Morning all. I hope everyone had a fantastic weekend and is ready to face a new week. I am actually quite eager to get started on the new week. So why don’t we skip the chit chat and just dive into this morning’s prompt, shall we? Wiggle those fingers and stretch that brain, because here we go.
Interesting. I fumbled a lot with this one as I tried to figure out where I was going, but I think I wound up someplace that might be interesting to return to. No bad for a brain fogged Monday morning.
Monday, May 24th: Arrangements have already been made.
“Arrangements have already been made,” she said. She stared at me, her lips pursing over the end of the sentence. I could see it in her eyes. She was daring me to defy her. Then with one swift move she would bring the schedule to bear , the full force of the establishment behind her.
The set of her mouth was disapproving but somehow she still managed to look smug. Admittedly, I couldn’t blame her. Since my arrival, she and the established order won every disagreement. I took a deep breath and let it out slowly.
“Have they?” I asked.
“They have,” she repeated. “The car will be here in less than an hour. I would suggest you use the time to make yourself presentable.”
Secure in her victory, she did not stay to lord it over me, merely turning and walking away. She closed the door gently behind herself, leaving me alone, to prepare myself appropriately.
I thought about ignoring the suggestion and simply going as I was, however I knew what awaited me. I had only been here a few months but I knew well those I was being taken to see. I was an outsider and as such I had to be flawless if I wanted to escape the mocking.
Not that they would mock me to my face. No, in person there would simply be the looks. The study. The weighing and then the silent judgement that I did not belong. It was when I was gone and the doors were closed behind me that the mocking and laughter would commence.
Personally it didn’t bother me. I was more annoyed that I had to be in the same room with them for any length of time. I took not being one of them as a badge of honor. It had however been pointed out to me that a failure on my part reflected badly on the others and they could suffered with the repercussions of my actions. I didn’t mind the smart set coming after me, it was me causing issues for the others that I minded.
I sighed and moved towards the wardrobe. As I opened the door, I wondered if it was worth it. The thought was not new. As always I had a hard time figuring out how to get away. I didn’t mind the family, not really. Thus far they had been gracious. Some were grudgingly accepting in the beginning but things were beginning to settle down and my existence in their ranks was solidifying into fact. Me leaving wouldn’t change my existence, however my absence might make their lives a little easier.
It would certainly make mine easier.
The wardrobe door swung open and I looked at the piece of paper I had tacked on the inside. Each day I tacked a new one inside counting down the length of time I was required to stay. The number five stared back at me. I sighed. Even if I did decide to leave, I had five more days before I could do so. Which meant today was an unavoidable annoyance. I looked away, rummaged through the garments hanging there and chose one that I knew would blend with the others. Sadly I was beginning to understand which outfit went for each event.
I took the dress from the depths of the wardrobe, closed the door and began to change. It took less than the allotted time and I spent the rest of my precious alone time attempting to bring some order to my hair while debating what choice I would make in five days’ time.
Ten til Midnight 