Jack and The Cuckoo Clock Heart Preferences

Acacia's Aftermath

Acacia seldom worried.

She was too smart to worry. Worrying only caused distractions and early onset wrinkles.

She also had a habit of sprouting thorns in moments of distress. It was a rare occurrence but it happened.

It happened then. Acacia had spent the entire day back home at the theatre. She was at peace in her room at the theatre until one of the actresses, Diane,  ran in, babbling frantically to her about an immigration inspector searching the theatre. Apparently, someone had reported that the theatre had been harboring an 'Andalusian immigrant with no papers'.

Acacia's eyes grew wide and dry thorns rose from her fair skin upon hearing the news. Quickly, she thanked the actress before gathering her few possessions and hastily putting them away in her old, beat up suitcase. She stuffed her clothes and shoes into the suitcase, along with gifts she had received from Joe and Y/N.

Y/N!

A sharp gasp escaped her lips. She realized she needed to get out of Edinburgh quickly but she couldn't just leave Y/N without saying goodbye. She just had to see Y/N before leaving. Without much regard, Acacia fit the rest of her small belongings in her suitcase, ready to get the hell out of the theatre.

Acacia asked Diane to give everyone her warm regards before leaving. Diane had one of the ushers accompany Acacia to Y/N's home. Acacia and the usher quickly made their way to Y/N's house. She had been greeted by Y/N's mom who told Acacia that Y/N had gone to run an errand.

"Is anything the matter, Miss Acacia", Y/N's mother asked. "Is there anything I can get you? Tea? Some water? This is your home too, you know? No need to be shy." The older woman smiled at the tiny dancer.

Acacia smiled sadly before shaking her head, tears poking her waterline. She couldn't sit and wait for Y/N, even if she wanted to. "I can't stay. I have to go, ma'am. I just needed to speak to my friend about something very important to me."

Y/N's mom notices the battered suitcase Acacia places by her side. She knew of her immigrant status and understood, nodding solemnly. "Where will you go?"

"I'll go back to Andalusia. I'll find my parents there. The folks at the theatre chipped in to get me a train ticket, and I'll be boarding it shortly. I really do have to go soon but I needed to talk to Y/N." Acacia felt a heavy lump in her throat. She felt like she could somehow burst into puddle of tears and thorns if she stayed any longer for Y/N.

Y/N's mother dabbed at her own tears as she listened to Acacia's plan. The poor girl was so uncertain and it was obvious she struggled to stay strong. "I think it's best you go now, honey. Y/N wont be back for a while and we know that the longer you wait, the less chances you have of leaving." She saw Acacia's crestfallen expression. She stood up and gave her a warm hug.

"I'll take you to the train station but first, I need you to wait here. There's something I need to give you." She had Acacia sit down before going to Y/N's room. After finding and gathering what she had been looking for, Y/N's mother gathered her own jacket and hid her gift to Acacia in her bag. She helped Acacia with her suitcase. "I think it's time to go, dear."

Acacia walked alongside Y/N's mother. She wondered if she knew about the card she'd sent to Y/N. She doubted she did since she was still cordial to her. "Miss L/N?"

"Yes, Miss Acacia?" Y/N's mother asked as they were approaching the station.

"By any chance, did you see a card in Y/N's room?" Acacia asked softly. Her heart dropped to her stomach when she saw the blurry sight of the train at the station.

"I did", the older lady nodded. "Y/N had gotten it early in the morning but since I sent them off to run some errands, she didn't get read it. Was it yours?" She glanced at the petite brunette who nodded sadly in response. She sighed silently. "We're here, my dear."

Acacia gave Y/N's mom a sad, albeit grateful smile. "Thank you for everything, Ma'am. You're a wonderful woman." She hugged her quickly before stepping into the train. "If it's not too much to ask, I was wondering if you could please tell Y/N that I apologize but all I could write in the card was the truth." She sighed. "She's never known me to lie."

Y/N's mom nodded, understanding. "I promise to tell her, dear." Both ladies were mildly startled by the loud whistle of the train, a telltale sign of its imminent departure. "We don't have much time. I have something I want you to have and I know my daughter would want you to keep it too." From her bag, Y/N's mom pulled out a neatly folded jacket. It was a long red jacket with snow white fur. She placed it in Acacia's hands after seeing the hesitation in the young girl's eyes.

The train started moving, pulling out of the station. Acacia quickly made her way to a seat and waved goodbye to the older woman, tears finally running down her face.

After the train left, Y/N's mother began making her way back to her house. Upon getting back home, she saw Y/N quickly putting on her hat and scarf, a heart shaped card in her gloved hand. "Mom! I've got the most wonderful news! I'll have to tell you once I get back from the theatre. I simply must see Acacia!"

The innocent euphoria in Y/N's eyes broke her heart. "Y/N, you can't go to the theatre. Acacia's not there."

"Oh...did you see her at the plaza? I thought she was only there on Thursdays." Y/N furrowed her brows.

"No", her mother said softly. "I just came from the train station. I'm afraid that Acacia has left Edinburgh. She's gone back to Andalucia." The older woman gave her daughter a sympathetic glance.

"She left?"