Elianna
“There ya have it, my home sweet home.” Said Rose as ushered Elianna up the concrete steps.
“My name is Rose, what should I call you?”
“My name is Elianna.”
“Elianna, that’s unique I like it.”
Unsure how to respond, Elianna stayed quiet.
“You can stay in the guest room. There should be what you need in the bathroom. Make yourself at home and when you get clean, I will have some supper ready for you.”
Elianna scurried to the bedroom, shutting the door behind her. For a moment she froze taking in the picturesque scene. Soft plush carpet squished between her toes making her wiggle them. A full bed stood before her, perfectly made with oversized pillows and a thick blanket. On either side, small nightstands held a lamp on one and a delicate vase with a single rose on the other. Nearby, a matching dresser and chair complemented the room’s serene ambiance. She took a deep breath, devouring the sense of comfort and normalcy. The pure bliss almost brought tears to her eyes.
She stepped heavy on her way to the bathroom, loving the feel of the carpet, a texture she hadn’t felt since she was a toddler. Sometime when her mother was alive, she would sit on the floor and play with her. They would stack blocks together and have imaginary tea parties. Her mother always had something fun and exciting to do together. She didn’t realize she had missed the feel of soft floors so much.
Elianna tore herself back from memory lane. She observed the bathroom. An oversized tub and shower combo sat next to toilet. A marble sink lined the wall with fresh personal hygiene products. Elianna unwrapped the soap and inhaled the flowery fragrance. Not the soap her mother used but just as fancy and pretty. She looked around, locating a towel, and washcloth. Next to the towel hung a silk nightgown. Elianna gasped, could it really be for her. Her hand slid over the smooth fabric, letting it flow from her hands like a liquid. No other clothing was present and she had to wear something.
She stepped into the shower, too hesitant to tempt a full bath. For a moment she stood under the hot stream. She turned the water hotter and hotter until it pricked her skin, basking in the warm ambiance and silence. She couldn’t remember the last time she had enjoyed such a luxury. After cleaning with the pretty smelling soaps she stepped out and dried off, anxious to try on the night gown. To her surprise it fit perfect and held to her skin like a hug. She quietly exited the guest room refreshed and wearing a grin.
“Dinner is on the table. Would you like to join me?”
Elianna’s belly growled at the mention of a hot meal. “Yes please.”
“It’s leftover potato soap. I hope you like potato soap.”
Elianna nodded despite not being able to recall ever eating potato soap. It had been a long time since a home cooked meal had occupied her belly, anything would taste just fine.
“Would you like to tell me about yourself?”
Elianna shook her head no in response.
“Okay then. I will tell you about myself. My name is Rose as you know. I own the bookshop you have been sleeping in. I bought the little shop years ago when my two children grew up and had children of their own. It was something for me to care for and tend to after my children were not around as much. I suppose books are easier and less maintenance than plants. My husband passed away shortly after the kids left, leaving me alone with a whole lot of time on my hands. I could really use the help around here if you would like to stay for a while. I am only getting older and the house is too big for one person.”
Elianna stared deep into her eyes looking for any malice or ill intent. None was present. “But why”, she thought? “Why would the old lady want her to stay? To slave around the house and care for her like her own children wont. That would be a hard no. She could not obligate herself to such a situation. Her father would find her and both of them would be punished. Even if she could she would not be tied to a helpless elderly woman in need of a house maid.”
Elianna’s eyes dropped to her food and she ate in awkward silence. She had nothing to say in response. She slowly chewed each bit of carrot, pea and potato, enjoying the taste.
“The soup is good, thank you.” She finally mustered.
“You are welcome dear. Who is your father?”
“Seath Jinkins”
Rose cringed at name. A well known kingpin of the community.
“So you know him?”
“I know of him, yes.”
“Then you see why I can not stay with you.”
“Who’s going to tell him?”
“He has eyes everywhere.”
“We can work around that. For now get some rest.”
Later that night Elianna snuggled up in the full size bed and felt like she was swimming through the clouds. Finally a soft, REAL, bed to sleep in. She fell asleep thanking God for such an incredible blessing.
The feeling of unfamiliar surroundings woke her up late at night despite her comfort. She lied away watching the sky become a beautiful hue of blue grey. She quietly slipped from her bed and went looking for her clothes. She found them in Rose’s dryer, still warm. She hung the nightgown back where it was and changed back into her not so soft, familiar clothes. She resisted the urge to take it, knowing it wasn’t rightfully hers, she was no thief.
Barley making a sound she snuck out the back door as Rose still slept, locking the door behind her.
Rose
The moment Rose’s eyes opened she knew Elianna had left. The house was too quiet, too big. Needing to be sure she looked thoroughly while calling her name. Nothing. Rose sighed in disappointment and prepared for another day at her beloved store. She took the long way hoping to catch a glimpse of the girl and her routines. Once again she spied her climbing the steps to the hospital. A thousand questions burned in her brain, knowing most will probably go unanswered.
Elianna
Elianna spent the whole day with Charlotte, knowing she had a comfy place to sleep tonight and likely a hot meal. They played goldfish, built a Lego castle, finished a whole game of PayDay and finally ended the day by watching Scoobydo. When Elianna finally said her goodbyes it was dark outside. Her little legs walked briskly for the mile or so to Rose’s house. At first she was afraid she had already gone to bed, ultimately leaving her sleeping out in the elements once again. She peeked through the kitchen window and caught a glimpse of her eating dinner alone, an empty plate set for Elianna. She knocked on the door and was greeted by a smiling Rose.
“I was hoping you would come back. Dinner is on the table, spaghetti tonight.”
“Sounds wonderful. Thank you for having me again.”
“You are always welcome dear. As long as you pick up after yourself and don’t bring any strangers with you.”
“Yes. Ma’am.”
“Do you have siblings?”
“Just me.”
“You and only you are permitted on this property, understood?”
“Yes ma’am. Thank you for washing my clothes.”
“Do you have more clothes?”
“Just one extra pair and a winter jacket.”
“That’s what I figured. I stopped by the thrift store on my way home and purchased a few items. I hope they fit. If not, let me know. I also bought you a wig. I advise you to wear it anytime you feel the need and anytime you come and go from here.”
Elianna froze mid chew in disbelief.
“Why do you visit the hospital so often? Do you have a loved one there?”
Elianna nodded. “Charlotte, I love her dearly.”
“What is she to you? Is she ill?”
“She is my friend. Yes she has cancer. She will probably be dead in a few months.”
“That is terrible. I am so sorry. Is there anything I can do to help her?”
“I don’t think so, the doctors keep her comfortable. Don’t worry, I won’t bring her here, she has to stay at the hospital. I will stay here tonight then I must be on my way.”
“Yes of corse…You are always welcome Elianna.”
After dinner Elianna sorted through the clothes Rose had purchased. Several pairs of pants, shorts, shirts and undergarments. She cried silently as she put each one away. It seemed a waste to leave them heaped up in a pile. Plus it was untidy, the least she could do was put them away, even if she had no intention of staying long term. When she was finished Rose poked her head through the door to the guest bedroom.
“You know, I have a vehicle. I could drive you to the hospital in the morning, you don’t have to sneak away or walk so far.”
“Really!?”
“Most certainly. I will take you anywhere you need to go, as long as I can open my shop on time. Then we could still go places after I close shop.”
“The hospital will be more than enough thank you. Thank you for everything.”
“You are welcome. Goodnight Elianna .”
“Good night Rose.”
Discover more from Heather Congrove
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
