The Beast (Harry Styles)

Chapter Seven Part Two: Fiasco

 As the time for dinner comes around,

A friend in Lum Adeline has found.

But their friendship doesn't start in sunshine and rainbows;

Rather their confessions of past sorrows. . .

~.~

I've always found a friend in the riveting tale of a novel and a connection to the protagonist that struggles with something in their life. One of them was my dream, the other was my reality. 

Yet as I sat on my bed, Lum next to me telling about his own life, I couldn't help but understand the words he was saying.

"My mother was the gardener for Mr. Oliver, but she soon fell ill when I was five," Lum said looking towards me. "She was a great woman from what I witnessed and heard from Mr. Oliver and the rest of the staff. . .I just wish I'd known her for real.

"I grew up in the castle; I know passages even Harry doesn't know and how to flatter the lady workers if you know what I mean." Lum winked and I smiled, understanding greatly the innuendo. "When Mr. Oliver also passed when I was older, much older, I felt like I had lost a father." I put my hand on his leg for comfort.

"I'm sorry; I lost both my grandparents to an illness. They were like my parents in a way; they never judged William or I and they never acknowledged the fact we were different. Come to think of it, it wasn't until they passed that I knew my family was different. It was like reality had set in."  I sighed. "I suppose that is quite different from yours, but I understand the feeling, you know? Even if it isn't the same situation, I think it's at least important to recognize I know the pain as you do."

"I think that's the thing: people focus so much on the details on the actual tragedy when really you just need someone who knows the feeling," Lum agreed looking on the bed in thought. Lum sighed before getting off my bed. "You should probably get changed for dinner."

I also got up, heading towards my closet, then stopped. "I don't have any other clothes," I thought aloud, but obviously Lum heard me.

"I have something for you," he said before leaving the room.

Walking around the room, I noticed two doors, one on the indent unable to be seen unless turning the corner, and the other perpendicular from it.

I opened the one that was hidden to find an attached room. It was empty, and the door I opened seemed to be its only entrance. The walls, like the hallway, were a light pink and small windows were positioned high on them. The flooring was wooden, odd compared to the carpeted rest of the castle. I closed the door again, turning around to the other to see its contents.

I gasped at the sight of a huge bathroom.

A beautiful white claw-foot bathtub with golden legs was in the corner next to a window. On the other side was a shower. Between them were a toilet and sink, a mirror above the sink.

 The white tile and white walls made it look spotless...and very dangerous. I could be clumsy.

The sound of my bedroom door opening and closing made me leave the bathroom to find Lum with a dress in his hand.

"Please tell me that isn't Harry's and he's got a weird kink," I half joked half truly begged.

"Okay, I won't. . .kidding," he said with a small laugh. "You looked terrified!" He mimicked an expression of horror, and I hoped he was exaggerating because it truly was a horrifying expression.

He held the dress out for me to take. It was simple but pretty, made with lighter blue fabric and long sleeves. It was clearly constructed for someone of a taller stature, but that was the least of my qualms about the dinner. I took it from Lum and went over to the divider screen meant for changing.