Bleeding Bird

II

Her chambers were larger than her childhood house. There was a circular entry-room with a gold-velvet sitting chair. There was an arched doorway to the left that lead into her bedroom which was magnificent on its own. Though there were many pretty things to look at—the gold tassels on the curtains most likely covering more massive windows, the mirror and vanity set, and the chandeliers, the entire focus of the room was on her bed. It was set up on a great round pedestal in the center of the room, and invited her with open arms.

Helen approached her bed slowly, stepping up onto the platform. She ran her hands over the cool, heavy, green fabric. Even her comforter and the tassels on her throw pillows were gold and shimmering in the lamplight.

"You haven't even seen the bathroom yet," Meredith said, "it's beautiful—white marble, gold trim, all of the best."

"I'm sure," Helen nodded.

"I'll leave you to your packing," Meredith said as Mr. Nolan dropped off a few of her suitcases. "Dinner is at seven, there is a bell, but I will come and get you tonight since you do not know the way." She slipped away, leaving Helen finally alone.

She immediately leapt up on her bed and unbuttoned the top to clasps on her dress, allowing her gut to settle. The carriage ride had been a little bumpy. She slowly drifted to sleep, checking the clock only just before realizing it was five.

She dreampt she was sitting in her new bed. She slowly rose and walked toward the bathroom door, taking Meredith's advice to see it, but as soon as she touched the bronze door handle, a current flowed threw her, and she jilted awake.

"Hey, get over here Ratio," a voice said.

Helen turned over, hiding her face from the intense sunlight that was burning her eyes. Someone must be opening her bedroom window. But then something scratchy stabbed into her cheeks and neck, and stuck through her dress. Slowly, she turned on her back again, and squinting, looked up into the face of Lillian, the gamekeeper in training.

"What are you doing out here?" the raven-haired girl asked.

"Oh, I," Helen swallowed, "I don't know, I..."

Just then, a tall lanky boy slipped around the corner of what Helen recognized was a stall. He had blue eyes that quickly drifted over Lillian and then landed on her. He scrunched his nose, "well look at that. The straw has brought us a gift."

Lillian rolled her eyes, "it's Jude's niece, idiot."

"Well," he laughed through the word making it almost three syllables, "Well, I haven't met her yet. Therefore, I don't know her." He turned to Lillian, "if I had met her already, I would have met her when you did, and therefore, would know her now, but I didn't, and therefore—"

"Shut up," Lillian said, shaking her head, "you just wandering around?"

Helen pushed herself up on her elbows. She felt rather exposed. She suddenly realized she'd left her dress a little unbuttoned and felt embarrassed. Slyly, she tried to stand and button them. "I was taking a nap," she admitted, "I think I must have sleep walked out here."

"That's a long way," Lillian nodded, hands on her hips, "well, welcome to the barns."

"Thanks," Helen said.

Just then a great sound rang from nearby. The dinner bell. "Oh, I have to go. Do you think either of you could show me where the dining room is?" She prayed Lillian would offer. Not that she wasn't fond of her other new acquaintance, it was just that she wasn't exactly great with all boys one on one.

"Sure, got nothin' better to do," Lillian shrugged. "You think you can manage not to break it all while I'm gone?" she asked the boy.

"I've been working here two years, same as you, Lil, I think I know how to run this place," the boy said, opening his eyes a little wide and using his hands a little too much.

Helen smiled at her new companions and followed Lillian back toward the house. Lillian seemed in no hurry to move. She just looked around as if she was enjoying the scenery. Eventually, she mentioned that the kid in the barn was always asking for help and messing things up.

"What was his name?" Helen asked.

"Horatio," Lillian said.

The bell rang again, and Helen quickened her pace.

"You don't have to get there exactly on time," Lillian said, "it doesn't hurt to show up a little late. I know the cooks, they'll getcha something even if you miss."

"Hm, I'd rather not miss though, this is my first meal here," Helen said. She was already starting to picture her auntie's face. She couldn't handle it if the woman called her out at dinner in front of anyone or anything. It would be horrifying.

"You won't miss, it tolls three times," Lillian said.

No sooner had the words left her mouth then the bell tolled again. Helen took up a careful sprint. Lillian caught up with her and they hurried back to the house. Both sweating and breathing hard, they looped through the mansion through many a green carpeted-corridor, until they entered the dining room. Every seat at the table was filled—except one.

"Where have you been?" Auntie Jude demanded when Helen entered.