Beauty and A Beast

Part 1

Chidori waved bye to her parents whom watched her leave home to embark on her short journey into adulthood. Even though her parents were afraid for her, they knew that they could not hold her back when she wanted to sprout her wings. She smiled as she watched her younger brother Ken wave and cry. Her heart hurt but she knew it was time to move on. She was nearing twenty four and she couldn't depend on her parents any longer.

She gave one last goodbye and knew she would be back in no time. She was only going to be gone for one month.

"She will be alright my love. She is a strong one." Jack told his wife and she still had that fearful look in her eye and tears. "Honey, you're not helping Ken." He chided her and she gave a sad smile. "I know, it's just that I don't trust anyone. I'm afraid for her safety."

He agreed but he had to be the strong one who showed no fear, even though his throat was in his stomach. They watched as the train left and their older daughter leaving along with it.

***

Vanderpool Manor

"Welcome Ms. Walters, please put your bags down in your room and we can move ahead with a tour of the manor. I would like for you to start as soon as possible." The older woman told Chidori and she smiled as she wrote down on a pad. 

Yes ma'am. I will get to it immediately, thank you.

"You can address me as Mrs. Brineweld, but I was not aware that you are mute, child." She said as she watched Chidori with narrowed eyes. 

I may have special needs, but I promise that I can still do my job. Please. She wrote as quickly as she could and was afraid that they would let her go of her if they found her disability unnecessary. She followed after the Maid and she led her to a room that was supposed to be for her. I can hear in one ear ma'am, and I can speak if you wish me to. I assure you that I am more than able to work at my job. I promise. 

She placed her bag down on the floor and turned to look at the Maid. She held her hand out to motion that she was ready to leave. Mrs. Brineweld turned to lead the way as she did not as give Chidori a second glance. 

"Your daily duties would be to assist me in preparing meals for Master and we shall make sure that the manor is spotless. There will be only you and I. You may see some laborers here and there but you will mainly see myself and Mr. Brineweld who is Master's personal servant." They continued down the massive halls and Chidori took a look along the great halls that had intricate designs on its wood. The setting before her was dark and the curtains big and brooding. She felt that the first step she would do was to let lighting into the dark manor. 

Do you reside in the manor as well? 

"Mr. Brineweld and I have a small cottage on the land but we have a home in town. If you need anything, make a list and Mr. Brineweld should be able to procure whatever you deem necessary." She explained and they continued as she showed her the places in which she would be needing to upkeep and then the library. "You can utilize the library and study but once nightfall comes, you are to stay in your room. Master is up all hours of the night and he wishes not to be disturbed." 

Will I see Master?

"You will not. Have you heard anything about the Master?" 

I hear rumors that he is a beast but I do not believe in the supernatural or black magic. Surely he is but a man.

Mrs. Brineweld looked like she wanted to give her a smile but her old face didn't not move as she continued to hold her stern look. "You are prohibited from entering the West Wing as that is where Master resides. There will be a time when he has visitors and you are not to disturb him then. If you are to break these rules, we shall let you go. For now, until the month is up, you work for Vanderpool Manor."

***

Mama, Papa, Ken,

I hope you are well. I have started at the Manor and it is wonderful! There are so many rooms and the cleaning and cooking keeps me busy but it is easy. I enjoy it here. Master has such a huge library for me to read when my work is done, it would take me years to read it all. I am fine so please do not worry about me. I will be home soon.

Your Chidori.

She signed the letter as she sealed the envelope to leave for the courier to deliver it to her family back at home. She had been working for a few days and though it was hard at first, once she had gone into a rhythm with Mrs. Brineweld, they worked smoothly. She chided and scolded her for some things but she genuinely liked the older woman though she made fusses when Chidori would sign or write down responses. 

She had found out that the couple had two sons who were in the Army and they were away from home. She felt for the couple as they were afraid that another war would break out just like the last one close to two decades ago. 

"The pie is burning." She told Chidori and she made a sound of distress that had the corner of Mrs. Brineweld's mouth twitching. She bowed her head in apology as she removed the Shepherd's pie that they were baking. "You can address me as Edna." She said as she moved to let the pie cool. 

Chidori felt a tear in her eye as happiness overcame her. She grabbed the older woman's hand as she said in an almost whisper. "Chee-door-ee" She said as she pointed to herself. Edna gave her a look and then moved away. "Chidori, grab that cloth for me and a glass." When she turned away, Edna smiled as she watched the young woman move. 

"Are you a Regald?" she asked Chidori and the woman nodded. "But Walters, is your father Amerin?" Chidori nodded again as she reached into the pocket of her skirt to grab a photo. It was a photo of her parents when they had married and her mother was wearing a wedding dress that was fitting for her mother's culture as her father wore his Military Garb. She pointed to her mother before saying, "Mah-mah. Pah-pah" Pointing to her parents. 

Edna nodded her head as she filled the glass with milk. "Ironic that we fought a war against the Regalds, only to have your father marry the enemy." She said but there was no hostility in her tone. Chidori had her shield up ready to defend if need be but she realized that Edna held no offense. She was only speculating. 

She made a sign that her parents loved each other. "They raised a good girl." She said to Chidori as a strange look crossed her pale old face.