No Confessions -side story-

Ch2

    "I present, Lady Alistar Darlington." the announcer exclaimed to a man, gesturing a path for Alis to follow. Eyes followed while others averted their gaze. Of course, Alis knew she had a...peculiar...name. It was why she despised showing up to fancy galas such as these.
However, this was for Catherine. Alis needed to find her lady and set a time for her to come visit again. It was less of a request now, moreso an agreement. Lucy was a very kind mistress towards her maids and she was unlike most in their time. She was good to her staff.
"Ah, the famed Alis Darlington–" the man began, approaching.
"It's Alistar to you, sir." Alis spoke so coldly and so firm. It was quite a contrast to her tone upon normal days.
The man bowed, extending a hand; an offer. He was a freckled boy, hair as red as carrots. He looked neither old nor young. "Looking?"
"Thinking." Alis corrected, taking his hand. Might as well have company to pass the time. "Where to? Sir...?"
"George." the man smiled. "George Stumpton." He led them to the table of food, pouring two drinks. "Are you here with someone?" he asked, handing Alis a glass filled with a rich red liquid.
"Why do you ask?" Alis questioned, idly spinning her glass. She did not care for alcohol from a man. Alis would only ever indulge if she was around women. Comfort.
The man smiled innocently. "I was simply wondering if there is a man I should look out for, lest he comes to sweep you away."
"Good evening," a familiar voice chimes from behind them. "May I steal my little Alis away?"
"It's Alistar." George sneered, glaring at the woman who was behind her.
Alis felt an arm slip around her own. "Perhaps to you, but not for me." the person mocked. Alis could nearly feel her smiling. "Come now, my little. Let us go."
"Hello, Lucy." Alis said, setting down her glass and turning towards the blonde. "Where's Mina? Is she not with you?" Odd, as Lucy would never come to something like this alone.
Lucy sighed, looking out at the bustle of people. "She is...somewhere here."
"Somewhere?" Alis asked with a disbelieving laugh. "Have you lost her?"
Lucy chuckled. "No, of course not. Besides, she's in her party dress. Quite hard to lose someone who's such an eye-catch." Lucy smirked.
Mina's party dress, the one Lucy was speaking about, was a beautiful royal blue. It had off shoulder sleeves, a simple white ribbon which draped around the back. It was quite a simplistic dress. It had a matching blue bow, adorned with a few pearls, in the front; and a large white one on the lower back, hiding clasps and seams.
"You look quite dashing yourself, my little. What brings you here tonight?" Lucy asked. She knew of Alis's distaste for parties.
Alis shifted and began moving so as to not stay stationary. Lucy followed. "I was wondering about the next time I may come in to see Catherine." Alis stated plainly, taking Lucy's arm to avoid losing her in the crowd. "And another thing–why must you call me that?"
"Because you are 'that'." Lucy smiled so sweetly that Alis almost would have agreed with her right then. However, her logic kicked her.
"Yes, but–" Alis started, turning towards Lucy. "I'm neither 'yours' nor am I 'little'. If anyone's 'yours', it'd be Mina. And, though you hate to see it, I'm quite a bit taller than you."
Lucy frowned and tilted her head in acknowledgment. "Fair. But Alis, my little, don't you like your pet-name?" Lucy asked with both innocence and sin in her voice. "Really, you must like it for you've gone by it for so long now."
"Lucy, it's only because I like you." Alis chided, with a nudge. "About Catherine, Lucy."
"Yes, yes, I know. She's taken a liking to you. Whatever time you feel is necessary you need nothing more than to knock." Lucy assured, taking Alis's hand and tugging her through the crowd. "Catherine needs someone, I know that. She needs you. I'm glad she has you, my little. I'm glad she has a friend."
"Hello, you two."
    Lucy gasped and flew to Mina's side. "Hello, darling. This is Alis." she said, pointing to her. "The one who you thought was robbing us only a few nights ago, remember? Alis, this is my Mina. Mina Murray."
    "Alistar Darlington." Alis introduced bowing at Mina's hand. "Charmed."
    "Likewise." she gasped, seemingly breathless from surprise.
"Quite chivalrous, hm?" Lucy whispered to Mina. She nodded enthusiastically before smiling at Alis. "I hope you two will get along just finely. I'm off to find drinks, you pair chat!"
Mina raised her hand to stop her,  "Luce, we already–" But Lucy was already gone. "–know each other..."
"No matter," Alis sighed, fixing her clothes. "It's been quite a while. There has to be at least a few new things to talk about. Boys?"
"Girls. A girl." Mina corrected, stepping towards Alis. "More better, Lucy."
Alis's eyebrow raised. "Oh? Are you and her sapphic? That's the term, right? Named after the Greek poet, Sappho of Lesbos."
"Yes, that's the term." Mina answered, tense. "I'd rather we not discuss this in public, Alis." It was as if Mina was scolding her. It made her chuckle.
Alis placed her hands on Mina's arms, trying to be reassuring. "Mina, no one other than those who are, know the term. Believe me, I'd know. You'd need not worry, okay?"
"Wait, but if that's true then–"
"Yes, Mina." Alis interrupted. "I'm like you. Like Lucy. Like many others. Mina, it's no sin to 'be like this', you must know. Oh Mina." Alis laughed when she saw Mina's expression. "I have unturned the Bible, and there are no words against it; if that is what worries you. Society is just opposed to difference. To those who are not like the rest. To those like us."
Mina stood there, speechless. Nearly. "Alis, I must ask." She nodded, a sign to go on. "How did you know? That you were."
Alis smiled as if she were expecting the question. Her hands dragged down Mina's arms and took her hands. "It's hard to explain, really. But there usually is some realization. I assume you had one, just as Lucy. It's unexplainable but you know when it hits."
"When what hits?"
Mina jumped in surprise causing the two other girls to laugh. "Lucy! Don't do that!" she scolded. "And it was nothing! Nothing of the sorts. Right, Alis?"
Alis nodded, not understanding why Mina wanted to hide what they were talking about. Lucy didn't seem moved. Whether she knew or not, she didn't show. "Are you two friends now?"
"Actually, Luce. Mina and I have been friends for years." Alis mumbled. "Almost, what, twelve years?" she asked, looking at Mina who nodded after a moment. "Yeah, twelve."
Lucy looked dumbstruck. "Twelve?" Mina nodded. "You've known her for twelve years?" Another nod. Lucy pouted and grabbed onto Mina's arm. Lucy pointed at Alis, eyes narrowing playfully. "So you've known, no, been friends with, my Mina since you two were seven?"
"Lucy, is there a problem?" Mina asked hesitantly, placing a hand on Lucy's arm.
Lucy continued on, this time directed at Mina. "I've only known you for eleven years, Mina! Why didn't you tell me you had old friends?" She sounded hurt but the other women knew it was all for a jest.
"You never asked." Mina said deflectingly. "Besides, Alis only contacted me in letters. She wasn't in the area until a while ago."
Alis put her hands up in defense. "Look, my mother was ill and after my father died I had to stay with her until I could find adequate staff because he fired them all. Also, do you have any idea how far away Manchester is from here?" Alis let out a laugh at the irony. "Sorry, Mina. Family affairs. I did want to visit, really, but I had to get Darlington Corporation under control and everything else."
"Corporation?" Lucy asked, wide eyed. "Oh stars, you're the Alistar, aren't you? Why didn't you tell me?"
Mina shot a quizzical look between the two. Alis moved quickly to explain. "I'm co-head of Darlington Corps. The science, biology company working in technological advancements that runs half the hospital supplies in the UK." Alis shrugged as if it wasn't a big deal. "We partnered with another company just after my father died. A friend of his who said she'd take care of us. Even though we could do so fine on our own." Alis grumbled.
"You don't seem very happy about that." Lucy remarked, stating the obvious.
"She bought us out, that's why. Called me stubborn right before she signed the paper. I have all respect for her, I do, but some days she's a lot."
Mina reached out towards Alis. "I'm sorry, Alis. Losing your corporation..."
"Oh, no. I still have it. Co-head, remember? I just have to–do everything she asks of me." she mumbled. "No big deal, really." Alis said with such sarcasm there was almost a smile. "But enough of that. How are you ladies enjoying the party?"
Mina sighed, bringing the arm Lucy was on closer to herself. "Parties aren't really my forte, if I'm to be honest. I'm really only here because Lucy insists on bringing me."
"Hey, if you can force me to learn the dreaded machine called a typewriter, I can drag you to parties." Lucy laughed, hugging Mina's arm.
"Alis, tell me," Mina started, shifting topics. "You and Catherine. You're friends, right?" She nodded, confused on where Mina wanted to go. "How did that come to be?"
"Oh." Alis sighed. "Quite simple really. When I first met her, I found myself oddly attached to her. She was being picked up by others in the house, all fired now, but I swore right then I'd be there to protect her."
Lucy chimed in with a bright smile. "My little gets like that some days. Protective over the small and the weak and the cutesy."
"Don't call Catherine 'cutesy'." Alis bit, meaner than intended. "Please." she added as if it would lessen the blow.
"Oh? A defensive one, are we?" Lucy laughed. "S–sorry." she apologized after seeing Mina's glare. "You know I'm just kidding you. You're not cross with me, are you?"
Alis exhaled sharply, straightening her posture. "I am, Lucy. Only a small, but I am."
"I'm sorry. I went too far, I admit that." Lucy said. Alis could tell she meant it. "Alis, really. You know I'd never do anything to harm Catherine. I'd never do anything to harm you. I care about you both terribly. You know this, I pray."
Alis only sighed. "I'm going. I've overstayed my welcome here, so I am to be off. I'll come by and see Cathrine as soon as I can. If she asks, tell her work is a pain. I bid you goodnight." she said curtly with a bow.
"Alis!" Mina called but she was already enveloped by the crowd, too loud to hear.