What is Needed But Unexpected

family day out

Anne couldn't get Katherine's words out of her head, even as she watched the three teenagers zip around the rink. She had a hunch about what it was that Katherine had meant by what she had said, which made more sense the more she thought about it. She remembered hearing of Katherine's mother taking ill and of her death, but it was a bit more tricky to do the math for events that happened five hundred years ago.

However, if she was right it would have placed Katherine at the age of only five or six when her mother's death had occurred, Leave her with very limited—and probably faded—memories. Of course, the girl would feel odd watching their families interact, especially since it seemed like no one had ever really taken an interest in Katherine outside of her schooling and social standing. 

Hell, the closest thing to a mother Kat probably had was either probably Aragon or Seymour, which would even further explain why the girl had been keeping her distance. 

I probably should ask Parr, Bessie or Aragon about this sort of thing. I only had limited experience with kids and Kat is still just seventeen, technically still just a kid.

She thought before adding the three of them to a group chat and sending a message.

Five minutes later, Jane was added because both Parr and Aragon had insisted that perhaps she would have a bit more insight since Katherine did seem to be drawn toward the more calming nature of the third queen.

She didn't even notice how long she had been having the conversation until she suddenly felt someone practically tackle her from behind, causing her to turn her screen off rather quickly and turn toward the culprit, not being surprised that it was her own daughter.

"What's wrong Mum? Getting too old to keep up?" The fourteen-year-old jeered playfully as she wrapped her arms around her from behind.

"Hey, I don't see you nagging Kitty or Mary." She retorted, indicating the two older teens who seemed to be carrying on a conversation at the far end of the rink.

"Yeah because Mary can be an ass." 

That response caused Anne to chuckle, although she attempted—and failed— to adopt a somewhat chiding tone as she moved to pull her girl into a sideways hug.

"You shouldn't call your sister that, although I was under the impression you two were having fun together. What happened?"

Elizabeth shrugged, averting her gaze and shifting her weight slightly—a sign, Anne had noticed rather quickly meant that the girl didn't want to answer her— however after a few minutes, Elizabeth finally spoke 

"It just, I'm afraid that things haven't really changed between us, I mean sometimes she treats me like a sister but other times she treats me like a bother." 

Anne pulled the teen onto her lap then, gingerly forcing her to look at her.

"I think Mary has a bit more she's coming to terms with, love. Jane, Cathy, Catherine and I practically skittered around each other for a month before we finally really talked about all our hang-ups with each other and you see how close we actually are….Conflicting personalities and all. If it really is bothering you, talk to her about it, trust me it helps." 

With that Anne kissed the girl on the forehead, smiling encouragingly before adding 

"As of right now, we came here to have fun, yeah? Let's see who can get over to them faster." 

To Anne's relief, the hint of sadness in her daughter's eyes brightened instantly at the challenge.

"You're totally on but I'm so going to beat you!" 

Anne just laughed and helped her up.

"Alright, I'll even give you a head start but no whining if I still beat you, which I will because I'm faster." Anne retorted, prompting Elizabeth to stick out her tongue at her.

"Love to see you try!" 

Elizabeth said before bolting off, earning a chuckle from Anne who took off after her, easily catching up.

"Say what,  Lizard?"

Anne laughed at the look of annoyance at the nickname—which always served as either a way to tease Elizabeth or as a way to make her smile when she was upset, as long as it wasn't in public.

"Okay, I'm totally gonna get you for that, Mum."