Get out

Leanne wasn't willing to risk the old woman's tea having any more of an affect on her. She had no idea how long it might last and just wanted to get out of there before she did something horrifying.

Quickly she made her way back downstairs, doing her best to avoid anyone she met and not be engaged in a conversation that might accidentally lead to something more. She was almost there when a short, plump figure stepped across her path. "Hi, I'm Marie."

"Um, hi, Marie." replied Leanne. Her eyes nervously gazing at the exit. "I'm Leanne."

"That's a very nice dress, Leanne." continued Marie. Blissfully unaware of the young woman's urgency to get out of there. "You're very beautiful."

Leanne felt uncomfortable with the way the rotund girl was looking her up and down. She was a little shorter than Leanne but about the same age. Her straight, mousy brown hair hung down, with a low fringe just above a pair of thick glasses. She wasn't ugly but her face did have a kind of imp-like quality to it.

"I'll bet you don't work here, do you?" she added. "You're much too beautiful to work in a place like this."

"Actually I'm volunteering here for the day," replied Leanne. Immediately regretting her response.

"You are? That's great!" grinned Marie. "My grandad lives here. I was just visiting him. Why don't you come see him?"

Leanne, grateful that the statement was phrased as a question rather than an order she'd be **** to act upon, thought for a moment. She wasn't sure rejecting this girl's appeal would be such a good thing. But then again the exit was so close.