Autumn leaves falling down
like pieces into place

And I can picture it
after all these days
*:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧

1968

THE DAY WAS POSTCARD PERFECT. In the light that painted her skin so warmly, the trees were dancing ladies, each in dresses more fabulous than any designer could craft. They moved, choreographed by the wind, in perfect time with one another. They were the life and soul of the early autumn morning, and Charlotte wondered how many hues of red and brown her eyes were witnessing. As they stretched upwards and outwards toward the light, drinking in rays as pure as the rain, Charlotte walked with her older brother. He was walking like his shoes were too tight, making short little strutting steps like a clockwork soldier.

"Have you heard anything from Jo?" Charlotte spoke gently, as her feet brushed against the leaves that had fallen from the trees.

The leaves in the park have their first autumnal blush and though the path was wet from the night's rain the sky above promised no more. In an hour or so the path woulf be dry and the leaves would spring up, their water weight gone. Breathing in the fresh air and feeling it on her face was a tonic for Lottie after the oppressive summer heat.

However, just behind the siblings, Amy March saw the way a young lady walked. Her shoulders back, yet eyes frequently checking her own gown; it was as if she felt superior and insecure all at once. It was then she knew.

"Lottie! Charlotte! Lottie!"

"Amy?"

Amy's hug was stronger than anything Charlotte had ever known, as if holding her wasn't quite enough, she had to feel every ounce that Lottie was press into every ounce that was her. In that moment of feeling her so close Charlotte was awake somehow, more alive than she had been in so very long.

Amy snuggled in, "Your here, Lottie. You're really here." She yelled while giggling fondly.

Charlotte couldn't help but snicker, "Well, where else would I rather be?" In that moment the arms squeezed a fraction tighter and Amy breathed more slowly, her body melting into Charlotte's as every muscle lost its tension to the Autumn air.

"You've grown so much." Laurie spoke softly, hugging Amy after she had finally removed herself from Charlotte.

"I thought you'd meet me at the hotel, Lottie?"

"We couldn't find you anywhere, we were there."

In that moment Charlotte gave Amy a smile that just seemed so genuinely sweet with just the right touch of shyness, that unexpected warmth rushed through her.

Amy took the time to appriciate the older girl. Now, Lottie wasn't looking her best. Her hair was coming down, as she had dispersed of her hairpins throughout the day, and her face lacked powder. She looked hot and tired and surprisingly happy. However, Amy thought that she had never seen anyone quite as beautiful. So absolutely necessary to her happiness.

"We'll maybe you didn't look hard enough."

"Or maybe I didn't recognise you because you're beautiful now, Amy." Laurie spoke smiling shyly at the girl who was like his younger sister.

"She was beautiful before, Laurie. Weren't you, Amy?" Casting her eyes to the side as she spoke to her brother, the March girl could see the shape of Charlotte's face like a silhouette. It gracefully moved up and over her cheek bones then slanted sharply at her mouth. Having a tanned complexion only gave her an extremely ethereal quality that glowed out of her near translucent skin.

"Oh, stop it." She looked back up at her; a gentle flush of pink had arisen in her cheeks that made her look vulnerable. "Where's your grandfather?"

"He's still in Germany travelling, we're travelling on our own now."

"Are you chasing some you girl across Europe?"

The silence was a poison to them, for in that void of sound the shallowness of their conversation was laid bare. To Charlotte, her brothers emotions were not easily hidden on his innocent face. Despondency was evident in the crease of his lovely brow and the down-curve of his full lips. She saw a sadness in her brothers eyes that made her heart break.

"I couldn't believe Jo turned you down, I'm so sorry."

"Don't be, I'm not."

"Amy! Amy March!" The three suddenly heard from the distance.

"Oh, Aunt March! Come and see her!" Amy's green eyes shone like precious jewels as she grabbed Lotties hand and held her gaze long enough to make her feel insecure.

"Hello, Miss March." A smile flashed across Lotties face from beneath reems of hair as she spoke to the older woman. It created slight dimples and creases that moved her freckles. Even though it was gone quickly, it was still there.

"Charlotte Laurence, is that you?"

"How are you doing this fine morning?" Lottie grinned.

"Resonable enough."

"Oh? Come to the New Years Eve party, it's a ball. Everyone will be there. Pick me up at the hotel at eight."

"Charlotte, Laurie dress for festivities. Top hats and silk."

"I'll wear my best silk but only for you Amy March!" Amy could feel the heat growing in her cheeks. By now they must have been beyond an attractive rosiness. They must have been marking her out as a social incompetent. 

Amy smiled as she turned to face the front of the carriage once again before feeling her aunts gaze on her figure.

Spying the look she receiving she spoke softly, "It's Charlotte and Laurie."

"I know."

"Charlotte has grown to become quite beautiful, hasn't she?" Aunt March said with her chin raised highly. "I heard Mr Salvatore was at the Laurence household yesterday evening. It will be no torment for her to receive a husband now."

Amy couldn't help the small amount of pain the blossomed in her heart at the news.

"It's Charlotte..." Amy began to her Aunt before turning back to face the girl who was making her way further and further from the carriage.

"She was always beautiful."

𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐬 𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐞 !
it's me again with another

update ! i'm actually content
with this chapter but feel
free to leave comments about
what you would like to see
happen with amy and charlotte.

also, i've recently posted two
original books, 'underneath
their marijuana moon' and
'it's always been you' so feel
free to check them out and
leave some feedback