[Two] HAZEL EYES: SECRET LANGUAGES [Two]

Nicole opened the door back slowly and stepped in. There were several women in the kitchen tending to their duties. One in particular turned to see who had come in. She had white flour on her hands and her gray hair had some as well. She embraced Nicole in a hug.

“Where have you been?” the old woman asked.

“Out for a walk, Mrs. Anderson,” answered Nicole.

“Your mother and father are in one of their meetings, but they wish to speak with you when it is finished with,” said Mrs. Anderson. “Might I suggest you change before hand?”

Nicole smiled, “I shall take your suggestion.”

Nicole left the kitchen and walked to her room. The halls were vast and the walls were decorated in paintings and tapestries like a castle would. There were forty-five rooms and ten lavatories. Many times when Mr. and Mrs. Hopkins had their meetings, they offered a room for those who had to travel.

These meetings were something of a mystery to Nicole. Since she was scolded at the age of eleven for trying to listen at the doors, she had always wanted to know what was going on. The reason her parents did not want her to be friends with Ryan Corman lay within those little conventions. They said the time was drawing close to when she shall know of their gatherings, and she will join them.

Mr. Madding also was a part of this unexplained group. He taught Nicole the language of Gej. The only thing he said was that it was essential to learn this language before she too could join her parents in the meetings as it was the only language spoken in that room.

Nicole walked into her fairly large room with large windows and fireplace. It had anything one could every want. Delilah, her cat, was curled up on her quaint bed. She went to her magnificent wardrobe and changed into a dry and clean dress. She let down her hair and did it again so as not to look like she had swam.

“Ms. Hopkins?” asked a small voice.

Nicole turned and saw a little girl about the age of eight. She was one of Mrs. Anderson’s granddaughters. Nicole smiled.

“Yes, Stephanie?” said Nicole.

“Your mother and father wish to see you in the dining room,” said Stephanie quietly.

“Thank you. Oh, wait I have something for you,” said Nicole getting a copper coin from her purse. She gave it to the girl. “Go buy yourself a candy stick after work.”

Stephanie hugged Nicole and quickly dashed off. Nicole beamed. Seeing others happy with what little they possessed, made Nicole question herself and the way she lived.
~*~*~*~

 

An eleven year old Nicole stood outside two large oak doors. Her parents were in there as well as many other people. Curiosity, got the better of her, and so this is where she stood trying to decipher the second language.

Mr. Madding, her Gej tutor, had taught her a few simple words and phrases, but for the most part, it sounded like an unusual language.  What she wanted to know, was why every time her parents went in the room looking happy, they always (especially lately) come out very angry.

For as long as she could remember, these meetings were a part of a weekly routine.  Nicole could not understand why they had to speak in a silly language when they were just used to the one they commonly spoke.

 

They were shouting today. She could recognize her daddy's voice anywhere. He did not seem too happy. It was going to be another quiet supper later. Why did they always have to fight? Could they not just get along?

 

She wanted to know why she could not be friends with Ryan! He has been her friend for as long as she could remember too. Her original plan was to confront these people no matter what age she was. Her heart was racing she was so scared. Putting a hand on the door knob, she was about to go in...
~*~*~*~

 

 

“Ah, here she is,” said Mr. Hopkins gesturing to the stairwell as Nicole descended. “Our little Nicole.”

 

Nicole looked down and saw her father and mother. Her father was about six foot, five inches. His brown hair was neatly parted and he wore one of his usual suits. Mrs. Hopkins was wearing a blue dress and dazzling jewelry that shined with every move she made.

 

Beside her father and mother were two men, or quite frankly, a man and a boy about the age of nineteen. They too were sporting crisp suits. The older gentleman was red-headed and slightly balding. His son had inherited the red hair and his face was almost unnaturally pale. Compared with Ryan’s complexion, this boy looked like a vampire.

 

“Nicole, darling, this is Mr. Smitten and his son, Michael,” said Mrs. Hopkins.

 

“Pleasure,” said Nicole holding out her hand.

 

Mr. Smitten shook her hand with a sure and firm grip. Michael took her hand and kissed the top. Nicole quickly withdrew her hand, disgusted by the impudent act. Although her parents thought it was ‘cute’.

 

“May I escort you to dinner, Ms. Hopkins?” asked Michael with a malevolent grin holding out his arm.

 

Mrs. Hopkins pushed Nicole slightly. Nicole took the boy’s arm quite reluctantly. Mr. Hopkins and Mr. Smitten exchanged glances and smiled at each other. Together they walked to the main dining hall. Dinner was served, an adventure all to itself.