The Quartet... Chapter 4

I've not felt like writing in so long, that it almost became habit not to. But as I sat down to write, the words just began to flow out of me. So I hope you like this next chapter.

Chapter 4

                Seara woke up with the sun Thanksgiving morning. She really wanted to go for a run, but was nervous about the encounter she’d had on her last run. Deciding she would wait until Brian Kingston left to start running again, Seara pulled out the notebook she had brought back from the tree house. Tria’s soft snores from the air mattress could be heard, but knowing she had a good hour before she needed to get up, Seara decided to take the time to read.

            Xander came flying through the woods a look of terror on his face, startling me with his approach. “What is it?” I asked.

            Xander bent over inhaling deeply trying to catch his breath. Finally, after what seemed like forever he looked at me with the most indescribable expression on his face. “I knew you hadn’t heard.”

“Hadn’t heard what?” I asked rather pointedly.

“The king. He’s coming here. He’s visiting the faithful Lords. Thanking them for their help. In the war. He’ll be here in a fortnight. We’re going to be terribly busy. We must return to the castle. Your mother was looking for you after your studies.”

I rolled my eyes and plopped on my rock. Of course it was wonderful for Lord and Lady Dennison that the king was coming, but why did that mean I needed to interrupt my plans. Of course the castle would be in an uproar for the next two weeks: cleaning and baking and the like.

“Well don’t just sit there. Say something. This is wonderful.”

Xander dreamed of becoming a knight. As most boys his age did. Although Xander’s family was freemen they could not afford the equipment it would take to allow Xander to begin Knight training. Xander’s only hope was that Lord Dennison would think him a worthy candidate, seeing as he had no male offspring of his own. Xander’s family had lived here for four generations and had served the family faithfully.

“Annabeth. I’ve never heard you speechless.”

Xander was now pulling on my arm. All I could pray, and it was a very selfish prayer at that, was that neither the king nor Lord Dennison would ever see what a wonderful Knight Xander would make because I dreaded losing my dear friend.

“I’m in shock is all.” I said, hoping my true feelings were well hidden. “We’re not going to have much time to come here in the coming days. We’ll both be plenty busy I suppose.”

The smile on Xander’s face was of genuine pleasure. We headed back to the castle walls. Xander did most of the talking. He hardly noticed that I was nearly silent, he was so elated.

Upon entering the kitchen I expected mother to put me instantly to work. Instead she had me sit at the table and quizzed me on my lessons. She asked me to recite the verses to her that I’d learned, soaking my hands in the salt bath. Mother was distant, not really hearing what I had to say. When I would look at her I would find her staring in a most unusual way. When I was through she sent me to tidy our chambers.

That night after I’d retired, I heard my parents talking. It was most disconcerting. My mother seemed nervous and almost reluctant about the king’s arrival. I could not make out their words so much as their tone. My father was reassuring and kind as was his nature, but even I could make out the hesitation in his voice.

The next day I was summoned by Lady Dennison. This was not unusual for her, although I’d heard rumors from servants of guests that often came for banquets that it was was unusual for a Lady to convene with servants. But from what I’d heard of other servants, nearly everything Lord and Lady Dennison did was unusual.

My eyes downcast, I entered the suite and waited for Lady Dennison to acknowledge me. Lady Dennison acknowledged me almost immediately. “Come in.” I did. “Many changes will be coming in the next couple of weeks. The king was most pleased with my husband’s service to him and is coming with a very special announcement. Annabeth I-“ Lady Dennison stopped, almost unsure of what to say next. I chanced a look up tears were forming in her eyes. Of their own volition my feet moved forward and my hand was upon her shoulder. Lady Dennison reached up and grasped my hand squeezing gently. “I have no children, but have enjoyed watching you grow up here. I hope you don’t mind, I spoke with your parents and thought I might have a gown ordered for you for when the king comes.”

That this was an honor was not lost on me. The Lady had always been generous and I had benefited from that greatly over the years. But was I to do with a gown. I was so lost in thought that it took me a moment to realize that Lady Dennison had stopped speaking and was staring at me.

“I’m sorry my Lady.”

“That is alright Annabeth. I will need you tomorrow so that the seamstress can take your measurements. That will be all for today.”

I was grateful to be dismissed. More than anything I wished to go see Xander and discuss the Lady’s strange request. Maybe he’d be able to help me make sense of it.

Seara’s alarm went off startling her from her reading. Tria awoke with an unintelligible grunt and Seara quickly shut off the alarm, hoping Tria would go back to sleep. She did. Seara slipped from the room and into the shower while the rest of the family continued to sleep.

            Thanksgiving dinner went off without a hitch. Seara was the perfect hostess. Everyone complimented her on the delicious meal that was prepared. The fried turkey was perfect. The afternoon had turned unseasonably warm and so it was a delight to cook outside. 

            The men retired in front of the television watching the football game as the ladies chatted in the dining room. Seara knew she would be unable to wash the dishes without a thousand objections and so decided to go outside for a while. She was in shock that the quartet was back together. They hadn’t been all together since the end of June. And though time held no meaning, melting away when they were together Seara could feel the distinct pull of life on them.

            Talli came up behind Seara and looped her arm through hers. Seara sighed and smiled.  “Brian told me about your dad. He also told me the rest of the family doesn’t know yet. How are you doing?”

            Instantly Seara felt tears sting the back of her eyes. She had fought her way through the day, stuffing emotions and just trying to be there for her family. Her smile was sometimes forced and other times genuine, she had hoped against hope that no one could tell the difference. But she should’ve realized that The Quartet knew her like no one else did. Seara felt her arm squeezed. Wiping at a stray tear Seara smiled away the pain.

            “You know you can’t lie to me right?” Talli chuckled, “I know you too well for that. When will you let Mickey Mouse and Lyss know.”

            Seara howled at that, only Talli would continue to call her brother Mickey Mouse.  Seara took a deep breath and said, “Tomorrow night at dinner I think. I was hoping to do it today, but-“ Seara shrugged, “It’s probably better that we didn’t. I’m glad everyone’s here, but I’m drained. I can’t keep this up much longer. I just want them to know. Lyss was already looking at me like she knows something’s up. Thankfully with all the people here I’ve been able to avoid the questions. I can’t wait for tomorrow to be over.”

            “Anxious about all the Black Friday sales?” Brian asked coming up behind the girls.

            Both girls jumped. Talli laughed as she one-arm hugged her brother. “Game over?” Talli asked.

            “Nah, it’s halftime. And I was tired of sitting.”

            Talli laughed. Seara wished that Talli had let go of her arm so she could’ve left, but she had a feeling that she purposely held her captive. She tried looking everywhere else, but being so close to Brian he kind of filled her field of vision. His shoulders were strong and broad, although his stomach was lean. His face was full and his jaw only slightly square. He hovered a good six inches over his sister. As if he could feel Seara taking inventory of him, he smiled down at her.

            “How are you?” He asked softly.

            Seara smiled hiding behind it, unaware that the two standing next to her could see through it. “I’m fine.”

            Brian laughed a big hearty laugh. The girls looked at each other in confusion. “Really you’re fine. You do remember what that means don’t you?”

            Seara rose her brows quizzically.

            “Think about it. Your favorite actor… Mark Wahlberg. We went to see the movie I think after we graduated, just before I went into the service… The Italian Job.”

            “Wow. I can’t believe you remember that. It’s still one of my favorite movies.” Seara said.

            “Mine too.” Brian said softly.

            Talli still lost said, “I’m not sure what that has to do with anything.”
            Seara said, “In the movie they say that fine means, freaked out, insecure, neurotic, and emotional.” Looking at Brian she said, “Well I guess that’s about right then.”

            Unable to know what to say to comfort her Brian reached out to give her a half hug. The three of them stood there in a group hug for a couple of minutes when Seara heard Mikey calling for Brian because the game was starting. Seara pulled away from both of them and began walking toward the tree line. She needed to pull herself together. She needed to be strong. They would make it through this. Seara heard the footsteps behind her and figured Talli was coming back. More than anything she just wanted to climb in bed and hibernate there for the rest of the night. But she knew that would be rude to her guests. Turning around she ran right into Brian’s chest.

            “I ,,, I … I thought you were Talli. I need to get back inside. I’ve got to get things cleaned up. And I’m sure people are ready for dessert. I’ve been out here too long I’m sure they think I’m the rudest person in the world.”

            “Shh… Sea, it’s okay to take care of yourself once in a while.” Brian said, rubbing the sides of her arms.

Seara relaxed into his hold for a moment allowing her forehead to rest on his chest. It felt so right to have Brian comfort her. His hand gently touched her cheek and she was brought back to reality. She jumped away as if his touch had burned her. She nearly stumbled in her attempts to get out of reach.

Not pausing this time she mumbled about needing to be inside and getting things done and hurried back toward the house. Brian felt the ache like a slap across his face. God give me wisdom. Show me how I can be her friend. Lord, please she doesn’t even see that she’s running. And I’m pretty sure she’s not just running from me.