Overexposed

Death was soft. Well, softer than James had originally planned it to be.

“Wake up idiot!”

James felt something being ripped off of him and instinctively turned on his side and curled up in a ball for warmth.

“Elliott, get up this instant! Master will have our heads if we aren’t doing chores by the time the sun rises!”

James peeled open his eyelids only to be greeted with a dark room and a persons face. James shot up and stumbled back.

“What tha...”

The room around him was one that resembled the orphanage. Wooden bunk beds were lined up against stone walls and the floors were covered with dust and bugs. There were holes in the walls that housed small rodents and a single light bulb hung from the ceiling. A girl with short brown hair stood on the latter of his bed, only her upper half visable.

The rest of the beds were empty and the light was on. James ran a hand over his face and looked at the girl.

“Wha... who are you?”

“What do you mean?” She replied tilting her head, confusion dancing across her face.

“Where am I?”

“In Lord Kunningham’s mansion? Come on Elliott, stop goofing around and get up all ready.”

She hit the back of his head and climbed down the latter, disappearing out of the room. James grabbed the dirty white button up shirt, brown overalls and brown trousers that were neatly folded on the end of his bed, climbed down and changed into them. He slipped on a pair of bright red socks and brown boots and grabbed the news boy hat that was hung on the post and walked out of the room into a large meeting hall where serve ya were gathered, quietly chatting.

“Attention! Attention! The chores for today will be announced!” A nicely dressed man boomed over the crowd.

He began listing off names and jobs, pretending to care about what chores we got.

“Elliott and Cathey, scrubbing the floors.”

“Now then. Now that that’s taken care of, I’m obligated to announce that the King and other distinguished guests will be coming tonight to attend a banquet. And Elliott I swear, if you spill wine on the Prime Minister again, I’ll beat you myself.” He eyes Elliott, sending chills down his spine. “Everyone better be on your best behavior tonight or else. Dismissed!” He clapped his hands together for emphasis.

The room erupted in chatter once more, and the brown haired girl approached him.

“Looks like you and I are partners huh?” she said through a smile

“Has that guy always has such a long stick up his ***?”

“Mr.Ferrel? Haha, yeah. He’s kind of a killjoy.”

“No kidding”

The duo exited through the main door into a tacky hallway. Golden tile lined the floors and the walls were painted light blue. Elliott cringed but kept walking. On their way to the supply room, they passed a large mirtor hanging over a brown table.

Elliott stopped to examine himself. He had short wild blonde hair that was littered with dirt, and striking blue green eyes. He had fair skin, white teeth and his face was perfectly sculpted to look like some kind of idol.

“What are you doing? Hurry up! Don’t get me in trouble with the Lord again!”

Elliott tore his eyes off his reflection and hurried behind Cathey.

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