Against the Stars

Chapter 18

The day seemed to fly by and soon Ginny was able to put weight on her ankle. The first time she stood, she nearly crushed Bess. After a couple of tries, however, she was able to walk again.

The first thing Ginny wanted to do was go to Ben’s house and tell him she wasn’t mad at him, that it wasn’t his fault. She knew Ben well enough to know he had probably beating himself up for the last couple of days.

“Mother! I’m going out!” Ginny called as she limped towards the door.

“Oh, no you’re not,” Mother said, grabbing Ginny’s hood. “You’re just going to see that no good Benjamin Eby. Well sorry, I’ve already arranged for you to have an outing with Miss Lucy Winslow.”

“Mother…” Ginny whined.

“Don’t try that on me. Go make yourself look presentable.”

“Yes Mother…” Ginny sighed, as she slowly made her way up the stairs.

When she entered her room, Ginny couldn’t help but smile. After days of lying on the couch, her room was a pleasant sight. Ignoring her mother, Ginny ran – the best she could at least- and flopped on her bed. She sighed, wrapping the covers around herself. It was peaceful and Ginny wished she could freeze time, just for a moment.

But of course, it couldn’t be that way. Ginny forced herself to get up and get dressed. She put on a mint green dress, one she loved and her mother hated. Ginny knew if she went slow enough there wouldn’t be time for her mother to make her change. That was her small way of being a rebel. 

Ginny quickly braided her hair then went back to lying on her bed. She wished her mother would consult her before setting up these outings. She didn’t need any more friends! She already had two wonderful friends, and that was good enough for her. The less friends you have, the better the friends they are, however the better your friends know you, the harder they can hit you when they leave. 

“Ginny! Lucy’s here!” mother called. Ginny was confused for a moment; she had never heard a knock. Her mother had probably been staring out the window waiting for the Winslow’s to arrive. She could hear her mother’s voice in her head, “Oh Mrs. Winslow! Lucy! What a coincidence I was just coming to get something! Oh do come in.” Ginny shuttered at the thought. 

As Ginny limped out of her room, she grabbed the pearl necklace Blithe had given her. For some reason she felt that she should wear it. Maybe it would bring her luck and she wouldn’t hit someone on this outing. 

Ginny slowly made her way downstairs. She could hear Mother explaining how she broke her ankle, probably trying to explain why Ginny was taking so long. Ginny sighed, that was Mother, always trying to uphold their reputation.

Ginny put on her best fake smile and said, “Sorry I’m late, this ankle is really bothersome.”

Ginny saw three heads turn in her direction as she came down the stairs. Her fake smile turned into a real one when she saw her Mother’s expression. Mother’s mouth was wide open, in an O shape. She was not pleased with Ginny choice. However, she recovered quickly.

Ginny then turned to look at Lucy. She was a mousy little thing, even shorter than Ginny. Her chestnut brown hair hung in stout curls, framing her pale face. Her eyes were a dull sea green that seemed to contain no life. Her lips were pinched into a straight expressionless line.

Standing behind Lucy was her mother, who was about as tall as Ginny. Mrs. Winslow looked like a larger- not by much though- version of her daughter. 

“Good day Virginia,” Mrs. Winslow said.

“Good day Mrs. Winslow. Could you please call me Ginny?” Ginny asked trying to be polite. It killed her.