Miss Pemberley's Boarding House

It was strange not waking up to the sound of a family waking up, instead it was rather silent for Nathaniel. He lay in his bed missing the smell of bacon that would creak through the floor boards up top his nose. Bacon and eggs were made every morning by his mother and it was something Nathaniel had grown accustomed too. Instead there was no smell, no noise, just silence.

His bed was more comfortable than he was used to and it had given him a nice nights sleep. He watched the crack of sunlight through his curtains and prepped his mind for the day ahead. Today, he was planning on doing a little exploring of the surrounding area. This had been his first night in the Miss Pemberly's boarding house and so far he was alright with it. Nathaniel had arrived the afternoon before, he had been treated kindly and was given a room no problem. It took him but a few moments to un pack his clothes and set up a picture of his family next to his lap top. He had stood hands in his pockets for a long while gazing off into space, just thinking of what he was going to do. He had no plans really and he hoped to stumble upon what he wanted.

He sat up from his bed slowly and stretched his back, and then stood. He shuffled towards the bathroom and gave his hair a few shakes and splashed some cool water on his face. He took care of a few other needs and then went to get dressed. He chose the classic jeans and t-shirt and then gave himself the once over and headed down to the dining room where he saw breakfast was already laid out. He sat down and began to help himself to some toast as well as a fruit cup.

Lola moaned as she realized it was morning... Her clothes and a bottle of vodka sat on the ground... The cap was left off so the room smelled of alcohol. Lola grabbed it, meaning to take a swig but she realized the bottle was empty. Lola sighed, unhappy and sat up. Her blanket twisted around her and barely covered her naked body. Lola was chilly and got up, crossing over to her dresser and putting on some underwear.. She pulled on a sheer yellow top, so you could see her bra, and some blue drawstring sweat pants.. She'd only been at Miss Pemberley's for a week or so.... And she didn't care what the others thought of her... She'd do what she'd want.... And that meant dressing how she wanted.

Lola went downstairs... She'd heard a new guy had arrived last night so why not make him feel home? She'd been in her room last night... Doing stuff so she had no time to meet him... Lola rounded a corner and into the kitchen/dining room. She spotted a boy. He had short dark brown hair and he was pretty attractive... He looked no older than 23 and no younger than 20. Lola crossed to the fridge and grabbed some milk and set it on the counter and she grabbed a box of cereal.. It was a strange english cereal that she'd never seen back in new york before she came here... But it was her favorite over here. Lola poured the cereal into a bowl and then the milk, walking over to the boy and sitting next to him. Lola's knee touched his and she smiled... She always loved making people feel awkward. "Hey there... My name is Lola but most people call me Lolita... Your new around here..? What's your name?" Lola asked, her face a little close... She also could smell the alcohol still on her breath... She hoped the boy didn't mind.

Nathaniel looked up when a pretty but slightly dishevelled woman walked in and he nodded his head politely in greeting, he would have said something but his mouth was full so he decided to watch instead she she made herself some cereal. He couldn't help but notice the outline of her bra through her shirt and he wondered for a moment if she knew her shirt was see through. But then he supposed it was some fashion statement that he hadn't quite heard of just yet. It seemed a bit silly to him, if we can see it, why bother with a shirt at all? he thought to himself as he bent his head and took another bite of toast.

She walked over to him and he forced himself to swallow what was in his mouth and he waited for her to sit. Her knee was brushing against his and he was confused all over again when she smiled. She introduced herself as Lola or as she would prefer him to call her Lolita before he could ponder the strange contact of their knees any further. "I am new." He said finally speaking his Irish accent was thick "Name's Nathaniel." He wanted to offer her his hand but she was so close to him, he wondered if maybe people in America kissed each other in greeting rather than a firm handshake. Instead he did nothing but give her a genuine smile. "Tis nice to meet you." He wasn't all that bothered by her closeness, but instead he was curious about it. He'd never really met a woman so bold. He decided to strike up a conversation, "I know you are American from your accent but where in America? The folks over here tend to call you lot Yanks." He told her this common knowledge as he went and buttered another slice of bread.

"I am new." he said. Lola studied him... He didn't seem at all bothered by her contact.. Usually men were creeped out or jumped on her... This was interesting. The boy had an accent which interested Lola. "Name's Nathaniel." he said. Lola nodded and smiled. "Tis nice to meet you." he said. "Yes you too." Lola said, spooning a mouthful of cereal into her mouth. "I know you are American from your accent but where in America? The folks over here tend to call you lot Yanks." he said. Lola's eyes lit up in amusement.. That wasn't the first time someone had called her that... She found the term sounded rather funny... Peculiar. "Good question." Lola said as she watched Nathaniel butter a slice of bread. "I'm from New York... I moved to Europe a couple years ago... I had some trouble so I found this place... I don't really plan on staying long though." Lola sighed... "Your Irish right? Assuming from your accent? Where you from? Why'd you decide to come to this wonderful place?" Lola laughed, looking around the room. Nobody had decided to come to breakfast... They were probably still asleep.

Quinn yawned and stretched as she rose from her bed. She had a great nights sleep for once in a long time. Usually she was plagued by dreams that were strange or in which she was lucid, but not last night. Last night her sleep and been restful and dreamless and exquisite. Her sleep attire left much to be desired, consisting of a Bray Wanderers Football T-Shirt and capri sweatpants. She made her bed, not liking it left undone, and padded barefoot downstairs.

Upon entering the kitchen she found Lola there with a new guy. She seemed to be uncomfortably close to him, but he didn't really seem to mind or understand what she was doing. Quinn knew what game she was playing. She had seen her do it way to many times before. They were having a conversation about her whereabouts. Quinn couldn't help but roll her eyes. Lola was by far, in her eyes, the most annoying resident here. She drank a lot and made a terrible din when she got drunk when Quinn needed to be at work the next day. Quinn was sure she did it just to spite her.

Walking past the table where the two sat, she opened the fridge pulling the eggs and bacon from the drawer. Interrupting their conversation, Quinn spoke to the new guy. "Would you like some proper breakfast? I cant imagine the fruit cup's going to fill you up." Her Dublin accent was subtle yet still noticeable. Not really waiting for his answer, she turned back to the task at hand and began pulling the pans from the cupboards. After turning the stove on she placed the bacon in the pan and let it sizzle. "How would you like your eggs mate?" She said turning back to the newcomer still blatantly ignoring Lola.

She told him that she didn't plan to stay long and he nodded "if you thin the place is so nice, why won't you be staying long?" Nathaniel questioned her leaning back slightly. "I come from a small town a few hours outside of Dublin, I suppose you could say that I'm looking for a change in pace." he looked up and saw another woman enter and he gave her a nod in greeting and offered her a small smile as well. You couldn't possibly go wrong in a place like this, he thought softly admiring the view of the two women.

She didn't introduce himself and so he though he should be polite and say something, especially after she offered to make him eggs. "scrambled if you please." he noticed her accent and smiled softly he didn't mention it but rather took comfort in the fact he had someone from his country with him. "thank you by the way. The fruit wasn't doing much." he glanced over at Lolita and then back at the girl "I'm Nathaniel by the way." he stood from the table, his hand brushed Lolita's hair and he gave her an apologetic look and then went to check on the progress of the eggs.

From the stairs, Alec watched the three figures in the kitchen, shaking his head at the hopeless trio in front of him. Nathaniel, the poor bloke, obviously didn't know which of the two girls to choose from. The Lolita girl, he'd helped when she first moved in. Quinn was a decent girl. He strolled into the dining room, yawning lazily.

"I'm starving," he muttered to himself.

He plopped himself down on one of the seats, across from Lolita, and grabbed a slice of bread.

"Morning, beautiful," he said lightly, winking at Lolita.

He didn't really like Lola all too much, but it wasn't like she was awful. Alec also knew that Lola was a flirt, just like he was, so she wouldn't take his remarks all too seriously. He grinned at Nate.

"Hey mate. Sleep well last night?" he inquired of Nathaniel while buttering his bread.

"if you thin the place is so nice, why won't you be staying long?" Nathaniel asked. Lola pondered the question. "Its nice... But not nice enough to stay long..." Lola sighed. "I come from a small town a few hours outside of Dublin, I suppose you could say that I'm looking for a change in pace." Nathan said, answering Lola's question. Lola frowned as Quinn entered the room... There always seemed to be tension between the two... Lola knew Quinn despised her so she made the best of it.... Making Quinn despise Lola even more... Lola watched as Quinn offered Nathaniel some breakfast, totally ignoring the fact that Lola was present... Lola watched as Nathaniel got up, brushing her hair accidentally as he rose. Lola gave a sweet smile and gave Quinn a look as Nathan headed over to check on the eggs.

Lola watched as Alec sat across from her and grabbed a piece of bread.. "Morning, beautiful," Alec greeted, winking at Lola. Lola blushed... He was such a gentlemen and charismatic that is... He always knew how to make the woman swoon... He was also kind as he had helped Lolita move in, months following the "accident". In a way, Alec was similar to Lolita... She knew not everyone was fond her at in the house but she felt closest with Alec.... He was a flirt like her.... But this was an act for Lola, to hide everything... It was like halloween everyday and this was only her costume... Her real self would break down... But Lola was stronger than that. "Aw thanks Alec. How was your sleep?" Lola murmured to Alec, putting a spoonful of cereal in her mouth.

Nathaniel glanced over his shoulder and saw a new face and he nodded at the man and said "Slept alright, always different in a new bed. 'pose I'll get used to it soon." He watched as he flirted with Lolita and he wondered if maybe they were together but he assumed that maybe he was just being nice. He thought to make some conversation with the group and said "Maybe somebody could show me a few interesting spots to explore around here. I wouldn't mind getting out and seeing the sights today."

She smell of eggs was wonderful and he glanced back at them cooking and he nudged Quinn gently "Thank you." he said. It was always nice when people cooked for him. He couldn't help but notice that Quinn seemed to have a dislike for Lolita and he was curious as to what had happened between them but he thought it wise not to ask. He looked over at Alec and thought that he seemed like an interesting fellow and he hoped that maybe they would be friends. He missed having a guy to hang out with. It was always fun to go out with the guys and have a beer. He smiled at the thought of having friends.

"Aw, thanks, Alec. How was your sleep?" Lola asked.

"As good as it usually is, I suppose," he said breezily, smiling at her.

Quinn was in the kitchen, making scrambled eggs. From the way Nate and Quinn stood together, you'd have thought that they were a couple. Hearing Nathaniel ask about the sights made Alec perk up. He knew just about everything in the area, and taking a tram into the heart of London wouldn't take too long. Alec turned in his chair to face Nathaniel.

"Well, if you're looking for ordinary sights, any old chap can do that. But I," he said, patting his chest twice for emphasis,"know the local places, and I've got quite a few connections further into London. Allow me to be your guide."

Alec grinned winningly. His connections would get him far someday, he knew.

Quinn was busily taking the bacon from the stove and cooking the eggs. The new guy who had introduced himself as Nathaniel came up behind her to check on her progress. It was beginning to smell very delicious in the kitchen. Quinn heard Alec come into the kitchen. She liked him well enough, but he was too much of a flirt and Quinn never really liked people who were so free with their emotions. She turned to Alec and asked if he would also like something more filling. She didn't really wait for and answer and turned back to the eggs.

Nathaniel was answering the question that Alec had posed and then spoke to nobody in particular. "Maybe somebody could show me a few interesting spots to explore around here. I wouldn't mind getting out and seeing the sights today." Quinn didn't want to give Lola the satisfaction or the chance to corrupt the newcomer and started to volunteer when Alec chirped up offering his services. "Would it be t' much trouble if I tag along? I'm off from work t'day and I have noting else I'd rather do so I'd be more than happy t' come." He gave a nudge and "Tank You" She presumed it was for the breakfast she was cooking but she liked to think it was for helping him get away from Lola.

Breakfast was now finished cooking and she plated everything up and sat it in front of their respective places. She had begrudgingly fixed Lola a plate. No matter how much she didn't like her, she wasn't the type to let anybody starve, though her serving was noticeably smaller. Breakfast that morning consisted of scrambled eggs, toast, bacon and she threw in some bangers, a traditional Irish sausage. She was particularly proud of the small feast she prepared. She was the one who did a lot of the cooking and food shopping for Miss Pemberly's and everyone always seemed to enjoy the food she cooked.

Before she sat down to eat, she remembered the tea. She prepared some Irish Breakfast Tea and went around placing the cups in front of everyone. Breakfast Tea was often best served with milk so she fixed everyone a cup of that as well. She knew that Alec, being British enjoyed a good cup of tea from time to time, but Lola being American wasn't a huge fan. She placed milk and tea in front of regardless of her opinion. Fixing the tea was Quinn's favorite thing to do in the house and like cooking, she was good at it too.

Finally done with her task, she sat down to enjoy her breakfast. She decided to strike up a conversation, and turned to Nathaniel. "So Nataniel, seeing as your the new one here, you get t' choose what we eat for dinner. I could pick up the ingredients later after we're done sightseeing, if you'd like me t' cook for you that is." She gave a sly smile, knowing he would enjoy the food and wouldn't say no.

Alec and Quinn volunteered to show him around and Nathaniel found himself looking forward to hanging out with the two of them. He went and sat next to Alec at the table and he glanced over at Alec and said "Thanks man." He grinned at him and said "I'll buy you a pint." He looked over to Quinn and said "I will of course by the lady a drink as well." He told her.

He couldn't help but wonder what sort of connections Alec had and he voiced his question to Alec "Do we want to know how you got those connections of yours?" He leaned back a little as Quinn set everything down on the table and made a soft noise of thanks. He waited for everyone to get their food and even waited for Quinn as she made some tea. Once everyone was seated and comfortable he began eating. It was the manners his mother had beat into him as a child.

He dug in and savoured the taste, "nothing beats home cooking." He said happily. Quinn offered to let him choose dinner and he nodded "I'll pitch in for the ingredients." He told her. "I would love some pork roast." He looked at her hopefully. "tis my favourite."

"As good as it usually is, I suppose," Alec said. Lola nodded. "Thats good.""Maybe somebody could show me a few interesting spots to explore around here. I wouldn't mind getting out and seeing the sights today." Nathaniel asked. Lolita perked up and was about to say she could when Alec said he could... Better him than Quinn... Lola tried to be Quinn's friend at first but it just wasn't meant to be.... "Would it be t' much trouble if I tag along? I'm off from work t'day and I have noting else I'd rather do so I'd be more than happy t' come." Quinn jumped in. That was the end of Lola's short lived happiness. "My job hunting isn't going anywhere so I'd love to come along too.. If you'd have me." Lolita said, giving her most convincing smile and twinkly eyes...

Lola watched as Quinn served her a plate... At first she wondered if she sneaked some poison into it but sighed... Quinn wasn't that bad... Lola gave a shy smile. "Uh thanks Quinn." She said... She didn't want to sound ungrateful but she truly was surprised.... Quinn hated Lola so this confused Lola a lot. Although the serving was considerably smaller, she didn't mind... The act was nice... Quinn may not be that bad at all. Lola watched as Quinn then poured a cup of tea. Lola sighed... It wasn't her favorite drink... Everybody knew what her favorite drink was... But that still didn't mean she didn't like tea... She had particular fond memories while she was drinking tea. It calmed her down but she despised the bland tea so she downed it quickly as if it was water and something that didn't have to be sipped. Lola nodded to Quinn and took a sip. She preferred Chamomile and Green Tea more but it was alright. Lola also had a weird thing with not mixing the milk in... She'd never tried it but she thought it would taste weird so she doesn't put milk in her tea.

She watched as Quinn struck up a conversation with Nathan... It made Lola feel a little uncomfortable... She didn't know why though. Lola saw Alec but he was busy with breakfast. Lola quickly finished her breakfast and got up, setting her dishes in the dishwasher. She grabbed a beer from the kitchen and walked outside into the backyard to the patio and she lounged in one of the chairs.. It was still pretty hot out and she was beginning to feel hot and sticky. She looked at her cold beer and she took the cap off and took a swig. The sun was blinding her so she moved her chair to a nearby tree. "Thats better." She sighed and took yet another swig.

Cal was not yet used to waking up to a cloudy, gray sky and as such squinted doubtfully at his window. "What the hell?" he mumbled. Sleep, wrapped around his brain in such a lascivious fog, delayed him in remembering where he was, even what continent he was on. After a moment, he chuckled, "Oh, right. London, you dolt. Day what, three? Four?" He sighed and, rubbing the sleep from his eyes, sat up. His hands ran over the sheets on the bed, as if they were aware of the fact that the fabric was of a higher thread count than anything he’d slept in for quite some time. Different, everything is different. Calvin ran one hand through his hair, working out the few tangles as he went.

Is it really morning, or is it still night? He took another glance at his window and peered outside. There was sunlight peeking through the cover of clouds, just not the copious amount he'd grown used to. He shrugged, figured that he'd grow accustomed to it eventually, and went downstairs.

"Hello, people," Cal drawled, a crooked grin on his face as he crossed the threshold into the kitchen. The smell of eggs, tea, and other breakfast items hit him full on. It smelled better than he expected it to, especially considering that he considered eggs the chicken equivalent of a menstrual cycle. Even so, he passed. Food didn't hold much, if not any, appeal to him today. Thankfully, it seemed whoever had cooked the meal hadn't counted on him waking up at this time (not that he would refrain from refusing the offer if presented) and there wasn't any for him to have.

He still sat himself down at the table and glanced at each of them. "So what're y'all up to?"

Alec reached for a piece of bacon as Calvin, another new resident, came down the stairs, looking slightly disheveled. He greeted everyone with a bit of a twang. Alec would have to get used to it.

"Mornin', Cal. I was going to show Nate, Quinn, and maybe Lola around town," Alec said, swallowing the bacon.

He wondered if Calvin would want to come along, or if he didn't want to even be seen around the likes of them in public. He decided to extend his invitation to him.

"So, you know, if you'd like to come along, I'd be fine with it," he said slowly.

Cal considered the offer: the excursion would result in the loss of running time, but he hadn't quite started that full swing yet and needed a route; this little foray into the city could help him discover a few

After a moment, he pointed to a brown haired fellow, the only person in the room that Cal hadn't at least seen in passing. "Is this fellow Nate?" he asked.

Yes or no, he would go, he decided. "I'll go. After all, you're the one that offered. Where's about the city we talkin'?" Momentarily it occured to him that his 'odd' manner of speaking might confuse them, considering the significant gap between their hometowns, but in all honesty he couldn't be bothered to care. Instead of clarifying, he just smiled, one side still pulled higher than the other, and waited for an answer.

Nathaniel looked up as yet another entered the room and he greeted the new guy who Alec called Cal with a grin. "hello." he said, Alec invited him along on their little excursion and somehow he seemed a bit cautious about how he invited him. He looked at Cal expectantly as he sat down and helped himself to some food and the glanced over to Nathaniel. He asked him about his name and Nathaniel nodded "that's me." he was intrigued by Cal's funny accent and sat back to hear him say something that confused him a bit.

He glanced over a Quinn and Lolita to see if they made any sense of what he had just said and he looked at him a bit blankly. "I don't suppose you can try that again, but in english this time?" he smiled hoping that Cal would understand it was a light hearted joke. "where are you from you've got the sound of a Yank in you." he asked him.

The joking tone kept him from giving him a saccharine smile and kindly telling him to fuck off, so instead he leaned forward and tilted his head to the side, as if studying him. "Heh, I meant," Cal corrected himself, "where about in the city are we plannin' on goin'?"

At the next question, he was slightly less eager to bite back a sharp comment. "Y'all are always askin' 'oh, where are you from' and never 'where were you born', or 'where were you raised', or anythin' else." After a pause, he laughed under his breath. "Although... Origin ain't of any importance here, now is it?" Picking his words carefully, he said, "To most people from where I was born, I don't sound anything like a Yank. I park my car, not my cah. I walk my dogs, not my dowgs. What, are all Americans Yanks to you?"

Nathaniel almost felt if maybe he were being scrutinized and he forced himself not to frowned, did the Yanks not know they only meant such terms in good fun? Or perhaps this man wasnt the joking type. He found himself making a note to be more careful with what he said. He didnt like the way he was being looked at and when Cal clarified what he had meant Nathaniel pointed to Alec "Apparenly Alec has connections, therefore he leads the way." As if the matter were settled he sat back in his chair as Cal spoke again. He had difficulty understanding him as he spoke but he gathered the gist of it. "Amreicans are Yanks. TIs what we call them, just like I'm sure you call the Irish Leprecaun drunks and the brits tea drinking cosies." Nathaniel has heard all the sterotypes before and he had accepted them and thought them a bit funny.

He felt a bit tense now and didnt really like the feeling but shrugged it of. "I think just about everyone is done." Nathaniel said looking around. "Perhaps we should clean up and head out." He went and began to pile plates and took them to the sink.