Chapter Eleven: Twelve
"Stop!" I yelled, getting up from my bed. "Stop jumping on my bed, Roland!" I got up and pushed him, and his body bounced as he fell on the other end of my bed. "Ha!" I cried, happy of my achievement. I stood on my bed, proud and tall, although I was but eleven years old, but very close to turning twelve.
"I let you win," he muttered, getting up and standing face to face with me on the bed. "I mean, it's your birthday. I can't be mean to you on your birthday." I raised an eyebrow at him.
"I know that, birthday or not, you will somehow trick me," I proclaimed.
"Come on, Astrid," Roland said. "I would never do that!"
"Oh really? What about on my eighth birthday? It came right after I had that fight with Matthew. You let that prissy little Miss Westley help trick me into running into Mrs. Whitman!"
"And?" Roland asked, jumping off of the bed.
"And she had to go to the doctor, claiming I had broken her hip!"
"Don't forget that you made her spill her tea and give her some burns," Roland added with a laugh. I peered at him when his back was towards me.
"Well, she's gone now, so it doesn't matter." I jumped off my bed as well, but my arms were crossed. Mrs. Whitman had died about two years ago, due to some heart problems. I had a new governess now, who was worse than Mrs. Whitman. She was young, strict, thin, and mean. Her name was Miss Abigail Smith, and I believed her to be the woman with the largest nose that ever lived.
Maggie entered the room, and shooed Roland away as usual. She looked up at me, surprisingly in a happy mood. "Even after all these years, Miss, he still can't avoid waking you up in the morning." I smiled feebly in reply. I realized that Maggie was addressing me as "Miss" or "Lady" a lot more often, than just "lass" or "young Astrid." She was also being more proper, and got me to wear dresses of different styles, which meant a lot more suffocating. Maggie grabbed my arm and led me to the dressing area. She quickly pulled off my nightgown and got me into some undergarments.
"What will be the horrible dress I will wear today, Maggie?" I asked as she left to my wardrobe to retrieve my dress. She returned with a smile on her face, and a frown on mine.
"Here it is, Miss," she said. She presented a dress that was a slightly peachy color, according to her, but I found it to be more pink or rosy than peach. Its neckline and hem were laced with ruffles, as were its sleeves. I noticed the skirt and compared it to my height. It appeared to be far too long for me.
"Maggie, this dress seems awfully large," I protested as she began to fit me into it.
"Don't fret, Miss," she said. "It will fit you fine." She tugged on the back of my dress and pinned it close. She brought me to a mirror and was beaming as she looked into it with me. I though, winced.
"It's...It's..." I stuttered.
"Oh, isn't it wonderful, lady?" Maggie finished for me.
"Yes," I sighed. "It's dazzling." She sat me down in a chair and brushed the curly brown mop on my head that was my hair. I wasn't surprised if I saw my hair falling out and landing on the floor. It was all quite routine. She pinned my hair up in a bun, leaving a curl or two loose and free.
"There we go!" Maggie exclaimed. "Perfect. You will blow everyone away at your party."
"Thank you, Maggie." I dismissed her kindly before walking downstairs for breakfast. I was dismayed that this year, my birthday was on a weekday, for I had to take lessons before the party. And I had to see awful Miss Abigail.
I took my time as I walked down the stairs, hoping to stall every bad thing that might occur, but then I saw Daddy preparing to leave the house for his shop, and I deserted walking for running. I ran down the stairs, and he turned around in time to catch me as I ran up to him. "Daddy!" I yelled. He lifted me up and smiled.
"You're getting bigger," he said, setting me back on the ground.
"You will be back in time for my party, won't you?"
"I will. I just need to deliver a sword to someone and pick up another." I beamed at him and waved good-bye as he left. I turned around and saw Roland standing strangely behind me, his hands up in the air.
"What are you doing?" I asked, peering at him.
"Oh," He replied, taking his hands and folding them neatly behind his back. "Nothing."
"That's what I thought. Where's Mum?"
"Upstairs. Come on, let's eat breakfast."
"I'm going out to the garden. I want to eat with Mum. So, I'll wait," I said. Roland quirked an eyebrow at me.
"Suit yourself. If there is a knock on the door, answer it for me."
"Why, may I ask?"
"I'm walking to school with a friend." I nodded in agreement and we took our separate ways.
I entered the garden and squeezed myself into the wooden box that used to be my ship. It was getting quite small for me, but I was skinny as a rail. I would always be able to fit into it. I leaned my back against the side of the box and looked up. It was a cloudy day. The air was heavy with the scent of rain and salt. "I'm twelve today," I thought. "I wonder what gifts I will get this year. A new dress perhaps? Or another silly doll? Oh, maybe even school books." The gifts I received during my parties were never ones I was overjoyed to acquire. They did nothing to make me feel happy and entertained, for what kind of girl is thrilled at a new dress? "Astrid!" My head darted to the entrance into the house, nearly missing hitting my chin on the edge of the box.
"Yes!" I called in return, not wishing to leave my spot.
"Come in for breakfast!" Lisa yelled, even louder. I struggled to get back on my feet and walked slowly back into the house. Every chance I had to stall the events of today, I took right away. I didn't want Miss Abigail to come. I didn't want all of the snooty children who were to be my "friends" to arrive.
I entered the house again, getting blasted with a wall of warmth, allowing me to realize that the temperature outside was far cooler than usual. As I walked past the front doors, I heard a loud knock, and I saw our doorman leave his seat to answer it. "I'll do it," I offered, staying him with my hand. He nodded at me in agreement and I went to answer the door.
I creaked it open just wide enough for me to see who it was. "Hello?" I asked.
"Tell Roland Turner that his friend has arrived please." A girl with black curls, tied back in a green ribbon stood at the door, with a tall boy standing beside her. She was the one who had spoken to me, and I could only manage to glare at her. Alexandra Westley was the girl's name. I knew her since I met her nearly six years ago. She didn't bother me much nor did she pester me with talk either. Her business was mostly with Roland whenever she stopped by. The thing I didn't know was that he was a friend of her.
I grinned at her to the point where my eyes were but tiny slits with blue orbs hidden in them. Then, I slammed the door in her face and turned around. "Roland! Miss Westley is here to take you to school!" I yelled. I heard the jumble of dishes and utensils clang in the kitchen and Roland rushed out, trying to adjust his collar. "What is wrong with you?" I asked as he flew by me, nearly colliding with the door.
"Nothing. I'm late," he replied briskly before opening the door. "Bye, Astrid." And with that, he skipped merrily down the walkway, Alexandra's arm no longer linked to the arm of the boy she was with, but now with Roland's. I narrowed my eyes on the three of them suspiciously before heading towards the kitchen.
"Good morning, Miss," said Lisa as I entered. "You are a full twelve years old today." She smiled at me, and I smiled back, happy to see that she was in a good mood.
"Thank you, Lisa. I have a question for you." I took my seat and a servant handed me my plate of food.
"And that would be?"
"Why is Roland acting strange?"
"In what way, lady?"
"Stop callin' me that!" I burst. Lisa looked at me, shocked. "I mean, sorry. I prefer to just be called Astrid. Not lady. Not miss."
"Very well. You were saying?"
"Oh yes. Roland is... well... just this morning, he rushed out of the kitchen just to go to school. He hates school. Plus, he was dusting himself off and adjusting his collar. Why is he caring so much about his appearance?" Lisa laughed then at me. "What's so funny?"
"You should listen to him during breakfast more often, Astrid. The boy has a liking to Miss Westley. He fancies her."
"But he's not even twelve. I'm older than him! And what a stupid thing! To make yourself seem like someone you aren't to impress someone. I hope I am never like that."
"Oh, Astrid. Roland is growing up. I doubt that Miss Westley will be the only girl he admires. Go on, now. Eat. Your governess will be here soon." At that, I felt my stomach churn.
Lessons with Miss Abigail Smith must be more horrible than regular lessons at an all boys school. Her voice was squeaky and high, making my ears ring with annoyance and pain whenever she spoke. She spoke often, causing me much undeserved misery. She arrived just minutes after I finished eating, and Mum was nowhere to be seen. I had to greet Miss Abigail by myself. "Wonderful day, isn't it Miss Astrid?" she said, taking off her hat. She handed it to the doorman, but I gently took it out of his hands and threw it out the door when she wasn't looking. "Miss Astrid?" she asked, turning around to face me. "You will answer when asked a question!" I stared at her, not caring about what she just said. "Now stop pestering the doorman. We must get to your studies."
"It's my birthday," I said, hoping it would make her loosen the tight schedule of learning she set up for me.
"Oh, then that is only more reason to get going. Now, let us begin." Finally, she turned her back on me and I could slump my shoulders again. I followed her into the study, and she plopped her lesson plan onto a desk. "Sit," she ordered. I sat in my usual spot, which was in my own personal desk. "I have a surprise to show you," she said, her thin, pale lips curved into an evil smile.
"I am honored to receive it," I replied, trying hard to keep my temper.
"Good." She walked over to my desk and dropped an aged book before me. "This is your gift. It is a book about what you will be learning today." I opened the book. My eyes set on the large, black letters on the first page, and my mind ached with boredom. "Today you will be learning about the British Navy and those who disobeyed them."
"Who were they?" I asked.
"Pirates."
For a second, I felt a slight excitement and eagerness spark in me at the thought of the new topic, but it faded quickly as Miss Abigail Smith ordered me to read.
I never liked to read aloud, especially as reading became harder. I remembered when I couldn't read a word and Mrs. Whitman whipped me. I still had trouble, and I still got punished for it, but my dislike in reading was always present. Then, I reached a word in the book that I could not pronounce. "What is wrong? Why have you stopped reading?" asked Miss Smith.
"I...I don't know how to say this," I replied, pointing to the word in my book.
"If you cannot say any of those words in that book, then you haven't learned anything. Reading is the basis for all learning. If you can't read, then you cannot learn. No wonder you have always been a trouble. I have pupils that are already done with pirates and that other nonsense for months now, yet you cannot even get passed that." I felt my cheeks grow warm, and a hotness in my mouth grew. I wanted to yell and scream and push the damn lady away. I hated her. Her words made me feel stupid, worthless, and like I was nothing better than an ass. I felt half-witted, and a hot tear streamed out of my eye.
"Nothing to say now, eh? Then get back to reading!" Miss Smith roared. I swallowed hard, and it felt like swallowing a large smooth stone that was lodged in your throat. I let the air dry off my tears and I continued to read.
I only spoke when asked to, just as Miss Smith had taught me earlier. I was obedient and did whatever work she had for me to do. I didn't care if it was my birthday anymore. I didn't care if I would never learn anything at all. I just wanted to let things come as they go, and I wouldn't try to control them anymore.
Miss Abigail yelled and chastised me some more until it was time for tea. A maid called us both down, saying that my mum was ready for us. "Ahh, finally," said Miss Smith. "I think I deserve a treat after all this hard work." I groaned inside and followed her reluctantly out of the study and into the parlor.
"Astrid, Miss Smith," Mum said, standing up to welcome us. "How have your lessons been, Astrid?"
"They have been quite splendid, Mum," I lied. I sat next to her and reached over to grab my teacup. Miss Abigail already had hers in hand and sipped down the hot liquid. I grabbed a biscuit and delicately bite into it, watching Miss Abigail out of the corner of my eye. She was stuffing her thin, ugly face with Lisa's freshly baked goods. I ignored it though, remembering to let things be as they were, but the biscuit was dry and thick in my mouth.
"Astrid," Mum said, turning to me. "You are oddly quiet. You have not told me what you have learned today." I wondered if I should tell her that I didn't learn anything, according to what my awful governess said, but I lied again.
"I learned about the British Navy," I said as happily as I could.
"What about in Mathematics?"
"I learned division."
"That's good. Well, I think it is about time we head our separate ways." She turned to Miss Smith with a dazzling smile. "Peter, our doorman, will lead you out, Miss Smith. Thank you again for your services." Miss Abigail grinned, showing her large, donkey like teeth.
"It has been my pleasure, Mrs. Turner." She got up and left, realizing that she had no hat.
"Now," Mum said, turning to me. "What happened?"
"I told you what I learned today. Nothing happened."
"Astrid, that woman hurt you somehow. You are never quiet nor obedient!"
"She said I couldn't learn. She made me feel stupid. She said that I didn't know how to read and that I would never learn a thing in my life! And it's true! I will never learn anything!"
"Don't let that pompous, ill-mannered woman tell you anything! I know she has been quite hard on you, Astrid."
"Then why is she still here? Why is she still teaching me?"
"I needed an excuse to rid her from you. Once I employed her, I knew she was worse than old Mrs. Whitman. But I had no reason to dismiss her. Now I do." I looked at Mum, not knowing if I was angry or relieved.
"You made me stay with that witch for that long a time?"
"Not anymore. You will still have a governess until you are fourteen and available to marry."
"What about Roland?"
"He... well... he can go to school until he is dead. But his education at the boys school ends this year."
"Why don't they have schools for girls? And why is he spending so much time with the Westley's?"
"He is friends with their children. Go and wash up now. You're guests will be arriving soon."
"But-"
"Now, Astrid." I stomped out of the room and up the stairs, but an idea sparked in my mind.
"Mum!" I called.
"Yes!"
"Send someone for Miss Smith. She has forgotten her hat!" Grinning, I walked happily up the stairs and into my room.