Would you Swallow all your Pride?

Chapter Forty-One: Goldenrod.

Venable's eyes seemed to have shifted. Billie Dean frowned. "Are you okay?"

Forcing the tears to stay inside, Wilhemina nodded; she nodded in all honesty, with happiness pouring out of every pore. "I am. I'm just... happy." When had she ever thought she'd be happy?

Billie Dean knew there was something behind those eyes; unspoken words, unspoken fears, perhaps... Venable would talk about them when she felt comfortable. Good thing I'm not a curious person. Even if she were, Billie was sure she'd give Wilhemina time. So she nodded, for the words were simple and yet so pure. "That's all I want for you."

I'm always happy around you. Venable nodded with a smile. Something in her still screamed for her to proceed with caution; to not throw her every thought and affection at Billie Dean. She might pull away again, the thought came out of nowhere. Wilhemina decided she wouldn't listen to it; not today, not tonight. They had already talked about it, after all. Before she could say something else, another yawn left her lips. She turned away from Billie. "Sorry—" With her free hand, she covered her mouth.

I should go home. "It's okay." Billie nervously licked her lower lip. "I should—I should go home... leave you to rest. It was a long day." I don't want to leave. But that wasn't up for her to decide.

Venable blinked once. I don't want her to leave. They had slept together before... there was no difference from now, right? There clearly is. Wilhemina was so sure Billie Dean would respect her, the move didn't feel so risky. Or maybe it did, but the ache to have Billie close was bigger. She didn't see my back before... it won't be different this time. Venable gulped. "You... you can stay, if you'd like..."

Honey eyes picked up a little. "Are you sure? I don't want to impose..."

Wilhemina nodded. "I'm sure. Unless—unless you want to leave?" She needs to rest, too, after all.

"I don't," Billie was quick to shake her head. They both chuckled. "I don't," she repeated.

"Alright, then." Giving Billie Dean's hand a squeeze, Venable pulled away to get up. "I still have your toothbrush, from last week." That sounds weird. "I kept it... just in case." Her cheeks tinted.

Billie smiled to herself as she got up as well. She never stopped thinking about me. It helped the wound to heal. "Thank you," she said softly.

Wilhemina nodded. "Would you like to shower before bed?"

"Is it bad if I say no?" Billie Dean grimaced playfully. Sex didn't even cross her mind; she wasn't focused on it at all. Waiting was a decision they had both agreed on. "I've showered before the party..."

Laughing a little, Venable shook her head. "I've done the same."

"Two peas in a pod."

Chuckling still, Wilhemina guided them to her bedroom. There, she stepped aside for Billie Dean to make herself comfortable. "There's makeup wipes at the first drawer, and your toothbrush is at the third one."

"Thank you." Billie nodded and followed to the bathroom.

While waiting for Billie Dean to be done, Venable grabbed their purses on the living room and set them on the bed stand, just in case. Then, she proceeded to make the bed. Excitement bubbled inside her chest. It all felt so foreignly easy, so good and so simple; being with Billie was simple. It came naturally, it was organic. I'm scared of tomorrow. A night of sleep could lift the spell and bring all of Wilhemina's demons back. I need to try. Purpura jumped on the bed once it was done, tail waggling softly as she stared at the bathroom door. Venable now sat down on her vanity, carefully taking her earrings and necklace off. Then, she reached for her hairbrush and began to loosen her waves, watching herself in the mirror. I don't feel so ugly today. Venable bit her lower lip, eyes examining her features all over while she kept on brushing her silky red hair. I think I need to cut it a little. Her locks were reaching her waist already. Lost in her thoughts about herself, Wilhemina barely heard when the bedroom door opened. She looked up at Billie Dean, hairbrush in hand. Billie now had her face clean and hair up in a ponytail. How can anyone look that gorgeous? It was a constant thought every time Venable looked at her. "Hi," she said softly.