Red

Chapter Five

Six nights passed and there was no sign of Ellerie. Valentina waited for her every night, hoping that her friend would return, even if only for a few, mere moments. She went about her days-- working in the bakery, preparing meals for her grandmother, and cleaning--but at night she anticipated another, and every time, she was disenchanted. For six nights, she fell asleep cold and more alone than she had ever been, tears permanently settling in emerald eyes. Her disheartened attitude followed her everywhere. A frown constantly marred pink lips with dark circles cast underneath eyes. Mr. Rodding, the bakery owner, questioned her one afternoon, worrying of her condition, but she brushed it off as a lack of sleep. He had believed it, allowing her to continue her work in peace until her shift ended.

The crone in the cottage hadn't noticed the shift in attitude, or if she did, she said nothing of it. She did speak out about Valentina's lack of attention. The brunette had burned two evening meals, shattered a bowl, and cut her finger while chopping vegetables. After each occurrence, her grandmother shouted, demanding better and retribution for each sin. The first offense--burnt dinner--called for going without meals the following day, as well as a verbal assault. The second resulted in a log of wood being thrown at the brunette, hitting a shin and leaving a large welt. The final reprimand was a slap; Valentina's cheek was painted pink with a noticeable hand-print and tears escaped green eyes, falling to soothe the flesh.

The third happened this night. Afterwards, Valentina finished dinner and shuffled to her bedroom. She hadn't the energy to move her dresser and decided that the latch would suffice. She stripped down to her chemise and curled into bed, emotionally exhausted but lacking the physical. Her mind willed her to sleep, to rest and forget the events of the day, but stubbornness kept her awake.

Wind howled outside. Heavy droplets of rain assaulted her window. Distant thunder echoed in the sky, increasing in volume as it neared the tiny cottage. Usually, the sounds of a storm soothed the woman—lulled her to a peaceful resting place. She pleaded with whatever god, goddess, or supernatural being for their mercy, or anything similar.

Valentina laid in bed for a substantial amount of time before her body started to shut down. Before it could completely surrender, she flinched, reacting to the sharp tapping against her window panes. Her body bristled, and she assumed it was the one person she truly wanted to see, but couldn't bring herself to turn around. Her heart had been raw for six days, and her admission of affection did nothing to help her situation. The tapping continued, harder this time, and Val willed herself to ignore it, and ignore the fact that her, what she consider to be, other half, was exposed to the rain.

"Val," Ellerie called, her velvety voice muffled through the glass. "Please, let me in."

She couldn't take it any longer. The brunette threw herself out of bed and opened the windows. Her hands reached for the blonde but instead of pulling her in, she was pulled out. The rain immediately soaked her—dark hair clinging to her face and chemise to her body. The soggy ground swallowed the pads of her feet, squishing and sloshing with every subtle movement. Green eyes took in the blonde, Ellerie's hair and clothes as drenched as her own. Her cheeks were the brightest shade of red she had seen, and her golden eyes were almost dull in comparison to their usual color. The brunette's heart was stuck between breaking for the blonde and mending itself at sheer sight of her.

"Hi," the older woman whispered, her voice barely audible over the pounding rain.

"You.." Val croaked, "-you left me again."

Green eyes filled with unshed tears. The blonde pulled her love into her chest, forcing the woman near her. Ellerie breathed slowly, convincing the brunette's heart and lungs to match her pace.