Harper leaned heavily against the counter, the weight of the night before still heavy on him. Standing felt like it to take too much effort, and the kitchen counter was the only thing keeping him from slipping back into sleep. Meanwhile, Bastien busied himself, after the heavy exchange in the office, Bastien has returned to his bright and optimistic mood. He was busy making hot beverages to revive the house's occupants. The mysterious woman had finally awake, she was sitting at the kitchen table, still wrapped in blankets and looking a little chill. Bastien helpfully pushed a finished drink towards her, she smiled at him and carefully took the hot cup between her hands. gently moving it closer to her lips.
Bastien offered Harper a beverage as well, Harper took it without any any ceremony. The three occupied the kitchen, but said very little. The morning had worn on an it was close to highnoon. The curtain, however, were pulled tight, leaving the kitchen in a warm but dusky gloom.
Finally Harper broke the silence.
“Miss, do you mind telling us what you can remember? Anything at all would eb helpful.”
The woman smiled thinly and continued to study her drink.
“I’m not really sure what I can tell you...”
Harper pushed on, “What can’t you remember?”
She laughed which surprised Harper.
“Dr. Harper, I’ve lost my memories- how am I supposed to tell you the things I can’t remember.”
“She makes a good point,” Bastien whispered, but Harper silence him with a vicious scowl.
“I wish I could be of more help, I really do- But I’m completely serious when I tell you I have no memories.”
Finally Bastien cut in, “Her name is Penelope Woolridge, at least that is what her painten files said. Her parents are abroad in the America and haven't been back for years. Her series have been an on-going condition since she was a young child, but have grown in severity every year of life- until recently when they became a death sentence... but that’s all I know. Her file was- thin.”
“Bastien- She shouldn’t stay here”
“You said two weeks”
“Yes, I know, and I’m not about to revoke that. But be smart, Bastien, we don’t know anything about her or her medical history.”
“I know enough.”
“Excuse me,” Penelope's voice cut through their fervent bickering. “I have forgotten a lot of things- But I haven’t lost my hearing. And, as I said, I don’t remember a lot, but I am almost positive it is incredibly rude to talk about a person like that while they are in the room.”
Both Harper and Bastien were taken aback. Bastien, recovered first and tried to change to subject.
“Miss Wooldridge, please drink your tea, I’m sure you will feel more yourself once you’ve had a hot drink.”
Penelope caught him in a tight gaze, his attempts to placate her unsuccessful. Finally Harper broke their standoff.
“Miss, I’m very sorry about our behavior, we have hardly treated you with the thoughtfulness and courtesy you deserve. But of the three of us, I’m sure you understand the best, how unusual this situation is, and I’m afraid proper manners have fallen by the wayside.”
“Yes, yes,” Bastien agreed pulling up a chair and seating himself next to her, “So why don't we all be civil, and have our drink and then proceed from their.”
Harper methodically pulled another chair to the table, the beverage in his own hand still untouched.
Penelope seemed to have regained her good humor and accepted the Bastiens proposal. She accepted the tea cup once more pushed in her direction and took a small inquisitive sip. Immediately, however, she set the cup back down.
“Something wrong?” Bastien asked seeing her face twisted in distaste.
“Oh,I’m sorry, but this tea- It is far too sweat.”
Bastien looked perplexed. “This is always how I make my tea- Maybe this is the amnesia talking, Ms. Woolridge, it's not uncommon for brain damage to also effect sensors like taste and smell.”
“No, no, I’m sorry, I may not remember much, but I can assure you- I have never liked sweet things such as this.”
Bastien seemed about to protest but Harper cut him off.
“Here,” He slid his cup across the table, “Its coffee, unsweetened, I’m afraid I’m just not in the mood right now.”
Penelope inspected the new cup, and sniffed the steam. She smiled at the scent and took a satisfied sip.
“Thank, Dr. Harper, this is much more to my tastes.”
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