Dealing With Tomorrow Part Three

Part Three of Twelve

 

 

 

Rachel had already picked out her bedroom it was right at the top of the Manor. It was certainly not an attic but a large spacious area with a sink in the corner. Although the floral rose wallpaper and pink carpet weren't really her thing, at least there were fantastic views out over the grounds and she could always change the color scheme later.

 

There was so much space that her bed, record player and desk would look lost, but Rachel knew she'd have no problem filling it with nick knacks. At the far end wall there was an old fashioned standing double wardrobe with mirrors on the doors, it reminded Rachel of the story: The Lion, Witch and the Wardrobe which she just adored reading when she was younger. The room gave out an air of mystery and adventure just like the rest of the home.

 

The removal men had already bought her bed and mattress up, it was just a case of waiting for the bed linen to be unpacked. With not much else to do for the time being, she didn't want to hang around any longer and dashed out ready to explore further, followed closely by Catherine who was more than pleased with her room which even had its own small sink too.

 

They charged back downstairs eager to check out the rest of the manor. The sisters noticed one door off the hallway that was padlocked, it read: KEEP OUT! DANGER! In big bold letters. Psychologically it had the girls even more curious as to know what was behind the door. They decided to make it their secret mission to find out, but would wait till their parents were asleep.

 

It was early evening by the time the removal men left having set the families furniture down in the rooms Bridgette required them. All that was left to do was make up the beds and prepare and evening meal, though cooking wasn't exactly what she'd planned but they had no idea if there was a fish and chip shop around the area.

 

“Looks like it's soup out of cans with some bread for tonight,” uttered Bridgette! Not too happy and wishing for some good old fish and chips.

 

“Sorry about the lack of food love!” Said Kenneth, unpacking some tins. “Tomorrow we'll do a big shop and I'll cook us a casserole, how's that sound?”

 

“Yeah! Okay.” Replied Bridgette feeling down heart-ed and staring at the complicated looking contraption in the kitchen that was an agar.

 

“You don't sound too convinced my love.” Kenneth came and put his arm around Bridgette. “It'll be okay you wait and see, we'll have this place sorted and we'll all get into a routine pretty quickly.”

 

Bridgette smiled in acceptance then attended to her son who by now was playing up because he was so hungry. “Come on my lad lets get some soup on, then we can settle you down for the night.”

 

Danny cradled his teddy and sucked his thumb, a sure sign he was ready for sleep.

 

The girls were disappointed that there wasn't any television, it meant they'd have to make their own entertainment a thing they weren't used to. Everything was so old here and Bridgette was having problems with the stove, it was all so distressing she began to sob with frustration staring at the agar she'd never used before.

 

Kenneth came in with some wood to start a fire in the living room, then noticed his wife's tears. “Look! I know the house is cold and everything is new, but we'll all get used to it I promise.” Kenneth knew all about hard work, he'd grown up on a farm and could remember having no heat apart from the fireplace and no inside bathroom or toilet, so he was more prepared than the others.

 

Finally, after Kenneth had showed her how to use the agar Bridgette was able to heat up some soup which they'd bought with them from their old home. She called the girls when it was ready and they all sat around the large kitchen table that had been left by the previous owners, which Bridgette was more than happy about due to the fact her small table would have looked lost in the huge kitchen. The bread filled them up and the soup warmed them inside. Everyone was feeling a little better.

 

It was only when they'd finished eating, that Catherine gazed at her sister with a concerned look on her face. She licked some soup off her bottom lip in anticipation, then placing her spoon down she vocalized in a long drawn out tone. “Um! Dad!”

 

“Yes! What is it sweetie?” He could tell she was nervous about something and gave a smile to assure that it was alright to ask any questions that were worrying her.

 

“Dad! Why is there a door with a padlock on?” Before she had a chance to continue her big sister kicked her under the table giving Catherine a filthy look.

 

“What?” Replied Catherine?” Leering at Rachel.

 

Her father could tell that her daughters were set for an argument and wanted to put a stop to their disagreement before it started. “You were asking about that door?” The sisters nodded. “Well! I have no idea, but I'll be asking the Caretaker in the morning, he should be able to tell us more.” Kenneth then had a stern gaze at the girls. “Meanwhile, I don't want you girls getting up to mischief – you know what I mean! Do you hear me?”

 

Rachel pouted as they both said in unison, “Yes Dad!”

 

Bridgette felt a chill and wondered if she'd ever be happy in this old house that had them all on edge. She longed for that coziness of their old home with its small rooms that felt welcoming. But for her husband's sake Bridgette knew she'd have to make the best of their situation.

 

The old Grandfather clock that had also been left by the previous owners stood in the hallway just below the stairs, it struck 8pm.

 

“Right time for bed Danny my boy.” Announced Dad picking his son up and turning to his Wife. “I'll take him up love, leave you to rest a bit.”

 

Bridgette smiled and took the dirty dishes over to the sink, while the girls raced upstairs. Rachel waved Catherine to her room, the poor girl knew she was in for a grilling. As soon as her younger sister entered Rachel began pointing her finger. “Why did you say anything? I thought we'd agreed it was our secret.”

 

Catherine stared at the floor folding her arms and began tapping the toes of one foot. “Because! If it's dangerous we could get into serious trouble.” She looked sternly at her older sister and felt good for sticking up for herself.

 

Rachel thought about what her younger sister was saying and had to admit she had a point. “Okay! I suppose you're right. But I still am curious as to know what's behind that door.” Rachel made her way over to the window and stared out into the darkness, it seemed pretty creepy out there already she was glad to be inside, but it felt strange not having any curtains up and left Rachel feeling vulnerable.

 

The old fashioned radiators began to creak as they finally heated up, reminding Rachel of the ones at her old school. “Well! At least we have some warmth now.” Declared Catherine happily as she began pirouetting around the room, bored with doing nothing.

 

“Well!” Said Rachel, “we'll just have to wait till tomorrow to find out more.”

 

To be continued...