The Space Between: Beginnings

26. It's Not That Simple

"Stay behind me, Rain," Mal whispered, as the two of them walked down the corridor. "I know you don't like it, but-"

"I know. I as much as talk to you like a friend or put a foot out of line, and I get thrown into a tower for the rest of my life. It's hard enough to deal with that, and on top of that you have my mom treating me like she did when I was four," Rain sighed.

"You should really try taking Carlos's advice."

"Talking to Cassie? In case you've forgotten, Cassie is way above my level at the moment. Which means I can't be caught in her chambers."

"You're sounding like a wet blanket right now, did you realise that?"

"Thanks for pointing out how boring being on the safe side has made me. You know what, maybe I will talk to her. See you later, if I come out of this alive," Rain replied, with a huff, as she wheels around and turned towards the Captain of the Guard's office.

Cassandra was sharpening her sword as she heard a knock at the door. She looked up and smiled when she saw who was at the door.

She thought to herself, oh, look, there's my favourite miniature witch. If there's a girl who doesn't need magic to fight her way out of a tight corner, it has to be her. But can she fight her way out of this? I know how it feels to be stuck in a position that doesn't let you show your skills, but does she really want to talk? I can't force her; that wouldn't be right. But let's see. She's changed so much! She hasn't been this quiet and soft-spoken in five years! And she looks so stressed...I know I suck at all this touchy-feely business.

Rain looked up for a moment. It seemed as though she was about to say something, but immediately clasped her hands in front of her and looked down, saying softly, "I...I guess I'd better go. I don't know what came over me-"

"No. Stay," Cassandra said, as gently as was possible for her. She swore she saw a smile flicker across Rain's lips as the girl walked in, but it was gone so fast that she felt as though she had merely imagined it.

As Rain sat down, Cassandra noticed that she seemed too scared to look her in the eyes. Cassandra kept her sword down and stayed quiet, waiting for Rain to speak of her own accord. Rain took a deep breath and finally looked up. Cass saw the fear and vulnerability in her eyes, and immediately realised how they were different, yet exactly the same. Rain had a look on her face that made Cassandra think of a bird with its wings clipped off. She smiled and asked Rain, in a casual voice, "So, what's the matter, kid? Auradon's goodness getting to you?"

"Well, no. I guess not. It's just that...mom isn't herself," Rain said softly, burying her face in her hands.

"What? Please, stop with the mumbling. You know how I hate the mumbling. Blah blah blah...it annoys me," Cassandra snapped, but softened when she saw Rain flinch. She got up and knelt down in front of Rain. She took Rain's hands in her own and said, softly, "I'm sorry, I...I didn't mean to scare you. What have they done to you?"

"I don't know. Maybe I've just changed. Or it's the fact that mom's not herself, and what she is now scares me."

"I know. She scares me too. She wasn't like this before."

"Believe me, I know that. It's so hard, Cassie. I can't live like this anymore," Rain sobbed.

"Have you considered leaving?" Cassandra asked her.

"I...I can't. I don't know how," Rain whimpered, almost helplessly.

"Will you let me help you?" Cassandra asked, slightly unsure of what to do. It was as if she was looking at her own younger self, and for a moment, she had no idea what to do.