pulled by corset strings [On Hold]

Squeezed Into New Surroundings

        We arrived at Grandmother's manor late that evening, just before dinner. Myla was the first out of the carriage, hopping out before the poor driver could even stop. Her eyes roamed over the house with disdain.

        Personally I thought the house to be lovely. The stone staircase led up to a haunted door with a stone knocker, shaped like a roaring lions head. The green gardens caught my sight and I sighed in content, delighted to find a place for me to spend my days.

        Lovely's head bobbed out of view as she was led out of the carriage, thanking the driver politely. He tipped his hat at her, smiling largely. He turned back to me, took my hand and let me hoist myself down with it.

        Typically most young ladys don't behave in that manner, but I just spent a good five hours in a cramped space with my demon of a family so he can spare me the look of disdain. I hopped down, a dust puff rising around me. He held his hand close to his body, as if my weight had hurt it. With a smile I leaned in and whispered in his ear.

        "It's funny, but you can glare and pout and complain all you want, but I'm still a lady and you will forever be looked down upon by society. Now isn't that just sad?" I asked, pulling out a paracel, shading my chalk skin from the setting sun.

        He nodded, surprised. "Now that you understand you are dismissed. I no longer have a need for you, stable boy. You may retreat before I raise my voice any louder and allow others to eavesdrop." I said in a voice loud enough for just our ears.

        His face took up a solemn mask which I rather liked. He tipped his hat at me, climbing back to the front of the carriage. Father and Gaston stepped out, their silent war still going on.

        "Oh, Lovely, isn't the house just charming?" I asked her, spinning my baby umbrella, looking up into it, searching for the rest of the fringe.

        "It's dreadful!" Myla anounced, glaring up at the windows as if they were what had seperated her and Walter, not our Father who stood next to us.

        "Well, I'm sorry you feel that way, Lovely," Father frowned.

        "I'm Myla," Myla corrected.

        Lovely turned, smiling, the setting sun casting dark shadows upon her face, "Did you call for me, Father?"

        "No, Lovely, he wasn't calling for you. Why would anyone want you?" Myla hissed out. She was being so horribly rude to everyone.

        Lovely's smile dropped, her lip sticking out lightly as she held in tears. She began up the stairs, holding her head high, trying not to let Myla know she had hurt her feelings. I hurried after her.

        We got to the door, standing frozen in place, terrified. What if Grandmother was mean like Father? Our eyes met wondering the same thing.

        "Will she demand to be called Grandmother? But with a capital like Father?" She asked, her eyes flicking at the knocker.

        "We will just have to see, now won't we?" I asked, putting on a confident front. She nodded, biting her bottom lip.

         Our hands reached as one, lifting the knocker. Together we dropped it, letting it bang against the sturdy wooden door. Lovely's hand took mine, holding it tight.

        The door opened, a butler standing before us. He looked us over, lingering on Lovely. I felt her squeeze my hand harder in a panic. He smiled at her, trying to appear appealing.

        "Welcome. You must be the children of Master Henry," He opened the door wide, letting us enter.

        "Thank you," Lovely whispered, shy. I repeated after her and we strode in, admiring the beautiful enterance hall.

        A gasp escaped our lips as we took in the marble flooring and carved wooden banisters. Lovely traced a design with her gloved finger, letting out a soft breath. The sunset streamed in the large windows, glowing against Lovely's cream skin, she looked like a divine being. The butler's eyes never left her till he heard a subtle cough.

        Myla walked in behind us, drawing the butler's attention away from Lovely. He flirted with her, against his masters orders and she flirted back, shamelessly. Father and Gaston entered, followed by the servents carrying all our bags.

        Lovely and I were told to go up the stairs and enter the first room on the right, he would have the servents bring us our things after we had settled in. With a curtsy Lovely and I departed to find our rooms before having to witness the butler flirt with our father and half brother. We followed his directions into a room with pink lace curtains and blue paint.

        The carpeting was a soft pearl, molding to our steps. Lovely lit a few candles, illuminating the rest of the room. There were two beds and two dressers to store our clothes.

        Lovely set down a small bag she had been carrying, and opened it. A tiny ball of fur lay in the purse bag. Lovely lifted it up, rubbing it gently.

        "Lovely! You brought the mouse!" I hissed, closing the door and locking it, incase anyone happened upon us.

        "Well I couldn't leave him! Someone would have stepped on him when they were stealing what was left." She whisper-yelled back at me. I opened my eyes in shock, I hadn't told her they were robbing us.

        "Don't act so surprised," she said bitterly, " I went in the kitchens this morning to fetch some breakfast for Lily," I looked at her in confusion. There were no Lily's on our old property. "I named the mouse Lily. May I continue?" She asked. I lightly nodded. "And I walked in and there was nothing there save a meal on a platter waiting to brought to you. I hope you don't mind but I gave it to Lily."

        My stomach rummbled at the reminder that I hadn't eaten in over a day. I sat down on my bed, thinking. Grandmother should be calling us down for dinner soon, so I will have to eat politely and quickly.

        "When do you think they will bring us our bags?" I asked Lovely, crawling into bed, trying to stay warm.

        "It should be soon, dinner is in half an hour." She replied, all her focus on Lily.

        "Lovely," I murmured, closing my eyes. "Wake me up when our things have arrived."

        "Yes, Belle. Goodnight, Belle," She said to her mouse, blowing out the candles. The room was surrounded in shadow and half light. I fell asleep to Lily scratching her claws on Lovely's dresser.