Her View
“You really ought to do something about him, Constance.”
Belladonna squeezed Constance’s arm with more force as she glanced over their shoulders at the bushes with repulsion written on her face.
“Hmm?”
While her plans to become Belladonna’s shadow had been successful, she wasn’t overlooking her own newly acquired tail.
“You may be ignoring it to save him the trouble because you’re kind, but I’m sure he won’t be letting up anytime soon.”
Her face appeared closer in front of Constance, and her expression turned dark. Constance's discomfort rose.
“It’s better to dispose of it while the flaw is still trivial, lest you allow it to fester, eventually entangled by the putrid stench, its corpse squirming with maggots at the root.”
Constance carefully took a step back, and her eyes sharpened, narrowing at her “cousin”.
Belladonna's lips curled upwards, and her face no longer showed its previous twisted form.
“I did think it was rather morbid at the time, but your father had a point. Those Easter Lily’s wouldn’t have done so well if I hadn’t replaced the soil and discarded the damaged flowers.”
Doing her best to maintain what she thought to be a self-inflicted cage of innocence, she smiled gently and softly placed her free hand on Belladonna’s arm sleeve.
“My father’s advice may be the most appropriate for your garden, but I doubt he’d approve of it being utilized, in such a situation. If confronted, the problem could become greatly convoluted.”
Belladonna looked at Constance once more with concern, before sighing and regaining her usual composure.
“Well, you always preferred to be quiet and keep to yourself, and he hasn’t caused any significant harm, so I’ll let it go for now… but! You’ll certainly have to deal with it sometime.”
…
Not only had Chester continued his pursuit to track her every step, but just as she had made her way to the dorm, he’d taken things a step further.
“I’m saying, why did you have to humiliate my feelings in that way?! Then you walk around acting as if you're some kind of angel. I know how you are-”
“What a pain,” she uttered almost completely under her breath as she flicked her sights from him to the hall in front.
“What?!! Are you going to be this HEARTLESS?!!”
The girl turned to him, her voice still soft and quiet, but she made sure to draw out certain parts just to increase their blow.
“Listen, Sir Chester Weasel, this desperate act… it’s rich coming from someone who’s decided to a young lady instead of find employment. When it comes to whatever rancid feelings you harbor towards me or anyone else, I distinctly believe them to be responsibility.”
She watched his face drop with satisfaction.
“My name, No, I mean you still!..” He reached a hand out before drawing it back. She was rather entertained now, but the point was to send this nuisance away. Her voice dipping even further into a snide whisper, she ended with,
“Don’t blame others for the simple fact that have no capabilities attracting anyone other than your attention.”
She shook her head in pity, and his nostrils flared as she turned for the door again. Just as she turned the doorknob…
She whipped around to see Chester’s face red with anger and his fist locked into the spot he’d punched. He retracted it, pounding against the wall repeatedly.
“You, YOU WITCH!”
He stopped his screaming to catch his breath. Several girls had now gathered to watch, including Lady Elodi. She looked from Constance, (who was weak and terrified in everyone else’s view) and darted to her side.
“Are you alright, what, is all this commotion about?!”
Chester was back to his tantrum antics again, all the while approaching Constance with his scrunched-up look and wild eyes.
“I-I..” She partly slumped, inciting Elodi to catch her. Then she began steadying herself with the roommate's help.
He roared once again, “She’s fooling you ALL! Don’t believe these viscous TRICKS OF HERS!!” Most of the ladies had begun whispering and shaking their heads at him now. A few murmurs were within earshot.
“How cruel! She’s already weak, and here he is, frightening her further.”
“Have you heard of his reputation?”
“Does one even need to? Take a glance at his slimy hair!”
If it were possible, Chester’s appeared even more furious now. He charged at Constance, gripping her wrist firmly in his burning hot mitt.
“Ahh! Please let go, sir!” She did her best to weakly resist and looked wildly at the surrounding onlookers with tearful eyes.
“Ahhh!” Elodi shrieked, stumbling back. She landed on her knees, hands up at her mouth, clearly shocked and terrified.
“TODAY YOU’LL ALL SEE HER TRUE FACE!”
He lunged for her with his other arm causing her to wince outwardly, while inwardly preparing to offer a quick hit to his head.
Confused, she opened her eyes wider to see, her partner. Chester was not looking for much of a fight, as he had released his hand from her wrist, and reduced himself to whimpering on the floor. His cheek was red but clearly, the damage wasn’t serious or anything. The hand that had been lunging for her was still in Oswald’s grip. She nudged her head forward signaling to get him to release it.
Turning towards the onlookers, Oswald kept his steady voice and usual flat tone.
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“I’m assuming there’s rules against this kind of behavior. It's best to report it so it can be dealt with promptly.”
Many of the ladies scampered off, some seemingly going to inform school officials while others just looked to find an escape from any sort of involvement. She would have advised him to be more amicable in his delivery, but she was too busy keeping up this fatigued lady bit… and she found the frustration he was hiding a bit perplexing.He shot a glance back at Elodi, whose eyes were shifting and hands quivering along with her lips as she appeared to be feeling guilty about her failure to provide any assistance to her roommate. He stepped toward her slowly as tears began to run down her face. Silently, he pulled her onto her feet and then moved his gaze back to Constance again.
He moved over to her and produced a handkerchief from his pocket, which he then used to wipe her face. Then he ran it over his hands as if to remove the slimy residue of Chester. Finally, he took her hand in his and slid off the glove the raging boy had grabbed.
“You don’t still need these, correct?”
She nodded, and he pocketed the glove and pulled out a brand new pair from the inside lining of his coat. Replacing the first one, he took the other hand and did the same.
“We are still going out, aren’t we?”
She thought it funny he’d ask since going to the SHOP when they were summoned was never a choice but for the sake of the moment, she kept these thoughts to herself.
“Yes, let’s go on then.”
Elodi looked like she was gaining some normality once again and called out,
“Wait, Constance-“
Smiling her usual way, the girl looked straight back at her and interrupted,
“I won’t stay out too late, but still don’t wait up for me.”
She took Oswald’s arm and headed away, the shame still staining Elodi’s expression.
The two had a little conversation on their trip to the bookstore, but the girl was okay with the silence for once. She knew that neither her, nor him were excited about the upcoming reunion with Grandpa Ed and others. She was also aware that he was still upset about some part of their encounter before they’d set out.
As they were once again met by a friendly chime, she followed behind her partner. This time, she checked numerous times to assure herself that the appearance orb was not initiated.
She cringed, a pang of guilt hitting her as she saw the frail boy force a weak smile like one she would often use in her act. He wasn’t absorbed by anything but their presence today, and he hastily retrieved the key before meeting her in front of his cluttered desk.
“Hello. I hope things go well for you today.”
He scanned her clothing and she almost felt like shrinking back a bit. It wasn’t comfortable and she was now recalling that in their rush, she’d retained every wardrobe piece of Constance’s with the addition of the oversized men’s coat, courtesy of her silent acquaintance after they’d left school grounds.
“I appreciate the sentiment. As I’m sure he does.” She spoke on behalf of her disgruntled partner as she took the key, leaving Neil empty-handed.
“Before you go, I umm… I made you something.”
She was happy to see a glimpse of his true smile and shyness as he revealed a silver shining chain. The bracelet was plain and simple save for a single bronze oval in the center. On the shiny scrap metal piece, there seemed to be an engraved design. The hand-printed book was flat with its middle pages on full display, except the writing was missing.
Neil shifted in front of her and she suddenly became aware of her unintentional questioning gaze targeted at him. She blinked and switched to a more sunny disposition. The shy boy was aware of her initial impression as he fiddled with his glasses and attempted to explain.
“It’s, well, I made it. The possibilities of a blank page are innumerable, and a whole book… well a whole book is like a lot of possibilities.” He looked at his bartered shoes, cheeks igniting sunset pink bursts once again. I hope you get to create your own story beautifully.”
In return for the gift, she offered a beaming grin. This was until she heard the groan of her less-than-entertained associate. She turned her grin to a sly smile and looked at Neil again.
“I’m guessing he’s upset you didn’t get him any gift, you know he’s rather sensitive that way.”
Neil peeked at the boy who offered him no variety in emotion and he fumbled around in his pocket to bring out a new pair of wool gloves.
“Here… yours are probably worn.”
. The grandfather clock only served to add further stiffness to the conversation.
She watched the exchange as the timid existence shifted slowly toward her partner before holding out the gloves from an uncomfortable distance.
She glanced down at her hands, clasping the new accessory on her wrist.
The boy sighed, lacking appreciation for this steady kindness.
“I’d prefer you’d spend less attention on things like this,” he motioned to the gloves,
“and direct it to something else. The shop, or that little sister...”
He must’ve felt the tension in the room amplify as the store clerk appeared much more distressed and depressed after hearing the comments. It could also have been her disapproving reaction that played a part. She kept her focus as her partner began forcing the corners of his mouth to curl up slightly.
“Thank you for the gloves.”
He took them, much to Neil’s relief, and tucked the gift in his pocket.
Once again she fell back to her regrets regarding those who regarded her as close, and as if the two boys could feel the mood change they headed for the looming clock. Like an instant jolt of electricity, the clock's reign paused once more when the key turned.
She waved goodbye to Neil as the door creaked to shut. As usual, the boy walked ahead of her as she followed his footsteps with little ambition towards their destination. Every now and again it was obvious to her he was waiting for her to catch up but neither of them acknowledged this.
As long as the light illuminating him was still in view, she could trail along however she liked. Although the mood wasn’t made much better through their visit with Neil, the girl had gone long enough without conversation.
“If you were in his shoes, would you buy a gift for two individuals who did nothing but uproot your being?”
“If you’re referring to that store clerk, just assume he’s some tiny animal. A squirrel gets frightened easily, but if you interact with it long enough I’m sure it might bring you something unexpected once in a while.”
She noticed the light pass over his sharp, cutting eyes as his face shifted back over his shoulder for a few seconds as he stated in a quieter tone.
“Believe what you see with him, he’s already forgiven you. That girl too, don’t bother worrying about her.”
The glow danced back to his silhouette, gently withdrawing from his high cheekbones and gaze as he turned forward once more.
“Oddly, I mind how they feel, after all, we won’t be close long. When we gain more momentum in SELL we’ll be re-stationed to enter through a different location and connection with Neil… it may even cease completely. Elodi and I will part much sooner.”
“If you’re aware, then don’t let them alter your emotions so much, just stay freely bouncing around as usual.”
“Is that really how you see me, flitting around frivolously without a care?” She scoffed at his words, estimating them to be a roundabout way to insult her.
“…”
“I’m sociable and positive but I’m not willfully ignorant.”
“You’re always so observant and understanding when it comes to everything else so why…”
She could practically sense an opportunity to tease his true intent out of him; her playful smirk seemed to slip out in the dark.
“Go on then, enlighten me.”
“I intended to suggest that I’d rather you didn’t become so torn up by passerby fluctuating emotions.”
Her curls energetically sprung with her swift pace increase. Now only a half arm's length away she inquired softly uttering her question,
“So should I invest more attention on your changes instead?”
He stumbled over his feet in response to this lighthearted provocation, and she caught his arm steadying him. When the light captured her face for a moment, her sly expression was on full display. She met his eyes as he watched for a minute longer, the second sunset pink she’d seen that day although this one more brief, he soon swatted her hands away. Quickening his steps she innocently sauntered along behind again. After his pace returned to a steady walk again he commented,
“It will become tiresome if you care too much.”
“Then you don’t pay any mind to a single person save for yourself? That must be a lonely existence.”
“I only have one partner to be concerned with, and I am not fond of the concept of wasting time on other unrelated matters.”
She also found it amusing that he often emphasized himself as being in a constant rush, however, this was only illustrated by him when they were called to the SHOP. In terms of missions, in her opinion, it was more likely that he simply wanted to remain comfortable, tagging along with her, than ever having urgency or motivation for the job. She remembered the mysterious gloves once again.
“What if I had nothing to give you in return, would you still gift me new gloves as easily? I guess you and Neil aren’t so different after all.”
"It’s that day again, in any case.” She could sense the faint annoyance in this statement, and she couldn't disagree with the sentiment.
“Right. It’s that day…” She briefly paused, her hand running to a stop on a nearby wall.
"Hold on...So you admit it was for me!" She refocused, her hand dragging again, along with her steps that quickened in an effort to remain in the grasp of the glow.
