Constance and Moira: A History Lesson

Ram-Raid

'They're a handful, God knows, but I wouldn't change a thing about any of my angels,' Constance sang to Vivien as Moira entered the kitchen. Vivien smiled, rubbing her swollen stomach.

'Really? Not even the pretty blonde one?' Moira muttered as she put a plate in the sink. Constance curled her lip and turned her head back to Vivien.

'Do you have any names yet? I'm not pushy but I've always thought Constance was a most beautiful name.' The pair giggled politely to one another as the maid looked on, unamused.

'No, you know, I don't think we're having girls.'

'Huh, really?'

'Yeah, I can't explain it. It just feels like baby boys.'

'Well, I'm sure they'll be perfect whatever they are. Now you go grab that nap I was telling you about, while you've got five minutes. Go on, get yourself laid down.' Constance took Vivien by the arm and pulled her to the door. 'How about I send Moira up in an hour with a snack and a nice cup of tea?' she smiled.

'Oh, that would be lovely. Would you mind, Moira?'

'Not at all, Madam. Go, rest.' Constance nodded, smiling, ushering her out of the room. The pair stood silently in the kitchen waiting for the creak of the staircase before turning to one another and sighing. 'Don't you have a home of your own to go to?' Constance laughed abruptly and fixed her hair as she retook her seat at the kitchen island.

'My family's here, Moira. You know that. You know how deeply I care for my family.'

'Yep, I know. You'll just ram-raid anyone who hasn't got your DNA running through them,' Moira said, coldly, turning her attention to the dishes.

'I'm here to make a truce,' Constance said, unexpectedly.

'Pardon?' Moira muttered.

'I thought about the way I reacted the other day, in the basement. I was cruel, I know. I want to apologise to you, Moira. I want us to be able to get along. Don't you want that?'

'I've noticed that your version of 'getting along' is when people do as you want them to. It has very little give and far too much take on your end.'

'I know I can be a little self-oriented when it comes to the things and people that I care about. Some see it as a flaw, I myself see it as my greatest strength, but-'

'-Isn't this supposed to be an apology?' Moira chided, drying her hands on her apron. Constance strained a smile.

'I'm getting to it,' she breathed, holding her patience. 'Moira, I apologise for my reaction to your advances. I-I have no excuse, but I still find myself so angry with you, I sometimes act cruelly. I'm sorry. Can you accept my apology?' she asked sweetly, vulnerably, as her hands played with one another. Moira sighed and rested her hands on the sink, shaking her head.

'It's no good, Constance. We've done too much to one another, too much has happened.' She turned to face the blonde in time to see her face fall slightly, hurt dancing beneath her eyes. 'I appreciate your attempts-'

'-No, it's fine. I understand. Just trying to clear the air, but I guess you've had a lot of time to think things over. Things get under your skin; it's not something you can help.' Constance stood from the island, looking around her for belongings she didn't bring, blinking rapidly.

'Constance-'

'-No, I don't want your pity, Moira. I get it, really,' she smiled her glassy eyes as she fixed her hair. 'It's done. I mean, I knew that anyway. A 17 year radio silence and I'm still confused about where we each stood,' she laughed at herself, padding her hands against flushed cheeks. 'I'm going, I'm going,' she whispered, stepping towards the door.

'I can't do the half and half thing, Constance. You know that; I drove you crazy, remember?' Moira reasoned, tilting her head sympathetically.

'Don'tdo that,' Constance held up a finger as she opened the door. 'Don't justify it,Moira. It doesn't need justifying. I'll see you around, okay?' she smiled,warmly, ignoring her wet eyes, and Moira thought that she'd never looked morebeautiful.