That evening
Cathy POV: I really like Jane. But things would be so awkward given the whole Thomas thing. I sigh as I sit down on an armchair. Anne and Catherine were squabbling in then kitchen and Anna had taken Kitty, as we all call her now, for a walk. Jane comes and sits on the arm of the chair, looking at me.
"They've been at this all day. Wanna leave them at it and go to the bookshop?" She says and I nod.
"Yay! Let's go!" I follow her out and we start off towards town.
"I never knew you liked reading Jane"
"Well I wanna go for the cookbooks but I know you love reading" she says, blushing a little. She's so gorgeous.
***
Jane POV: Cathy is so beautiful. And sweet. Ugh I love her but I doubt she loves me back. I mean I am a Seymour. Stupid Thomas. We get to the bookshop and Cathy wanders along beside me while I look at cookbooks.
"You can look around at what you like if you want. It must be boring looking at these cookbooks" I say and she just smiles
"No. No it's okay. I like spending this time with you" she says softly.
"Oh! Well I'll finish up in a bit and we can look at books for you" I say and she nods, looking around. Then suddenly she tugs on my sleeve.
"Jane. Jane he's here" I turn around and see Thomas walking towards us. Cathy shrinks closer to me, gripping my arm.
"Go away Thomas. We don't want you here" I say and he scoffs.
"Step aside Jane. I wish to talk to Cathy"
"Whatever you want to say you can say in front of me" I say angrily and he just laughs.
"Well in that case Cathy come back to me baby. I miss you"
"Well I don't miss you. I'm staying with Jane and Anne and Kitty and Anna and Lina. And besides. Jane is the best Seymour. You're garbage" Cathy says and I bite back a laugh. Thomas just stands there open mouthed and then glares.
"You'll regret this" he snarls, turning around and storming away. Once he's gone I turn and hug Cathy tight.
***
Anne POV: "AND HOW IS IT MY FAULT?! I NEVER WANTED ANY OF THAT. I DIDN'T THINK HE WOULD DIVORCE YOU AND MARRY ME!"
"WELL HE DID. AND ITS ALL YOUR FAULT!"
"HOW IS IT MY FAULT?! YOU KNOW WHAT HE WAS LIKE!" I can't take it. I just start crying and go to run away but Lina grabs my arm.
"NO! NO LET ME GO! IM SORRY" I pull my arm free and fall to the ground clutching my neck.
***
Lina POV: "Anne? Hey come on Anne stop messing around" she just stays there trembling and crying and begging for me not to hurt her. Shit.
"Anne I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to scare you" I whisper, kneeling beside her and gently pushing some hair out of her face. She whimpers and flinches away.
"Shhh. It's okay. It's just me. It's just me. I'm not gonna hurt you" I manage to get her up and help her lay down on one of the couches with some pillows and a blanket we kept downstairs for emergencies like this.
"Hey. Want some hot chocolate and cookies?" I whisper and she just blinks at me twice.
"Twice for yes and once for no?" Two blinks again. Perfect.
"Marshmallows?" Two blinks.
"I'll make it extra special okay? I love you bobo" I kiss her forehead and go about making the hot chocolate. Wait. SHIT-
