Flutter

Flutter: Neuf (1/2)

Nora scoffed at Charlene's display.

Charlene's gaze locked onto Nora then.

"Oh and who is this little thing?" Charlene drawled. Nora grimaced, unhappy to have the attention brought to her now. She already disliked the brazen woman already, not understanding why Quinton would be in cahoots with someone like her.

Nora stood up from her seat then, face to face with her guest.

"I am Nora Jean Thompson. Erm, I'm - I'm a, uh, friend of Quinton." Nora stammered, glancing at Quinton whose face was a grim.

"A friend, eh? Quinton, dear, where'd you pick up this little cherub?" She said turning to Quinton.

"Charlene, Todd, this is Nora. Nora is my mate."Quinton replied, his voice steady and cautious. Charlene gaped at him, whipping her head back and forth, from Nora to Quinton.

"This little girl is your mate?" Charlene said dismayed. "It's laughable. Todd, have you heard this?

"Anything is possible, Charlene." Todd said, finally breaking his silence.

"Trust me, Char. I couldn't believe it myself." Catherine added.

"Charlene, I warn you, do not cause a scene." Quinton uttered.

"Me? A scene? Why what kind of girl do you take me for, Quinton?"  Charlene said while eyeing Nora up and down."It's just a rather unexpected surprise."

Nora couldn't help but look perplexed.

"Why are all standing about, eh? I don't know about the rest of you, but I'm starving. Shall we, Quinny?" Charlene said, holding out her arm. Quinton took it without a word and proceeded out the door. The others followed them out. Todd and Catherine chatted, leaving Nora and Blaine at the back of the party.

"What is with that woman?" Nora said to Blaine, trying her best to whisper as they made their way to the dining room.

"Do not let her goad you, Nora. Charlene is a very... ambitious woman and she cares not who falls dead besides her."

"I don't understand though. How are Quinton and Charlene related?"

"What? Has Quinton not told you?"

"He hardly talks to me and when he speaks it's only insults. What was I supposed to know?"

"It's not my place to say, Nora." Blaine said gravely.

Nora couldn't continue questioning Blaine however for they had arrived at the dining room.

 Everyone went to sit in their regular seats.  

"Oh what's on the menu, Quinny? Actually, I don't have to fret. Your cook always prepares the tastiest delights." Charlene mentioned as she was about to sit down in the chair to the right of Quinton.

"Uh, Charlene?" Quinton said, righting the place setting before him.

"Yes, darling?" She purred.

"I mean no disrespect, but I think it's more appropriate that Nora take the seat that you've chosen." He said stated calmly. Everyone remained silent as Charlene processed what Quinton said to her. Nora's head shot up at Quinton's request and she eyed him quizzically. He had never requested her to sit next to him before. 

"But I always sit besides you, Quinny." She responded tersely, obviously unnerved.

"That may have been Charlene, but that was before. Please switch places with Nora, now."

"Mmm, well then. This is your house and I will respect it then." She stated, clearly forcing the courtesy, as she stood up from her seat. Nora remained seated for a moment, unsure of what it Quinton wanted. After a firm glare, she got up and switched seats with Charlene.