After their conversation, they fell into a comfortable silence. Neither attempted to know more about the other. Lorena, because she basically knew everything about him already, and Zachary because he figured he would just investigate her background later. There really was no need to get closer. That happened with time.
They soon pulled up to a fancy hotel. The circular driveway with the valets reminded Lorena of the world-famous Montage in her world. This kind of luxury was something both her and the former soul in the body had never experienced before. She had never gone on a vacation before, would this count as one?
The sound of the car door opening snapped Lorena out of her thoughts. Zachary climbed out of the car and Lorena followed after. After stepping out of the car, however, she became acutely aware of how out of place she was. All she really wanted to do right now was dig a hole and die in it. This place was probably the epitome of cleanliness! She was simply dirt that was tainting it!
No seriously, are those dirt footprints?!
Lorena looked behind her and saw dirt. The clean freak Lorena truly could not handle being dirty for another minute. This was simply a disgrace! Zachary seemed to notice her uncomfortableness and ordered the maids to wash her up.
"Bring her to my office once you have her presentable."
He walked off to what Lorena assumed his office would be. The maids all bowed in sync and responded with, "At once."
Though the maids tried to keep their emotions hidden and remain professional, Lorena could still see the reluctance, ridicule, and disdain in their eyes. She was nothing more than a beggar that was picked up off of the street. Their master was so benevolent to let something so filthy enter his eyes! Lorena actually agreed with this.
Nevertheless, they still followed their master's orders and led her to a bedroom. They drew her a bath, nothing too fancy, and plopped her in. Only then, did Lorena find out that the hags hadn't even heated the water! Cold, dirty, and furious, Lorena was on the verge of exploding. The maids saw it as her shivering from the cold, but in reality, she was shaking with rage.
Calm down, Lorena. This is the olden times. In a different world mind you, and hot water is a luxury. Be grateful you even have a bath. Common folks didn't even bathe most of the time!
The last thought made Lorena want to cry. Everybody here is probably so dirty! Thank god she manager to persuade Zachary to take her in. She would've gone crazy seeing so many dirty and unkempt people and streets. The old English life just wasn't for her, yet here she was.
She regained her temper and proceeded to scrub herself with the black towel on the side. Thank god it was black too, Lorena wasn't sure if she'd be able to handle the dirt that would accumulate on it after bathing. At least with black she wouldn't be able to see it. She grabbed the shampoo and conditioner and washed her hair, regaining the shiny white color.
When done, she immediately hopped out. The water had long turned brown and it took all of her willpower to not freak out. She proceeded to dry her body off with the towel and finish getting ready. The maids, albeit reluctantly, brought her a nice dress to wear.
Looking at the light blue and lace dress, Lorena's eyes twitched. How can she tell them that she hates dresses? They were so... uncomfortable. The feeling of air drifting between her legs and the restrictions they brought were less than appealing. Not to mention that she could never seem to find a dress that fit her right.
"Can I wear something a bit more, how do I say this... uh, masculine?"
The maids looked at her as if she was growing a third head. A woman. Wearing clothing made for men? That was simply improper and immoral! Not to mention unheard of. Nevertheless, the maids complied with her wishes and brought her butlers' uniform. Why a butlers' uniform? She wasn't sure either, but it looked good on her body and she liked it, so who cares?
Smoothing down the front of the uniform, she admired herself in the mirror. She cut her hair short, to her shoulders, when she was in the bathroom and quite liked the style. There was a clean white dress shirt as the first layer, a dark gold vest as the second layer, and a black coat that was shorter in the front than the back. [think black butler kinda] There were gold buttons and accents on the coat to make it match the rest of the uniform. There were matching boots that went to her shins that were plain black. The gold really complimented and brought out the color of her blue eyes.
Nodding in satisfaction, Lorena walked out the door and was guided to Zachary's office. The maid knocked on the door twice and announced her arrival. A hum in response could be heard. She then opened the door and signaled for Lorena to come in. Lorena walked in and was in awe, but not surprised with his office. There was a leather couch to the right and a bookshelf filled with books on the left. The whole room was filled with wood, save for the beige walls. The floor was a dark wood, the bookshelf was the same dark wood, and the same could be said for his desk in the back of the room in the middle.
Zachary looked up from the documents he had been looking at and seemed to be surprised by her attire, but quickly masked it. He leaned back in his chair and waved the maid away. She bowed politely and left. It was just Lorena and him left in the room. He stared at her, and she shifted from foot to foot uneasily.
He then opened his mouth to speak.