Flutter

Flutter: Dix-Huit (2)

"Do not even dare to lash out at me. I have had it with you - constantly vexing me! Always defiant! I have been patient and understanding and that has gotten me no where. Well, I am done rolling over for you. From now on you will submit. Do you understand?"

"I am not your puppet."

"No but you are my inferior, and you will bow down to me. If you ever care to see your family again, you will cease your contradictory attitude. There is no negotiations. Am I clear?"

"You can not treat me like this!" Nora managed to get out, with the last bout of indignation that she had in her body.

"I can, and will treat you anyway that I wish. If keeping you on a leash is what has to be done, than so be it. From now on, you will not step a foot outside this residence without my knowledge. If you are outdoors you will be under constant supervision. Step out of line, and I will make sure that you rue the day."

Everything began to crumble around Nora, so at a loss for words.

"It's about time that you learn your place, girl."

Quinton eyed Nora, waiting for her to retaliate but it wasn't to be had. Quinton smoothed down his suit jacket and turned on his heel without a word more. Nora was left behind, quaking like a leaf, processing all that just happened. She felt weak at the knees and light headed. Nora managed to drag herself out of the room, heading towards the staircase to her room. She was shutting her door when Mary bounded into the room - her face reddened and splotchy.

"Mary, are you alright?"  Nora questioned.

"Me! I should be asking you that. Oh, I thought you were lost to us forever! I thought the worst! The worst!" Mary blubbered.

"Mary, I'm fine!" Nora said, taking her friend by the hand. "I'm so sorry that I made you worry so. I just went out to clear my head.  I had no idea that everyone would get so worked up."

"Yes, but no one knew where you were! We had no idea how long you were gone for!  I did not want to lose the mistress of the house - not again!"

"No. No. No. You're not going to lose me." Nora crooned, resting her forehead against the Mary's.

"Oh, I felt so guilty, miss. Thank the Heavens for your return. I'm just glad you're with us. We alerted your family, so you might want to call them as soon as possible to let them know your safe."

"Will do."

"Alright. Well, enough of my waterworks. Oh you're so cold darling. You must be tired and famished. Have yourself a warm bath and I'll have tea on the stove and a meal prepared for you." 

"Thank you so much, Mary. Always considerate."

"Just do not go sending me to an early death again, please! Know that you are cared about, Nora."

Nora smiled, before giving Mary a peck on the cheek. Left alone, Nora took the phone and dialed her father's number.

"Hullo." 

"D.D!" Nora said, elated.

"NORA! Nora Jean Thompson what on Earth is going on with you?"

Nora could just imagine his eyes widening and his mustache twitching.

"Nothing at all father. I'm fine."

"Fine? Apparently Mr. Reeves had sent the cavalry out for you. They told me you were missin'. Where were you? I want the truth, Nora Jean."

"I was here, sorta. I was out and about the property and I wandered too far. I know it sounds stupid, but cross my heart."

Nora heard her father sigh and she just new that he probably had his hand to his forehead - as he usually does when he gets frustrated.

"Nora." Eddie began, "I know you love to explore and all, but you can not just go disappearing."

"I know, I know. I'm sorry. Really. I didn't want this to happen."

"And it better not happen again." Eddie stated, firmly.

"It won't. Promise."

"Goodness, me. Things never change. When you were younger we could hardly keep up with you. But your mother never wanted to crush your adventurous spirit." He chuckled.

Nora's heart warmed at the mention of her mother.

"Oh, yea. She said in life you either learn to cry or you dance in the rain. She always wanted to see you dancing."

"You never told me that."

"Deb never wanted you or James to have any inhibitions growing up. That's what gotten us in this mess isn't it?"

"I suppose, so."

"I'm just glad you're safe, love."

"I am safe. Missing you."

"I miss you too, Nora. We all do. Wicks isn't the same without you."

"You just miss my cooking."Nora teased.

"That too! But can you blame me! I haven't been eating well since you left."

"I'm afraid I may be getting a bit rusty. They haven't let me near the kitchen since I've gotten here."

"Then they are missing out."

"Yes they are."

"Oh, Nora. Just be careful. I love you so much."

"Love you, too."

"Alright, well it's late so get some rest. I'll talk to you sometime soon."

"Okay. Night night. I'm sorry again. How can I make it up to you?"

"You've come back to me. That's the only thing I can ask for. Goodnight."

"Good night, pops."

Nora put the phone back on the receiver and sat for a moment on her bed, dejected. Nora felt that the damage that had just been done was irreparable. Quinton's words had hurt her more than she thought they could. The Quinton that she had just encountered was not the Quinton who had taken her in his arms, so gently, just the other day. How could she have foolishly thought that everything was going to get better? All the laughs and conversation and touches had amounted to nothing after all. 

Thanks to all my commenters and followers, again.

Your eagerness gives me the fuel to keep on typing along. So stay tuned <3

Happy Reading.