Flutter

Flutter: Vingt - Deux (1/2)

"I wish I had the freedom."

Tifa looked at her friend, with pity in her eyes.

"I'm sorry, Nora."

"No. It's alright. Though, now my schedule is pretty much clear. What am I going to do with all my time? Not like I have any kids I can entertain."

Nora pouted. Tifa had nothing to add.

"I could not help but over hear you, two, but if you're looking for chores, Nora, you could always help me." Mary said, walking to where they sat.

"Meaning?" Nora asked, seeking clarification.

"Well, I'm doing some cleaning, and I could use an extra set of hands."

Tifa looked at Nora, who shrugged.

"How can I help?"

"The upstairs attic is due for a good dusting. That and there's plenty of things that could be packaged, or thrown out."

"The attic?" Nora asked, unaware that Gillans had an attic.

"Oh. Excuse me. The third floor. We and the staff call it "the attic" for it's more of a storage area than a living space nowadays."

"You have a whole floor devoted to storage?" Tifa questioned.

"Basically. Gillians does not have many inhabitants, or visitors. We need somewhere to put the items, and valuables that can not be thrown away."

"Oh, wow. I'd like to take a look." Nora said.

"Then finish up your meal, and meet me on the second floor, at the end of the west wing."

"Will do."

Mary left them and the Nora guzzled up the rest of her food. She gave Tifa a goodbye, and peck on the cheek before taking the stairs, two by two. She had plum forgot that there was an extra level to Gillans, mostly because it was never mentioned. She was more than willing to get her hands dirty if it could get her mind off of other things. She came upon Mary who stood at the end of the West wing, where Blaine, his family, and Tifa resided.

"That was quick." Mary said with a chuckle.

"I'm ready to rumble."

"Alright. Well, here's a dust rag, feather duster, and mask. The attic is quite musty, and if I do have to have you wiping things down, I won't have you coughing up a lung."

"Oh, this is serious."

"A caretaker's job is never done."

"Isn't anyone else going to help us?" Nora asked.

"Um. No. Just us. The third floor isn't open to anyone other than myself. Quinton's orders."

"Why not?"

"There are plenty of things of value up there, and I've been here the longest, so Quinton trusts me not to pilfer the stash. Only I and Quinton know the code. Being how you're going to be mistress of the house, I'll have to share it with you as well."

"Oh. I see. Wow. Don't I feel special."

"It is your right. Now, let me just unlock the door."

"What door?"

Nora looked around and saw nothing on the wooden paneled walls besides decor. Mary simply smiled and reached behind Nora to grab an edge of a ornate tapestry that covered a good portion of the wall. She pulled it aside and there was a large wooden door, with a computerized key pad built in."

"Goodness. Is this supposed to be secret or something?"

"No! This item was a gift from Quinton's fellow beta and we just had to hang it somewhere. However, if in fact some fiend comes to rob Gillans, the door will be hidden from view."