Chapter 2: Keeping Busy:
Gertrud awoke the next morning wrapped in the quilt from the foot of her bed. As she sat up she saw a freshly prepared breakfast on her quaint nightstand. It consisted of a plate of eggs, sausage, and a stack of three pancakes smothered in butter and syrup; a glass of orange juice paired with a glass of water; and cup that held a single flower: A beautiful, white-as-snow Lily (Gertrud's favorite flower) freshly picked. There was a note card with soft flowing handwriting on it.
It read: Morning. Hopefully, you slept well my flower. Enjoy your breakfast before you start your day. Yours truly, Elijah V.D *smiley Face + a heart shape*
She smiled and set it aside on the nightstand. She ate her breakfast; drank the water and half the glass of orange juice. Afterward, she dressed in a fresh dress from her suitcase and headed to the kitchen. When she arrived in the kitchen she found Elijah in an apron covered in pancake mix. He was sitting in a chair next to a small kitchen table meant for servants when they took their breaks between shifts. She chuckled and strolled over to look over the newspaper that he was reading while drinking his coffee and having breakfast.
"So, is there anything interesting happen in Gotham City?", She mused.
"Na, just more corruption and murder and thefts, but nothing interesting, nothing at all.", he mused still glued to the paper.
"So, are your parents awake yet or are they still snoozing?", Gertrud inquired.
"They're in town today...sigh...so what do you want to do today?", Elijah mused.
"Oh, I don't know. Maybe I'll do a lil' cooking and cleaning today. How about you?", Gertrud amusingly mused.
"Oh, I'll probably go to town with my father to Shelly's Tailor Shop to get more fabric. Then we'll return home to my father's at-home tailoring office that's right next to the parlor.", Elijah joyfully explained.
Before Gertrud could respond, Elijah's mother, madam Van Dahl walked into the kitchen. The moment she saw Elijah's state of uncleanliness her look of disdain turned into a look of pure wrath.
"Elijah! What is the meaning of this?! Why are you covered in pancake mix?!" Madame Van Dahl barked at her son.
"I...I...uh...I just uh...made Gertrud some...uh breakfast is all.", Elijah nervously stammered while ringing his hands together.
"Are you the servant now?" his mother rhetorically inquired.
"I just thought it would be nice to make our new cook something to eat before she started her day.", Elijah tried to explain.
"Elijah, that is not your job. Now go clean up and go to town with your father this instant!", his mother demanded.
"yes, mother.". Elijah agreed, but under his breath, he muttered. "I hate you, mother".
After Elijah left the kitchen, his mother, Madam Van Dahl, turned to Gertrud who was standing there quietly waiting for further instruction.
"Gertrud, darling, don't encourage my son. You are to stay away from as much as possible. If need be I will get Olga to serve the meal that you will cook for us. Understood?", Madam Van Dahl sternly instructed.
"Yes, Madam, I understand. I am sorry that your son is infatuated with me. I shall try my best to stay away from him.", Gertrud replied.
