Characters: Rena, with a slight cameo by Bridget Setting: Madison's Pub, very late Rating: G Summary: Time for cleaning and reflection. Status: Narrative
The kitchen seemed eerily quiet once Thomas had fled, driven by a desire stronger than any emotion Rena had ever witnessed in the man she had come to think of as not just her employer but also, her friend. It stunned her so much that at first, she could hardly react, the smile she had offered for his benefit fading as she stared at the space Thomas had occupied. It wasn't that she didn't want Thomas to be happy; in fact, she wanted nothing else for him. It was just that Rena was overwhelmed with the sudden feeling that her life was about to change drastically.
With a sigh, Rena fetched the broom and began sweeping up the shattered plates from the kitchen floor. With the practice of many years, she steered the few remaining staff members about and sent them on their way when the work was done. She would have never guessed she might one day feel so comfortable directing the flow of the winding down of the pub. Rena focused her attention on the tasks at hand and before she knew it, everything was in its place and Rena was alone.
The hour had been late when Thomas had left but it was far later now and still there was no sign of him. Rena frowned slightly as she wiped the already-clean bar one last time. Surely everything was all right? She hadn't perceived any danger from the woman and if she was who she said she was...
Bridget's mother. Those words caused Rena's stomach to flip-flop unexpectedly once more and she scowled at her own reaction. Why should it matter to her if Bridget's mother was back in the picture? The girl had a right to her mother, didn't she? She should be happy for her, even if this mother of hers had disappeared for the girl's entire life until this point. What could possibly have driven her from Thomas and Bridget, the most kind and wonderful people in Rena's life? It didn't seem right, it didn't seem fair. Letting out another sigh, Rena stowed the rag away, resisting the urge to pour herself a drink if only because she'd already washed all of the glasses and didn't want to disturb the kitchen again.
Instead, Rena did one last round about the room, checking to make sure everything was in its place, that everything was ready for Thomas when he finally did return. What was keeping him? He'd never left like this before in her memory, at least. With no more tasks to keep her busy, Rena resisted the urge to pace, instead deciding to check in on Bridget. After she was sure the girl was sleeping soundly, she'd find a place to settle until Thomas did come back. After all, with him not there, she couldn't just leave Bridget; it wouldn't be right.
Rena glanced about the room and, satisfied that there was nothing more she could do, she moved toward the quarters Thomas and Bridget kept for themselves. Ordinarily, Rena only entered that space with their blessing but she imagined that Thomas himself didn't go to sleep unless Bridget was sleeping soundly and she knew she wouldn't be able to settle until she knew the same. So quietly, ever so quietly, she opened the door to Bridget's room and peered in.
It took a moment for her eyes to adjust to the darkness of the room but when they did, she saw the girl's blankets and sheets were in a disarray, obviously still fitful despite the late hour. Whatever harsh or uncharitable thoughts she might have had lingering in her mind dissipated then, seeing Bridget so vulnerable, curled up as though cold without her blankets.
"It's going to be okay, sweetie," she murmured softly, pushing the door open wide enough to slip through. With a gentle hand, she readjusted the blankets, tucking them around the girl carefully. Bridget seemed to relax a little as the blankets were settled around her. She mumbled something softly and Rena wasn't sure if she was awake or talking in her sleep. "Shh, rest now." she offered, sitting on the bed and rubbing her back gently with her hand. Bridget smiled slightly without opening her eyes, though she shifted toward Rena, nestling against her body. Afraid to move and disturb the child, Rena stayed there beside Bridget until she, too, fell asleep, too weary to stay awake another moment, and the two slept peacefully side-by-side.