Hydrangea

Chapter 6

     Andrea sits on her mother's bed. Taking in the scent she used to wear, that was what she smelt every time Andrea walks into this room. It used to be so inviting, now it was nothing more than agonizing torture.

     She stands and walks to the oak dresser. On top was a colored glass box. Andrea unlatches the lid and slowly opens it to reveal a hand full of necklaces and earrings. She grabs the one golden necklace. On the end of the chain is a beautifully woven gold wire wrapped oval. It was an enchanting white gem with many colors dancing across it. Every time Andrea turns it in her hand the colors change and sway.

     She unclasps the chain and drapes it around her neck clasping it and letting it fall around her. It sits right between her clavicles. Andrea walks to the left of the dresser to a mirror. She smiles at her reflection focusing her eyes on the flawless design of the simple necklace. Andrea straightens her clean shirt. It's a dark purple shirt with sleeves that reach her elbows. Her pants are black along with her belt. Attached to the belt is a white and silver sheath.

     In Andrea's room Charity is changing into one of Andrea's old dresses. The dress fits perfectly over her small frame. It's a light pink with small stitched butterflies on the end of each short sleeve. Her dress has a round neckline with a bloused bodice and a flared skirt that reaches her knees. Around her waist is a pastel purple belt with a small leather sheath attached to it. The best part is the dress has pockets on it just below the belt.

     Charity holds the small dagger in her hand finding herself enjoying the way it fits perfectly there. She twirls it letting the candle light flicker off it and onto the walls. She sheaths the dangerous item.

     Charity looks down at her dress smiling one last time before she twirls to the door admiring the way the skirt puffs with air.

     Ryker packs what food they have gently into Andrea's small worn bucket bag. He smiles at the memory of Andrea and him using this bag to collect shells near Sapphire Lake. It was so much easier back then. He pulls the bag shut and sighs. They would do this. They had to, for better or for worse. Wasn't that what people said when they got married. Now the words weren't for love but for luck and hopefully no more loss of precious life. Their lives. He looks toward the hallway. Let them be as safe as possible.

     Andrea walks out of her mother's bedroom without looking back towards the knitting room. She walks down the hall and knocks on her own bedroom door. Charity opens it right away and smiles kindly putting her hands in the pockets of the dress. Andrea smiles back but her smile is distant and small.

     Charity looks at Andrea's icy eyes for an answer and asks," You okay?" Andrea swoops Charity into a tight hug. The kindness of the hug touches Andrea's heart and adds a small piece back of what was now missing. It gives her hope.

     Charity smiles sweetly putting a twinkle into her deep emerald eyes.

     "Thank you," Andrea says with a reassuring smile that was truly genuine.

     "For what?" Charity says slightly confused. As always.

     "For being a friend," Andrea answers.

     Charity pulls out of the hug and says," You don't have to thank me for that. You would have done the same if it were me."

     Charity walks into the living room leaving Andrea there in her thoughts. She realizes she would have done the same. For her friend.

     Andrea walks into the living room to see Ryker standing near the door. Charity with the bag in hand extended out to Andrea.

     "Ready?" Charity asks.

     Sorry this is a shorter chapter.  I will be uploading chapter seven soon so don't worry!  I'm glad people seem to be enjoying the story so far!!  Thanks for reading, and have an amazingly, fantabulous day!

~Emma