Disclaimer: I do not own the Unicorn Chronicles, the name Hunter, or anything else in this story. I only own my ideas and my computer.
The couple seemed a bit puzzled by my silence, the man looking to Miss Hunter – his aunt? – with a raised eyebrow. Miss Hunter seemed to understand, as she quickly spoke again.
"She is mute, Jasper." I hated that word. Mute. As if I were a television set. But it was better than 'dumb', which I often heard whispered about me. Understanding dawned across the man's face, and he smiled again…I don't know why, but the look seemed menacing, somehow. As if he was proud of himself. It scared me. His wife, Rose, leaned forward with a smile, looking much nicer than her husband did.
"Hello, dear." Her voice was kind, but I got the feeling she usually spoke faster – I averted my eyes in a shy way, to stop myself from signing that I was mute, not stupid. I didn't like this. Sitting in my chair, I crossed my ankles, folding my hands primly on my lap, and wished I could run. Had I been able to speak, I would have yelled for Miss Hunter to get these people away from me.
"How would you like to live with us, Tessan?" The question made me look up at Jasper, blinking and trying not to look as if the thought scared me. Instead of answering, I stayed silent – Miss Hunter was used to it, and quickly ushered me out of the room, talking about paperwork and how of course I wanted to live with them, and wasn't I perfect…Perfect for what?
Sitting on a bench outside, I could hear the girl from this morning talking about me. Ungrateful, she was saying…Why I should get to have a home, when I was so strange. Shut up! I wanted to scream at her, to tell her to leave me alone, to make all of them just leave me in peace. With that unable to be done, I grabbed a ball and flung it at her. It whacked her in the shoulder, and when she whirled around, crying, I was staring into the distance innocently.
I didn't know why that couple haunted me so much…Or why this place felt so uncomfortable to me. But it did. My escape plan had been in the works for a week already, and I knew tonight might be my last chance to get away. Town was a few miles off, but that was of little concern – my nightly escapes and trips into the woods had familiarized them to me.
It was settled. Tonight, after everyone was asleep, I'd make my getaway.
My heart felt calmer at the very thought.
It was five minutes past midnight when Tessa's eyes flickered open, her sleeping act finally over. The other girls had settled down a good hour ago, but she had to make sure everyone would be asleep. Tugging the blankets back, she slid silently out of bed, already dressed, hair falling mussed around her face. A hair tie was around her wrist – she'd put her hair up once she was free and clear. A bag of food and spare clothing had been hidden in a hollow tree outside last night. All that was needed now was to make it out the door.
Sneakers slipped onto her feet with little fuss before she tip toed to the door, opening it to right before the tell-tale creak started and squeezing her way through the crack. Tess closed it with a dry click and carefully stepped down the stairs, avoiding the ones she knew would squeak, and stepping lightly on the others.
Tessan was about a foot from the door when a low voice spoke from the corner.
"Not tonight, Tessan." Whirling around, eyes wide with surprise and fright, the girl's sharp eyes noticed Miss Hunter sitting in a small embroidered chair by the fireplace, complacently smiling at the escape artist. Noticing the utter astonishment on Tessa's features, the woman chuckled.
"You thought I didn't notice your nightly trips? Nonsense, child – I know everything that happens here. I simply allowed it, since it hurt no one and I knew you would return." The elder Hunter shook her head slightly, almost sadly. "But not tonight, Tess. Tomorrow you go home with my nephew, and I want you well rested. Come."
Reaching out, Miss Hunter placed her hand on Tessa's shoulder, guiding her back into the dormitory…And locking the door behind her as she left.
Defeated, Tessan changed into her bedclothes and got back into her bed, trying not to think about what the next day would bring.
The morning dawned bright and clear, waking the girls in the dormitory with birdsong instead of the usual bell. The first rays of sun had woken Tessa, who had done her usual routine of getting up, getting dressed, and making her bed, all before the other girls woke up. But today was different. Today was the day she went to a new home, with parents. Having received instructions the day before, Tessa was dressed in a lovely green and white plaid dress, white stockings, and shiny black shoes.
Her brown hair was brushed straight and shiny, and a green head band was bright against her dark hair. She looked lovely and unruffled, sitting primly at the foot of her bed.
What she felt, on the other hand, was nothing short of panicked.
As the girls filed to breakfast, Tess kept glancing around, as if expecting someone to jump out at her. She ate breakfast cleanly and quickly, and followed the other girls into the parlor afterwards, only to be caught by Miss Hunter and pulled into the office instead.
There stood Jasper and Rose Hunter, smiles on their faces and a child's coat draped over a chair. Tess blinked at the sight, riveted by the appearance of the vivid, forest green dress coat, which looked almost velveteen.
"Go on, it's for you." Rose said sweetly, as Jasper held the coat open. Warily, carefully, Tessa fitted herself into it, before turning around to find Jasper kneeling down to zip the coat up for her. It was warm and soft and absolutely delightful. For once, a true smile tugged at her lips, and when Jasper drew her in for a hug, the girl actually hugged him back.
Maybe this wouldn't be so bad after all.
That odd discontent began to drain away, leaving instead a rather apprehensive young girl who looked at Rose curiously. When the Hunter's offered her their hands to hold, Tessa held one hand in each of hers, turning to smile at Miss Hunter who had a delighted look on her face.
If she didn't know better, she would think the shine in Miss Hunter's eyes were tears, as the woman knelt down to gently tug the coat straighter, smoothing the chestnut locks with a motherly, caring touch. "You remember all you've been taught, Tessa, yes?" The arched eyebrow was answered with a rather amused smile on the young girl's face, and she nodded with almost dramatic seriousness, knowing Miss Hunter meant manners.
As the older woman leaned in for one last hug, she whispered close to Tessan's ear, "And no sneaking out on them. Ever. Understand?" The voice was stony and almost cruel, and as they parted from the hug, Tess gave a nervous nod of understanding. As the Hunters tugged her towards the doors, she paused for a single moment, freeing one hand to sign at the motherly figure behind her 'Miss you".
It was a lie, of course, but the proud beam of Miss Hunter's face made the lie worth it.