Click clack.
The heels of the aristocratic young woman hit the floor with such dominance, that the assumption of her being rather unconfident was the least bit expected. Guided by the wise older woman, Miss Amelia Hampshire trotted behind her, trying to ignore the many stares from the other children. She was older than most, or so she believed…
"I do trust that your room will be to your liking, Miss Hampshire. I understand how daunting such a new place may be," Miss Peregrine explained to her new ward, taking small steps upstairs.
"Miss Bloom will be a cooperative roommate. She's one of my most trusted children. Mind you, she does have quite the temper."
Amelia smiled, nodding in the Bird's direction. "As long as she's kind, I'm sure that I'll be able to manage."
Unlocking the door to one of the last rooms at the end of the hall, Miss Peregrine stepped aside to make way for Amelia.
"If you have any questions, I will be downstairs in the study. I am sure that the others would be more than welcome to answer them if I am unavailable." Placing her suitcases down, Amelia took in the small, but tidy room. There were two beds, one for her and the other girl.
What was her name? Bloom? Turning around, she inquired, "Excuse me, but what was-" She paused, noticing that she was alone. How rare. Lifting one of her suitcases back up, she placed it on her bed and began to unpack. Amelia was never one to under pack, and she didn't know how long she was staying here for. Hell, she was new to being peculiar. If it wasn't for Miss Peregrine finding her, Amelia wouldn't even understand what she was capable of. Finding some hangers in the back of the closet, she hung up her dresses neatly. "They aren't going to like me." She muttered to herself, taken aback when she heard a response in the doorway.
"As long as you're not a bloody wight, there shouldn't be a problem. Doubt you are, the bird wouldn't have brought in one, she knows better." The girl in the doorway, held a flame in her hand. Her eyes were narrowed in suspicion of the newcomer, but judging by the smirk on her face, she was already warming up to Amelia.
"There's nothing too special about me. I'm one of the most uninteresting people I've ever met." Amelia laughed, but did not dare go near the girl. What if she were to get burned?
"Nothing special?" The girl's smirk had now developed into a large smile. "You're one of us, you're peculiar," She paused for a beat. "My name's Emma, Emma Bloom. The Bird told me that we're going to be roommates."
Amelia moved closer to Emma, less afraid but still a bit weary to extend her hand for a shake.
"I'm Amelia, Amelia Hampshire. Thank you for letting me share your room, I hope that you can forgive me for making such a mess." Stepping further into the room to sit on her bed, Emma shook her head. "I don't mind. Unpacking can be a bother, would you like some help?" Before Amelia had the time to reply, the girl on fire had already reached into the navy suitcase, pulling out another dress and hanging it properly in the closet along with the others. Emma stopped and admired the dress, a curious gleam in her eyes. "It's very pretty, you have nice clothes." She touched the dress, rubbing the smooth fabric in between her fingers. At first, the fear of the dress burning gave Amelia the instinct to reach out and grab it, but she restrained herself. "Thank you, and I bought it before I came to Cairnholm." Amelia replied, "How many peculiars live in this house?"
Emma let go of the dress and furrowed her eyebrows. "There's me, Bronwyn, Olive, Hugh, Fiona, Enoch, Claire, Horace and Jacob. He's new."
"Ahem, are you forgetting about me?" Amelia heard the sound of a boy clearing his throat behind her, yet she did not see anyone. She bit her lip, a habit she often did when nervous. It wasn't a ghost, she was certain of that. If he was, he had done an impeccable job of hiding. Amelia's attention turned towards the floorboards, her eyes narrowing. That was where they often lingered; floating upward nonchalantly, ready to expose themselves to their mistress. Amelia slowly backed up away from the voice, falling into a rather sullen state. All of the fear and insecurities had returned, she had nearly been chased out of her own town for her gift, perhaps this would only be another home that she wouldn't be welcomed in. "Amelia, is everything alright?" Emma asked, following the girl's gaze. "That's Millard, he's invisible. There's no need to be afraid, that's his peculiarity." And a challenging peculiarity that is, but I've became a rather good pick pocket."The voice spoke again, this time with a slight chuckle at the end of his sentence. "May I ask what you can do?" A hush fell over the room, as two sets of eyes fell onto Amelia, awaiting her response. Amelia, becoming a bit more comfortable around the two gave them a small smile. "I can see and communicate with spirits. You know, ghosts." Emma and Millard stared at her in astonishment, while Amelia Matilda Hampshire patiently awaited a response. She was a freak, which was understandable. Breaking the silence, Amelia added, "I enjoy dead things. Is there a cemetery nearby? I haven't mourned lately. If I don't drop by once in awhile, they will come to my current location and haunt me." Emma smirked, exchanging a look with Millard, her face brightening. "We may know someone you'd like to meet. His name is Enoch. He's foolish and a liar, but I'm sure that you'll have something in common to chat about. Would you like to meet him?"