blurred lines in a forbidden fairytale

{33} who could ever leave me, darling...but who could stay?

Aurora's POV:

I feel completely exposed, and I can see the shock and confusion written all over her face. She wasn't supposed to see this, to know this—not like this.

"Aurora... what are you doing?" she whispers, her voice trembling as if she can barely believe what she's seeing.

I take a shaky breath, not knowing what to say, my mind racing for any explanation that will make sense to her. She's only twelve. She doesn't know about any of this—about me, about Taylor, about the feelings I've kept hidden from my family. I wanted to tell her someday, but I needed time, space, a plan. And now here she is, and there's no hiding from it.

"Alyssa, please," I beg, my voice barely steady. I step toward her, hands trembling. "Please don't tell Mom and Dad."

Alyssa's face twists, her brow furrowing as she looks from me to Taylor. I can see the confusion and hurt, the questions she doesn't even know how to ask.

"But... you're kissing a girl," she says quietly, her voice filled with disbelief. It's not an accusation, exactly, but I can feel the weight of the words, like she's trying to make sense of something she's never even thought about before.

"Yes, I am," I admit, my voice barely a whisper. I feel Taylor's presence beside me, steady but silent, letting me take this moment with my sister. "I know it's a lot, but Aly, please... please keep this between us. I'll explain everything, I promise, but just—don't tell Mom and Dad. Not yet."

She bites her lip, looking down at her hands as if the floor suddenly became the most fascinating thing in the world. I can see the internal battle in her eyes, the way she's processing this, struggling to understand why her sister—the sister she's always looked up to—is asking her to keep such a big secret.

"Aly, I didn't mean for you to find out this way," I continue, my voice soft, pleading. "I just... I didn't know how to tell you. Or anyone."

She looks up, and I see her gaze settle on Taylor for a second, a mix of confusion and wariness. Then her eyes meet mine again, and she takes a small, shaky breath. "Does this mean... does this mean you're... different?" she asks, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Yes," I say, feeling a mix of relief and fear wash over me. "But I'm still your sister. I'm still me."

Alyssa nods slowly, her expression softening, though I can still see the lingering shock in her eyes. She's quiet for a long moment, and the silence is thick, weighted with everything unsaid between us.

"Okay," she finally whispers, barely audible, as if she's not even sure herself. "But... I don't know if I understand."

"That's okay," I tell her, my voice trembling. "You don't have to understand right now. Just... please, keep this between us. I'll tell Mom and Dad when I'm ready."

She hesitates, glancing back at Taylor, and I can see a hint of worry in her eyes. But after a moment, she nods, her small hand gripping the door frame. "Okay, Rory. I won't say anything. But... please don't get in trouble."

My heart aches at the innocence in her words, the way she's trying to protect me even though she doesn't fully understand. "Thank you," I whisper, relief flooding me as I reach out and gently squeeze her hand.

Alyssa gives me a small, uncertain smile, then backs away, disappearing down the hallway, leaving Taylor and me alone in the heavy silence.

As the door clicks shut, I release the breath I didn't realize I was holding. My heart is still pounding, a mixture of relief and dread swirling inside me. Taylor moves closer, her hand reaching out to gently rest on my arm, grounding me in a way that only she can.