Free Fall

2

She laid with her hands folded on her stomach, her eyes staring lazily at the ceiling.

Aurora felt a wave of longing wash over her as she ran her fingers over the simple gold chain she wore. She had no particular attachment to this chain, however she liked to imagine someone overflowing with love gave it to her.

How romantic would it be to wear something someone gave you.

Her fingertips played with the clasp that had made it's way to the front. She remembered a passing comment someone had made about making a wish when you spun your necklace back. Aurora could only hope such a wives tale held any truth.

She sat upright on the bed. Her feet now planted on the ground. Aurora picked at her lip with her teeth, pulling to hard and causing a split.

She hissed at the sudden sting and swiped the blood away with her tongue.
She came to her feet and began a quiet meandering down the hall.

Aurora felt so insignificant in comparison to the grandeur of the manor. She wound her way down the staircase and back into the foyer. Her footsteps much louder than she would have liked.

A chill had taken over the manor. In just a few short hours the building had grown rather cool. She pulled her long sleeves over her hands and continued exploration.

She could hear a slight commotion down the hall from the foyer and she wondered if it was the kitchen.

Her stomach suddenly made itself known with a low grumble. "Oh hush you," she muttered.

She entered the room and she was correct with her assumption. Dival and Maleficent were talking in a corner while a few rather short older women bustled about.

The kitchen was overflowing with food. Baked goods sitting on platters, pies and loaves of fresh bread sat invitingly on the counter. Several bowls of assorted fruit were stacked and Aurora was busy in taking it all.

"Auoura dear we were just about to get you for dinner." Dival swept his way to her, steering her away from the kitchen into what looked like a dining room.

She arched an eyebrow but went along with him and kept him pull out her chair at the end of the table.

It was a massive thing, the table. Ten chairs on each side. Each end had a slightly grander looking chair, and she was sat in one.

Two places were set, one for her and one other.

Dival sat into the chair next to her, chattering away as he poured her a glass of what appeared to be juice.

"-And so I had told her that I'm sure you'd eat anything! But she was insistent she made enough for you to choose from and it's not often we get guests."

Aurora just nodded and took a sip. Apple juice, it was good.

About that time the short women came out with the food. They made quick work of stacking the table high. She had to raise her eyebrows of the sheer quantity.

She was served a steak of some sort, drizzled in a sauce. There was a potato and greens to her left, and buttered bread. They brought out pies and fruit and much more. It was a grand buffet almost.

Her stomach grumbled again and she wanted to eat everything

Aurora did her best to mind her manners and began to eat. She was grateful no one said grace.

She hated staying in religious homes. They always filled her with such dread.

The steak was probably one of the best things she had ever eaten. It was warm and soft like butter. Aurora smiled to herself, throughly enjoying her meal.

Dival caught her smile though, "You like it?"

She nodded. "Never had something this good before."

He laughed and chased it with his drink. "Wait till you see what they do for Thanksgiving. "

Aurora blinked. She hadn't let herself imagine she'd be welcomed that long. It was only March afterall.

"I'm sure it's lovely. "

Aurora continued eating for a few moments before she noticed an empty place at the table.

"Is Ms. Moors not eating with us?"

Dival paused his chewing before swallowing.  "The Mistress? No probably not. She was on the phone the last time I spoke with her. She may make an appearance to grab food to take to her room."

Aurora nodded feeling slightly disappointed.

"She does try to always eat breakfast with everyone. Even the staff, its a very informal thing, unlike dinner."

Aurora raised an eyebrow at that. "How many people work here?"

Dival shrugged, "Depends on the day I suppose. Mostly the three ladies in the kitchen who do the house keeping and cooking. We occasionally have a cleaning staff that comes through once a week, the farm help is always rotating though."

It was fewer than she had thought for such a large place.

Aurora worked on finishing her meal. Everything on her plate was exquisite and she hadn't even touched the abundance of food on the table.

"Such a large house with so few people," she mused aloud looking at her plate.

"It used to be full of people." The low bell like voice took her by suprise. 

She quickly glanced up to see Maleficent pouring herself a glass of wine not too far from where she was sitting.
Aurora felt her cheeks grow hot from her icey gaze.

"This house used to belong to my family. Every room full." Maleficent cleared her throat quietly. "However that was a very long time ago."

Maleficent sat down across from Dival and next to her.

Aurora didn't know what to say, or if she should say anything at all.

"Was the meal to your liking?"

She nodded. "Yes it was, thank you very much."

"Good. Very Good."

Maleficent turned her attention Dival and they fell into idle conversation. Aurora tuned them out as she was not being addressed.

Her stomach was full but she didn't want to be rude and leave without being dismissed. Everyone had been nice so far but she didn't want to push her luck.

They must have noticed her fidgeting and Maleficent spoke.

"Aurora, are you waiting to be dismissed?"

A flash of heat rose to her face.
"Yes?"

She tilted her head, "You are an adult. You are free to do as you please."

Aurora felt her body sag in relief.

"Thank you. Goodnight," she stood quickly, still slightly embarrassed and did her best to leave quickly and quietly. 

God she really didn't know how to act around that woman.