A few days later, Isabella emerged from the school building, free from the day’s classes. The sun shone down from high above but there was a gentle breeze that kept some of the heat at bay, in addition to the occasional cloud that bathed the school in shadow. “This is nice,” she observed before turning to look at Violet beside her. “Should we go for a walk before heading back to the room? It’s the perfect day for it.”

Violet pondered the request for a moment before dropping her eyes to Isabella’s foot. “It is very pleasant but how does your ankle feel?”

Following the question, Isabella also shifted her attention to her injury and tested it a few times with varying pressure. “It’s alright, I suppose. A little sore.” The only reason it didn’t feel worse was likely because they’d done their best to make sure Isabella didn’t reinjure it. “A walk might not be the best idea, then.” 

“Perhaps. However, some light exercise could be beneficial. “

Isabella looked up and nodded but bit at her lip as she thought. “If I hurt it again, I might not recover before the ball.” And she had plans for that night. Plans that required the use of both of her feet! 

“Here,” Violet stepped closer and offered her arm by holding it out towards Isabella, bent at the elbow. “Take my arm and hold on as tight as you need. We’ll go slow.” Embarrassing as this might be, Isabella didn’t hesitate to close the distance and wrap her arms around her handmaiden. 

“There, how’s that?” Violet asked after she was settled.

“It’s perfect, thank you.”

The handmaiden nodded in response and brought her free hand up to lay over one of Isabella’s. Which had a smile instantly kicking up onto her lips. She took a moment then to enjoy the simple feeling of touching and being touched. It didn’t matter if she gripped metal beneath the brown dress, this was Violet, through and through. 

Without any further preamble, the pair stepped off and started walking down the familiar path to the dormitory. As they went, she couldn’t help but notice the wayward looks of some of the students they passed. Or those to the front or rear. She could see whispers and conversations start after their eyes fell upon them but she tried to pay it no mind. The trip back to the dormitory took much longer for obvious reasons but when they did make it back, they veered off the stone path. Their new destination was the nearby garden that was maintained for the students to enjoy. It held a seemingly endless variety of plants within, including a large selection of flowers. Of course, roses of all colors dominated throughout. Likely as an homage to the history of the school.

“How is your foot?” Violet asked as they went, no doubt because it had been a few minutes of steady walking.

“It’s a little sore. However, the flowers are doing wonders for the rest of me.” The flowers…and Violet’s presence at her side.

“Good but let’s not overdo it, Miss York. Please let me know when you’ve had enough.” 

“I will,” Isabella agreed before indicating a patch of daisies with a nod of her chin. “In the meantime, can you help me down over there? I want to smell those up close.” The flowers reminded her of Taylor and their time in the ruined city. It wouldn’t surprise anyone to learn that public gardens weren’t maintained during the war, there hadn’t been any time or spare resources for such a thing. However, one stubborn patch of daisies persisted by her home. Isabella picked one every so often on her way back in an effort to bring a little sunshine into their dreary lives.

“Of course.” Violet steered them in that direction before stopping and kneeling. Isabella placed a hand on her shoulder and gently got down on one knee before leaning forward to take in a deep breath. She closed her eyes then and the scent of the flowers filled her mind with memories. It was almost like she was back there in front of that cracked and broken wall, like walking back to Taylor. Damn if it didn’t make her heart ache. So much so, that a single tear formed in the corner of her eye and then rolled down her cheek. Even if a subtle smile played across her lips.

“Are you alright, Miss York?”

Violet’s question had her opening her eyes before sniffling and nodding her head. “Yes, I’m fine. I was just thinking of my little sister.” Though she had come to feel much differently about her handmaiden, Isabella still kept the secret of Taylor’s true relation hidden. Not because she didn’t trust Violet, it was just…well, if anything happened to the girl because of something Isabella did or said, she wouldn’t be able to forgive herself. And then, what would all have this been for? However, if Taylor couldn’t be here, Isabella was happy that Violet could. Beyond happy, even. “Seeing the flowers makes me think of her, that’s all.” As she spoke, Isabella reached forward and pinched one a few inches down the stem.

“Miss York, I don’t believe we are meant to pick those.”

Violet’s concern had Isabella’s smile widening and she nearly chuckled at the soft rebuke. The little corrections had transformed from being annoying to just another thing that endeared the handmaiden to her. “It’s alright. I don’t think they’ll miss one.” The tuition cost would surely cover it. “Here,” Isabella took care to plant her feet smartly before trying to stand. Of course, Violet beat her up and then reached out to help.

Standing, Isabella took the opportunity their proximity provided to turn, reach up, and gently tuck the flower into the blonde hair. The overall effect was somewhat muted due to the white petals but the yellow at the flower’s center stood out. It was subtle but lovely. Refined, just like Violet. “There, it looks great.”

Violet’s eyes looked up as if she were trying to see it and a hand came up to trace a few fingers along her hair near the flower. Though she made no effort to move it. “It looks nice?”

“Yes, you look very beautiful, Violet.”

“Oh,” Violet’s hand dropped and she smiled faintly at the compliment. “Thank you, Miss York.”

Isabella smiled in response and nodded before sinking further into Violet’s grasp. “How about we go find a place to sit?”

Violet nodded and looked away long enough to search the garden. After a few moments, she pointed off to their side. “I see a bench, will that work?”

“Yes, that sounds lovely.” Following her agreement, Violet began to walk them around the path until they reached their destination. The bench wasn’t anything special and because it was painted white, it didn’t take away from the natural beauty that could be found all around them. Violet helped her down first and then sat down herself. Close, but not so much that they were touching, much to Isabella’s consternation.

“Will you see your sister when you return home?” Violet followed the question by turning her head and regarding Isabella with her usual placid look.

Isabella could only sigh in response and, before she answered, she dropped her gaze to her lap and began to fidget with her hands. It was one thing to lie by omission, it was another to lie straight to Violet’s face. Could she do that now? After everything? “I don’t know. My father sent her away too. By the time she leaves wherever she is, I don’t know how difficult it will be to see her.” Again, not an outright falsehood but one that didn’t capture the true essence of the situation.

Of course, she knew the truth of it. Taylor would grow up in that orphanage and would come to forget her time with Isabella. Hopefully, those memories would be replaced with joyful ones created with a new family. One that could give her love and a happy, safe home. Still, the thought of never seeing the cheery young girl again would never fail to drive Isabella to sadness. Her face must have betrayed her emotions because Violet silently reached over and took a hand in hers. She squeezed gently and Isabella did so right back, reveling in the comfort the modest touch provided.

“I’m sorry, you must miss her so much.”

“Yes, I do.” Just like she would miss Violet when she was gone. That additional thought put her in danger of falling over the edge into despair and Isabella quickly put it out of her mind. It was simply too painful. A pain that they shared, right? Of missing someone they wouldn’t ever see again? Which begged the question, who was this mysterious person that meant so much to Violet? “You said you can’t see the person who was special to you, have they gone far away?” It was a question born from curiosity as much as a desire to shift the subject.

If the question had come as a surprise, Violet didn’t show it. Perhaps she even expected it given the topic at hand. However, it still took her a moment to respond. In the meantime, Isabella remained silent and gave her the space required. All the while keeping their hands locked together to show the support was mutual.

“He died during the war,” Violet’s features fell just enough to be noticeable but she soon continued. “I still miss him very much.”

Him. That rang out in Isabella’s mind for a moment but grief for Violet’s loss outpaced any other feelings that could develop. “That’s awful. I’m so sorry, Violet. Was he a soldier too?”

“Yes. He was responsible for me, we fought together but he also took care of me in other ways. Like teaching me to read and write.” Violet paused and Isabella could see her free hand come up to touch the green broach that sat just below her neckline. “I don’t remember my father but he felt like the closest thing I had to one.”

Isabella couldn’t exactly relate to the feeling of losing a father but she still lamented the loss of her mother. It had been so long since then that her memories of the woman had started to fade. Not having any recollection of her would truly be awful. No wonder Violet missed this person, the two had to have become close in such an environment. “I can’t imagine having to suffer that on top of everything else that happened. It must’ve been hard to be alone in in this new world.”

“Yes, it was. However, I did have someone to get me through it. Multiple someone’s, in truth. They all helped me.”

“Just like you’re helping me now,” Isabella added. It wasn’t a question; Violet was undoubtedly the reason she had come this far and would make it to her debut. They would make it to her debut. Together.

At this, Violet smiled and nodded her head. “Precisely. I’m here for you, Miss York. Whatever you need.”

Violet was so caring and she had shared something that was no doubt very personal for her. Isabella couldn’t help but feel guilty keeping her own secrets. It was wrong. Her friend deserved better, deserved to know the real person she was here to teach. “Violet,” Isabella started but her deepening breaths caused her to stop and close her eyes.

“Miss York, what’s wrong? Is a fit coming?”

“No. No, it’s… I need to tell you something. A lot of things, actually.”

When she opened her eyes again, she found Violet staring back at her intently. “Please, you can tell me.”

Isabella shifted in her seat and shook her head while she held Violet’s gaze. “It’s not that simple, I need you to promise that you won’t get mad at me, okay?”  

This request finally caused Violet’s expression to change to something more akin to confusion but she barely hesitated. “I won’t be mad with anything you say– ”

“Promise me!” Isabella followed the outburst by reaching out with her other hand to find Violet’s so she could squeeze both tight.

“I promise, Isabella.”

“Isabella…” She repeated her name, her fake name with a snort that bore no small amount of disdain. “I’m not who I say I am. I’m not Isabella York.” She’d sworn her father she’d never tell anyone their secret. She’d given up so much for that promise; however, she had to tell Violet. The doll had to know the truth before they separated and now was as good a time as any. “My real name is Amy Bartlett and I grew up in a small city with my mother. I didn’t even know my father until around a year ago…”

She’d gotten it out, told Violet her lie. Instead of relief, Isabella only felt worse because her friend could finally see her for who she really was. A fraud. The shame was too much in the end and she had to cast her eyes down and to the side to find something else to stare at. Anything else to stare at.  

“I see.” Violet took a moment to process the information but otherwise didn’t move away. “So that means Taylor is…”

“Not my sister. Not by blood, anyway. I found her alone and hungry one day and took her under my care. We never found her parents so I just kept looking after her. Two orphans who only had each other or so I thought.” Isabella paused to take another deep breath and then it was like the floodgates opened. Her life’s story came rushing out in a deluge, seemingly without end. She told Violet everything there was to know. About finding Taylor on the street and caring for her all that time. About being found by her father and the deal that pained her to her core.

“Come be the heiress to the York name and the little girl would have a comfortable life.” Isabella laughed but there was no humor in it, only sadness. “It was too good to pass up. I had to ensure that she was cared for and I couldn’t do that on my own. I tried with what I had, but it wasn’t enough. So, here I am. A fake. And now I’ve lied to you the whole time we’ve known each other.” That wasn’t what friends did, right? It wasn’t how they treated each other.

After hearing this, Violet shook her head emphatically. “You did what you had to do for Taylor. There’s no shame in that.” Using their intertwined hands, Violet pulled Isabella towards her, wrapping her in a hug before she continued. “You didn’t have to take that burden, but you did it anyway. That’s brave.”

The kind words, as much as the embrace, finally had tears beginning to fall from Isabella’s eyes. She wanted to respond in kind, but anything she tried to say was choked off in her throat. Instead, light sniffles were the only sound she managed to get out. Which immediately drew a tighter hug from Violet.

“I know what it’s like having to become a whole different person. Being an orphan, fighting in the war, losing my arms, and trying to live in peace. But through it, I met people that gave me a purpose. Gave me something to hold on to and help me become the person I am today. Someone who can repay that kindness to others. Just like you.”

Well, Violet had certainly done that for her. No doubt she had done that for countless others too. “Me? No, I didn’t. I wish that I could’ve given the same thing to Taylor. She deserved it. But me? I’m selfish, I’m just–”

“No!” The word was accompanied by another squeeze from Violet and a light shake of her head where it rested next to hers. “No. You aren’t selfish. You’ve done so much. More than you know. But I know, and Taylor knows.” As she spoke, Violet slowly leaned out from their hug so that their eyes could meet. In them, Isabella saw a conviction that spoke to how much Violet believed what she was saying.

What could Isabella even say to that? How could she ever repay that kindness and understanding? The silence that stretched between them didn’t seem to bother Violet though and she finally brought one of her hands up to reach inside her dress. Whereupon she removed her handkerchief and began to dab at Isabella’s tears. When her cheeks were dry, Violet smiled once more and tucked the damp cloth away. “Now, come on. Let’s get you back inside before the plants provoke your cough.” Yeah, the plants…

Isabella groaned in response but nodded her head in agreement. Violet stood then and had no problem pulling her up next. After Isabella was standing, she closed the remaining distance and dropped her hands to Violet’s side. Only to slip them around her lower back and pull her close in a tight embrace. Of course, her heart couldn’t handle looking up into the sky-blue eyes, so she buried her face in the crook of Violet’s neck instead.

“Thank you so much, Violet. For everything. I feel like I don’t say that enough.” After a moment, she felt the doll’s arms come up and gently reciprocate the embrace.

“You don’t have to, I know you are. I see how hard you work every day and know you’re doing your best.”

“Yeah…” Of course, Violet was right. Isabella wanted to perform well and try to fit into this new life, but she would be lying to herself if she didn’t admit a significant part of her motivation was Violet. She wanted to do right by her, wanted to make her happy, wanted to bring out those delicate smiles that made Isabella’s heart beat faster.Another few moments and she finally withdrew enough to take up Violet’s arm again. “Alright, please take me inside.”