Flutter

Flutter: Dix - Neuf

And so, for quite sometime, the two played along with the mini wolves, who were more than happy to be chased, thrown, and cuddled. 

Upon strolling into the room, Mary was not at all surprised at the display. She stood, smiling in bemusement at the play that was going on. Tifa and Nora slowed down, imitating trains coming in to a station.

"Again. Again." The children pleaded, trying to urge their locomotives to continue.

"The trains are going to have to stop for a minute, guys." Nora said. Disappointed, the two clambered off the their backs and onto the floor.

"Hello, Mary." Nora said, once she had gotten to her feet. 

"Good afternoon, Nora. Are you all settled in, Tifa?" 

"Yes. With Nora's help, I'm already well acquainted with Gillans. I think I'm going to fit right in." Tifa answered.

"I see that." Mary smiled, looking at the children who had already preoccupied themselves with other play things. "I'm happy that all is well. I am sorry to interrupt the activities, but Mr. Reeves wants you in his office, Nora."

That statement earned an eye roll.

"Alright." 

"Aren't I always the bearer of bad news?" Mary chuckled. "Well, that's all then, ladies. Tifa, if you require any assistance, do not hesitate to ask."

"Will do."

Mary said her goodbyes to them and the children, before hurrying out the door and onto another tasks.

"I suppose you're off to your meeting."

"More like inquisition."

Annabelle tottered over to the two, tugging on the end of Nora's dress.

"Are you leaving?" Anna questioned.

"I am, but Tifa is isn't." 

"Yay! Train. Train."

In a moment, both Peyton and Annabelle were attaching themselves to Tifa's legs. Tifa looked at them, bewildered.

"See you soon, Tif. Try to stay alive."  Nora called over her shoulder, as she left the playroom, leaving Tifa to handle the two bundles of energy.

As she made her way to the office, the happiness began to leak out of her body. The closer she got to Quinton, the more anxious she became. Nora knew that the dynamics between them had changed.

She wrung her hands together, nerves getting the best of her. There was no escape and even if she tried, Tifa would be unleashed upon her. Nora got to the office door and before she could knock, she heard Quinton's voice telling her to enter.

 Nora, opened the door and shut it behind her, but dared to go no further. 

"Take a seat." He said, not looking up from the paperwork that he was rifling to.

Nora, did just that, moving to sit in the chair opposite his. Nora felt uncomfortable and stared at the desk, remembering that the last time she had been in his office, she had been splayed over his desk, being assailed with heated kisses. The thought made her blush in embarrassment. Thankfully, Quinton's head was still lowered. He stayed like that for a couple of minutes, and Nora's embarrassment grew to annoyance. "Does he think that I'm just going to wait on him?" she thought, insulted by his blatant disregard.

"Is there something you need to talk to me about?" Nora asked, her voice grated with irritation. 

Quinton looked up at her darkly, remaining silent. The hardened stare caused Nora's bravado to shrivel up. He looked down again and continued his work.  Nora sat there - quiet and complacent. Moments later, Quinton gathered his papers together and finally faced her. Nora felt small and insignificant in the chair. She wanted to shrink and disappear.