𝔸𝕝𝕥𝕖𝕣𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕋𝕚𝕞𝕖

Rose Colored Lenses

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April 21st, 1967

After your long talk with Rosamund a few days ago, she's been thinking about Eileen nonstop. Just like you schemed it, not only has she been questioning Severus' treatment and appearance, but Rosamund had found herself in the middle of many sleepless nights, wondering why Eileen cut off contact so long ago. She felt similar to the girl Rosamund knew in school, but at the same time, Rosamund couldn't deny that Eileen wasn't the same girl. When she wasn't ignoring it, Rosamund chalked it up to Eileen changing with the years of adulthood and motherhood.

The four of you hadn't been together very long today, but Rosamund already had a boatload of things she noticed. Things she might not have picked up on if you had never said anything to her.

'Why do we only ever come to this Cokeworth park? Eileen refuses me when I offer my residence up, and she has yet to offer her own.'

Dispelling her thoughts when Eileen pats her shoulder and smiles, Rosamund looks at the expression with new eyes. It's nothing like the smile Eileen used to wear. Back then, it was small and quiet. and Rosamund always knew Eileen muted her emotions, scared to reveal that a member of the Prince family was capable of feeling. If not for Rosamund's scrutinizing eyes, searching for anything and everything, she might have been happy to see how freely Eileen smiled now. But... Deep down, Rosamund now realized there was something off about it.

"I'm so glad we reunited after all this time," Eileen speaks so sweetly it feels sickening. "It's so wonderful that our children have become friends, don't you think?"

Rosamund nods in response, taking great pains to feign a happy smile. "It shouldn't have taken us this long to see each other again. Why did we stop?"

Caught off guard, Eileen's discomfort shows for a split second before she catches herself. Averting her gaze, she tugs on the tight collar of her blouse.

"Ah, yes. Why did we?" Eileen laughs awkwardly. "You know how it is. Becoming a wife, taking care of your home, and then having a child. I do regret that our busy families separated us for so long. Imagine if our precious Arden came into Severus' life earlier on. I think she'd have rubbed off on him by now."

Rosamund didn't know what she'd been on the lookout for in particular today, but she certainly wasn't expecting Eileen to make it so obvious. Her disdain for her son came through like a blaring siren—and she did not like the way Eileen referred to you. Rosamund had always been for expanding your circle; that way, you'd be full of good people, friendships, and familial bonds (blood or not) for years to come, but the way Eileen said 'our' like you were already hers... Well, it didn't sit right with Rosamund.

"Mm," Rosamund nods. She tears her gaze off of Eileen, unable to stomach looking into her beady eyes any longer. Instead, she elects to look up at you and Severus, who are hiding away in the jungle gym again, sitting atop the highest platform while you converse.

It's easy to tell you're having a serious conversation, even if both of you are characteristically solemn (especially for your ages). Severus looks terribly upset, with furrowed eyebrows and a trembling lip, but his gaze gives away his truest feelings. Meanwhile, you're sitting right across from him, your stern expression akin to the way Rosamund looks when she's scolding Thomas.

Crossed arms and all.

"Why are you doing this?!" Severus spits after several long minutes of silence, which he elected to spend glaring at you.