Reluctant Enemies

Chapter 3

Beth sat bolt upright in her bed, sweating and trembling again, tears spilling from her eyes.

She stared out her window like balcony doors, sunlight streaming through them and bathing her room in a warm, golden rays.

Burying her face against her knees in the covers she waited until her tears subsided to get up and walk out onto her balcony, grabbing her robe on the way.

She'd never had the same dream two nights in a row before, and it was scary.

Thinking back to the day before, she recalled how her parents had behaved all day. She had found them all over the castle, seeming to make casual conversation with Bernard about the most random things. Talking of repairs when there was no need, saying they were cleaning out an attic space that would take awhile but no, they didn't need help, only to be on the other side of the castle two floors down an hour later.

At lunchtime they had grabbed sandwiches instead of Bernard's carefully prepared meal so they could eat as they "worked".

Bernard had said nothing, simply packing away the leftovers for another time.

They'd denied it, but Beth was sure she'd caught them leaving her room, and several pices of furniture had been moved.

Even steady, stoic Bernard had seemed irritated when she explained what had happened. He had easily agreed to help her move the heavier pieces back to their original positions.

Looking around, she frowned and noticed that once again, several pieces had been moved.

Had they been in her room while she slept?

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Breakfast was long over before her parents appeared in the kitchen, yawning and stretching.

"Good morning everyone!" Her father grinned as he pulled out his chair and sat down. "What's for breakfast?"

Beth and her siblings just stared at him, shocked.

Their mother came in then, and kissed him on the cheek. "Good morning sunshine!" She sang out cheerfully.

"Good morning beautiful." He kissed her cheek in return, and Beth stared, shaken. Since when did they act so lovey-dovey?

Bernard said nothing, simply serving them the breakfast he had kept warm.

"Find what you were looking for?' Maya asked. Obviously she hadn't bought any of their fake excuses either.

Their parents froze, then sighed and dropped the façade.

"Not yet. But soon. I know we're getting close."

Maya nodded, and Beth stared. She had asked similar questions herself, but had been met with stiff smiles and fierce denials.

"What are you looking for?" Brandon asked eagerly.

They exchanged glances, and their father shook his head slightly at the mother. "Something." was all he said. "Well tell you more after we find it."

Everyone accepted this answer, knowing that he wasn't going to budge.

Her parents searched openly that day, aside from making a grand show of avoiding Beth's room, as though proving a point.

As far as Beth was concerned, that made them seem that much more guilty.

Bernard had helped her put the furniture back again, betraying no sign of irritation save for a slight tension in the corner of his eyes.