Chapter 8: The Seven Sisters

Walking, walking and walking it seemed that she had been walking for hours now. Maybe she had been Vivien wasn’t quite sure. Looking around Vivien had begun to notice that the sun was setting and the street lights were coming on. “Callie, I don’t know where we are.” Vivien said as she began to get scared. She had never been to a big city at night before let alone by herself. 

The sounds of howling dogs, sirens and things prowling through the night came as the wind began to blow into the darkness. The hairs on the back of Vivien’s neck began to stand up. Maybe running away wasn’t the best thing after all. Wait! What was she thinking? It was the best thing she could possibly do. Swallowing hard Vivien took a few more steps forward. 

Before long Vivien came to a street that looked promising, walking down the street by the name of Marylebone High, Vivien began to get a sense of hope. Seeing lights in store windows made it seem just a little more safe. Walking down a little further Vivien came to a little bakery by the name of: The Seven Sisters. Stepping inside Vivien saw a few girls working the counter. 

“Sorry Miss, but we are getting ready to close.” The older girl 
said as she saw Vivien standing in the door way. 

“Oh, please, I seem to be lost.” Vivien said as she stepped up to the counter. “Maybe you could tell me where I am?” 

The littlest of the girls smiled at her. “You’re on Marylebone High Street. It’s one of the many streets that have a great deal of food. If I might say, people come all around for our bake goods.” 
Buying a cheese cream danish Vivien sat there for a while as she could hear Big Ben strike seven. Was it that late already? Vivien asked herself as a yawn came to her lips. She must be much more tried that when she realized. Resting her head on her arms Vivien shut her eyes for a quick moment. However, as soon as her eyes shut she had fallen fast asleep. 

“What are we going to do? We can’t let her stay here.” The red head whispered to her other sisters. 

“What we can do.” Another girl said as she looked at her younger sister. Opening her eyes Vivien lifted her head. 

“I’m sorry I didn’t mean to fall asleep.” 

“It’s alright dear.” A girl’s voice came as she began wiping down a table. “What brings you here? You don’t look like you live around here.” 

Vivien took a deep breath and began her story. “So you see I’m running away from home because my stepmother hates me.” As her eyes looked at the counter top. 

A gasp could be heard from the sisters. “That’s awful, why would she want to do such a thing?” one asked as they all gathered around. 

“Because, I’m more beautiful then she is,” Vivien sighed as she thought about all the trouble she had caused at home.

The room fell silent for a few moments until the smallest girl lifted her arms up. Vivien picked her up and sat her on her lap. She was a very pretty little girl. Hair the color of gold as it lay in braided pig tails, while a few little freckles could be seen on her small cheeks. 

“Maybe she can stay with us?” the little girl perked up as she began clapping her small hands together. 

The other’s looked at one another. “I don’t know Sally,” the older one said as she looked at her younger sister.

“Please,” Sally begged, as her green eyes grew big and her lower lip quivered. This little girl wouldn’t give up until she got her way. 

“I could help out around the bakery. I won’t be a bother.” Vivien chimed in as she agreed with the little girl on this.

“Well, as long as you help keep the bakery clean.” The eldest sister said and the others agreed as well. “Another thing, you mustn’t go anywhere without our permission or let anyone in unless we are open. If your stepmother is after you we don’t want to give her any ideas that you’re here.” 

“I will, I promise I will.” Vivien said as a smile came to her lovely face. “If I’m going to stay here I will need to know your names.” 

The one to the far right went first. “My name is Anna. I’m the oldest out of the seven sisters.” The black haired girl said as she stood taller than all of her other sisters. 

“She’s like the mother to all of us since our parent’s deaths.” The second oldest said. “I’m Virginia,” as she tucked a piece of her red hair behind her ear. 

“Sometimes we call her grumpy because she’s always grumpy in morning.” The next one laughed as she tried to hold back the laughter. “I’m Mary the third oldest. Even though I’m the third daughter I sometimes act like the eldest,” While her gaze shifted to Anna.” Getting it all out before a sneeze could come. “I have bad allergies.” 

They all nodded their heads yes, “I’m the fourth oldest. My name is Jacqueline,” the brunette smiled as she began messing with an earring. “She likes to stay on top of the fashion.” The next one said as she chimed in. “I’m Evelyn. People tell me I talk a lot.” The second youngest said as everyone began to laugh. 

“I’m Emma,” a soft voice came as Vivien looked behind another sister. This girl was very pretty but you could tell she was a shy girl. 

“And I’m Sally and I’m the youngest.” The little girl in Vivien’s lap said with a toothless smile. “I’m seven,” 

“Seven, my what a good age.” Vivien said as she looked down at little Sally. “So that makes the oldest one at least my age.” 
“That would be correct.” Anna said as she nodded her head. It seemed Vivien had her work cut out for her. She would have to get started right away remembering their names.

Later that night Vivien went to bed with a heavy heart and a lot on her mind. What was she going to do? She couldn’t stay here forever, and during a war of all times. It wouldn’t be long before word would get to her father about her disappearance. Closing her eyes she began dreaming of the young man she had met earlier that day.