Forbidden Lies

9

Selena abruptly woke up and was blinded by the bright rays of sun that came through the stained window and illuminated the blue room with bright colors. She instinctively raised her hand and blocked her eyes from the blinding light. She picked up the small golden bell that Callum had left her and she rang it quickly. Within seconds, the door creaked open and a small figure stepped into the room.

"Miss Winters!" A small shrill voice echoed. A short stubby woman with mousy brown hair stepped into the light. The woman rushed to the window and quickly pulled the curtains closed. The light snuffed itself from the room and Selena could finally see again.

"My apologies, Miss Winters. The curtains should have been closed last night, but Mister Morrow did not want any of the staff to come in and disturb you." The small-statured woman smoothed her black ankle-long dress and gave Selena a nod of acknowledgement.

"Call me Selena. Thank you for closing the curtains." Selena croaked out.

"If you insist. I am Mrs. Allistor, the head maid of the manor. I will personally attend to you per Mister Morrow's wishes. I will help you get your day started." The woman quickly answered.

Selena pushed herself upright, so her back was flat on the bed's headboard. She looked around for a clock but did not find one. Mrs. Allister stepped quickly to her side and began to pull the covers off Selena.

"It is around 8am. The master of the house is asleep but he will be available if you desire, although I would advise you to let him get his rest. He is not at his best when he misses out on his sleep." Mrs. Allister pulled out two slippers from under the bed and put them on Selena's cold feet.

"I am here as a guest. I won't bother him. Once my therapy is over, I will leave." Selena cleared her dry throat halfway through the sentence. Mrs. Allister quickly fetched her a glass of water and Selena took two deep gulps.

"Of course! We will make your temporary stay as comfortable as possible. I am having one of the maids prepare breakfast for you and afterwards I will give you a tour of the house." The small woman draped a long red silky robe over Selena. Selena thought the red robe was a bit over the top but she didn't have the energy to protest. Mrs. Allister helped her into the wheelchair and then they both exited the room and made their way down the hallway.

The sunlight shone through the hallway and Selena finally noticed the small details on the crimson and black walls. Arched windows displayed thick colorless glass that overlooked a bright green lawn. The large portraits from last night now were full of life and the people depicted within them appeared vivid. Selena took all the details in and stored them in her memory bank.

Soon she was wheeled into a large rectangular room that smelled like fresh baked bread and strong coffee. A wooden and marble table sat in the middle of the room, adorned with baking ingredients, dusted flour and bread baskets. Several expensive looking pots and pans hung from the ceiling just above the magnificent table.

"Thelma!" Squeaked Mrs. Allister.

A thin frail girl stumbled around the corner. She held a platter that had bread and coffee placed on it. The girl took a few strides forward and presented Selena with the platter.

"I have prepared fresh artesian bread for you, along with some dutch coffee. I can bring you some cream and sugar if you'd like." The girl did not look at Selena, instead she kept her eyes down. Selena took the platter and thanked the girl.

"This is my daughter Thelma! She's around your age and has been in the manor for most of her youth. She will also help assist you if need be." Mrs. Allister's daughter finally lifted her eyes and met Selena's. She had the darkest brown eyes Selena had ever seen, they were darker than her reddish-brown hair.

"My mother should be available most of the time, but if ever she is not, I will be." Thelma gave Selena a small nod and stepped to the side. Mrs.Allister wheeled Selena to the table where Selena ate slowly, still taking in the kitchen.

After she ate Mrs. Allister wheeled her around the manor, pointing out rooms and giving her the history of the house. Thelma followed quietly behind them with her hands crossed, nervously picking at the cuffs of her ankle-length black dress.

"This manor has belonged to the master's mother's side of the family for generations! My family has been fortunate enough to have worked for them since they inherited the property. I am the third generation and Thelma is the fourth!" Boasted Mrs. Allister.

"Could we go outside? Through the side porch?" Asked Selena with curiosity. She had noticed an open door, and she could briefly make out the blue sky.

"No!" Shouted Thelma suddenly. Both Selena and Mrs. Allister turned to look at her. "I mean....my apologies Mrs. Winters but that porch leads to the garden. Mister Morrow would not allow anyone to go in there, except himself and the gardener. It is the only place in the manor we are not allowed in." Thelma spoke quickly as she looked down at her black slippers.

"Thelma can get a little excited sometimes, please forgive her. But she is correct, we are not allowed in the garden. Mister Morrow barely likes to go see it himself." Mrs. Allister chimed in,

"Then why does he have it?" asked Selena.

"He had it constructed and tended for his late wife. But after her death, he hardly enjoyed the garden. But there are other areas where you can get fresh air which are just as pretty." Mrs. Allistor was hesitant in her answer. She did not know if she should tell Selena why the garden was actually built. She silently cursed, regretting even mentioning the late mistress.

"Hmmmm. Fine. I need some fresh air." Selena caved in and dropped the subject.