Chamomile and mint. Chamomile and mint. Chamomile and mint. Buttercup wanted to get the scent out of her mind but it was proving to be difficult especially since the air of the room she was in just pervaded with it.
Where the heck is that girl? Buttercup thought with a scowl. She was, of course, talking about Princess, her supposed "guide" through the school. Yeah, right. As if a guide would ditch their charge as soon as the bell rings.
Not knowing what to do or where to got, not even having the knowledge of a traditional school layout to help her, she had wandered, up and down steps and halls, room after room until she stumbled on an empty office.
It was the very same office that she was in right now. It was huge and spacious. It might have been a bedchamber before but now it was fitted with several modern furnitures including a large mahogany desk with matching bookshelves. There was also a comfortable looking desk chair behind the desk. In front of it, was a brown plush rug and two simple chairs. In a corner, there was a table with what looked like a coffee maker and on the wall just above it was a picture in a gilded frame that made Buttercup's breath hitch.
It was a picture of a wedding with two brides, Iris and Seliah, very young, not a day over 20, with the kind of bliss people spend their whole lives trying to attain. Iris was in all white except for a black, open vest. It was loose and breezy, a direct of the more fitted polo and slacks that hugged the slight curves of her body. The white tie, probably worn close to the neck was being loosened as Seliah used it as a makeshift rope to pulled the other woman closer. A daring smile was on Iris' lips responding to Seliah's more devious one. Seliah's dress, making her look more like a greek goddess than a bride, was actually quite simple. A yellow flower was in her hand as she attempted to place it in behind Iris' ear. Seliah must have pulled it out from the bouquet crowned her head or the one surrounding her waste. Her curly red hair was almost straight as it framed her delicate face. The picture must have been taken right before the kiss and the two looked absolutely beautiful.
Somehow, Buttercup felt she should have been jealous.
Should have been jealous.
The fact was, there was no such feeling in her chest. She didn't know why but instead, she felt warm and, strangely, a bit giddy
"You know, I wanted a much more elaborate dress but Iris absolutely insisted on this one."
Buttercup jumped and turned toward the voice. Seliah was at the corner of the room, looking out through one of the small window like structures. "Oh, gosh, I'm sorry, I got lost and well, I just started walking."
Seliah smiled. "It's fine. This isn't the most conventional high school building after all." The older woman pointed to one of the chairs. Why don't you have a seat for a while."
In the back of her mind, Buttercup felt weird being in the same room as Seliah. Of course, she didn't really have any other idea what else to do so she did what she was told and sat the chair to the right, the one closest to her. She watched as Seliah amble to the picture.
There was an awkward silence, save for the little clinks of silverware as the older woman made some coffee for herself.
No, not coffee and not for herself either. She walked to the other side of the table and handed the tea cup, adorned with the same yellow flowers, to Buttercup.
Chamomile tea with a peppermint leaf at the bottom. "Umm. . . thanks."
Buttercup assumed that now, Seliah would sit at the comfortable chair across from her but instead, she opted to sit on the other matching seat that was closely beside her. Seliah placed an elbow on the arm rest and stared at Buttercup with a slight smile.
Buttercup felt the familiar rush of blood throughout her body as her heart began it's marathon. "Um, I. . . .I-, I was just . . . Princess ditched me." She stated without careful consideration.
Seliah nodded. "Mrs. Morbucks, I see. I'll have to talk to her about that later then."
A foreign need to protect caused Buttercup to blurt, "Well, actually, it's okay. That won't be necessary."
"Oh?"
"Yeah, she's not all bad. She might just be having an off day." What am I saying?
Seliah looked pleased. "Well, if you say so, I guess it's fine."
The woman stood up and held out a hand. "I'll have the cup now. I know you don't like tea." Buttercup was surprised. She hadn't done anything to show her displeasure had she? "You cringed away from the cup after you looked at it, so I guessed. Am I wrong?"
Buttercup began to wonder whether Seliah also possessed some powers but she didn't dwell on it."No, umm. I-I'm a coffee person actually but my sister, Bubbles, she and coffee," Buttercup chuckled, "not a good mix."
Seliah laughed. "Bubbles is the blue one right?"
"Yeah, anyways, I get enough tea at my own house." Under her breath she added, "and today's not a good chamomile and mint day."
"What was that?"
"Huh? Nothing."
"Oh, I just thought I heard you say something."
Buttercup nodded awkwardly. Seliah placed the cup on her desk and pulled out what looked like a map. "I'm surprised you didn't get one of these. I thought Iris stuck it in your pamphlet."
Buttercup blushed. "I must have overlooked it."
"Possible." Seliah said playfully, as if she knew Buttercup had never even seen the pamphlet. "Anyways, I believe your first class is the West Tower." Buttercup berated herself, she must have been getting light headed from all the fancy scents in the air. "If you go the the end of the hall, you'll find some stairs. It leads straight into the West Tower. It doesn't lead to any other classes but be careful when you enter the room. Iris can get a bit," Seliah tried to look for the right word, "extreme."
"Alright." Buttercup nodded, examining the map.
She didn't see Seliah sneak up behind her and place both hands on her shoulders.
Buttercup stiffened under the touch. She didn't even notice herself getting gently pushed out of the office until she was in the halls.
"I'll see you later, Buttercup." Seliah smiled as she closed the big wooden doors, cutting Buttercup off of the enticing scent of camomile and mint.
Alright, so . . . I'll try having the next chapter done by next week but I won't promise anything.
Comment, like, fave, follow, do as you wish.
Have a Good Night peoples.
~Gears N Wires
