The Pirate & The Porcelain Doll (WAYHAUGHT)

Chapter 3

Wynonna took Waverly for a walk in the gardens, understanding her enough to know all the fuss being made was too much. They strolled hand in hand, Wynonna explaining a kiss could not magically turn any creature into a prince.

"Why would Red say that if it isn't true?" she asked.

"Because," Wynonna replied, "she thinks it's amusing to tease someone younger, knowing they will believe her."

"Oh," Waverly said, crestfallen her hero had told her something not true. "I'm sorry I lied this morning. I won't do it again."

"Oh petal, we guessed you wanted to play with your pirate friend. You need to be careful that's all. Some people will lead you into trouble simply for their own amusement."

"I'm not in trouble am I?"

"No. You're not in trouble. That girl did something horrid, without a care if it would upset you. That is not how a nice person behaves."

"Do you think the worm will be alright?" Waverly asked.

Wynonna took both her hands. "Yes, the worm will be perfectly fine. It's probably feasting on your lettuce leaf as we speak."

"I'm glad. I don't want it to be hungry. Poor worm."

"Poor worm," Wynonna repeated, releasing their hands, pulling her sister into a warm embrace. "Let's go look at the fishes in the ornamental pond, shall we."

Nicole was not seen for the rest of the day, her mother refusing to let her out, instructing their nanny to bring supper to her bedroom. Waverly was quiet during the evening meal, Wynonna sitting next to her, wary of the Haught boys in case they too had similar intentions of upsetting her. The eldest brother approached after the meal to offer his own apologies for his sister's behaviour. Waverly smiled politely, gripping Wynonna's hand, wishing she could see her pirate, wondering if she would ever be let out of her bedroom. Wynonna was there to reassure her once more, explaining they would probably see Nicole the next day, their final day at the house, Waverly not wanting to leave without saying goodbye.

She had a restless night, tossing and turning, dreaming of being chased by a frog without legs, then being made to eat worm soup, Nicole standing over her, sword raised high. Wynonna was the first to notice how pale Waverly looked as she entered the breakfast room with the nanny. "Are you feeling unwell?" she asked, as Waverly sat beside her.

"I want to see Red," was all she could say before bursting into tears.

She didn't have to wait too long. The door opened, the nanny returning with Nicole, head down clearly having been reprimanded severely for her prank. She stood at the head of the table, meeting Waverly's gaze briefly, her eyes red. "I'm sorry for my behaviour yesterday. It was impolite of me. It will not happen again."

Waverly desperately wanted to hug her pirate, recognising she too had been crying. Instead, she sat quietly holding Wynonna's hand, too afraid to move. Willa suggested Nicole join them for breakfast and afterwards go for a walk. Nicole approached the table, sitting next to Waverly, neither looking at each other, taking one slice of toast from the silver rack before her.

"I'm sorry," Waverly whispered, watching Nicole stuff the bread into her mouth without butter. "I didn't mean to scream."

Nicole turned her head slightly, cheeks bulging. She swallowed several times before speaking, a few crumbs remaining on her lips. "It wasn't your fault. I'm sorry I scared you."

"Worms do not turn into princes. Wynonna told me."

"Maybe. Maybe not," Nicole replied. "But, caterpillars turn into butterflies."