Disnia (collaboration)

Chapter Three

Jo must've had a bad dream last night. I tried blowing bubbles in my milk this morning, and she hardly even seemed to care. She even seems more skittish and alert today than normal. A cricket's chirp scared her so badly this morning she spilled an entire mug of tea on the freshly scrubbed floor. She didn't even want to go outside to play this morning. When I asked, she just got really wide eyed and suggested we stay in as she wanted to continue her book. Jo never missed a chance to go outside and play. This made me feel extremely concerned. I looked over at her in the armchair in front of mine and watched as she would read a few lines of her book and then her eyes would dart around the room. Like she was on guard. I dipped my paint brush into the bright red shade that would be Mickey Mouse's pants as I pretended not to notice.

"How's the book?" I asked offhandedly looking back down at my canvas.

"It's good," she spoke smally. "I really like it so far"

"Well I'm glad you like it" I filled in the rest of the shape and then dropped my brush into my water as I raised up the painting to see it in a better light. "Did you see Mickey last night?"

She froze. As if I had just caught her stealing the last cookie from the jar. Her book blocked most of her face, but I could tell she wasn't really reading. I slowly lowered the sketchbook where I could see her better. A look of panic was painted on her face.

"Jo, what's wrong?" I reached out and lowered the book from in front of her.

"Nothing Lace" she muttered and tried to turn away while putting the book fully to block my view of her face.

"Jo, something is bothering you, and if something is bothering you I want to help"

I could feel her nerves begin to build. Like she was about to jump out of her skin. Her eyes darted around, trying to find anyway to ignore this conversation. I held my position seated fully turned to her. Not moving an inch as I gave her a very serious look.

"You know that I'll protect you from anything, right?" I said

"Well of course I know that" she sighed in a defeated tone

"Then tell me what troubles you"

She chewed on her lip for a moment and stared at the floor. Then, she motioned for me to come closer. I looked around the room for Macready and then slipped out of my chair and sat in front of her chair. As I took my place before her I nodded at her to continue what she was going to tell me. She scanned the room for what felt like the millionth time and then looked me directly in the eyes. The look in her eyes made her seem aged. A complete contrast from the always joyful Jo. It felt like a look of dread and fear.

"I met Elsa last night"

I felt a cold chill come over me. The words like ice running down my spine, and yet I could feel a burning kind of sensation in my chest. Jo opened and closed her mouth a few times. As if not sure what she could or what she should tell me. Then after a moment, she gained some courage and continued.

"I dreamt of it again, but I wasn't at the lamp post like normal."

She went on to describe her dream in great detail. A little furry blue monster and a woman who claimed she was queen with almost white hair on a sleigh. Black with silver details that mimic the pattern of a snowflake drawn by three hyenas who were almost frozen solid in the snow. How she felt the woman was trying to track down Mickey, but she was pulled awake before she could really find anything out. I stared at her in shock. If that truly happened, then I commend her for her bravery, but according to Professor Kirke I should believe her. So, maybe that's what I should do. Jo's never given me a reason to doubt her. Maybe, I should try just going with it.