Flutter

Flutter: Dix - Neuf

"Essentially, yes. I mean there are still a few odds and ends that I need to tie up back at the base."

"How long will you be staying here for?" Nora questioned, moving to sit on the settee that was stationed before the foot board.

"Indefinitely? I still have so much more to teach you, so I'm to reside at Gillans until further notice."

Nora took in the information, as Tifa went around folding her clothes and placing them in their respective places.

"I'm sorry." Nora said, looking down at the settee and tracing the paisley patterns with her forefinger.

"Sorry? Sorry for what?" Tifa asked, stopping in her tracts.

"I'm the reason." Nora answered, sullenly.

"For me coming here? Well I was always going to come Nora."

"We had...an argument yesterday. I had no idea that he would just uproot you so suddenly."

"How could you have? Plus, this was long in the coming. It's no fault of yours. I'm happy to be here. Like I said before, I love my work, but I'm taking a much needed break. I foresee having no problems spending that break here - wining and dining in fine company."

Nora smiled, glad that Tifa did not have any resentment.

"Nevertheless, I'm sorry. If there's anything I can do to make your stay here more comfortable, please just let me know."

Tifa laughed.

"What's so funny?"

"You sound so much like Mary. All you need is a feather duster."

"I don't mind. I take it as a compliment. 

"Here let me help you." Nora suggested, going to the door and taking a suitcase. "May I?" 

"Sure. Go ahead. Don't judge what you find in there."

For the next hour Nora helped Tifa unpack and sort her belongings about the room. Tifa had arrived at Gillans bright and early in the morning, greeted by Quinton and Mary. Once arrived, Tifa was instructed, by Quinton, as to what was expected of her during her residence at Gilians. 

"I'm required to be here six days out of the week, with Sunday being my personal day. Those six days, during the day, I am to remain in the estate - unless instructed otherwise - and accompany you wherever you must go. I have to sleep here at night too.  We will have regular training sessions as usual.  Truth be told, it's not that bad of a gig."

Nora scoffed, fluffing a pillow a bit too forcefully.

"Of course it is! Who wouldn't want to be babysitting an adult? Maybe you could put a bib on me and feed me too?"

"Now, Nora. I'm not your nanny! I'm not going to be breathing down your neck or setting a curfew for you! Mr. Reeves just wants to make sure that you are being protected and that's understandable."

"No, Mr. Reeves, wants to keep me a leash on me and stop me from doing anything that might hurt his dear reputation."

Nora huffed.

"Nora, I know this might must be hard for you, but I promise you, I will do my best to make this transition as smooth as possible for you."

At the lack of reply, Tifa approached the bed and lay down besides her friend.

"What? You don't want me here?" Tifa teased.

"Never that!" Nora answered, alarmed at the notion. "It's just that, it's so hard adjusting to...to this...confinement."