#charnell

  "I just heard news of the most shocking caliber!"She said is a jovial tone as she ran up to Charnell in the town square. He was making his way home to get some brushes that were missing. The church bells rung midday, echoing twelve times.   "Excuse me?"  He retorted quite intrigued not because he was a gossip; simply because no one has ever had the audacity or courage to so blatantly discuss other's personal matters in public.   "Oh I'm sorry, how rude of me. My name is Rachel Rousseau. You can call me Rita Roux if you like." Words flowed like a torrent out of her mouth, trampling over each other. She was young, about the same age as Charnell.  She paused her hurried step to catch her breath and stuck out her perky hand.   Charnelll did not take notice of the extra shadow disappearing on the cobblestone. He continued forward until he realized he couldn't hear her high pitched clamour, turned around and made his way towards her with a bright smile on his face.    He shook her hand quite firmly as she inspected his hand and said: "oh, your hands are so soft, and covered in paint. You must be a painter!" She continued to vigorously shake making a large wave. "I could be your muse, model for you. One day you will immortalize me. I'm sure of it! I will be famous. Of course you would have to paint me ten livers thinner and with redder hair," she giggled.   "Consider it done." Charnell looked around beginning to get restless. "How about that scandal you have for me? Come on tell me! Before you pose, you must herald."   She threw her head back and laughed loudly. "Everyone's a gossip. Human nature I suppose: chewing the fat." She continued to chortle as she playfully and lightly slapped his shoulder.   Charnell looked over and chuckled with her. "Come with me, I need to fetch some supplies from my house."   "Oh my! Inviting me to your home without even telling me your name, don't you think that's a bit candid?"   A look of bewilderment was plastered on Charnell's face. Rita bean to cackle unbridledly to the point where her laugh was no more than silence. "My name is Charnell" he stated nervously. She motioned Charnell to go forward while she caught her breathe.   Once inside, Charnell rummaged through his chest bowed while Rita sat gracefully on his bed, her petticoats slightly riding up. She carelessly looked around his room. It was small and well furnished with mahogany; the walls were white. In an idle voice she spoke: "that orphan that lives with his uncle, down by the church, is rumoured to fancy boys."   Charnell stopped his searching, stood erect and looked at the stranger in his bedroom. "I beg your pardon?" He said without thinking.

  In a situation like this, what else could he have said? If he had celebrated this fact he would have been discovered immediately. However, if he would to pretend not to care, Rita would see right through this.   "Oh yes, quite queer isn't? The little righteous thing is infatuated with them."   Blushing uncontrollably, Charnell mumbled: “indeed. Very queer." He avoided eye contact, glaring at the floor.

  Charnell could not prevent the blood rushing to his face. It felt warm and brought some life into his otherwise pale and lifeless body.   She continued: “I don't think you need to worry about him fancying you." She stretched her arms and collapsed on the bed. "Of course if you ever have any suspicions you could always take a look at his trousers; then you'll see where he stands."

  Rita simply adored making stabs at people. If her tongue were any sharper, a dagger it would be. However, the wounds she inflicted on people were not out of malice. In fact, she slit the skin of the people she most liked.   Charnell stumbled on his words, his cheeks burning a thousand fires. “I- I do not see why I would possibly care. I mean if he does fancy m-me that would he his problem. Ne c'est pas?"

  Merde Charnell cried inside his head. He thought: I’ve done it, I let it slip this time.   Rita rose to her feet and made her way to the window where Charnelll was standing. His white skin and blue eyes radiated in the sunlight. She flirtatiously placed her hand on his face, cupping his cheekbone. "You lust for him, don't you?" She whispered.