The Story Hands

Chapter 7

I thought Claudia was upset with her own problems. Now she sees my eyes and everything has changed…

The dark thought chilled Adele slightly, as it foretold an emotional scene. The young maid avoided her friend's eyes, slightly worried. She thought about snatching her fallen hat from the ground and returning it to its rightful position but that wouldn't do her any good.

Instead she turned away, examining the door and muttering, "I really haven't done much. In fact, I didn't do anything that wrong."

Claudia, on the other hand, looked horrified. She was shaking her head and breathily whispering, "Didn't that witch – the one from the prison – have violet eyes?" Understanding that she would not be getting any explanation, the furious princess muttered, "You visited her. Specifically against my orders! I told you not to!" Claudia moved towards her bed and dramatically sat upon it, clasping her hands in her lap. She stared at Adele while hissing, "You've disrespected me for the last time! I want you out of this room, out of this castle, and out of my life!" Perhaps it was the heat of the moment that caused these words, or the fear of the unknown – unknown being Felicity, the 'witch' – but either way, Claudia felt the pain of a betrayal. A long line of betrayals finally topped off by this final one.

The young maid stared, in immense confusion, at her lifetime friend. "I-I must have misheard you. Wh-what did you say?"

Ignoring the question, Claudia continued, "Through my whole life you never listened to me. I'd forgive it and move on. It wasn't my concern… As long as I had a friend – and that's what you were. My friend. Or, at least, I thought so."

"Hold on," Adele cried indignantly, "Just because my eye color changed doesn't mean that we're not friends anymore. You've taken this way out of proportion!"

"Have I?" There was an added eerie weight with those simple words. The gentleness that had fallen across the blond girl's face was startling. She stood, pausing to swipe at her dress, as she continued her revelation. "We weren't ever friends, were we? I was just a lousy employer that set up too many rules to follow. You never respected me." She shook her head sadly, her voice was a soft whisper, "Friends always respect each other."

Adele wanted to plead her innocence, wanted to exclaim about the stupidity of this idea, but something stopped her. Of course she respected Claudia, it was absurd to think not. She would only be further insulting the princess if she protested, though. And so, she refused to speak her innocence because of actual respect and understanding for her scorned friend.

Adele had crossed too many lines; broken too many rules in her life. There would be no turning back. I must try not to be bitter about this, either. She doesn't want to see me… I just need to take what life gives me and accept it as my own fault. I should not have gone yesterday to Felicity.

Adele curtsied, putting in her immense respect and love for her friend in this one action. I may never see her again. She stood from her motions and whispered, "I-I am sorry, truly and deeply sorry." Seeing no remorse or forgiveness in Claudia's features, she retrieved her fallen hat and turned, walking towards the door. Glancing over her shoulder, she whispered, "Thank-you for… everything." There was nothing more she could say.

Adele had never felt the shock of what little possessions she had until she stood out front of the castle with a small carriage filled with only several items. An assigned coachman sat at the front with a beaten down horse. The impatient man looked over his shoulder irritably and growled, "Are you planning on leaving any time soon?"

Adele had stopped, examining her home – or, at least, the closest thing she had ever had to a home. The luxurious castle seemed to crown the horizon, its spiraling towers shooting towards the sky. Molded bricks, the result of years of work and master craftsmanship, aligned the exterior walls. It was a thrilling and terrifying sight – it always had been.

She recalled her first arrival to this place. Being a young and scared seven year old child, older servants had to lug her around for many days until she was unafraid to roam the dark chambers and intricate hallways within the castle. She recalled her first fearful thoughts as she was brought inside – to the only life she had ever known.

"Miss, are you listening? You should be grateful that the Princess allowed you my service into the surrounding village. Now, are you going to take advantage of this opportunity? I'd be perfectly happy leaving you behind and -"

"No," Adele's voice was quiet, full of the nostalgia of a time that now seemed long ago, "No. I'm coming." She turned, to face the coachman with a blotchy and red countenance; a greasy and repulsive beard dangled from his chin, which swished back and forth as he spoke. Eyeing this beard, the young girl spoke, in her usual confident manner, "I should certainly not wish to miss out on Claudia's hospitality. Though, I'm sure she is paying you to help me; not threaten me. You had better be certain you are doing your job properly."

He only responded with a scowl, "Try living by your advice. All of us servants know why you were knocked off of the pay list."

"Good," Adele declared as she mounted her carriage, "I shan't want them all confused as to my absence. Rumors would start, and we all know how troublesome those can be." Life felt as though it was rushing by. First the strange 'dream' that had turned real, her eyes, and now this. It was hardly enough to swallow. In fact, she felt her throat tighten as the carriage road away. Life was getting harder, suddenly.

Just try to think of it as a new escapade, Adele. Closing her eyes, the young x-maid allowed tears to flow out of her eyes and down her cheeks; her violet eyes that had changed her life forever.

I want to thank all of my lovely readers - first, for putting up with me; second, for finding something to enjoy about TSH; and third for continuously reading.

I've decided to do the tradition of commenting to my reader's reviews in the actual chapter releases. I've seen this idea and I really think it's a great way to clarify and allow readers to think more in depth!

Backroads: I was kind of worried that the laughing scene would be out of place and ill accepted by readers. I'm really glad you commented on it! Now, I'm wondering on your thoughts of this chapter. You, of all of my readers, have held a great joy in Adele and Claudia's relationship since the beginning. Do you think it was just the fierceness of the moment that pulled them apart?

EstrangeloEdessa: Yes, they are the best of friends. Do you still think that? The laughing fit was touching, and bonded them. But the idea of a fearful witch may just tear them apart.

clueless c: I was worried that sudden transition might agitate you guys, but I thought it was pretty funny, too. Women can be so temperamental; I thought it would be a good hidden joke! Glad you caught it, and actually laughed! I, again, highlighted the ways of women with the dramatic change of Claudia and Adele's relationship in this chapter.

Thanks again to all readers, reviewers… And to those who favorited this story!