The Witch's Doll ⚢

Chapter 10

Alessandra woke up earlier than Evonnie's alarm and found that extracting herself from Evonnie might prove to be quite the challenge. As much as she desired to stay with Evonnie, and curl up next to her, she knew they had to leave for school, but Alessandra could not possibly disturb the younger girl.

"Why make it hard for yourself, just wake her up." The doll whispered to her from the black corners where Alessandra hid her.

Alessandra thought it was best to ignore the foreboding doll. Gently, she half pushed and rolled Evonnie away from her. The sleeping figure frowned and moaned in protest but thankfully stayed asleep. Leaning over Evonnie, Alessandra pulled the sheets and covers back over her, and proceeded to tuck her in while watching a sleepy smile appear on Evonnie's face.

"I won't leave the hiding spot unless you give me permission, Alessandra."

"Why not go and hide in my bag? Make sure Evonnie doesn't see you." Alessandra cleared her throat. "I'll make breakfast while she's here."

"As you wish."

Alessandra crouched over Evonnie, bracing her arms on the bed to either side of Evonnie to steady herself. Slowly and carefully, she lowered her head before planting a quick and soft kiss on Evonnie's forehead.

Normally, nothing happened at this point, other than a feeling of elation and euphoria overcoming her. Today proved to be different. Alessandra didn't want to leave the flat anymore, but she was also excited to head to school and learn the news spreading over Cecil's demise.

But Alessandra continued to stand there, watching Evonnie sleep. Her breath caught in her throat, and her gaze transfixed when Evonnie was slowly awakening.

It was Evonnie's instinct to jolt her body to an upright sitting position to hug somebody in the morning. Oh, how wonderful it was to be Marie. She got to be the unfortunate victim of Evonnie's morning hugs.

Alessandra found herself moving into the embrace without hesitation, drawing the slender body up against her. Evonnie's slim arms found their way around her neck. A soft kiss pressed against Alessandra's cheek.

"Morning, Alessa," Evonnie whispered and cuddled Alessandra's head into her shoulder.

Alessandra's deathly pallor had a sudden coloring, particularly on her cheeks. "Good morning, Evonnie. Go take a bath while I make breakfast."

Loa was quiet throughout the distance from their flat to the academy. Yet, Alessandra knew the doll was hiding inside her bag. She rearranged the strap on her shoulder, feeling the weight.

Alessandra debated whether or not to interlock her hands with Evonnie's. It was pretty simple, yet the easy gesture took a lot of mental effort and physical strain out of her and in the end, she failed to reach out for Evonnie's warmth.

Her heart was not ready.

Nevertheless, the walk to the academy was peaceful—with Evonnie's usual shenanigans and cheery hyper tone in the morning. It was almost pure, and without the troublesome Brit in Alessandra's life. It was almost heaven.

Alessandra and Evonnie arrived at school with 15 minutes to spare before their first class. They were on their way to Literature when masses of students in the hallways crowded with gossips on their long faces. She didn't bother to tune in, knowing who the dead person was. They clustered around; all of them seemed to float in and out. Some were wearing black in solidarity and carrying flowers to a makeshift altar by the auditorium.