Gerty XIV in gerty

 Charlotte grabbed her drink, the Patron and walked back into the house. Gerty followed with glass in hand and shook off Fritz when he started to follow. It was time for some girl's talk. No boys allowed. Charlotte made her way to the stairs which hugged the curved wall of the entryway to sights unknown.

Charlotte’s bedroom was the size of some small homes with a sitting area, fireplace with marble facing and mantel. The room was surprising girlish with pinks and fresh cut flowers on a reading table and bedside. The bed was oversized and lush. Pillows tossed about too numerous to count made for an inviting retreat to hide and rest. A polite knock came and the man in white was back with more refreshments to wheel in so no further disturbances would be required.

Charlotte and Gerty stood alone.

” I didn’t see you as a poet Charlotte. Or a writer for that matter.”

Gerty slowly strolled the room touching flowers and perfume bottles as she talked.

“The room is surprising too. Very feminine. You do like your pretty things Charlotte. Soft and pretty things.”

Charlotte stood by the french doors that led to her private balcony. The wind made fuss of the long shear drapes caressing Charlotte as she gazed out the window.

“Can I see a poem or read some of you stuff? You have certainly read mine you thief.”

Charlotte walked to her bedside and opened the drawer to her nightstand. A leather bound latch diary with a silk bookmark appeared. Charlotte sat on the bed and set the book in her lap. Gerty sat down next to her and asked,

“Do you have a favorite? Pick one you would like me to read. Maybe a poem?”

Charlotte turned to Gerty and the tears were back. Gerty smiled her childish grin and said,

“Maybe a drink for courage first and then share some words.”

Charlotte felt the relief of the moment and the girls whipped up some doubles and chatted like the teens they were never allowed to be. Soon pillows were flying and laughter filled the upper hall. Charlotte grabbed Gerty by the waist and tossed her on the bed and pinned her on her back. The girls were breathless and Charlotte said,

“You’re not that tough Gertrude.”

The closeness of the moment suddenly became uncomfortable and Charlotte released Gerty’s arms which were pinned above her head. As she rose Gerty grabbed her around the waist and pulled Charlotte back close so their noses touched.

“Dangerous beloved. Damaged and dangerous.”

Charlotte realized Gerty held a blade in her other hand that lay still on the bed. Charlotte froze in the moment daring not to move.

Gerty lay still then barked,

“BOO!

Scared you biatch..”

“Dammit Gerty you scared the shit out of me.”

Gerty rolled back and forth on the bed laughing with tears in her eyes…Charlotte joined in until they were laughed out. Both lay on the bed on their backs catching their breaths when Gerty finally said,

” Now how bout that poem?”

Charlotte found the page she wished to share and handed the diary to Gerty.

radiant light pierce not the dark
the place where I shall be
shimmering glimmering death of night
the light I na’er to see

Be that in this world aglow
where people do not fear
brings to sight in light the fright
in dark I see nor hear

there I’ll dwell in onyx black
found never or be seen
and wake I’ll stay to end of day
for nightmares need a dream

Gerty read the poem again and then stared off in thought.

” I like this very much Charlotte. One must question the inspiration.”

Charlotte and Gerty sat on the bed so close that their arms touched like children finding comfort in their innocence. Charlotte hung her head not wanting the eyes of Gerty in hers. The truth lies within she has heard and Gerty had the vision.

Finally Gerty said,

“Maybe it’s time you introduce me to the rest of your family.”