•       •       •       •       •

strangeness & charm.
act one, are you satisfied?
chapter four, selfish is as aunt gertrude does... or however it goes.

•       •       •       •       •

GERTRUDE LIU
august 1994

A GREAT SIGH ESCAPED NORA'S LIPS.

Her fingers combed the miniature labels attached to the envelopes in the filing cabinet as they had done for the better part of two hours in search of one specific file. This had been her office task for the last two days - it had all begun when Leanne had finally cornered her and discovered that Nora had mailed in her application. After suffering through Leanne's fit of excitement, Nora revealed to her boss that she was in desperate need of distraction as she awaited a response. Thus, her task: searching for this, a file she was quite convinced didn't exist after two days of hunting.

She couldn't complain. It had distracted her... at least while at work.

The shuffling of footsteps fell deaf upon her ears, and it wasn't until someone cleared their throat behind her that she snapped from her stupor. Nora turned over her shoulder to acknowledge the oncomer.

      "I take it you haven't found it?" William Lominick asked, exhaustion riddling his voice.

       William was a new intern, fresh out of Hogwarts, and had recently begun his Ministry internship. Oh, how Nora wished she could advise him to leave and never return, but she had let that fever dream die down a long time ago. She intended to keep her job while she waited, not toss it to the wind by allowing her mouth to run a marathon.

      Nora sighed. "What do you think?"

       Will sighed, too, in response. "Splendid."

      Nora turned fully to face him. "Look, I know this isn't what you imagined when you applied for this internship. I promise the excitement will come, especially with the Cup coming up. But, for now... we have this."

      Will simply nodded. "Well, anything I can do to help?"

      Nora's stomach lurched as a thought crossed her mind. She chewed the inside of her cheek before looking back to the intern standing across from her.

      "You could check my inbox?" She said, more like a question, and Will looked at her oddly but nodded nonetheless.

      "Will do."

      Nora thanked him, and once he had vacated the room, she returned to her previous task. It was an abuse of power, Nora knew that. She had watched every other Ministry aide abuse their interns, and she had sworn she would never stoop so low. Selfishly, however, she couldn't find it within herself to care.

      She shook her head to rid the thoughts. Focus on the distraction.

      A hefty fifteen minutes passed, and Nora had once again become engrossed in the third drawer of the filing cabinet. Oddly, she found a quiet peace in only the presence of herself and the filing cabinet.

      "I have your mail-" The voice sent Nora, who had lost herself in the mountains of files, at least a foot in the air. "-why the hell is the Bulgarian National Quidditch team owling you?"

      Nora froze. Surely, her heart had stopped beating - but no, that couldn't be; her blood rushed through her veins as though provided with an abrupt reason to flee and hammered loudly against her eardrums. She wiped her suddenly sweaty palms against her trousers and hardly felt her feet pad the carpet as she turned to face him. Her eyes couldn't have broken from his if she'd forced them with her bare hands.

      "What?" She hardly heard her own voice, as it was masked by the rushing of her heartbeat that swelled throughout the room.

      Will's left hand held a few multi-sized, white envelopes. His right hand, however - the one his eyes couldn't tear themselves from - held a large, red and gold envelope. Nora watched him, prepared to drink his words as though she'd been through drought. His eyes bounced up to meet hers, and one of his brows cocked in question as he looked at her expectantly.

      "Nora? Are you-?"

      "Give me that."

      She hadn't meant to snatch the envelope she way she had, nor had she meant to snap at him in such a manner, but it was as though she was existing outside her body and was simply being forced to watch. She had no control.

      "By all means," Will said, but she hardly heard him.

      Her gaze consumed the metallic, gold lettering on the front of the envelope. Miss. Nora Cleary, Ministry of Magic, Department of Magical Sports and Games, Tenth Floor, Office 302. If she was breathing, she surely couldn't tell. Her fingers moved without command from her brain as she flipped the envelope over and began gently prying it open. The maroon, wax seal slid from the parchment with ease, and once she had the paper freed from its confines, she unfolded it and began to read.

Miss Cleary,

We at the International Bulgarian Quidditch Team are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted to the Managerial staff of Mr. Viktor Krum. Please find enclosed a list of rules, procedures, and necessary supplies, as well as your individual ticket to the Quidditch World Cup, which will take place in one week's time. Plans will be arranged for your first meeting with Mr. Krum following the match, prior to which you will be escorted to the Bulgarian Quidditch Staff box and treated to a front row view of the match alongside your fellow staff members. You will receive all necessary information for further engagements upon your arrival. On behalf of the Bulgarian Quidditch team, we thank you for your interest and look forward to making your acquaintance.

Sincerely,
Harlan Veryan
Senior Managerial Staff and Personal Trainer

      Nora wasn't sure when her jaw had dropped open, but she made no attempt to force it shut as she held the letter in her trembling grasp. This wasn't real. It couldn't be happening. Surely, this was some cruel, twisted dream much like those she had experienced of late. With another skim down the page to ensure the reality of the letter, Nora inhaled sharply.

      "Oh, my god."

      She finally mustered the strength to tear her eyes from the page to meet the gaze of Will, who watched her intently with a twinkle of concern in the depths of his expression.

      "Oh, my god," Nora repeated, her lips twisting into such a wide grin, she could hardly keep her teeth pressed together.

      A laugh escaped her, and before she registered what she was doing, she had thrown her arms around Will's neck so tightly, the boy completely lost his airway. Will's hands flew up to pat her gingerly on the back as he attempted to pull away for air, but Nora gained no awareness of it.

      After a few seconds, she jumped away from him with a wide grin still gracing her features. Her grin faltered, however, as the blood returned to her senses and the nauseating realization dawned on her — she would have to tell her aunt.

Exhaling a shaky breath, Nora did her best to place those thoughts on the back burner and instead returned her smile in Will's direction.

"I suppose I'll tell you this, now — get the hell out of this place, before it kills you."

      Will's eyes watched her carefully, as if he were terrified the wrong movement would send her into insanity. A laugh escaped her throat.

      "Hell, apply to a Quidditch team! I'm sure they'd love to have you."

      With a slight pat to his shoulder, Nora brushed past him with the letter still in hand and walked towards the doorway. Will's gaze followed her, his brows furrowed.

       "Wait, where are you going?" He asked as utter confusion and a slight trace of alarm crept into his tone.

      Nora turned enough to catch his gaze over her shoulder, her brow cocked finitely.

      "Well, William, I'm quitting."

"What about the gala—?" Will's voice trailed from behind her.

"I'm quitting!"

....

   "I hate dresses."

      Nora and Bonnie had been standing in front of the floor length mirror for well over ten minutes now, examining their appearances and soothing their nerves. Well, Bonnie had been making attempts at soothing Nora's, while Nora had been desperately craving the safety of the floo network, where she could fly far, far away.

      The Ministry of Magic's Summer Gala was a fixture every year, hosted on the second Saturday of August. All Ministry employees were required to attend as part of the corporation's push for boosted morale and camaraderie. Really, it was an excuse to play dress up and get absolutely hammered on the boss's dime, so, of course, the gig was packed. It seemed, even with the chaos of the World Cup, the Ministry was intent on maintaining appearances. This year, they had heavily advertised the Gala's theme: "under the sea". It made Nora want to puke.

      Nora's dislike of large social gatherings and people, in general, heavily dissuaded her enthusiasm for the event each year, and she was only able to get through it with Bonnie in tow and the addition of several full champagne flukes. This go around, however, introduced an even further challenge than simply being forced to speak to people she had no interest in. Somehow, some way, she had to tell her Aunt Gertrude about the Bulgarian team's offer. The very idea sent waves of nausea through her body.

      "These heels are already giving me blisters. At this rate, I'll be barefoot by the end of the night," Bonnie complained, bent over at the hip as she rubbed the ball of her foot through her open, heeled shoe.

      Nora shot her a doubtful look through the glass of the mirror.

      "You'd still be barefoot by the end of the night even if you were wearing rabbit slippers."

   "Fair point."

      Nora's lip folded beneath her teeth anxiously as the knowledge of what she planned to do throbbed against her skull. Her fingers tapped nervously against the fabric of her black gown.

      "I could wait to tell her," She said suddenly in a hopeful effort and turned to face Bonnie, " It's probably not the best idea, with all these people–"

      "Nora Cleary, don't be a sissy," Bonnie said plainly, shooting Nora down with her sharp, unpermitting gaze.

      "Bonnie," Nora whined, a heavy sigh leaving her lips.

      Bonnie tutted with a shake of her head. "Just hit the nail in the head. The second we walk in there, just find her and–"

      "I can't do that! I need enough time for at least three glasses of champagne."

      Upon Nora's insist, Bonnie simply sighed, but she couldn't stop the smile from creeping onto her mouth.

      "Okay, fine," She relented. "After the three glasses of champagne."

      Nora's stomach nearly ate itself whole, and she wasn't anywhere near hungry.

      "I can't do this," She insisted, turning away from the mirror and Bonnie, and took two steps towards the monstrous, green fireplaces that rested in the lobby beyond the hallway they occupied.

      Strong hands grabbed Nora by the shoulders and drew her back before whipping her around to face the entryway on the opposite side of them. The mixture of soft jazz music and a low chatter drifted from the doorway.

      "Yes, you can!" Bonnie declared rightly with a small push at Nora's shoulders. "Let's go. Yep, come on, we're going."

      Nora felt even further ill the moment her feet crossed the threshold into the ballroom. The room, usually utilized as a storage closet, had been charmed with an extension spell and was dressed to the nines.

      "They really took the under the sea thing seriously," Bonnie muttered.

      A net of glistening, opaque bubbles floated far above their heads, pulsing in large, rounded waves to mimic the ocean's pattern. Seaweed made of pearls climbed the walls in various sections and glittered beneath the golden light cast by the large chandelier in the center of the ceiling. Large, separated droves of jellyfish floated gracefully in mid-air at different heights throughout the room, and as Nora passed one such creature, she recognzied the glimmering, wispy trail of light left behind as they moved.

      "Are those patronuses?" She exhaled, astonishment coating her voice, and for a moment, she forgot just how much she disdained the event.

      "Bloody hell, they are."

      The elegant jazz music ended, and an intense waltz took its place, ringing out across the room with an increased ferocity.

      Nora and Bonnie wove their way through the crowd, nodding politely at guests they recognized. Nora's eyes landed on one such guest as they reached the furthest wall, and she sighed in relief before grabbing Bonnie's hand and dragging her forward.

      "Oh, thank Merlin," She groaned as the two came to a still in front of Will Lominick, who held two glasses of champagne in his grasp.

      Nora's fingers plucked both glasses nonchalantly from his hands, and she raised one to her lips in one breath and held the other out to Bonnie.

      "I was holding those," Will said in a vexed tone, raising an eyebrow as he watched the liquid in Nora's glass disappear as quickly as it had existed.

      Nora gulped the champagne down in one last sip, then exhaled sharply as her eyes readjusted to the room's light under its effect. She didn't bother to look at Will as she shoved the glass towards him, and he sighed heavily before taking it from her and placing it on the table beside him.

      "You may want to grab at least four more," Bonnie suggested, eyeing Will from where she stood on the other side of Nora.

      "I am not taking part in her alcoholism."

      "Hey! She's got good reason for alcoholism tonight," Bonnie countered, then took a large sip of her beverage.

      Will's tongue clicked in recognition. "Ah, we're celebrating."

      Nora's eyes snapped towards him nervously. "People only celebrate good things. This is not good."

      She breathed shakily, returning her eyes to the surrounding crowd. Will's face scrunched in confusion, and he looked to Bonnie for some sort of explanation.

      Bonnie's eyes narrowed in a tell-tale manner.

      "She can't be excited until she tells her aunt – y'know, crazy, controlling aunt. And," She paused, looking sharply at Nora, "she's supposed to be telling her tonight."

      Will snorted in a small laugh. "It's not like she can't go if she doesn't tell her Aunt."

      Bonnie levelled him a serious expression, and his humoured expression faltered. Will's eyes shot towards Nora, who was still occupied with the crowd and her inner turmoil, then back to Bonnie, and his face fell completely.

      Bonnie harrumphed in enjoyment as she watched Will nearly fall out, catching Nora's attention.

      "You bloody applied for the job and then forced me to get your mail, and now I have to find someone else to shadow," He hissed incredulously, "You'd better tell her, because if you stay, I'm not running back to work for you–"

      "I am telling her," Nora interrupted, and her voice faltered as she lowered it. "I just– need to find the right time."

      Will's eyes widened as he grappled with his words.

      "Where was that champagne?" He muttered wildly, and departed the girls in an effort to hold himself together.

      Bonnie snorted. "He's sweet."

      Nora hardly heard the girl, nor did she notice Will's absence. Her gaze had travelled the crowd for what seemed like an eternity, yet her Aunt Gertrude was nowhere to be found. Her stomach twisted yet again, and her palms met the pads of her fingers tightly as she clenched and released her fists.

      Then, a voice seemed to rise above the clinking of glassware, the drunken chatter, and the waltz.

      Gertrude Liu, donning a slender, deep auburn evening gown, suddenly stood out amongst the rest of the crowd like a red bulls-eye and was surrounded by a group of important looking people. Nora immediately recognized Barty Crouch, the head of the Magical Law Enforcement Office, amongst the crowd. A slim, lanky boy with red hair and horn-rimmed glasses stood beside him and appeared to be watching Mr. Crouch's every movement like a dog with its trainer.

The red-headed boy's gaze flickered slightly as a girl with curly, brown hair, dressed in a deep green gown, stalked past him without a second glance. Nora recognized her, but she couldn't recall how.

      A hard lump formed in Nora's throat, and she fought to swallow it as she observed her Aunt from where she stood. Her eyes darted across the surface of the table beside her and Bonnie, searching for another glass of champagne as though she would die of thirst without it.

       The sharp upturn of Gertrude's voice caught Nora's ear, and before she could process the movement, her aunt gravitated towards where she stood, accompanied by a gaggle of people. Nora turned quickly towards Bonnie, who had already clocked the fated arrival of her aunt.

      "Bonnie, I can't–"

      "Yes, you can–" Bonnie hissed lowly, her eyes travelling over Nora's shoulders without command, as though drawn towards something like a magnet.

      Nora's eyes widened in panic as Bonnie's hand caught her arm and twisted her around. Then, the warmth of Bonnie's presence receded as the Taylor girl retreated slowly from the group, and Nora's gaze watched her friend's back longingly as it grew smaller in the crowd.

      Gertrude's steely, green eyes clashed with Nora's, and a perky, cheerful smile dashed its way onto Nora's lips as she turned to face her aunt's entourage. Gertrude Liu always stood as though her spine were attached to a metal pole – both elegance and class, she was everything Nora had once aspired to be. However, as Nora's gaze locked with her aunt's, she caught the miniscule glint in the older woman's eye – one that she had grown accustomed to, and that nobody else would have recognized by a mile. Insecurity; and it gave her away completely.

      "Nora, I'd like you to meet a few people," Gertrude greeted importantly, sparing no glance at her niece's trembling hands, before turning to address the rest of her party.

      "My niece, Nora," She introduced, and when Nora made no effort to step forward, Gertrude placed a hand on the small of her back and gently pushed her forward. "Nora, meet Amelia Bones, high member of the Wizengamot."

      Nora nodded politely at the brunette woman, who returned the favor.

      "Then, of course, this is John Dawlish, head of the Auror office."

      Nora nodded again at the taller man besides Susan Bones, who wore a rather important face and robes of a brilliant green.

      "And this is Eldridge Coil, assistant head of the Department of Magical Transportation. He's been integral in the transportation arrangements of the World Cup."

      The stout man grinned, then nodded at Nora in acknowledgement. "Shipping thousands of wizards and witches into a five mile radius without drawing attention has its hang-ups, to be sure."

      Gertrude gazed at Nora momentarily, as though attempting to pin her to the floor, then opened her shoulders to the three officials standing behind her with an aristocratic smile.

      "Nora began her internship with the Ministry in her sixth year at Hogwarts," Gertrude boasted chiefly.

      "Which department do work for?" Amelia Bones asked conversationally, and the expressions of the two men beside her morphed into those of interest as they realized Gertrude had left that bit of information to mystery.

      "The Department of Sports and Games," Nora fumbled quickly, thrown by the woman's direct line of questioning.

      Eldridge Coil's brow lifted instantly, his eyes widening with intrigue. "Do you, really? You'll be working on the World Cup, too, then–"

      "She will soon be graduating her department," Gertrude interjected quickly as Nora's lips parted to respond. "No doubt, within the next year."

      Nora looked at her for a moment, then back to Coil with a small smile.

      "I've been working on the World Cup, yes. I've signed so many waivers in the past few weeks, I've lost feeling in my hands."

      The trio laughed in unison, and Nora couldn't help but notice her aunt's plastered smile had tightened.

      "I do enjoy my fair share of Quidditch," Coil continued. "Did you play?"

      Nora couldn't hold her gaze from flickering towards her aunt. "No, I didn't. I was more focused on... studies."

      Gertrude nodded, as though Nora's words were deemed acceptable. Coil tutted in response.

      Nora's heart nearly burst from her chest as the opportunity of the situation dawned on her. Gertrude's face, then Coil's, then Gertrude's once again, blurred her vision as her eyes flitted between the two people standing in front of her. A calming burst of air left her lips, coating them in the texture of sandpaper. The pounding of her heartbeat against her skull drowned out all other audio, and she rooted her heels to the ground before she looked at Coil definitively.

      "On that note, though, I have been offered a position on the Bulgarian National Team's managerial department." She hardly heard the words as they exited her tongue.

      A bout of excited gasps rippled through the group, and Coil's eyes nearly lit aflame as a wide grin spread across his face.

      "You're joking!" He exclaimed keenly, reaching forward to grasp Nora's hand in congratulations. "How exciting! Gertrude, you sly dog. Graduating, indeed! No doubt, within the next year, ha!"

      A short, appreciative laugh left Nora's lips as she shook the man's hand graciously. Only then did she allow her gaze to drift towards her aunt, and the air nearly left her lungs. Gertrude's piercing eyes punctured her very soul, and for once, Nora found it impossible to read them.

      "Congratulations!" Amelia Bones said with a warm smile, forcing Nora's eyes away from her aunt.

      "Gertrude, you must be so proud of your niece."

      Nora couldn't bring herself to acknowledge her aunt after the Bones woman's words, so she settled for a grateful smile. A gutteral, strangled whisper erupted form Gertrude's throat, only loud enough for Nora to hear, and Nora's palms broke into a cold sweat.

      "Yes," Gertrude acknowledged tightly. "The proudest."

      Nora's eyes faltered towards her aunt, who was already gazing at her with something just short of contempt, and she quickly looked away.

      "Y'know," Coil began passionately, "Bulgaria's bound to win the cup. Their stats this year have been through the roof! Now, the talk is that Volchanov's the new star, but I... don't see the potential. But Zograf and Krum – boy! I'd take to betting on them bringing it home."

      "Now, Coil, I'd have to disagree with you, there," John Dawlish spoke at last, cocking an eyebrow. "The sources say Zograf's fully recovered from his fall ealrier in the season, but I think that's a bunch of cadswallop, some kind of marketing scheme to get his fundraising back. Ivanova, though. She's got a way with that bat – hell, I'd hate to be on the other end of it."

      Aunt Gertrude simply stood, wordless, and smiled tightly.

      Coil shrugged in acknowledgement. "True. But I say, with the new coach, the batting formations may well be different. It'll be interesting to see how Ivanova handles that–"

      "Oh, I think she'll more than handle it," The Bones woman chimed in with a smirk. "You know she used to play for the Harpies..."

      It quickly became abundantly clear to Nora that she was no longer part of the conversation, and she took it as her cue to rescue herself from further discomfort. With a parting smile that none of the involved party acknowledged as they had fallen further down the sports rabbit hole, Nora silently slipped away from the group and hurried in the direction she had seen Will go in search of champagne. Merlin, she needed some.

      A lengthy table draped in white cloth stood on the far wall, and with a quick glance at the champagne glass tower that stood on top of it, Nora sighed in relief. Two figures standing at the leftmost end caught her eye immediately, and her footsteps quickened towards them.

      Bonnie and Will, who had been chatting until Nora's arrival, watched her intently as she approached, her gaze deadset on one of many champagne glasses on the table behind them.

      Bonnie followed Nora as the raven-haired girl scoured the surface of the table, looking for the nearest fluke.

      "Well?!" She insisted, her eyes wide as she watched Nora sip half the champagne fluke down in one swallow.

      Nora licked her bottom lip of champagne, then exhaled as though a fifty pound weight had been removed from her chest.

      "I did it."

      Will sighed in relief, and Bonnie held her hand flat in front of Nora with a proud grin. The Taylor girl's palm slapped Nora's open hand with vigor, sending a stinging sensation across Nora's skin.

      "Ouch?" Nora exclaimed with pursed lips, pressing her hand to her ribcage in an attempt to soothe the burning of her palm.

      "I'm so proud. Like a mum," Bonnie declared tenderly, pressing her hand to the place over her heart. Nora snorted, then took another sip of her champagne.

      "At least you are," Nora mumbled.

      "Okay, I have to know. Give me details. How did old Gertie react?" Bonnie continued, grinning wildly like a child waiting on a bedtime story.

      Will nodded intently from behind Bonnie in agreement.

      "She... didn't, really. She said she was proud of me, which she's never said before in her life, so I may not live to see tomorrow."

      "Maybe she's come around?" Will suggested in hopeful support, and Nora and Bonnie exchanged looks before scoffing in laughter.

      "Oh, William," Bonnie tutted with a shake of her head and patted him on the arm. "Sweet, sweet, little William."
   
      A suddenly approaching figure caught the corner of Nora's eye, and she found the grin wiped from her face in a matter of milliseconds. Gertrude Liu appeared beside the trio before they could blink; Will's posture straightened immediately, and his eyes searched for something to pretend to pay attention to. Bonnie's general air didn't budge by an inch – if anything, her testy stare only intensified the longer Gertrude occupied her breathing space.

      "I would like to speak with my niece," Gertrude spoke bluntly, her eyes unwavering from the younger girl's figure. Nora fidgeted uncomfortably beneath her aunt's stare.

      Will's head bobbed quickly as though commanded, and he pushed off the table, retreating from the group faster than Nora could have breathed. Bonnie's presence didn't waver as she leaned comfortably against the drink table. Gertrude's eyes finally snapped away from Nora and landed on Bonnie.

      "Alone."

      Bonnie's lips pursed begrudgingly, and she squeezed Nora's hand before departing from the two women. Behind Gertrude's back, the Taylor girl made a punching motion with her hand, then pointed with two fingers at her own eyes, then at the back of Gertrude's head. Pressing her lips together in an effort to suppress a smile at her friend's antics, Nora returned her gaze to her aunt.

      Gertrude watched her niece for a few seconds, her posture rigid.

      "I must admit I am... struggling to understand," She said at last, allowing a sharp outburst of air to pass her lips. "When did this offer occur?"

      "A few weeks ago. I accepted it this morning," Nora answered, swallowing thickly.

      "A few weeks ago," Gertrude repeated. "And may I ask why you failed to tell me?"

      Nora hesitated, her eyes searching her aunt's.

      "I suppose I knew how you'd react," She admitted, winding her fingers together tightly.

      Gertrude hummed in acknowledgement. "Well, here is what we shall do. You will go back to Leanne Midcroft and humbly beg for your job back. I will pull any strings I possess. Barty will surely understand and help–"

      Nora shook her head quickly. "Auntie, I don't think you understand. I don't want my old job back, I–"

      "Whether or not you want your job back is irrelevant, Nora," Gertrude interrupted cooly. "You will ask for it back."

      Nora stared at her, stunned. Gertrude stepped closer to Nora, ducking her head to level her gaze with her niece's.

      "I have worked far too hard to keep you on the right path. Your desire to play for a Hogwarts Quidditch team was difficult enough to curb, but this–"

      "Is what I want," Nora interjected, her face hot with emotion. "I'm not asking for my old job back, Auntie. This offer is everything I've ever wanted, and I'd be a fool to let it pass by."

      Gertrude laughed shortly, her eyes fluttering above Nora's head as she processed her thoughts.

      "Foolish, Nora, is taking a job working for a bunch of sweaty, loud miscreants," Gertrude hissed lowly, and Nora didn't miss the way her eyes darted around them cautiously. "It is not respectable work, and I refuse to let you take part in it."

      Nora exhaled sharply, and for a moment, she forgot the way she felt beneath her aunt's exacting glare, and a burst of bravery shot through her veins.

      "Well, I'm doing it anyway."

      Gertrude pressed her fingers to her temple shakily, seemingly overcome by her niece's revelation.

      "This is very rash, dear. I believe you should consider this further before solidifying your decision," She began in a whisper, and it seemed the very conversation was beginning to sap the sanity from her being.

      "I've considered this more than I care to admit. I'm doing this," Nora responded, her voice cracking, as she stepped back from her aunt to allow herself to breathe deeply. "I leave at the end of the week."

      Gertrude's lips pressed so tightly, the edges surrounding her mouth turned the slightest shade of white.

      "If you care to contact me, you can ask mum for the mailing address. I'm sure you two could stand to catch up, anyway." Nora's words packed a punch, and as risky as it was to mention her mother to Gertrude, she couldn't find it within herself to regret it.

      Gertrude's posture straightened at her niece's words, and her hand dropped from her temple to her side.

      "Nora—"

      But Nora had already torn her eyes away from Gertrude with a deep clearing of her throat. Ignoring her aunt's insist, Nora swiped another champagne fluke from the tower and departed her aunt's side in search of Bonnie.

author's note.
oh ho, gertrude will be... interesting
to say the least. prepare yourselves 😈

yet another (at this point
permanant) shout out to katie for
saving me from writers block while
I wrote this chap, ily forever

thank you for reading!