“It is better to be feared than loved.”
Years Old
Female
IS OFFLINE
480 POSTS & 0 LIKES
St. Miator Student
|
Post by Alice Himeno on Aug 2, 2016 10:20:43 GMT -5
A historic mansion, hm? How peculiar. Kutsumari didn't think too much about it for she occupied herself with following the disguised girl along the private path. She really began to wonder about the pair, however. At first, she thought it might have been a joke - her dearest Alice falling in love with a male. But as she had seen how the two had interacted and just how much the disguised girl cared for the snowy spider, perhaps there was mutual love between them. How he'd managed to get so close to the ice queen, Kutsumari couldn't quite fully conclude. Maybe Alice was just getting soft. Hmm, although, that piqued another curiosity. What ever happened to that cherry-haired boyish looking girl she had brought with her to the Himeno manor? Didn't that girl have a thing for her rival? No full conclusions could quite be drawn yet.
Soon, they were overshadowed by the old yet charming mansion. Did many students from the school ever use it? The black widow observed it in respectful awe until an indirect command was given. Find a way in? Hmm... She tried the front door hopefully but it was locked. Ah, what to do. This wasn't much of a predicament for the black widow. She'd manage to slip into the Himeno manor at times when the door was locked - much to the rival snow-white widow's discontent - so this shouldn't be different. Kutsumari began to pace along the outskirts of the old mansion, mimicking a pose similar to the one Alice always did as she examined the building up and down. On one side, she found a half-window, perhaps left open because maybe it didn't close all the way. It was a bit tight but worth a try. She hoisted herself up onto the window sill and, letting out all her air, slipped in with a slight strain. The black lace of her dress fluttered like a raven's jet-black wings when she hopped down to the floor on the other side. It was a bit dark inside the mansion. From what she could see, it was well tended to though. She wondered who often came to the mansion to tend to it. It seemed kind of lonely.
Kutsumari flicked on a light switch here and there in her search for the door. She'd turn them off later if they decided to open the windows. Finally, she spotted the door and bounded across the foyer. A pale hand extended to open it. The large door swung open.
"It's a little dark in some places, so watch your step." She warned, holding the door wide open and stepping to the side too as if she were a maid, allowing Jessie in. Meanwhile, in the few seconds Alice's conscious would slightly fade back in then out, she was having a pretty weird fever dream.
|
|
Years Old
IS OFFLINE
370 POSTS & 0 LIKES
St. Lulim Student
|
Post by jessie ( jessica ) mcknight on Aug 2, 2016 12:58:13 GMT -5
" Thank you Kutsumari. "
The tomboy nodded in respect. As she stepped in there was a short hall to what speared to be a living room with a fire place, and on the other side just infront of her was a stair case leading up stairs. Must be the way to the bedrooms . She decided to go for the living room making sure the couch that was there wasn't to dusty she lowered Alice carefully. Bending to kneel by the girl she looked back to her shadowed twin. " You said she's not cooling down correct ? Would ice help ? ... "
Looking at the girl the tomboys hands glided to the girls buttoned caller moving the bell to the side she carefully unbuttoned a bit of the shirt as to hopefully cool the girl down. Standing she thought better of going on, with how she looked and her unbuttoning Alices shirt she stood up. " Kutsumari...i am going to get changed...keep an eye on her for me will you ? Besides ill take a look around see if I can find anything that might be helpful "
She no longer hid her natural tone. But before she walked away she looked back at the twin window . " I hope ... I hope I can trust you..if Alice can trust her Rival I hope I can to "
Walking away and up the stairs she looked around , it appeared to have three or so bed rooms ... One held a piano .. The other two where just bedrooms their were also bathrooms at least two, slipping into one she began to undress slightly letting her wig fall pink hair was let out of its trap it fluttered down over her shoulders. Taking off the jacket and unbuttoning the shirt just enough to reach the fabric that bound her chest she began to un weave it. Looking in the mirror she noticed her breasts had swollen...making the shirt tighter in a rather embarrassing area. This lead her to having to leave three buttons undone , shed just have to not bend over to much she thought as she calmed the blush on her face. Jessie Tied back her pink hair in a pony tail. About to walk away shed forgotten the contacts, taking them out she was happy she brought their case placing them in she walked out of the bathroom .
As she walked down the hall she thought for a moment what to do for Alice, then an idea popped into her head going back to the bathroom she took one of the towels soaking them in cool water draining it so that it wasn't making a mess on her way back she left to the stairs again. Taking a slight breath at the end of the stairs she turned into the living room . " I ... I found a towel and soaked it in cold water maybe it can help ? "
|
|
“It is better to be feared than loved.”
Years Old
Female
IS OFFLINE
480 POSTS & 0 LIKES
St. Miator Student
|
Post by Alice Himeno on Aug 2, 2016 14:22:52 GMT -5
Kutsumari gave a slight smile and a graceful decline of her knees. Shutting the door behind them, she followed the pair into the living room and watched from a distance. This wasn't the first time her rival had collapsed from overheating. The black widow had even recalled hearing a few maids having to have pulled the young mistress out of the bath a couple times because she had fainted. Other times she'd just be following the girl on a hot summer day around the Himeno manor and the snowy girl would slowly pass out right there, sometimes right into the thorny vicinity of the rose bushes. Her sensitivity to heat combined with the complications of her rare condition only made it all the more worse when it occurred.
"Ice might... Sometimes the maids used it." She commented with a bit of thought.
Jessie's tone suddenly changed to a more feminine one. Kutsumari found that a bit strange, but she didn't focus on that for too long. "Of course..." She offered for both things the disguised girl said.
When Jessie departed, Kutsumari knelt beside the unconscious white widow. She brushed some snowy strands away from the ivory neck and let her scarlet gaze settle on the the rather peaceful face. "You have to be more careful, Alice dearest. Your anger can be so acidic and consume you..."
Shifting on her knees, she folded her arms atop the snowy queen's torso and ever so gently rested her head on them. "That partner of yours... I can't believe someone actually thawed your icy heart. Always so frozen and cold. I hope he treats you well. He seems to care...an awful lot about you."
Her voice trailed off sleepily. "I'm sorry, Shigeki... For everything."
A voice sliced through the haze of her thoughts and she glanced back over her shoulder at no longer a boy, but a girl. One that she vaguely recognized. Jessie McKnight, wasn't it? For some reason she wanted to laugh. She bit it down, however, and pushed herself up quickly. "It would. Thank you. Keep it on her neck and chest for a little while."
The shadowy arachnid pulled open the snowy spider's collar a bit more, tugging on it gently to expose her shoulders a little before stepping back again. "My sincere apologies, dear Alice, but it'll help."
|
|
Years Old
IS OFFLINE
370 POSTS & 0 LIKES
St. Lulim Student
|
Post by jessie ( jessica ) mcknight on Aug 2, 2016 14:34:56 GMT -5
" I am sorry if I startled you..and.. I am sorry that we lied to you.. We ..i thought the disguise would help...a foolish idea."
The last part came out as a bitter mumble towards herself. As she kneeled down to Alice laying the towel over her, she lowered the girls clothing over her shoulder more so to reveal more pale porcelain skin. ' sorry.. But I think will help more and keep your clothing dry my little kitten'
The towel was dropped over her shoulders and chest. Combing fingers through white hair she let them trail lightly over Alices cheek and chin . " My little kitten...please wake up... "
Whispering out her voice was gentle yet her tone laced with worry. She spoke again though far louder " How long does it usually take.. "
Looking back at the other girl she wondered if the other girl was upset at her now.. But right now even if she was all Jessie would worry about was her love. Jessie never had anything like this happen.. It was like the loss of her mother all over again though this time Alice would wake up...but until then Jessie wasn't going to leave her. Looking back to the snowy spirit she watched her for a moment.. A while went by just waiting for the other girls reply until Jessie decided to sit fully down . Leaning agest the bottom of the couch she let her head rest against the arm of the chair close to Alices head her leg was left stretched out across the floor as one was bent to hold to her chest. Taking one of Alices hand she held it softly... There wasn't a storm of ice cold and warm...there wasn't steam... There was just heat and for once ...Jessie wanted the frozen layer to be back... She missed it all this time she wondered what Alice would be like if warm... Now Jessie hated it. She wanted her to be okay.
|
|
“It is better to be feared than loved.”
Years Old
Female
IS OFFLINE
480 POSTS & 0 LIKES
St. Miator Student
|
Post by Alice Himeno on Aug 2, 2016 17:45:10 GMT -5
"It's alright, miss. You certainly were starting to fool me." The black widow replied with a ghost of a small smirk.
She watched Jessie tend to Alice. A small twinge of pain washed across her venomous heart. This girl really cared for the snowy rival. She really did love Alice. Surely she must be worried sick right now... The thought made Kutsumari frown a little in concern.
As the pink haired girl settled down, so did she. She eased onto the floor in a pool of black lace. Bringing her knees up to her chest, she hugged them tightly, resting her chin atop them. She was sitting opposite Jessie but a bit of a distance away. Black curled pigtails rested daintily in front of her shoulders. "It all depends," she began quietly to the question that was asked, "sometimes not too long, but other times, her body is really stubborn... As long as she doesn't run a fever or get any warmer she should wake up soon."
She looked to the pair as she spoke then down at her shoes. She wondered how Jessie was handling the situation, not so much in general, but, rather, emotionally. Was it stressing her out much?
"I like to picture she's a sleeping angel or a doll whenever this happens..." It was a silly little thing she decided to share, but thought maybe it might help calm Jessie. Even if only a little. It had helped soothe her the few times she was around when it had happened. "Don't tell her I said that though..."
She did hate Alice, but that hate only went so far. For a sense of buried compassion and admiration lay not too far under the flames. At one point she, too, had even fallen for the snowy widow's acidic charms. But Alice wasn't a woman of love, and shattered that small inkling within Kutsumari as fast as it sparked. Thank goodness she had. Love. Huh, that brought up yet another curiosity.
"Hey, how did it happen...?" She started, perhaps a bit quieter than she would have liked. "You and Alice..." She tried again. "She's a heartbreaker...not so much a lover. If I may ask, that is..."
From upon the couch, Alice just breathed quietly, the only movement being the gentle rise and fall of her chest with each breath.
|
|
Years Old
IS OFFLINE
370 POSTS & 0 LIKES
St. Lulim Student
|
Post by jessie ( jessica ) mcknight on Aug 3, 2016 1:11:56 GMT -5
Jessie watched as Kutsumari sat down across from her only inches away from her out stretched leg she listened as the girl spoke a bit of Alice's condition , chuckling to the comforting words the black haired girl said . " I always see a Kitten,but -"
Placing a finger over her lips she winked " dont tell her I told you or else wed both get bitten "
She couldn't help but laugh a little at this Kutsumari wasn't so bad , she still may hate Alice but.. She also lov- cared for her as well. The question next was a tad surprising , causing Jessie to fiddle with Alices hand ,well creases it that is; with her thumb. Closing her pink sun set eyes for a moment she thought for a moment how , or rather when did it really happen? Parting light pink lips she spoke. " I dont really know... At first we where dance partners.. And I guess it started for me first... I wanted to learn all I could about Alice I wanted to work hard for her I didn't want to fail her... She was so amazing... But so mysterious. Hell I even dunked my self in an ice bath to understand her what I've learned now condition... One of many of my rather foolish idea's... But id do it again . I think...for me it started with wanting to understanding her.. And I think it grew from that, turned into a crush after all she does have a way with words and touch...as you know. We started playing games flirting ... And I don't know about her but the day I knew I really cared about her was when we went to the beach..some guy came up to her trying to force her into hanging out with him.. I punched the dude..yet another bad idea.. I was rather hurt the next day , dont tell her but the night back from the beach I could hardly move haha"
Rubbing the back of her head she couldn't help but blush at that. " The next time I wanted to do good by her was when we met her parents .. I wanted so badly to prove to them I was a good partner for there daughter. ... So I guess for me at least...it wasn't just one instance..it was all the little details, the moments.."
|
|
“It is better to be feared than loved.”
Years Old
Female
IS OFFLINE
480 POSTS & 0 LIKES
St. Miator Student
|
Post by Alice Himeno on Aug 3, 2016 1:55:56 GMT -5
"Of course." Kutsumari giggled in response.
A kitten. That was certainly an interesting way to see the snowy girl. Kittens, in a general sense, were quite adorable, light on their feet, but also mostly harmless. Not that the black widow didn't agree, for kittens also had claws that could still do damage despite their potentially deceiving appearance.
She listened politely as the tomboy began to weave an answer for the question she'd been asked. She had kind of expected the pink haired girl to fall for the snowy spider first. So it was from the desire to understand and perform to the best ability for her albino rival as well as from the flirtatious games Alice was fond of playing. Not only that, but also from protecting her. Kutsumari found the whole explanation intriguing.
"Huh, is that so?" Shifting a little, she let a quiet, high-pitched chuckle slip from her lipstick lips. "Interesting. I'm surprised Alice let someone so close to her. It's almost impossible with that icy guard of hers. And I'm pretty surprised you tried so hard to get close to her as well even with that guard. it's not an easy task, nor does she make it easy, heh. Hm... I wonder what it is about you. Knowing her, she would've shattered your heart the moment you showed a hint of your feelings towards her... Certainly it could not have been her just wanting to play a little longer..."
That intrigued Kutsumari more than anything. Why Alice had fallen for this girl. How, even. Her rival was so mysterious and guarded, it would be quite difficult to get an answer from her, if one was possible to be procured at all. Maybe she would never know. "Ah, she works in really mysterious ways."
She looked to the unconscious girl for a moment and stuck out her tongue playfully - although it was a highly unladylike action. "Even when she's unconscious."
|
|
Years Old
IS OFFLINE
370 POSTS & 0 LIKES
St. Lulim Student
|
Post by jessie ( jessica ) mcknight on Aug 3, 2016 2:12:23 GMT -5
At first the others comments had her a bit upset not noticeable though.. At times Jessie wondered why Alice hadn't broken her heart , though Jessie wouldn't even think that as a possibility she had faith in the snowy spirit...maybe that was part of the reason she was determined to be close to the girl,faith that Alice could not be changed per say... But found ? No ... That Alice had more to her under the ice, even of Alice one day di leave her... If Jessie was able to see a glimpse of Alice a Alice that was..not warmed..but..truly happy then that was enough for her.
Yet the next thing Kustumari said had Jessie laughing. " That she is I get so flustered with her she knows very well how to win her games...she is so talented... Yet as you say she is mysterious.. "
Jessie thought for a moment then spoke again . " you do seem to know her well... How did you both meet ? What was it like when you both started to get to know one another ?"
|
|
“It is better to be feared than loved.”
Years Old
Female
IS OFFLINE
480 POSTS & 0 LIKES
St. Miator Student
|
Post by Alice Himeno on Aug 3, 2016 2:36:05 GMT -5
She couldn't help but giggle. "Trying to win one of her flirtatious games yourself is like bringing a knife to a gun fight. She truly is a seasoned temptress."
Then the questioning was suddenly turned on her. The black widow straightened her spine as she was asked and made a sort of childish tsundere face. She thought for the right way to word her answer. "Hm... Well, our parents introduced us when we were very young. She didn't talk to me very much, nor didn't want much to do with me. I followed her around a lot and teased her, and I think she got a bit annoyed... Anyways, we were rivals as soon as we saw each other, and it only escalated since then. She could be so unfair sometimes! Ah, you should've seen her when she was younger! Running around chasing the barn cats and teaching her to play baseball. Haha, she'd always manage to strike a maid directly in the head no matter how far the poor woman was!"
When her haughty expression started to fade into a softer one, she hugged her knees a little tighter and looked to the floor, twirling the end if a black curled tail of hair like a child. "The truth is I...I admired her from the start. The way she moved, how she spoke and walked; even just her presence; she was like a role model, and I tried everything I could to rise up to her level - to see things and do things the way she did. I got jealous I guess because...I couldn't be anything close to her. And I still can't be, but...that's okay."
Realizing that she had just admitted something rather personal, an embarrassed scarlet hue blossomed across her face and the tsundere expression returned. "D-Don't tell her any of that though, o-or there will be consequences!"
Her threat was harmless, just like a little child's, but she tried to make it sound menacing, even though it wasn't.
|
|
Years Old
IS OFFLINE
370 POSTS & 0 LIKES
St. Lulim Student
|
Post by jessie ( jessica ) mcknight on Aug 3, 2016 2:51:27 GMT -5
Laughing hard made tears line Jessies eyes as she unconsciously held to the frosted albino hand a little tighter. " I can't say I am any better at sports though ,haha the poor maid."
Her chuckle slowed as Kutsumari spoke of how she admired Alice. " Its hard not to.. And even I can relate to wanting to be the best you can be infront of her. Haha,dont worry your weren't is safe with me "
Holding out her free hand much like a child her self she stuck her pinkie out for a promise" I pinkie promise it"
The tomboy winked playfully before speaking quieting her amused tone to one of a gentle kindness . " I will admit..Kutsumari the first time we met I didn't like you..and I was to quick to judge.. I hope you can forgive me one day for that.. But .. You even though your my girlfriend sworn rival.. Your a pretty great person.i hope one day the three of us can hang out together id love to take a couple of pictures for my project. "
Smiling to the girl she laid back her head to take a peak at Alice before raising it again. " it looks like we maybe stuck here for the night... I saw a few bedrooms and bathrooms upstairs.. That or we can sleep down here though... It may get to cold down here... And a fire in the fire place might be to warm for Alice.. What do you think ? "
|
|
“It is better to be feared than loved.”
Years Old
Female
IS OFFLINE
480 POSTS & 0 LIKES
St. Miator Student
|
Post by Alice Himeno on Aug 3, 2016 7:28:29 GMT -5
The black widow let out a soft chuckle of her own through her tsundere pout. "And Alice dearest could hit the ball pretty hard and far too, hehe."
Scarlet orbs narrowed like a feline's when the girl presented an offered pinkie. A pinkie promise, eh? She hesitantly extended her own to complete it. The action made her feel even more childish and she stuck out her tongue again, though this time at the boyish girl regarding the playful wink that was given. The words that followed piqued the shadow spider's interest. So she'd been redeemed. By Jessie at least. Her snowy rival would see it differently, on the outside, mostly. Still, those words were enough to paint a small but warm smile on her lips.
"Of course, and thank you, miss. You're not so bad yourself." Her tone darkened a little into a more serious one. "And I apologize for hitting Alice as I had the first time you and I were acquainted. It's a habit of mine upon seeing her; not a very good one at that."
Girlfriend. It sounded so strange to hear her malicious heartbreaking rival to be labeled as such. It was a bit refreshing, to say the least, maybe, but not something she would have thought she'd hear in her lifetime. "It might be best if we slept down here near her. She could wake up at any time, or possibly get worse," but, of course, she didn't want to think about that, "so we should at least be near her in the case if either of those things happened."
She looked over at Alice. So vulnerable and fragile-looking. The snowy widow would hate the incapacitated vulnerable state she was in if she would be able to see or recall it.
|
|
Years Old
IS OFFLINE
370 POSTS & 0 LIKES
St. Lulim Student
|
Post by jessie ( jessica ) mcknight on Aug 3, 2016 13:59:40 GMT -5
Her pinkie wrapped around the others before slipping from it. Then the others own apology slipped into the room . " It is alright, though maybe a flicking her forehead rather then hitting her might be easier for me "
A slight look of serious before it went back to a gentle look with a slight chuckle " And please call me Jessie.. Miss doesn't suite me well. "
Smiling she listened next to the decision of staying down here with Alice , though since Jessie still thought lighting a fire wouldn't be the best she stood up carefully laying Alices hand back onto the couch. She took the damp towel and turned it over to get the cold back on Alice. Heading over to a near by closet she looked threw it a few board games which might come in handy later and a few candles... Also might be handy... Ah blankets and a pillow. Just one hmm? Ah Kustumari could have it. Grapping the collection of things she places the candle and matches with the board game on the table, while she handed the pillow and blanket to the black widow below her . Sitting back to her spot next to Alice she let the blanket lay across her legs for now patting the section of the couch next to her she looked at the girl who still sat across from her. " come on, later you might regret being so far away... This house doesn't have a heating system.. And I dout your lime Alice with the temperature.. I dont bite like some "
With a slight smirk she held Alices hand again kissing it lightly . " not that I dont respect that.."
She spoke more to her self then anyone. " besides if you get sleepy I dont care if you use my lap as a pillow holder .. Better then the hard floor. "
Peering out side sunset met sunset as her eyes peered put side.
|
|
“It is better to be feared than loved.”
Years Old
Female
IS OFFLINE
480 POSTS & 0 LIKES
St. Miator Student
|
Post by Alice Himeno on Aug 3, 2016 14:43:02 GMT -5
"Huh, maybe... Sometimes I forget...how fragile she is despite not being able to feel pain."
That was a guilt the black widow was doomed to have fester in her chest. It wasn't like Alice really minded anymore, being hit. She was used to it and expected it now, just as Kutsumari expected the rare retaliations of a rake across the face from her rival's ivory nails, or a slap in return, or a rough tug of her long spiraling hair. It was through those interactions were the two quarreling spiders often connected, which was unfortunate, but a product of their rivalry.
So the 'miss' wasn't quite liked. Kutsumari gave a slight nod in acknowledgment. "Jessie..." She tried out the name, having no real problem saying it unlike the snowy spider, although it was laced with a heavier French accent. She watched next as Jessie got up to retrieve something, letting her eyes wander to Alice. "Jeez, dear Shigeki, you're taking quite a while this time..."
Kutsumari accepted the blanket and pillow with a gracious "thank you." Her wine-colored orbs just watched the pinked haired girl. At the offer that was given, the black widow turned her head a little and closed her eyes, producing a quiet childish chuckle.
"I'm fine down here, thank you, Jessie. I'm used to the temperature of Alice's room, anyways, so the cold won't bother me too much. Besides...," she opened her eyes and flashed them back mischievously to the pair, a slight smirk flickering across her lips, "I wouldn't want to make Alice dearest jealous."
Chuckling softly herself, the black widow began to hum a little as she pulled the blanket over her arched legs. Taking the front strands of raven-black hair with both hands, she started to twirl it into a small braid, looking about the sunset-lit place. It casted a fiery peach-colored glow over everything. What a day this was turning out to be. Not how she thought it was going to go, but she couldn't complain she guessed. Although...not everything would be settled quite yet.
"Her family is going to be furious... My cousin's as well... She basically just spat in the faces of both of them by rejecting that proposal." For some reason Kutsumari laughed while saying that. It wasn't appropriate, but she couldn't help it. That was so like Alice to do; she was really turning out to be like her ancestor Shigeki. "There will be consequences for her... But she's a really strong girl, and she's not afraid of breaking the rules, heh..."
|
|
Years Old
IS OFFLINE
370 POSTS & 0 LIKES
St. Lulim Student
|
Post by jessie ( jessica ) mcknight on Aug 3, 2016 15:08:56 GMT -5
Jessie blushes her hole face went red. ' Alice jealous th-thats not what I meant I was just being kind I wasn't implying anything right ? I mean I didn't mean to I -I'
Then hearing the other girl chuckle after those words Jessie slightly calmed ' I swear those two are made from the same cloth ' the tomboy shook her head at the thought letting out a sigh of relief. " That wouldn't be good.."
She finally said the next thing how ever that entered the conversation was one that had her frown...it was true Alice maybe quite in trouble after today.. And Jessie hadn't helped the situation, not at all guilt rose in her it felt as though she was chocking on it. Swallowing hard she spoke up. " after you both ran off...before I joined in finding Alice... I may not have helped the situation. My anger got the best of me.. I grabbed your cousins shirt ... And gave a rather threatened sounding advice..i .. I am sorry ..he just, just reminds me of someone that ended up doing something very bad..."
Shifting both of her legs to her chest holding them her chin lay between her knees. " I am a fool... I dont know what I was thinking ... My plan my anger...it only made things worse.. I just.. I hate men..i hate how they think they can control everybody..everything...i hate it. Yet.. "
Her voice got shaky as she spoke again " I fear...when Alice's family and your family do something about today I will end up loosing her after all.. And I fear now I won't be able to stop it.. I am no one important.. I am not very skilled at anything well at least enough to get me into this school..it was because of my lawyer I got into it ..that and my mother reputation. I just fear... That... I can't give Alice a lifestyle she deserves.. And if I fear that I know her family will see it that way."
|
|
“It is better to be feared than loved.”
Years Old
Female
IS OFFLINE
480 POSTS & 0 LIKES
St. Miator Student
|
Post by Alice Himeno on Aug 3, 2016 15:43:58 GMT -5
Kutsumari giggled childishly at the sight of Jessie blushing, the smirk still holding to her lips. This girl seemed like a fun one to tease. Such an interesting reaction. No wonder Alice seemed to like playing with her. As the conversation took a more serious tone, the smirk faded and her sitting position became more rigid. She listened quietly to everything the girl had to say, feeling bad for her. So many worries and insecurities. The poor girl...
"What does that matter, though?" She started. Easing herself up, she approached the pair, but instead of looking at Jessie, she settled next to the still unconscious Alice. Pale fingers tugged at the glistening white silk ribbon of a messy braid and worked gracefully to unweave the hair. "You've done something no one has ever been able to do, and that's make her happy, even if just a little. Sometimes we don't always think things through, especially when we're angry. Hence dear Alice here. I bet I can guess she wrecked her room before all of this... Yet even so, you protected her. And sometimes love makes us do crazy things..."
She carefully and lovingly weaved the glistening strands as she spoke, the all-too familiar action flowing like water with her words. "You've already given her a lot; more than I think you realize. She's stubborn and won't let that show, of course, but it's there... Her family's future plan was...is to take her out of Astrea in place of her last two years here and put her in a different school for more traditional skills and arts, you know... If she loves you and you, her, she will return to you or rebel more and stay with you regardless. She might not be sincere in love, but she is serious. Even if she were to leave, it wouldn't be without a proper farewell. But I don't think you'll have to worry about that much."
Pulling the braid tight, she didn't tie the ribbon in. Instead, she covertly located Jessie's hand and pressed the silk ornament into it before pushing herself to her feet. "Don't let that fear consume you. It'll ruin what you have with her. And if it's really bothering you, don't be afraid to discuss it with her personally. She'll listen, especially to you."
|
|