TME Chapter 4

Chapter Four: Dinner with the Professor

I woke up from a dream. I wish I could stay in it forever in it. If only he didn’t show up. I saw my family again. They were happy to see me. They hugged and kissed me as I cried in their embrace. I was wearing my blue nightgown that somehow it wasn’t torn anymore.

“Where the heck did you get this? From the thrift store?” Hayley teased me. She was just happy to see me and wanted to make me laugh. I did.

“We missed you so much. Where did you go?” My father asked me. Before I could answer, a voice called my name. I spun around. Ratigan stood there in his black tuxedo and cape. My family’s eyes widen. So did mine.

“What are you doing here?” I asked him.

“You don’t deserve a disgusting family like them.” He smirked, pointing at mine.

Mom stepped forward. “You leave my daughter alone.”

Ratigan chuckled. “But, she already is alone.” He then grabbed my hand and pulled me away from them. They tried pulling me back, but Ratigan shoved them away. My family grew smaller in the distance, calling my name. Tears started to run down my face.

“MOMMY! DADDY! HAYLEY!” I screamed.

My eyes opened. I was still in the professor’s bed. My face was wet. I must’ve really cried in my dream. Why? Why? Why did he ruin it? I started to remember last night. His look in his eyes when he stared at me. The way he held my hand, trying to caress me. But, I knew he was just acting…didn’t I?

I started to get up from the bed. I was able to move now. I got a good look around the room. A chandelier hung from the room. It looked stunning. I’m obsessed with chandeliers. You probably don’t want to know the reason why. A huge wardrobe was right where the desk is. Right by the bed was a beautiful wooden nightstand. It had gold and silver lining with rubies and little gems all around. There were two notes on the nightstand that were address to me. One of the handwritings I recognized was Ratigan’s. The other was a mystery. I opened the mystery one first and read.

Kiara!

How are you? Is everything alright? Mary Ann and everyone else are worried sick about you. We heard about the incident and we were frightened that you got hurt. Ratigan has allowed us to mail you, so you can reply back. I really hope to hear from you. I’m horribly sorry that I couldn’t stop him from taking you. None of this should’ve happened if he suggested the mail delivery in the first place. Don’t worry, dear. None of this is your fault, so don’t go blaming yourself, okay? Hope to hear from you soon. Please let us know everything.

Kitty

I was thrilled to hear from everyone. Kitty. Mary Ann. Everyone. I want to tell you everything. I almost forgot to open the other letter. Should I read it? I opened the letter and read.

Dear Miss Kiara,

I do hope you slept well. I had to step out for a while, so I won’t be able to join you for breakfast. Please do eat. I don’t you to starve to death this time. I will see you in the noontime.

Yours truly,

Prof. Ratigan

P.S. Did you read the book yet? It’s my favorite one. You can keep it if you want.

He wants me to keep the book? Well, that’s very thoughtful of him. Wait a minute! What am I thinking? I’m not keeping anything he gives me! But, I do love the book. I did want to take it home with me. I found the book in my suitcase and started to read more of it. I was still in my torn up nightgown, so I put down the book and got changed. I wore a purple top and skirt with a pink shawl around it. I put on my comfortable black heels I wore yesterday when suddenly; a knock came from the door.

“Who is it?” I called out.

“Fidget, miss.” Came from the voice. “It’s breakfast time.” I grabbed my book and head to the dining room with Fidget. The dining room was truly beautiful. A stretch table sat in the middle with a small fountain in one corner, and violinists playing in the other. Two chandeliers hung from the ceiling.

“How in blazes did you fit all of this in here?” I asked out of the blue.

“Oh, we just drilled holes in the wall that were in the barrel so we could expand more room.” Fidget explained.

“So, the main room is all in the barrel?”

“Yep. That’s pretty much it.” Fidget led me to a chair. “Sorry, miss, but you’ll have to eat alone today. Boss will be back before lunch.” He said seating me.

“You’re not staying?” I asked him. I usually like being alone, but not right now.

“Sorry. Boss forbidden us to eat in here.”

“Oh, I see.” I frowned.

He handed me a plate with sausage, eggs, and biscuits. He then gave a glass of some kind of juice.

“What is that?” I asked looking inside the glass.

“Try it.” Fidget said. I hate guessing games. I took a sip. It was unusual and had no taste. It started to burn my tongue. At that moment, I knew what was burning my tongue. Alcohol! I spat out the drink. It was awful!

“Yuck! Pfft! Ugh!” My tongue was burning; I tried to drown the taste with the other food. Fidget couldn’t help, but laugh.

“What the heck are you trying to do! Poison me?” I grabbed his shirt.

“I’m sorry, miss.” He said, laughing in between. “I’ll get you some juice.” He quickly took the glass away and came back with apple juice. I finally drowned the awful taste with apple. Fidget was trying to hold his laughter.

“That wasn’t funny.” I said. But, the way he was holding it in was starting to make laugh. I was wrong. It was funny. I burst out laughing along with Fidget. After we settled down, he told me to enjoy my breakfast and left. Some of the violinists were snickering a bit, but they played on. After I was done, I applaud to the violinists and left the dining room. I wanted to explore. I made my way around to the throne room. It was the same from the movie. The fountain, the harp, the jewels and rubies he must’ve stolen, and his chair. I found stairs that led to a library. Now, this is the place you’ll never get me out. I would stay almost forever in a library. I love reading. I would sometimes let my imagination picture of what was written. Sometimes, I imagine them in a comic version. I went back downstairs and went outside. Some thugs were hanging outside. They spotted me and just stared. They had a look of sorry in their eyes. I guess they were trying to beg for forgiveness, so I bowed slightly as I passed them.

I walked around for a little bit, until I heard purring. It was the cat. I followed the sound and came across a different kind of cat. It wasn’t Felicia. It was a different one. It had the same color of fur as the old cat did, which was light tan and white. It was very skinny and a red bow with a bell on its tail. It must be a girl. She even had a scar on her right eye. Her ears began to flicker. Her eyes opened. Her right eye was white and the other blue. She must be blind from the scar. She glanced at me, and then got up. I froze. When the cat finished stretching, she sniffed at me. Her eyes were curious. I spoke to her gently, trying to withstand my fear.

“Nice kitty. Good kitty.” I held out my hand. She took a sniff at it, and she rubbed her cheek against it. Her fur was warm and smooth. I began to scratch her cheek.

“You’re a very pretty cat.” I spoke to her. She began to purr again. I chuckled as she smiled. I never knew cats could smile. “I wonder what your name is.” I spoke out.

“It’s Loretta.” I jumped and spun around. Ratigan was leaning against a bottle, smiling at me. I stopped petting the cat and curtsied.

“Good morning, Professor.” I said, trying to hide the fear in my voice.

“Good morning, my dear. Did you sleep well?” he asked.

“Yes, sir.” I replied, looking down at the floor.

“Don’t be afraid to look at me.” He spoke gently. I slowly brought my head up. His smile looked cunning and sweet at the same time. “I had an old cat before. Her name was Felicia. Her life ended soon when she was taken away by dogs.” I remember seeing that. Felicia went over a wall that had royal guard dogs waiting for her.

“Where’d you find Loretta?” I asked him.

“She was a stray. She was about to go hungry, so I took care of her. She’s been loyal to me ever since.” The cat walked over to Ratigan and began to purr in his face. He scratched her cheek. “So, whenever someone upsets me, they face her. I believe you’ve already experienced that.” I remember. He took out his dinner bell and when it rang, it ended the life of the thug that was about to rape me. I shuddered from it.

“I was so frightened last night. I tried fighting them off, but I couldn’t.” My voice was breaking. I really was scared last night. If it hadn’t been for him, my virginity would be lost. Should I…thank him for that?

“No need to thank me.” Ratigan spoke as he came up to me. “I should’ve been there in the first place. I didn’t even know they would go this far to hurt you.” He had sympathy in his voice and eyes. Is he acting, or does he really care?

“Are you enjoying the book?” Ratigan changed the subject. He glanced at the book I was carrying.

“Yes, I am.” I answered.

“I’ve had that for awhile now, so you can keep it.”

“Thank you.” I replied. I looked at the book. Ratigan began to walk in another direction.

“Come walk with me.” He spoke. I did. We talked as we went around in the barrel. He seemed interested in my talents. When I told him I love to draw, he took me by the hand and led back into the library. He seated me to a desk, and then brought me paper and charcoal. I never drew with charcoal before, but it was the same as using a regular pencil.

“Draw me.” Ratigan said. My eyes widen. What’s with this guy? Why is so interested in me? I have nothing to give him, so what is it? Is he just playing around with me? Questions kept buzzing my head as I drew Ratigan. It looked exactly like him. I was surprised at first. I never drew any Disney character in my life that is up till now. I handed him the drawing. He smiled.

“Well done. You captured every detail.” I blushed at his compliment.

“Keep it.” I told him. He folded it up neatly and carefully put it in his pocket vest.

“Now, I have something for you.” He took my hand and led me back to his room. He went to his wardrobe and pulled out a beautiful slim black dress.

“I bought this while you were eating breakfast. It’s the latest fashion in all of London. I wanted you to wear it for dinner tonight.” Me? In that? What’s the occasion? Why is he buying me stuff?

“Oh, I don’t know.” I blushed at the sight of it. “I don’t think I’ll look good in it.”

Ratigan looked at me shocked. “What are you talking about? You’re a beautiful and charming young woman. Of course you’ll look good in this.” I blushed hard. Now he’s flattering me? Something is up.

“Really?” I asked. He smiled at me.

“I mean every word, my dear.” I went red as I fidget with my fingers. This is unbelievable! This is Ratigan! The nefarious mastermind! The notorious criminal! This can’t be the same guy!

Evening came. I dressed up in the black dress Ratigan bought me. I put up my hair with a flower and chopsticks in it. I put a little eye shadow on and lipstick. When I was all set, I called Fidget.

“Yes, miss?” His eyes widen when he saw me.

“What do you think?” I asked him. He only stuttered. I giggled. I then handed a paper to him. “Could you deliver this to Miss Kitty? Tell her it’s from me.”

“Yes, ma’am!” He blushed and scattered off. I laughed when he left. I had to tell Kitty and the others about today. I can already see their faces when they read it.

Hey everyone!

I’m so glad I can write to you. You will not believe what happened today. Ratigan was acting like a gentleman. He asked me to draw him and he liked it. He even bought me a dress! Talk about freaky! He’s definitely up to something. He wants something from me, but I don’t know what. I have nothing to give him. I’m going to tell him straight off to drop the act and asked him what he wants from me. By the time you receive this, I will be dining with him.

Wish me luck!

Kiara

I was serious about what I wrote in the letter. I had enough with him being so kind. So, I’ll give him what he wants and leave. I’ll go see Basil, and then find a way home. I’ve wanted to see Basil for a long time, so this is my chance. I walked out of the room and into the dining room. Ratigan was waiting for me.

“Beautiful.” Was all he said. I blushed.

“You mean the dress?” I asked. Well, that was a stupid question.

Ratigan chuckled. “No, you.” I blushed even harder. He seated me in a chair and he sat right next to me. When the food came out, Ratigan and I talked and laughed in our conservation. When supper was almost finished, I got serious. I have to ask him.

“Professor?” I asked.

“Yes, my dear?”

“Why are you being so kind to me?” Silence fell.

Ratigan spoke up again. “What makes you ask that?” He looked at me curiously, still smiling. I frowned.

“Stop that.”

“Stop what?”

“Stop acting like you care about me.” Silence fell. Ratigan had a confused look on his face.

“What are you talking about?” I got up from my chair. I was becoming impatient.

“You know right well what I’m talking about. You want something from me. So, what is it? What do you want?”

“Miss Kiara, I’m confused. Are you feeling alright?” He put his hand on my forehead, but I slapped it away. I was becoming angry.

“Will you stop that?!”

“Miss Kiara…”

“You’re trying to gain my trust to you! You’re trapping me!”

“Kiara, I’m not doing anything to harm you.”

“Yes, you are!”

“No, I’m not. Kiara…”

“YES, YOU ARE!” I screamed and I pushed him. That only made him step back. The brightness in his eyes began to fade.

“Kiara, don’t start with me.”

“Why not? I’m giving you a chance to take whatever it is you want. So, go on! Take it!” I pushed him again. His voice tensed up.

“Kiara, that’s enough.”

“What is with you?! Why won’t you just take it?!”

“I’m becoming a little impatient.”

“Then go ahead! Be impatient! That’s what you’ll always be! You’re nothing but an ungrateful, selfish sewer RAT!”

A blow hit me on the face and I fell to the floor. My cheek started to bleed and my hair fell apart from the chopsticks. Ratigan lifted me up by his hand as he grabbed my small neck.

“KIARA LEE PHOENIX, DON’T YOU DARE CALL ME THAT AGAIN!” His eyes were terrifying. I didn’t move. He threw me onto the floor. I was frightened. The pain on my cheek stung me. I didn’t look at him. I couldn’t look at him. I was so scared; I didn’t even notice that he said my full name. How did he know my full name? I never said it before. How could he have known? I finally looked at him. The rage in his eyes was gone. They were filled with shock, like he couldn’t believe what he just did.

“Kiara…I…” He stuttered. He reached his hand out to me. My eyes were full of fear. I quickly got up and ran. “Kiara, wait!” Ratigan called back. I didn’t look back. Tears flooded my face. My cheek was bleeding hard. I want to run away! I hate it here! Ratigan’s keeping me for himself! I ran to the bedroom and plopped onto the bed. I sobbed through the pillows. The pain hurts so badly. I must’ve cried for a while. I want my dad! I want my mom! I want my sister! I WANT TO GO HOME!

I kept crying until I heard the door opening. Ratigan was standing there with a sad face. I don’t want him here! Why won’t he just leave me alone! He came up to me. I started to back away until my back was against the wall. I squeezed the pillow that I was holding.

“Kiara…” He started to speak. Fear never left my eyes that night. I tried to back up more, but the wall kept blocking. “Let me see your cheek.” He spoke again. I winced. I don’t want him near me.

“S-S-Stay away!” I stuttered. He kept coming towards me. I was still trying to back up on the bed. It was not long until he was on the bed, too. He kept reaching out to me.

“Just let me see your cheek. I won’t do anything.” Tears kept coming down. Please, go away.

“Go away!” I sobbed. He didn’t though. He kept coming towards me.

“Kiara…” he started to speak. He reached his hand to touch my face.

“DON’T HURT ME! DON’T HURT ME, PLEASE! DON’T HURT ME!” I screamed out. “I’M A GOOD GIRL! I’M A GOOD GIRL! DON’T HURT ME!” I was terrified. Ratigan then pulled me towards him.

“NO! NO! PLEASE!” At that moment, I was on his lap. He was gently rocking me, trying to calm me down.

“Shh. It’s alright. I won’t hurt you. I promise I’ll never hurt you again. It’s alright.” He was being like a father. But, not like mine. I wanted my daddy to rock me. I want him to tell me everything was okay. I want Mommy to sing me a lullaby. I want my sister to cheer me up. I don’t want Ratigan! He then ran his fingers in my short hair and kissed it. I was still sobbing. Ratigan said that he had nothing he wanted to take from me. If that’s not the case, then what is? Why is so kind to me? Why of all the sudden he started to care about someone other than himself? Why did he want me? Why? Why! I cried myself to sleep as Ratigan was still rocking and he kissed my head. In the morning, my only wish is that he won’t be there when I wake up. I don’t want to see his face. Lord I prayed before I slumbered. Please send someone to rescue me soon.