Alberta Chp. 2

2

“Franz Eli, you get down here this very minute!” Mrs. Bedder stood at the bottom on the long stairwell. Her face was beet red. “I know you’re up there!” She yelled. She stomped her foot and sat down on the last stair. “I’m way too old for this sort of thing, if I can’t go to him, I’ll wait for him to come down to me.” She grumbled. She kept jittering and mumbling under her breath, when she slowly closed her eyes and dozed off. 

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 

Franz peeked down the banister. “Looks like she’s sleeping.” He said to himself. When you take a first glance at Franz, you might see a well dressed proper little boy. But as you get to know him, you soon discover that he’s a monkey and is known for making mischief. 

He carried the bowl of melted chocolate that he had stolen from the cook, and he quietly tiptoed down the stairs. He was just passing Mrs. Bedders, when she woke up, and grabbed his leg, causing him to fall.

“Got ya now, you monkey!”

“Mother! Mother! Cook’s trying to eat me!” He did his petty little scream and pretended to cry. 

“Quiet!”

“Mother please!” He struggled to get away.

Miss Albury rushed in, and Mrs. Bedders released Franz’s leg. “Whatever seems to be the problem?” She looked at Franz. “Was Franz causing mischief again?” She looked at Mrs. Bedders.

Mrs. Bedders frowned at Franz and then standing up, stalked to the kitchen, with the chocolate bowl in hand. 

“Franz, I told you to stop bothering our cook. If she leaves out of anger, who will make dessert? Who will make you cookies when you’re hungry? Or hot chocolate when you’re cold?” 

“I’m sorry Mother.” Franz said, looking at his shoes.

Miss Albury looked around. “Where are your sisters, Franz?”

“Elizabeth’s sewing, Maryann is asleep, and Alberta—” He shrugged. “She could be on Mars for all I know.” The little boy cantered away happily.

Miss Albury almost fell to the ground, but quickly caught herself. “Oh, my head.” She groaned in pain. She shakily lifted herself up and tried to walk back to the grand room, when she groaned again and fell to the floor unconsciously…

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Alberta lay on the spring meadow grass and closed her eyes. Her hands were folded behind her head as she dreamed. She imagined all sorts of things. She thought maybe one day, there would be horseless carriages and ways to talk to people from across the world. 

“Maybe. Just maybe.” She whispered. She sat up and ran around the field, trying to catch clouds and fleeing butterflies. She dropped the book that was in her pocket, but she didn’t notice. It was her learner’s guide. Yes, that’s right. She was trying to learn how to read. But as you saw in the beginning, she was also expelled.

She ran along the creek and lowering her hand, felt the cool rushing water. It bubbled and gurgled freely, so happy, without a single job, but to carry the waters up to the mountains.

“I wish I could be a river.” Alberta ran faster, and spotted wild horses a few miles away. She waved to them, pretending that they could wave back. 

Suddenly, she heard a calling. 

“Alberta, come quick!” 

The seven year old girl ran with all her might to the mansion, and dashing inside, ran into the butler, named Lars. 

“Slow down, Alberta.” He wouldn’t let her go. He held on tight to her arm. “Your mother is very ill. It’s best if you stay here.” 

“But Lars—”

“No.” Came the voice of Miss Albury. 

Alberta peeked in the doorway of her mother’s room. Miss Albury lay on a wide bed with heavy blankets and sheets covering her. She tried to sit up, but couldn’t get herself to do so. Her body was failing.

“Let her come.” She said weakly.