Daylight

36 | Late November

Small white pieces of snow had begun falling from the night sky, the cold breeze of late November wind howling through the peaceful homes that sat next to each other. In their own home, laughter echoed in the halls, vibrating through the walls.

Their feet moved in sync with the music, swaying back and forth around the room. Furniture was pushed against the wall, out of the way, giving them space in the middle of the room, making their own dancefloor in the small house.

Caroline laughed in delight, the beautiful sound of her laugh sent butterflies down Madonna's chest to her stomach. They spun around the room, along with the lively music, holding one another dearly.

"Donna!" Caroline squealed, putting an end to their spin as she stumbled back, almost falling over if not for Madonna who caught her with a hand on her waist and another on her back.

Madonna slowed their pace, allowing Caroline to breathe and steady herself but she never lost the grin on her face "Thank you." the brunette said after she recovered from the rush in her bones.

"Anything, darling." said Madonna.

Eventually, the song came to a stop. But not their dance. Caroline stepped closer, placing her head on Madonna's chest, leaning against her with a smile, treasuring the quiet moment. Madonna held herself to the floor and swayed her body, lowering her head to rest against Caroline's.

They shared a small intimate moment with only the two of them, no one else. It was just them in their own world and in their own time, holding each other and sharing their warmth.

The girls left early that morning, leaving the two older women alone in the comfort of their small home. Goodbyes were said, a few tears were shed from the girls as they refused to leave Caroline's side, clinging onto her like she was their lifeline.

Madonna watched the scene fondly, shaking her head in disbelief but smiled half-heartedly. The girls have never been attached to anyone else except their own mother and their late father.

In order to assure the girls, Caroline promised to send letters and come visit. Drizella was the first to release her with tears streaming down her cheeks, her mascara running along with it. Anastasia held on a little longer, crying silently against Caroline's chest and Caroline let her, a hand rubbing the girl's back, calming her uneven breaths.

Madonna embraced her girls separately and that was enough for now. The goodbye ended with Caroline kissing both of the girls all over their messy faces and waving goodbye to them as their carriage left the house.

After they left, the house was too quiet. Too quiet that it felt wrong, hence the music and the dancing that followed this evening. Caroline may not show it but she was saddened by the girls leaving, with the little possibility in her mind that she may never see them ever again. Madonna knew the moment that thought entered her lover's mind because as soon as it did, Caroline's lips quivered.

"It's quiet." Caroline whispered, voice small.

Madonna sighed, nodding "It is, my darling." she adjusted her position and pressed a kiss against Caroline's temple "Is it time for bed, love?"

Caroline kept quiet before she nodded, not trusting her voice to give a verbal answer and Madonna understood "Come on, then." she guided Caroline out of the common room and into the hallway leading to their shared bedroom.

It was odd. Madonna couldn't quite remember when her bedroom in the house had become their shared bedroom. Or how Caroline's bedroom in her cottage was also hers now. But she didn't dare to question it, afraid that it will ruin this— the thing between her and Caroline.

As she held the bedroom door open, she didn't fail to notice the way Caroline's eyes lingered on the dark door that sat across them. The once light coming from under the door was gone.