k_a_webb | October Prompted Fiction: Donor House Collection: Alice

Written for [livejournal.com profile] ysabetwordsmith's prompt: 'what would happen if a group of trick-or-treaters accidentally found themselves at the donor house'.

There was a moment when all Alice could do was stare. As it was Halloween she'd made sure that she was on the reception desk, which gave the receptionist an unexpected night off, just in case someone turned up that she didn't want in the house. Halloween brought out all the creepiest vampires. What she hadn't expected was the group of children that walked though the door. As a general rule most children in the local area avoided the donor house. She couldn't help smiling at them when she realised that they were all dressed in costumes and that meant they were obviously out trick-or-treating.

“What can I do for you?” she asked, looking at the eldest person in the group who couldn't have been more than fifteen.

“I need to use your phone,” the teenage girl replied. “We weren't expecting to come this far out and I don't think that I can get this lot home again without help.”

“Do you know where you are?”

“In general.”

“Okay, we can deal with this. Who's wearing white here?”

One small hand went up and Alice found herself smiling again at the little boy, who looked about six, wearing a ghost costume. It wasn't particularly helpful, but one was better than none. Thinking quickly, she looked around the reception. No one, apart from the receptionist, spent much time in the foyer, so Alice hoped that someone she trusted would walk through when she needed them. She wasn't going to leave the littlle ones alone while she went to find some white things. After what felt like hours she saw Nick.

“Nick,” she called, grateful that he wasn't out conducting interviews, “can you do me a huge favour?”

Nick turned and looked, his eyebrows furrowing in confusion when he saw the children. “Of course. What do you need me to do?”

“I need you to find me...” She quickly counted the children. “...seven white items of clothing. These adorable little Halloween creatures have managed to get themselves lost and I think they might have to wait here for a while.”

“Okay,” he replied slowly. “Is that a good idea?”

“I am not going to have them stand around in the cold waiting. Also, while you're looking can you let the kitchen know that we're going to need some hot chocolate.” Alice looked at the children. “Are any of you hungry?”

All of the younger ones looked at their older chaperone, who looked back at them before replying, “Yes, we are. It was a long walk.”

Alice turned back to Nick. “We're also going to need plenty of snacks. Make them savoury because from the looks of things they have more than enough sugar right now.”

“Alice, they're children.”

“I had never noticed that, Nicholas. Thank you for pointing it out.” She shook her head. “White clothing now, please.”

Nick looked at her for a moment. “On your head be it.”

“Don't be so melodramatic. It'll be fine.”

As Nick left the foyer Alice turned to the teenager again. “What's your name, sweetie?”

“Leanne,” the girl replied, smiling shyly. “Where are we?”