Forbidden

~Chapter Thirty~

A/N: FINALLY! I have updated! ;-) I apologize that this took me so long to write: I knew exactly what I wanted to happen, I just couldn't find the time to sit down and write, or I lost the urge as soon as I did sit down. So, tonight, I pumped up my music on my iPod, wore my comfiest sweatshirt, and wrote. It was quite pleasant, actually.

Although Arabella's POV makes up the majority of this chapter. I was a bit suprised at how long her part was...sorry,but I liked the way it turned out, so I kept it. :-) 

To the right of you is Mackenzie Foy, whom I have cast as Layla Elliot. Isn't she adorable?

This chapter is dedicated to AquaKatie. She hasn't posted much on here, but she's an amazing person, so sweet, kind, supportive, and energetic. Those that know here know just HOW energetic she is. ;-) I am her Rinando's, and she is my Katester Carrots. We also call each other Twin #1 and Twin #2. She's a beautiful girl, so wonderful, and I'm so glad I met her through this site! Love ya, Katester Carrots! ;-)

Last thing: any guesses as to what they are? I've had a few...but I'm not revealing who is right just yet. :-)

ENJOY!!!!

***

~Chapter Thirty~

Arabella quickly slid off the borrowed jacket, placing it in a grinning—albeit distracted—Mrs. Elliot’s outstretched palm. The lawyer snatched it into a firmer grasp, shooting an apologetic look at Arabella before exiting the hallway, climbing the stairs in a rush. Behind her, River shut the front door, locking it as Layla bounced beside Arabella, continuing her incessantly adorable chatter.

            “…and then Connor was like, ‘Ew! No, I don’t like girls!’ and Will was like, ‘Yeah! Girls are gross!’ and I was really hurt so Bridget and Emma and I went and…” The little girl’s lips appeared to move at one hundred miles per hour, though her mouth never seemed to struggle with keeping up with her mind. Arabella smiled at the seven-year-old—her new friend, it seemed, and her ally—before glancing back at a sheepish, mortified River. His cringing gaze and embarrassed grin in her direction forced her to suppress a laugh.

            Sorry, he mouthed, shrugging ruefully.

            Arabella bit back another giggle, grinning at his expression. It’s totally fine, she responded, returning to Layla’s one-sided conversation.

            “…but then Ms. Winston told him that he was wrong so I got some Skittles and a really cool sparkly pen—did I show that to you? I need to!—and I got to stand at the front of the line…”

            As River sighed nearly inaudibly behind her, Arabella began tapping her foot to the tune of the deluge outside, the water pounding gratefully onto the grass. In usual circumstances, she hated the rain: its cool temperature reminded her of the malevolence existing in the world; its heartless, merciless downpour reminded her of tears falling relentlessly down reddened skin; the heartless sound of the water against the surface reminded her of the innumerable broken hearts, the pain that resounded throughout the Earth. But today, at this moment, it was welcome: it seemed cleansing, a celebration, to Arabella, especially knowing that it was her side that created the intentional storm. She grinned brightly, her gaze flickering to and from the clock resting on the wall across from her. Despite her joy and ecstasy at today’s events, the Greshams would be anxious for her to get home. She had to remain Erin Folsom until then, and not rejoice in front of mortal eyes.