The Other Lord - Chapter 3. Farewell

Rose lived in a simple town of Mountainville.It was a small town where mostly humans resided.The vampires lived around the area and occasionally visited the town.

The townsfolk stayed wary of them and kept a certain distance.

Presently, Mrs Rose Melton was sitting with her neighbour Mrs Agatha Ashwood.Agatha was a woman in her early thirties.She had long brown hair and deep brown eyes.She lived with her husband and son next door.She was Paul’s mother.

Her husband Mr Theodore Ashwood worked as a local bartender.Rose shared her deepest secrets with her.They both had developed a bond which had grown stronger with each passing day.

Rose had been worried to death last night.It had been very late and Alice had still not reached home.She was cooking dinner but her eyes were fixed on the main door.She expected Alice to barge in any moment.She had kept the door opened in the anticipation of her daughter.

After what felt like eternity, she heard the soft creaking of the door.She turned to look and saw Alice peeping through.Alice slowly entered and gave her mother an apologetic look.

Rose had hugged her daughter’s tiny frame and asked her never to run away like that.Tears had started to roll down Alice’s cheeks.

Now Rose was sharing her worries with her neighbour.

“I don’t know what to do with Alice.” Rose added two spoonfuls of sugar to the cup of hot tea and gently stirred it.She then handed it over to Agatha who took it by its handle.

“Why don’t you teach her cooking? She can start by learning quick, easy-to-make recipes.” Agatha touched the cup with both her hands, the hot cup warming her fingers.

“Ah! You think I haven’t tried?” Rose spoke as if it was obvious.

“She refuses to touch the spatula, let alone cook something new.” She spoke with disappointment evident in her voice.

There was a knock at the door.Rose was brought out of her troubles and she got up to open the door.

“Good Day Ma’am.You must be Mrs Rose Melton I presume.” A middle aged man with a moustache and a stick in hand stood in front of her.

He was wearing a black suit and looked of high stature.

Rose had never seen this man before in her life.She knew the man was not from their small town of Mountainville as she knew everyone here.

“Good Day Sir.Yes you are absolutely correct.I am Mrs Rose Melton.I am afraid I haven’t recognized you.”

“I am Harrison Scotch Fletcher. I own a chain of schools the Scotch Schools in the Empire of Blackmist.I have a residential school for girls a few miles away from your town.If you could invite me in, I would love to have a chat with you about it.”

“Oh yes, yes! Please do come in.” Rose allowed the man to enter.The man greeted Agatha and all three of them took their respective seats.

“I have come to know that you have a seven year old girl named Alice.I wish to teach her in my school.”

Agatha who was sipping her tea coughed on hearing the news.Rose immediately got up and handed her a tissue.

She then looked at Mr Harrison and in a surprised tone spoke, “I am very happy at your proposal Mr Harrison but I’m afraid that I am unable to pay a hefty amount that your school demands.”

“Oh don’t worry about that Mrs Melton.I am looking for a girl child from this town who could be educated free of charge.I have made enough money in life and now I want to do something that would give me inner peace and satisfaction.I would be glad to help your daughter in gaining fine education.I request you to accept my offer.”

Rose still looked unsure but Agatha was delighted.She persuaded her to take the offer and after a little bit of coaxing, Rose agreed.After all, which mother wouldn’t want the best for her child?

Mr Harrison was delighted and he left her humble dwelling as a happy man.

When Alice came to know about this she at first refused to go.She didn’t want to leave her mother and the comforts of her home.Rose had a hard time convincing her daughter.After a few tantrums, she had to agree.

The next day , a carriage was sent for Alice by the school authorities and she set for her new school.

Rose bade farewell to her daughter with a heavy heart.Paul and Agatha were also present.Rose saw her daughter’s face receding from view as the carriage made its way to her new abode.

“Will she remember me when she comes back?” Paul looked up at his mother who was waving at the carriage.

Agatha put a hand on her son’s shoulders as she spoke, “Distance tests friendship, Paul.True friendship withstands it.”

Paul hugged his mother as a single drop of tear fell from his right eye.