When We Fall

Chapter 6

                                                                                 J u n e

Kitty sat on the steps of her front porch, her chin resting in the palms of her hands. She propped her elbows on her knees as she stared longingly at the beautiful blue sky. A warm breeze swept over her every few seconds, each one more refreshing than the last. She inhaled through her nose, held it, then let it out. I truly do love the summer. 

It was officially June in Creeksbound. The heat was becoming even more sweltering each day and the world around them seemed to be getting more gold with sunlight. The grass and plants were fully grown and flowers were no longer newborn, but at their peak and covering every foot of the fresh soil. Kitty looked down and next to her foot was a small, yellow buttercup flower. She smiled as she plucked it and twirled it around in her fingers. She then tucked it behind her ear. Another breeze came, flicking the loose strands of hair from her bun into her face. 

It was almost her birthday. She would be turning fifteen. I've been alive for fifteen years. She suddenly felt so old in her own body. It was only going to be another two years or so until she got married... married. The idea of it, though it was been nearly two months since the arrangement, still made her head dizzy with wonder. I can't believe Henry is going to be my husband. The word 'husband' felt so heavy and unnatural in her mind. But it was a fun word, nevertheless. Like an unexplored cave, waiting to reveal many secrets and treasures. Kitty tried the word out. 

"Husband," She whispered to herself. The word stayed on her lips heavily and sweetly. She bit her lip as if to catch it again, but it wasn't there anymore. She said it again. "Husband." There it was. What a strange, wonderful word. She couldn't help but grin foolishly to herself. 

"Are you going insane?" Leigh's voice behind her shook. Kitty gasped and quickly turned around, looking at Leigh hovering who was over her on the top step, her face scrunched up in confusion. 

"What?" Kitty asked, still a bit shaken by her sudden appearance. Leigh stepped down and sat next to her. 

"I've heard when people say nonsense to themselves they might be insane." She clarified, spreading out her dress on the steps with her fingers. Kitty chuckled. 

"I'm fine... I think." She joked as Leigh rolled her eyes playfully at her. A moment of silence followed, filled in by the beautiful noises of birds playing in the trees surrounding them. 

"Do you really want to marry him, Kitty?" Leigh broke the quietness. Kitty pressed her eyelids together, reluctant to answer. This was the millionth time her question had come up. Was it not obvious that she adored Henry? He was everything a girl could want - smart, strong, kind, a gentleman. Why was it so hard to believe that she wanted to marry him?

"Of course I do, Leigh."

"Really...?"

"Yes! Why do you keep bringing this up?" Kitty watched her sister with annoyance. Leigh faced her without a look of fear on her face. Arguments didn't scare her, not one bit. She liked giving people facts, she didn't care about feelings. They deserved to know the truth, every time. 

"I don't think you love each other." 

"Well, we do."

"I'm sorry - I don't think he loves you." She retorted. Kitty was quite hurt by her comment. Her lips parted but her eyebrows joined closer together. 

"Well, you're wrong." She stated angrily, before turning her back and pretending to be distracted by the sunset. Leigh hated being ignored (if you hadn't already guessed that).