Chapter 7: Adjusting to a New Life
Catherine opened her eyes the next morning, forgetting where she was. Where in the world... Gasp! She looked down at herself in the dim sunlight, remembering the day before. She could hear a dog barking outside the door. Turning to look, she saw a little ghost-dog float over to the bed. She was terrified and screamed, clinging to the crooked headboard. She tried to shoo the dog away with her hand but he just looked on perplexedly. Jack ran up after the scream and almost giggled at seeing her huddled on the bed, leaning against the wall, and trying to shoo Zero away. He patted his leg and Zero raced to his side.
"If he scares you that much I can send him off."
"No... I-it looks like I might have to stay a while, so... I guess I should get used to it." She half-smiled, warily eyeing the dog.
She rose and Jack smiled and bowed, offering his hand. "The town wants to meet you."
"Okay." She was still very shaken, but it wasn't as bad with Jack around.
She had the chance now to survey her surroundings. This is Jack's house? It's amazing... She saw a small library, various nick-knacks, and the whole house seemed ready to fall, yet sturdy all at once. She loved it. They headed outside, where the whole town was at the cauldron, watching the chaos.
"Ahem,"Jack had to gain their attention, "Everyone, this is Catherine." She gave a shy wave, clinging to Jack.
"What are you?" The townspeople were intrigued.
"Well, I'm-"
"She's a siren." Dr. Finklestein interrupted, still quite unpleased with the girl, but willing to tolerate her presence if only for a bit of pity. "Sirens are known to be seductresses, using their enchanted songs to woo men to their doom."
"But that's not-"
"What?" It was the first confident spurt she had since she arrived; she just couldn't tolerate people talking about her music or herself in a hateful manner.
"Let's not argue. Besides, you haven't heard her sing." The last thing Jack wanted was a fight. "Actually, that's a splendid idea!" Jack herded everyone to the town hall, where she could have a stage. She inquired as to if they had a piano, and was soon sorry she asked. It was crooked with several keys missing, having not been played in years. It nearly broke her heart seeing such a fine instrument wasted. As the others were seated, she placed her hand gently on the dilapidated heap, as if to pay some last respects. A spark seemed to leap from her hand to the piano. She checked her hand and repeatedly touched the piano again with no effect. She had no time to figure it out because Jack rushed over and led her out on the stage where she could be seen.
The crowd was only half-interested, not to mention intimidating. When she finally began to sing, she missed a few notes, but the song soon got to her and she let it all out. The sad melody caught the whole crowd and she sang with all her might. When she was done the crowd was silent for a moment or two, then a thunderous applause filled the hall. Not bad for only a second performance... Jack clapped the loudest.
As she left after singing a few more songs, she stopped at the piano. It seemed to have a presence about it that called to her. If only she knew how literal that would be.