Author's Note: I know this whole story is a far-fetched concept at best, but I hope you like it. Whether you love it or hate it, please review!
THE HOUSE OF TIME
CHAPTER SIX---THE DOCTOR
Cinder walked into the night, away from Garrett and the sheriff. Garrett quickly rode back to the Stepp house. She was now all alone. It was a feeling she did not enjoy...
She took a deep breath and walked toward the doctor's house. How odd to think that it would someday be a library.
Doubts flooded her head. Will he take me in? What if he doesn't? What will I do? There was only one question she couldn't bare to let herself think of. It still lurked in the back of her mind, though. What if I can never go back home?
She finally came to the doctor's residence. It looked much as she had remembered it, though much of it was concealed in the dark.
She hesitantly walked to the front door and knocked. Not a sound was made in response. For a moment, Cinder feared the doctor was absent. She knocked louder. Finally, she heard rustling inside the house.
She'd barely heard the noise when the door flew open. An anxious man looked at her. "What is it? Is somebody hurt? Quick! Answer me!"
Cinder was in shock. It took her a moment to recover and reply, "No one is hurt."
Relief washed over the doctor's features. He seemed quite happy about the fact that his medical services were not needed. "In that case, what do you want?"
"I heard that you were interested in finding an assistant. I was wondering if I could have the honor of filling that position."
The doctor looked at her, bewildered. It wasn't until then that she realized just how young he appeared. He couldn't have been older than twenty-five. An unpleasant idea struck Cinder. What kind of "help" did he want?
Understanding dawned on the doctor's face. "Oh yes! Come on in!"
Cautiously, she entered the house. What other alternative did she have anyway?
He led her to a small parlor to her right. "Have a seat. Would you like something to drink?"
"No thank you."
Cinder was amazed at how welcoming he was. Even the kind sheriff had been a little angry that she and Garrett had disturbed him so late. The doctor didn't seem to mind at all.
"In that case, I hope you don't mind if I have something, Miss..."
"Cinder. Cinder Mathews."
She had expected some kind of comment about or reaction to her name, but none came. He simply made himself a cup of tea.
"Are you interested in a job, then?"
Still having doubts about what her duties would involve, she gave her answer with a slight reluctance. "Yes."
"Good. I really was getting quite lonely in this big house."
Alarms went off in Cinder's head. Oh no, what have I gotten myself into?
"The work may not be quite as enjoyable for you as it is for me, but I'm sure you'll get used to it after a while."
Cinder's panic continued to grow. It was just her overactive imagination, she told herself. The sheriff would never send her to an unprofessional man... would he?
"How comfortable are you around blood?"
The question caught her off guard, though it was natural enough coming from a doctor.
"Well, I'm not particularly squeamish."
"Perfect!" The doctor seemed overjoyed. "We'll get along just fine."
"Excuse me for asking, but what exactly would I be required to do?"
"Oh, not much at all. I'm just a very absent-minded fellow. I need somebody to look after my medical equipment and make sure everything's in order." He paused slightly. "So, still interested?"
"Of course."
"I suppose I shall see you tomorrow, then."
"Well, you see, the situation is such that I have no place to stay."
"Oh." The doctor paused. "In that case, I suppose you might as well stay here. Why don't you go upstairs and stay in the first bedroom to your left? There should be some clothes in the closet."
At the mention of clothes, Cinder remembered that she was still in her modern-day attire. The doctor either did not notice or did not care. She figured it was probably a combination of both. He really was an absent-minded man.
"Thank you, sir."
"Just call me Mr. Brooks." He then turned around, put down his teacup on the table, and left.
Not knowing what to do, Cinder waited for him to come back. After a few minutes, she realized that he'd probably just gone back to bed. What a strange person, she thought.
Well, I might as well do the same...
As she walked up the stairs, she became increasingly conscious of just how tired she really was. Upon entering her new bedroom, she did not even bother to observe her surroundings. She simply fell on her bed and slept.
Hey! I'm finally back... and writing! Sorry I didn't update sooner; please forgive me. As always, tell me what you think.
Losa- So, how was this chapter? Better? Worse? Any direction you'd like for it to go?
Tiger Lily21- I hope this chapter met your expectations! Please keep reading and reviewing!
Phillippa of the Phoenix- Don't worry; I haven't forgotten about Prince. As for why she's in the picture... that's a good question. One that I don't know the answer to yet. lol I'll try to figure it out soon.