Strawberries And Crows (Canceled, For Now)

Part 11- Dance

Elizabeth spends the day with Richard, though I know she doesn't want to.

I'm just about to climb into bed when my door swings open, and Elizabeth wanders in, sour look on her face.

She flops down on her side of the bed, yawning.

" Could you do something for me? " She asks, standing right back up to close the door.

" What is it? " I say.

" Dance with me. "

" I- Why? You seem exhausted, and it's the middle of the night! "

" You ran away from me when we danced at the party. " She pouts. " And... I don't want to fall asleep upset. "

I sigh, giving in. " Okay. " she wanders over to me then places her hands on my hip and shoulder.

She plops her head on my shoulder as we dance, humming an unfamiliar song as we dance.

I spin her around and we're suddenly pressed up to each other.

Elizabeth laughs, grabbing my hands and stepping back. She starts doing some high energy, jumpy sort of dance, and her skirt spins out around her.

I'm hesitant at first, but when seeing the joyous expression on her face, I join her.

My nightgown flies around me, my hair freeing itself from its tie.

We dance, spinning around, moving around my room, hand in hand, laughing crazily.

Elizabeth curses as I step on the bottom of her dress and I lurch cowards towards her, falling on my knees.

She laughs, looking down at me on the floor.

She holds her hand out for me to stand and I take it.

We're both puffed by now, so we flop down on my bed, my arm over her shoulder.

She laughs. " Thank you. You do miracles at making me happy. "

I sigh, then stand up, pulling my hair into a bun.

I walk over to my side of the bed, closest to the window.

I climb under the covers, and Elizabeth does the same on her side.

We lay facing each other for a moment, our eye contact painfully prolonged.

I look away, " Goodnight. "

" Goodnight. " Elizabeth replies, and I turn over in bed.

A crow caws on my balcony, and I blink my eyes open.

Good morning world.

I'm curled in a ball, and Elizabeth's arms are around me.

I can't imagine how she would've slept with her brother.

But then again, I'd also never imagined I'd be the little spoon, but here we are.

Elizabeth's hands are linked together around my chest, and I reach up my hands to wrap around hers.

I close my eyes again, but the crow outside caws again, and I feel Elizabeth wake behind me.

She quickly withdraws her hands from mine, and sits up,
" How does this keep happening... " she mumbles.

" Huh? " I yawn, sitting up and stretching my arms.

The sunlight blares in my face and I catch Elizabeth watching the crow outside.

A thought crosses my mind and I turn to her.
" Do you have plans today? " I ask.

" No, why? "

" Do you wanna see The River Djules? "

Her face lights up. " Definetly. "

I sigh, " We still have to go to family breakfast first. "

" Let's go then. "

She pulls a bright yellow dress on and rushes out the door. I walk over to my rack of dresses and pull one out, a pale blue.

I wait a few minutes after putting it on, then head out to the dining room, where everyone else is seated. " Good morning Elizabeth... Everyone. "

" Good morning dear. " My mother says.

" It really is a good morning. " Elizabeth smiles, and I want to melt.

She's seated next to Richard.

" Great to see you, Richard. " I hiss.

" Kalese! " My father yelps. " That is not on. "

As my eyes scan the table, I notice there is another, sort of familiar face in a seat.

" Oh! A guest?! " I truly am sorry, but I cannot remember your name? "

" David, " He says, shaking my hand. " David Cassidy. "

" Ah, Elizabeth's brother. " I smile. " I've heard lots about you. "

" He will be here for the next few months, leading up to, and after Elizabeth and Richards wedding. "

If this breakfast goes anything like the dinner a few days ago, I'm not sure I want to be here.