Shattered Hearts

Chapter 3

When she awoke, Lizzie was met with birds singing overhead. She groaned slightly and sat up, noticing Amaryllis already awake and looking as if she hadn't just woken up. Her dress was still perfect and without grass stains, and her hair remained neat and not frizzled by sleep. Meanwhile, Lizzie's hair was tangled and had leaves stuck in it. She huffed quietly, getting to her feet and walking over. Amaryllis looked up at her, "Good morning." She smiled, standing up. "Would you like any help getting cleaned up?" She asked, looking down at Lizzie.

Lizzie grabbed at her golden curls, crinkling her nose as she felt tons of tangles. "Do what you need to." She replied, plopping down on a rock. Amaryllis sat down behind her, beginning to comb her fingers through the other girl's hair. Almost like magic, the knots slowly started to go away, going back to their natural curl. Then Amaryllis began to braid it, creating flowers with her nymph magic and braiding them into Lizzie's hair. Amaryllis pulled away, allowing Lizzie to stand and check out her reflection in the water.

Lizzie's eyes grew wide as she admired her work, "How did you do that?" She asked, turning around and facing her. "I take hours to get out tangles and you did that in seconds!"

Amaryllis giggled, "Well, I am a forest nymph. I just use my magic to get it out, I used my magic to get the flowers too. Watch." She cupped her hands together, and a small bud formed, spreading out into a light blue flower, its silky petals were in a drop shape. Amaryllis smiled and put it in her own hair, right above her ear. "Now, let's get going! We should be able to get to the falls by tomorrow if we really hurry!" She turned, her dress flowing with the motion. Lizzie took to following, pushing the moss sheet out of her way and walking further into the forest.

A few animals walked along the branches of the trees, eyes following Amaryllis. Lizzie eyed them, walking faster to keep up. "Well, where is this portal?" She questioned, curiosity and impatience taking over her.

"It is in the falls, in the middle of these very woods. It is a gorgeous waterfall, and all you have to do is jump through it and you will end up back home!"

Alright, that seemed easy enough. They just had to keep walking. "Say, can your nymph magic possibly change my appearance?"

Amaryllis froze, looking back at Lizzie with a look of pure confusion and sadness. "Now why would you ever want that?"

"Well," Lizzie began, "I'm too big, my hair is always too frizzy. I'm just not beautiful."

Amaryllis frowned in response, eyebrows furrowing as she thought of a good response. She finally spoke, keeping her voice clear. But Lizzie could sense the sadness in it. "Well, people tend to only see the worst in themselves instead of the good. You may only see your flaws, but it's your imperfections that make you beautiful. You aren't too big, you only think that. What I see is a kind girl who cares a lot about others. You shouldn't worry about your appearance when it is the personality that matters." She smiled, "and I for one, think you are beautiful."

Lizzie's eyes widened in surprise, as she struggled to find something to say, face turning red. "I-"

Amaryllis beamed again, grabbing her hand, "Let's get going!" This baffled Lizzie, how she could switch from calm and supportive to sad or too happy all at once. She didn't understand it. She had just never met anyone like her.

Lizzie hurried after Amaryllis, trying to keep up with her long strides. Amaryllis' fair blew after her as she ran, her white dress blowing around her. The sunlight hit her skin, making it glow, and her amber eyes shone with excitement and determination. Lizzie found herself staring, and quickly took her attention off that out of embarrassment. Amaryllis stopped, and Lizzie skidded to a stop as well. "What?" Lizzie asked, her confusion evident in her voice.

Amaryllis beamed even more, practically buzzing in excitement. "I must show you something, you will love it!" She held onto Lizzie's hand, dragging her down another path and into a meadow. Flowers were everywhere there, in all different varieties. Roses, lilies, lavender, amaryllis, irises, and tulips, there was just a sea of bright color. Amaryllis giggled and led her into the meadow of flowers, Lizzie realizing quickly that there were butterflies here too. Lizzie let go of her hand, watching as Amaryllis twirled with a bubbling, cheerful laugh. Butterflies flew around her, and she threw out her arms as if wanting them to fly onto her.

Lizzie put a hand up, jumping in surprise as a butterfly landed on it, it's little legs tickling her skin. It closed its wings, the same blue as the flower Amaryllis made, and opened them again. Soon though, it flew off of her hand. Lizzie looked up, seeing Amaryllis holding a few butterflies and looking incredibly happy. It made her heart flutter, watching the beautiful nymph. She shook her head, blocking away the thoughts. Amaryllis moved, and the butterflies flew away. She quickly hurried to Lizzie, grabbing her hand again. She smiled brightly, and without telling Lizzie what they were doing, led her into the middle of the meadow.

Amaryllis stomped her food, and tons of butterflies flew up into the hair, surrounding the two with their beautiful colors. Lizzie stood there in awe, watching the large circle of winged creatures as they flew higher into the air. She turned to Amaryllis, who was looking at her fondly. "I wanted to show you how beautiful this world can be, it is a gorgeous place."

Lizzie nodded in agreement, watching as the butterflies began flying away, leaving them in the meadow. Amaryllis started running back into the trees, and with a small laugh, Lizzie ran right after her. They went back into the trees, running and laughing along the way. Animals watched as the two girls passed, most likely wondering what was happening. Lizzie didn't know either but didn't mind it. Eventually, they slowed down into a walk, walking side by side. "Thank you." Lizzie began, noticing Amaryllis' confused look, she quickly added, "For everything. You've been so kind to me, and I just wanted to thank you."

Amaryllis smiled, grabbing her hand. "You are welcome, I would help anyone. You were lost and scared, and I just wanted to show that you were safe. That nothing here can or will hurt you."

Lizzie smiled at her, and they fell into silence. They just walked, enjoying one another's company. A part of Lizzie didn't want to leave, a part of her wanted to stay with Amaryllis. In this fantastical land for eternity. She silently told that part of her to stop it. She continued to walk beside Amaryllis, ignoring the longing feeling.