it. But right now, I don't need help. "Hi Anne, I don't need anything I was just wondering to myself what you do all day. I mean I know you do things but I'm just never around to observe." She seems unfazed but at the same time I catch a small glimpse of confusion so I elaborate, "It's just my idle curiosity. Don't worry about it."

"Would you like to see what I do?"

I feel this could be a trap from Madam Odette but at the same time, I know that from the first time I met Anne she told me that I wasn't able to speak with her as if she was instructed to not speak with me. I'm conflicted but intrigued. I'll bite this time. "I would actually if that is ok with you." She gently nods and motions for me to follow her. We walk up the steps to the door and I follow her inside. I'm still amazed by the sheer size of this place. I keep my eyes fixed and follow Anne down the main hallway keeping to the right side. Half a dozen doors down she steps to the side and enters one of the side doors. I follow behind her and am greeted by the sound of metal clanking and some loud talking. My guess was right, she does work with the kitchen crew in some way.

There are about three people behind the counter moving swiftly back and forth moving things and preparing food. They are making the same sandwich I had but many more. There must be a day-to-day set menu and they just make a lot of it. Anne grabs a large tray and loads it up with six plates. I ask, "Are you going to have to come back for another?" She nods yes. "Do you want me to carry one?" She seems puzzled at my offer. I counter the awkward wait with a smile insisting that it is an honest offer. She shuffles a bit but answers, "Ok, but be careful not to drop it." I grab a large platter and load another six plates. It is heavy but I seem to be built for it.

We head back outside and I follow her off to the left side of the garden instead of the right where I always go. I follow her down a pretty beaten path that is lined with bricks. There's a split that leads off to what looks like cabins much like how Madam Delula's is built. I wonder if that's where everyone else lives. I'll have to check it out later. For now, I'm helping Anne. We arrive at a small section of the garden with tons and tons of vegetable plants growing in rows upon rows. The more I look the more questions I have. She stops around a larger fountain than the one by my shack placing the tray on a table. I find a suitable spot and do the same. Anne yells out to the plants, "Groups 1 and 2! Lunch is ready!"

It could have been a scene out of a horror movie where quickly a dozen people came out from the plants and rushed to the table. The guys up front began grabbing plates and handing them back to the guys behind. Once everyone had theirs they took a seat on the ground and ate. Anne began down the path back to the house as I heard someone else yell "Group 3!" It's neat to see how the rest of the house functions. Anne and I made two more trips carrying two platters each before we had finished feeding everyone. We stacked everything back up and brought it all back to the main house to be washed, sorted, and reused later.

After that she had me follow her to what I could only describe as a study. I helped her dust the room while she cleans the windows keeping everything in pristine condition. We leave the room running into Madam Odette in the hallway on her way to that room. Anne slightly bowed as she passed. I lowered my head in an unusual fashion for me. Must have been because Anne did her thing. We wait as she passes by. I noticed she gave me a funny look as she passed. She entered the room and I see a look of concern go over Anne's face. I think I know why so I put my ear up to the door. I hear her shuffling around then I hear her talk to herself and say, "Smells nice in here." That gave me the reassurance that we did a good job. I quickly usher Anne off before Madam Odette notices me being nosey.