Minutes after unraveling the latest hairstyle, Isabella found herself walking down the path to the school building. Well, dragged down the path, if she was being honest with herself. Violet held her hand tight and hurried them along faster than their usual pace. Unfortunately, it seemed the impromptu doting had caused them to be late. So much so that they were the only ones making their way between the two buildings at this moment. Naturally, Violet was the more concerned of the two. As for Isabella, she was disappointed that her little ploy to get more time alone together hadn’t worked as well as she would’ve hoped. Any time alone with Violet was worth it so she would just have to try harder next time!

At first, Isabella’s gaze was affixed to the single, blonde ponytail in front of her, swaying gently to and fro from the handmaiden’s energetic steps.  Violet had prevented her from trying a third style due to the time and settled on this instead. Still, the sight of it brought a smile to Isabella’s face even though she received an earful while the doll put it up herself using one of the ribbons. Next time Isabella would do an actual braid, something that would take even longer and would look even more beautiful. If there would be a next time.   

Her eyes eventually lifted up to the canopy above their head as they went. The trees that lined the walkway were old and towered above them. Each had a thick trunk and expansive branches that almost blocked out the sun high overhead when they all overlapped. Though the ground was covered in shadow, the leaves themselves were colored a beautiful emerald in the morning sun. A sight that she didn’t normally get to appreciate since the pair usually left earlier with the rest of the students. What a difference even twenty minutes could make.

How many other things were out there, waiting for her eyes to see? How many peculiarities were right here on the school grounds? It wasn’t like Isabella had covered every inch in her time here. Quite the contrary, actually. And how much was out there in the wider world, waiting to be experienced if she didn’t conform to the rigidity of this new life? Outside of this school, and the city she’d grown up in. Or the mansion her future husband would stick her in to gradually wither away. She held no illusions about traveling when that time came. Who was going to take a sick woman with them on important trips or on long holidays?

No, those things were reserved for others like Violet. From her stories, it was easy to discern that she had seen so much already. Granted, not always under the best circumstances, but she’d traveled regardless and would continue to do so.  Violet would meet more people, and make new friends and memories. Would there be other young women that she’d work for in the future? Others like Isabella? Okay, maybe not exactly like Isabella and her situation. However, she didn’t doubt there would be in some form or fashion. Of course, that only made Isabella envious. Envious of others she only imagined in her head and events that hadn’t even come to pass. It seemed Violet was destined to go from one place to the next, writing for all sorts of people. All on her own…

“Violet,” Isabella spoke her name but continued staring up at the canopy above. In response, Violet turned her head slightly in acknowledgment but otherwise remained silent and continued walking. “Let’s go somewhere else.”

“Go…somewhere else?” Isabella could hear the confusion in Violet’s voice, which was fair considering the statement. It was an absurd thought, after all.

“Yes, somewhere else. It doesn’t matter where; we can even leave the school grounds.” They could find a way out of the wall, right? Especially with Violet’s unique skills. As she spoke, Isabella brought her hand up to sway in the green light. Her fingers extended thereafter and began to twirl like she was dipping them into colored water. “Anywhere that isn’t class. Anywhere that we can be together…just the two of us.” 

On this crisp morning, that was the one thing Isabella wanted the most. To leave this place with Violet and never return. To head out into the world together, to find Taylor and bring her into their care. All three of them, all of the people Isabella cared for. Together. That’s how much Violet meant to her. It was a feeling that had very much become rooted in her heart though she didn’t dare name it. If she did, Isabella would have to acknowledge all that would come along with that revelation.

In the end, it had snuck up on her. Even the stolen looks and flairs of jealousy hadn’t given it away. Such things could be attributed to a multitude of other feelings, right? So many trivial things built into something so much more. The way Violet tenderly cared for her. The words of affection and affirmation, friendly as they may be. It all happened in these little moments. Dancing together, telling stories at night, painting nails, and braiding hair. Each one of these things was so precious to Isabella, as prized as the memories she had with Taylor.

“We can’t, Miss York. You must go to class or your teachers will be upset.”

Ah, back to Miss York. Back into the wider world of formalities and professional relationships. Not the intimate one Isabella wanted so desperately. And, even though she’d known what Violet’s answer would be, the pain of rejection burned anyway. 

“I see…” In the end, Isabella couldn’t help but come to a stop before letting her eyes fall to the stone beneath their feet. Which of course prompted Violet to stop as well.

“Miss York? What’s wrong?” Violet turned around now and then took a step closer. When Isabella didn’t answer, a gloved hand came up to grasp her free one. Violet looked around then, checking up and down the little road before leaning in. “Isabella, are you alright? Is it your ankle?”

Hearing her name outside of their room brought the barest hint of a smile to Isabella’s lips before she raised her gaze to meet the vibrant, blue eyes across from her. “No, it’s fine. I’m just…I’m just a little tired, that’s all.” Which wasn’t exactly far from the truth. Isabella’s sleep had been a little…restless, of late. It turned out that sleeping next to Violet was difficult when you had certain feelings to wrestle into submission. 

In response, she felt a slight squeeze of her hand, growing her smile even more. “Would it make you feel better if I let you braid my hair once we’re done with classes today? In any style you wish.”

Isabella couldn’t help but nod at the suggestion, grateful for the distraction. If only for a little while. “Yes, I would like that.” Always so good to her. “I suppose we should get to class before I get in any more trouble.” 

Feeling somewhat better, she dropped Violet’s second hand but kept the original firmly in her grasp so they could walk hand-in-hand. A common occurrence for the two these past few days even when they were on time. Mostly at Isabella’s insistence, of course. However, Violet didn’t seem to mind and had even reached out once when Isabella was slow to do so one afternoon. Whether out of habit or a genuine desire, Isabella didn’t know. This newest behavior increased the number of whispers cast in their direction, further stirring rumors about Isabella York’s odd relationship with her handmaiden. But she didn’t care. Isabella had Violet and that was all she needed to be happy here. Of course, she conveniently refused to acknowledge the fact that the doll would be leaving in a little under two weeks.

Soon they set out again, side by side down the path with only the clack of their boots and the songs of the birds to listen to. Though Isabella no longer stared at the canopy above, she still retreated deep into her mind. Distracted by what was no doubt going to be pervasive thoughts throughout the day. Selfish as she was, she couldn’t tell Violet how she felt in their remaining time together. What good would come of it? She was certain the doll didn’t share her affection and it might cause Violet to pull back and distance herself. Which would prevent them from enjoying what remaining time they had together. Besides, even if she did feel that way, nothing could come of it. 

Isabella was destined to be a pretty thing on a shelf, nothing more. A proper lady sat in a proper house, all so her father could expand his wealth and influence. No, she had to make more memories with Violet while she had the chance. Grand memories she could add to her fondest ones of Taylor. She would feed off them for the rest of her days, a trickle of happiness to weather the hollow existence of her new life. It was a depressing thought but Isabella had to face that reality soon or later. At least the past few months she had been able to stow them away and enjoy her time with Violet.

The rest of the walk passed without incident and the two soon arrived at the school building. By this point in the year, Isabella only received a momentary stare of annoyance from her teacher but was otherwise allowed to join the class without any additional reprimand. By some miracle, she had managed to enter into the good graces of most of her teachers by the end of the semester. Another fortunate side effect of Violet’s presence.

Of course, once she was in class, it was as Isabella predicted. She couldn’t focus and was constantly in her head, rehashing the same thoughts over and over. In a way, it felt like those first few classes after Violet arrived. Isabella didn’t pay attention and instead spent the time thinking of her handmaiden. Of course, those thoughts were very different now. And, just like those early days, Violet picked up on her distraction from where she sat off to the side. 

“Miss York, are you feeling alright?” Violet’s question came when the two were waiting to begin the afternoon’s dance practice. 

“What ? Oh …no,  I’m fine. I’m just thinking about the debut . That’s all. ”  Which was true, in a way. Though , it  was  mostly  what would come after that troubled her. Still, Violet nodded at the answer before stepping up and taking one of Isabella’s hands.  

“Don’t worry, Miss York. Your dancing is excellent.”

“Thank you, Violet. I’ve had an outstanding teacher.” This brought out a small smile from her handmaiden and Isabella closed the distance so she could finish getting them into position.  

“You’ve been a good student. Now, let’s ease back into it. We don’t want to strain your ankle.” 

Today was the first day back since the injury so they decided it would be best if Isabella took it slow. There was still plenty of time to address any last-minute errors and she promised herself the dances would be flawless by the time the debut came. She owed Violet nothing less. Hopefully, Isabella would get the chance to show her just how far she’d come. For real, when the time came.