Down the Rabbit Hole ⚝ Killian Jones

27

I almost expected the apartment Regina gave me to be as sterile as the cell she had put me in. I was surprised to find the place to be quite cozy. Brick walls with various art adorning them. Warm lighting and plush furniture. There are even clothes in the closet.

Andy loves the place. Said it's a lot roomier than his run down apartment. I don't mind him being here. After all, he is my best friend, and I missed him dearly. But with my newfound revelation, things have been strained between us. He asked if he could join me in the shower, and I said no, far too quickly. It's not that we've had bad sex. In fact, it's been pretty good. Which, if you asked anyone else in an arranged marriage, that's like winning the lottery. But I can't lead him on.

The first thing I had done was tear off the worn out clothes that had encased my frail body for too long. I'll admit that I cried in the shower (which I was allowed to use for more than five minutes) for a good thirty minutes before getting dressed in my own clothes. It made me wonder if she had planned to give me the apartment as an apology before I forgave her.

This place can't undo the damage that's already been done to my mind and body. The bones sticking through my skin make that quite apparent. But like I told her, it's a good start. A damn good one.

Emma invited us to the welcome back party tonight when I went to Granny's. I considered not going, wishing to spend more time getting adjusted. But I ultimately decided it would be easier than spending the evening alone with Andy.

The only problem is that I kind of, sort of, invited Regina. Despite her trying to kill us yesterday. But it felt like the right thing to do. Especially since she's the only reason that we're here to begin with.

I look over at the clock and see I have about thirty minutes to get ready before heading to Granny's. Andy helps me root through the closet to find something to wear. The clothing here is strange compared to what I'm used to in the Enchanted Forest, but I like it better. Comfortable. The only comfortable clothes I wore in the Enchanted Forest were my pajamas.

I eventually decide on a long black skirt made of cotton that reaches below my knees and a thick green sweater that is too large on me. Which I appreciate, as it makes me look less sickly. Andy dutifully braids my hair with gentle hands that smell like lavender soap. I have to hide the tears forming on my lower lashes. I'm going to lose him forever.