Clockwork Heart | ✓

sex.

London, 1903

Brooklyn was surprised when, after dinner, the person behind the knock on her door was Cordelia Carstairs.

Brooklyn had not been surprised that Cordelia hated her with such a burning passion--girls as beautiful as Cordelia usually did. What she had been surprised at was that Cordelia hated her because she thought that James would want Brooklyn over her. Of course he wouldn't. Boys like that didn't choose girls like Brooklyn over girls like Cordelia.

"Hello," Brooklyn said, confused, as the redhead pushed past her and into her room. She shut the door.

"I'm sorry, Brooklyn." Cordelia said. "I was...very jealous and too quick to judge you."

"It's fine, Cordelia."

"No, it isn't." The other girl looked irritated that she could even pretend it was all right. "I was wrong, and I'm sorry. I treated you awfully. That is not how I should have behaved. I am sorry."

Brooklyn smiled at her. "I accept your apology." She said. "But really, there was no need for jealousy. Boys like James very rarely choose girls like me, and he knows that I'll be leaving the moment we find out how to send me back."

"Of course," Cordelia said. "And...despite how in love with James I am, if you and him end up falling in love...be with him. Your time here will be short, and you deserve some happiness. Lucie told me everything that you said to her."

"No, no," Brooklyn shook her head. "I'm fine, really. I was just explaining to her how love can tear someone apart. Honestly, I'm fine. Love cannot mend me because there is nothing to mend."

"Even so..." Cordelia said. She straightened her spine. "I should be going. To sleep, I mean. Good night, Brooklyn."

"Good night, Cordelia." Brooklyn wasn't sure if she was happy to have the girl leave or not.