Strawberries And Crows (Canceled, For Now)

Part 13- Loopy

After I wipe her tears and she crawls into bed, I yawn.

I'm still slightly wet from the river, so I go and dry myself off.

I change out of the dress I'm wearing, into my sleepwear, then walk back over to my bed.

I shiver, pulling the covers up.

Birds cheep outside, and Elizabeth is awake, sitting up in bed. She hasn't seemed to notice our intertwined fingers, but I did, so I pulled them apart.  

" Last night, You said we would save you." She repeats my words from last night.  " Who is we? " She asks.

" Well... " I laugh nervously. " Your brother and I. " 

" David..?" She sighs.

" Yes? " I respond. 

" So there is something going on with you two? " She says, not hiding the disgust on her face.

" Oh, goodness no. " I pause, thinking. " Lets just say he isn't my type. "

" Who is  your type?" She sprawls out on the bed, gazing at the ceiling. 

" You seem pretty loopy. " I deflect. " Did you have something to drink when I wasn't with you last night? " I ask.

" Loopy? Gosh, I wouldn't do that. I'm farrrrrrr too young." She says, but then she bursts out laughing. 

" That's a yes, then. " I say. " Listen, if you want me to tell you things, I'm going to need you to be sober for it. " I sigh. " You best have a bath. " 

I stand, then scoop her up, bridal style. 

" Woah! You're so strong. " She giggles. " You are exactly my  type. " 

I cough, blushing. " Good thing you're marrying Richard then, we look nearly the same. " 

She frowns. " Richard isn't strong though. And his eyes aren't as nice as yours, even though they are the same. " Then she thinks for a second. " And he's mean. " 

I smile. " I know, But listen, you need to go through with the wedding, David and I have got you covered. " 

" I really don't want to. But for you, I will. " 

I exit the bathroom, and after waiting in my room, she finally comes out. 

" Sorry about all that. " she blushes, " I feel refreshed. " I nod in response.

Elizabeth waves goodbye and wanders out of my room. After she's been gone for a little, I begin getting ready.

Just after I've put my hair up, Richard strolls into my room. 

" Your not allowed in here, Richard. " I hiss at him.

" Wah, Wah. " He imitates a baby. I scowl at him. " Relax, sister. I was just looking for my darling." 

" Just missed her. Oh, and she doesn't want to see you. "

" Oh SHUT UP, Kalese. I saw her exit your room a few minutes ago, but she rushed away from me. " He growls at me. " What was she doing in here. " 

" I helped do her makeup. " I say, "We're friends. " I feel like clarifying. 

" Surely not? You're terrible at makeup, darling sister. I'd hate to see Elizabeth's face tainted by your 'skill'. " He scowls. "Now tell me where she is! I know you know. " 

" I can assure you, I don't. " 

" WHY must you ruin this one good thing that happens to me. WHY! " He yells, stepping close to me and spitting in my face. 

" OH, Back off Richard!" I scream. " It's not my fault she doesn't like you. " I continue, " It's YOURS, your god damned stale attitude and disgusting personality. Get out of my room! " 

" That's where your wrong, Kalese. " He hisses. "She doesn't like me, She loves me! " He laughs.

" GET OUT! " I scream, my eyes closed.

Suddenly, Richard lurches forward.

His hand leaves a red mark on my cheek. 

I glare up at him from where I sit, anger visible in my eyes. But Richard is still angry too, and he goes in for another hit. " RICHARD! " I scream, holding my arms up. 

I lift my knee up as he approaches, straight between his two legs. 

"ARG!" He groans, then he curls his fist in a ball. 

I twist away from his grasp, and run to my bedroom door. 

He turns behind me, grabbing at my loose hair. 

I quickly open the door, only to be greeted by a maid at the door. " Help! " I manage to whisper before Richard hurls something from my desk at the back of my head and I pass out. 

( End of Part 13 )