Strawberries And Crows (Canceled, For Now)

Part 10-Nighttime.

I wake up to a knock on my door, causing me to sit up, sucking in a breath of cold air as I crawl out of my covers.

I pad up to the door and open it. Ignoring the squeak it causes to howl through the hall.

" Kalese! " Elizabeth says, loudly.

" Shhh... " I Whisper, putting my finger to her lips.

" Sorry, " She says, stepping inside my room, closing the door behind her.

" Uh... I... "

" What's up? " I ask.

" Its- It's kind of embarrassing. " She sighs.

" What is...? "

" Well, " She sighs, giving in. " Back at home, I always snuck into my brothers room and slept with him... Like, every night. " she scoffs at herself. " Ugh, this is so embarrassing... But I can't sleep alone anymore because of this habit... Could I... Maybe sleep with you? "

I smile at her awkwardness. " Sure. "

" Okay, I underst- Wait, Sure? " she grins up at me, then pulls me into a hug. " Thank you! "

" Well, get in quick, it's cold out here. "

She runs over to my bed, sitting as she slides her slippers off.

I walk over to my side, and climb into the familiar warmth.

She slides in next to me. " Brr. " She shivers.
" It's c-c-cold on this side. "

I snicker at her exaggeration. " I only ever sleep on this side. " I explain, rolling over to face her.

" Goodnight. " she says, after we lie there  for a while, our breathing in synch.

I startle awake, taking in my surroundings. It's still dark outside and...

Elizabeth's arms are wrapped around my torso, and her blonde hair in my nose.

Her breath is warm, and I don't want to move, but I do.

To wrap my arms around her too.

My head is above hers, and hers is nestled into the spot beneath my chin.

It really is such a waste that she had to be married off to Richard.

I twirl a loc of her blonde hair around my finger, but then sigh and pull her closer to me.

I squeeze her tighter, not wanting to let go.

God, my friends were right.

I sigh again, closing my eyes which had been staring at the wall behind Elizabeth, and slowly drift to sleep.

Elizabeth stirs, and I do too. We're still in the same position as last night, my arms right around Elizabeth.

" Oh W-Wow. " She laughs. " How did we manage that... "

I laugh back, pulling my arms off of her. " Good question. " I look away, and sit up, stretching my arms.

I turn to face her only to find her staring at me.

" Oh! " I startle.

I think for a moment. " You- you said you can't sleep without someone... So, do you need to sleep in here again tonight? " I ask.

" If... If that's okay with you... "

I grin. " Sure, But right now..." I crawl out of bed, grabbing a dress of its hanger, (A deep blue shiny one with a flowy skirt) " It's breakfast time. "

" Wait, look! The other dress I asked Alice to make for me is ready! "

It is folded delicately, next to my door.

" Perfect! " I say, but I swear it wasn't there when I fell asleep, (the first time, that is.)

I look out my window, down at the garden, where Alice and Tom are talking.

I slip into the dress, as Elizabeth slips into hers.

" Wow, it's perfect! " She giggles.

" Alice would've used the sizing from the green dress to make that one perfect. " I explain. It is so perfect. " If anyone asks, we met in the hall."

She nodds, and we walk out of my room.

We head down to the kitchen, then sit at the dining table, joining my family. ( Elizabeth's left yesterday)

" Good morning , Darling. " Richard grins, all teeth.

" Good morning. Richard. " she says.
" Your sister and I met in the halls on the walk up here. "

Richards fake smile drops for a second as he looks me up and down. " Good morning, Sister. "

" Good morning, bane of my existence "