The Nature of the Beast

Chapter 29

Enid woke early Saturday to the roaring of the lion, her usual wake up call. While not exactly feeling rested and happy, she felt content. Nikola would be back, just as the sun would rise in the morning and the stars would come out at night. He wouldn't stay mad at her for long. He didn't search all this time for her, only to leave her over a small misunderstanding.

She stood and stretched anxious to get up and help M with the animals. Grabbing her work clothes she threw her old linen dress over her head, its fabric worn soft from years of wear. She wrapped her scarf around her waist, enjoying the break from her dress for the library. Her more formal wear, as she called it, looked charming on her. The corset made her waist appear small and her bosom large, but it pinched and made the long days of bending and stooping over the stacks hurt. She was left with bruises and welts from its use. Her bustle, although she chose a smaller cage than was fashionable, made sitting uncomfortable. All in all, she preferred her morning work clothes for the comfort they provided. She grabbed a small red scarf and wrapped it around her head, tucking her hair inside to keep the smell of the animals away. She laced up her boots, grabbed her apron and hurried out the door. M would be downstairs already working by this time.

She checked in on the dog Nikola rescued, who lay on a mat beside the fire licking her paw. She didn't budge from her resting place.

Enid ran down the stairs, knowing there was a lot to do today for M's Slava. Enid would be at the library at least until three, but was closing early to enjoy the celebration.

The dogs greeted her with their usually slobbery reception. A few licks, one small nip as they entwined themselves between her legs, each vying for a few rubs and pats. She giggled with pleasure at their affection as M whistled from down the hall and they bounced off in her direction.

Zorro screeched as she walked by and she stroked his head as he chomped on her finger.

"Ouch, you little brat. What's wrong with you today?"

She rubbed her finger as M strode towards her. M rolled her eyes and threw her head back in the direction she had come. Enid, looking past M, saw Nikola walk out of Cecil's stall, pushing a wheelbarrow.

"Phew," he said, setting the cart down and closing the cage behind him. He walked over and took a few shallow breaths, "that is one smell I'll never get used to," he smiled at Enid, a large full smile. His eyes were bright and his mouth wide. Enid didn't smile back.

"What are you doing here?" she asked.

"I came to check on Borac."

"Who?" Enid asked, looking at M, who shook her head.

"Borac, the dog I rescued. She's my champion, 'borac'," he said, grinning.

"M doesn't name her animals," Enid said, grabbing the rake from the wall, "that still doesn't answer my question of why you're down here. Don't you have a store to run?"

She started walking off towards Zorro's stall. M went back to the lion's cage to open his outside enclosure and let him in. As M headed in the opposite direction, Nikola took off after Enid.

"Milica said she was about to start her chores and I offered to help."

Enid reached Zorros stall and as she opened his cage, he flung himself onto her chest. She grabbed him and giggled, rubbing his back as she closed the bars behind her.

"Hello sweetie. What's wrong with you today?" Zorro climbed onto her shoulder and started screeching and clicking as Nikola walked over.

"Who's this little guy?" he asked, peering through the bars between them.