String Caught in a Cat's Claws

Chapter 2

You cleaned Donna's office, organizing everything by color, size, and brand. Gently laying out her supplies and sharpening her scissors. It surprised you as to how much supplies Donna had, even having tons of clay making tools as well as a large block of clay hidden in the cabinet of her desk. Finally putting in the last of the tools into their own place, you went to go check on the rest of the room. You had placed sewing patterns into files, similarly named patterns put into general files. Rabbit Doll Patterns put in a file called Rabbit Doll, etc. You finished and checked on Miss Beneviento. She was pulling out a sculpted rabbit head and body pieces.

You watched with great interest as she pulled out her ventilator and started to sand down a cat doll's head. It amazed you just how much time went into a single doll. Her hands gently wiped away the clay dust, pulling out a paint set she left out. "That's so cool." You whispered, watching Donna paint the cat into a beautiful tabby. The cat wore a jesters outfit, little pom-pom bells on the ears. She placed the finished cat doll on the table, spraying his face with sealant and let him dry. She turned around, jumping when she saw you. She took her ventilator off, now that you knew her appearance, she seemed more shy. "What's his name?" You asked, looking at the doll. "Chester." Donna's voice was quiet, like a downy feather touching glass.

You gently placed Chester down, cradling his head. "I cleaned your office and organized your tool kit." You explained, giving a small bow. Donna picked up Angie, the doll sparking to life. "I can't wait to see it! You're quick, you know?" Angie spoke, bringing a smile to your lips. You got to Angie's level, enthralled by this doll. "Thank you. Do you know where I'll be staying?" You asked, tilting your head and looking up at Donna, a playful grin curving your lips. "In the room across from Donna's room. It's a little small, but it's nice." Angie piped up, grabbing your attention.

Picking up your bag, you thanked Angie and Donna. You brought your bag to the room you'll be staying in. A double twin sized bed, a desk, and a chair. It was small, but spacious at the same time. You put everything in it's place. Laptop, phone, chargers. You remembered giving Daniela your iPod, but not the hoodie. Donna and Daniela looked to be about the same size and you came down. Handing Donna the hoodie, you watched her put it on and Angie look up at you. "Good luck getting that back." Angie giggled. "It's all hers now."

Donna never took the hoodie off, wearing it all day and playing with the strings. You watched her and listened to her talk about her dolls, Angie occasionally chiming in. You could feel your heart swell as she spoke about what she liked. Her voice was like a soft blanket on a cold night, comfortable and welcoming. You placed your head in your hand, gazing at her with admiration of all her work and her skill.

I want to hear you talk more often.