Ayla Westford was many things but patient was never one of them. She’d freely admit as much if anyone asked her about it. The fiasco at the Prince ball was evidence enough of that. She’d only meant to keep to the side and not draw attention, yet the night had still ended with a food fight and her new gown soaked from head to toe in a fountain.
Her mother would never let her forget as much. Not when it ruined her plans to have her married off. For whatever reason that was. It wasn’t as if they didn’t have enough money to sustain them. If she thought on it and focused, she was sure she’d hear a voice in her mind telling her it was probably because it was ingrained into her at a young age.
A smile pulled up her lips for a moment at that thought. The voice was very much Eileen. Ayla was content on calling her mother controlling and hard-headed. Miriam Westford hated that her daughter had no interest in such things.
It had always been a point of contention that Ayla would much rather map out the sky than be within ten feet of a date. Or that she spent her days penning her novel or designing clothes when she had the time. She’d never outright said it, but Ayla had a feeling she’d have stopped paying for the supplies if she had her way.
But the current situation was more than horrid. More so than ever before.
“Ayla Therese Westford. You will acquire a date for the ball or so help me I’ll find one for you!”
Ayla huffed in annoyance, snapping her book closed and turning to face her mother. “Why do I even need to go?” Really, it was impressive she'd lasted as long as she did under her mother’s continuing tirade.
Her mother looked somewhere between pained and annoyed. “As I’ve mentioned the past ten times you’ve asked, it would be disrespectful not to attend when they’ve extended the invite.”
A part of her wanted to tell her mother that she didn’t care about being seen as disrespectful. That she’d rather sit in a ditch than go to this stupid ball. The words were on the tip of her tongue, but one look at her mother’s face and they disintegrated. She looked absolutely exhausted.
“Why can’t I go alone like I always have?” She asked instead. Ayla knew the rest of her family had prior commitments, but surely it wouldn’t hurt to not push the issue.
“Sweetheart, you’ve never gone alone.” Her mother shook her head. “You need a date. If not for whatever future you could have, then for my peace of mind.”
Aylaloved her mother. She really did. And knew that she meant well, but this was not a topic they’d ever agree on. So she simply stayed silent instead of answering. If she spoke, it would not be fit for polite company and her mother was still recovering from pneumonia. She didn’t want to needlessly upset her.
“I know that look.” Miriam sighed, fingers pinching the bridge of her nose.
“I don’t want to go with a date.” She picked up her book and went to head for the stairs. Her patience was running to thin for this conversation.
Of course her mother wouldn’t let her have the last word. “You will go to this ball with a date or I’ll pick one for you.” A moment of hesitation, then. “And I’ll cut off your allowance as well!”
Ayla stilled in her step. A rage welling her heart, flowing through her brain and she sees red. She almost turns around. Almost lets out the barrage of curses she’d learned fromTobiaswhen he got back from sailing.
But at the last moment, the memory of her mother weak in her bed floats through her mind and the anger is gone. Instead she heads up the stairs without giving an answer. A less damaging act of defiance that would still make a point.
Not that it would do much good. She didn’t have to ask to know her brother would agree with her. Not because he truly thought being in a relationship was important, but because he didn’t want to upset her either. None of them did. Not with how close they’d come to losing her.
So she held her tongue and faced the annoying suggestions with silence instead of anger. One of her hands went to brush through her shoulder-length auburn hair. She almost regretted cutting it now, even if only so she’d have a longer path to vent her annoyance. But she liked the look too much to really regret it.
The entire situation still made her angry and all she wanted was to throw her book on her bed. Maybe it would do a better job of getting rid of the irritation buzzing underneath her skin than pulling her hair did. Her hand lifted to the doorknob, bracing to do just that as she swing the door open, but the sight that greeted her had her stopping dead in her tracks.
Eyes widening, her mouth dropped open, arm once again falling to her side. She opened her mouth to speak but was shutting it again a moment later. There. Sitting with her legs up on the table, smiling at her over the book in her hand, was Eileen.
“Had a rough day?” She cocked her head. “I thought you would be happier to see me.”
Suddenly, she didn’t feel so angry. Ayla used her foot to shut the door behind her, book falling softly to the carpet. A grin spread across her face. Then, without missing a beat, she was running to the engulf the woman in a hug.
It was good that Eileen’s reflexes were so fast, otherwise she’d have hit the book instead. The hard-cover of the book narrowly missed her face as it was placed on the bedside table. ButAylacouldn’t bring herself to care.
Laughing, Eileen returned the crushing hug. “You didn’t have to tackle me!”
“Oh I absolutely did.”Ayla breathed. “It’s been so long since I saw you! We haven’t talked in ages!”
“We talked just the other day.” Eileen replied with exasperated fondness.
“It’s not the same!”Ayla whined, content to bask in the warmth of her presence.
Eileen only shook her head, chuckling when it made her squeeze tight. Ayla felt like none of her worries mattered. Not with her best friend being next to her for the first time in years. She didn’t want to let her go. What if this was a dream.
They stayed like that for a few moments longer, before Eileen started to move. “Alright, I think that’s enough hugging for now.”
“It’ll never be enough hugging.” She felt it necessary to add, but pulled back regardless. Her head tilted when she took in Eileen’s hair, eyes narrowing. “Is that a wig?”
“Yes.” The reply was tinged with a hint of amusement. “Is that really the first thing you want to ask?”
“Your hair is not straight.”Ayla felt that was an important point and couldn’t think why it wasn’t just as important to Eileen.
“No it is not.” She agreed. “But you know as well as I do that looking like myself inTeodeswill bring nothing good.”
Aylacouldn’t deny that. “I suppose.” Then another thought came to mind. “Wait. What are you doing here?”
“In Teodes or in your room?”
“Teodes. ” She automatically stated before blinking. “Wait, what are you doing in my room?”
“Well a certain someone threatened to haunt me forever if I didn’t visit her when I came back toTeodes, so here I am.”
“And I meant it too.”Ayla grinned. “But that still doesn’t answer my question.”
“Well, the short answer is that I’m looking for answers.” Eileen ran a hand through her hair to fix it. If Ayla didn’t know any better, she would have assumed it was her natural hair.
“How did you even get in here?” There was no need to ask what answers she was looking for, she could guess.
At that, a mischievous smile curled up Eileen’s lips, a finger going up to cover it. “Secret.”
“But-”
“Don’t you want to see your present?” She pulled up a bag as she spoke the words.
Immediately, Ayla’s hand went up to take it. Slowly undoing the ties to open it enough to see what was inside. Her eyes widened, flickering up to look into Eileen’s green, a delighted smile on her face. She pulled it out, joy lighting her hazel eyes as she took in the golden telescope she’d been brought.
“Do you like it?” Eileen asked, even as her face relaxed into satisfaction.
“Like it?”Ayla huffed. “I love it! Thank you.”
She knew just the place to put it. Striding to the desk, she placed it besides the manuscript she was working on. She stopped to stare at the sight with satisfaction for only a moment before returning back to the lounge Eileen was now sitting on.
It was hard to believe not ten minutes prior she was in a foul mood. All she could feel as she sat down was elation. They fell into familiar chatter almost immediately. Talking about all of the things that happened since they last spoke. Eventually, Ayla found herself ranting about what had put her in the foul mood to begin with.
“And she’s insisting that I take a date to this ball!” She huffed. “Even when she knows how much I hate the idea.”
Eileen merely nodded, obliging her to rant.
“Do you know she threatened to set me up on dates if I don’t.”
“How horrible.”
“It’s absolutely terrible! I can’t think of anything worse.”Ayla threw her hands up in the sky. “And I can’t even tell her that because she’s only just recovered.”
Eileen moved to place a hand on her shoulder at that in comfort. She was grateful for it. Especially since the sorrow she had been burying was starting to find its way back to the surface. Tamping it down forcefully, she continued with her rant.
“I know Toby would agree with her. Papa would too! You didn’t see her in that bed, she … looked so pale. I don’t ever want to see her like that again. I can’t!”Ayla huffed, waiting to catch her breath. “But I also can’t go on this date. For one I have no interest in such things and for another it wouldn’t be fair to the poor sop. She’s being very unreasonable about it this time.”
“You’re right.” Eileen said in a placating tone. “But maybe the reason she doesn’t want to back down isbecauseshe was so ill.” She continued gently. “Perhaps she feels a greater sense of urgency because - And Ayla I’m sorry, but it needs to be said - she was so close to death.” A small smile. “She probably doesn’t want to feel like she failed you if she had died.”
“She wouldn’t have failed me.”Ayla says, even as her throat thicken and a ball forms.
“I know.”
“I hate that you’re right.”
A small smile. “I know.”
“What am I going to do?”Ayla falls back into the cushioning of the lounge.
“I’m not sure.” The hand is know resting at her thigh. “But whatever you do, I’m not going anywhere. We can figure it out together.”
Shooting her a quick smile, she turned her head to stare out the window. Even if the words were a lie, which they weren’t because this was Eileen, they would have still been comforting. She didn’t feel nearly as alone as she did before she got there.
The past few days had been rough. With her father so busy for work, her mother recovering, and her brother busy with his wife, it had felt like she was all alone. With Eileen close by, those feelings faded away. They always had.
She didn’t doubt that Eileen would find a way to fix whatever mess this got them into. It was just what she did. The only thing was, could she do it fast enough? The ball was days away and she had only just got back to Teodes.
Even if Ayla wanted to go along with her mother’s wishes, they wouldn’t be able to find a man to fit the requirements fast enough. It would also be a hassle. With all that she talked about set-ups, her mother was a romantic at heart. She’d gotten married young and still retained her hope in love.
Being around her parents had gave her faith that enduring love existed, but that didn’t mean she wanted it for herself. She would much rather continue her research or finally get around to finished the manuscript still sitting on her desk. But she knew that if she really wanted to make her mother happy, those things would have to wait.
A heavy sigh blew from her mouth as her eyes glanced to the side to meet Eileen’s green. A smile tugged her lips again. The silence was comforting. It always had been with them. They didn’t need to be constantly talking to enjoy their time. It felt nice to finally be able to see her again. Letters and phone calls just weren’t the same.
Mind wandering back to the problem at hand, a list of requirements started to form. If she actually went to the ball with someone, they would need to be understanding. Someone who could satisfy her mother's demands. Someone who would be able to keep her safe. They would need to be someone she could trust. Someone kind so that her brother would be able to get along with him.
Ayla doubted her mother would be satisfied with one date. If she was really after security like Eileen suggested she was, then he’d eventually have to meet her family. And they would have to like him or she’d be back to the start. So he would need to be someone who fit all the requirements. Someone like…
Her eyes widened as she sat upright. A hand going to cover her mouth, a grin spreading behind it. Glancing to the side, she met Eileen’s confused gaze.
“Is something wrong?”
Ayla shook her head, eyes sweeping over Eileen’s face and resting on the wig on her head. It really did look very real. Which was good, because it meant Eileen may have others.
“Do you have a wig with short hair?”
“Yes.” Her eyes furrowed. “Why do you ask?” The tone was hesitant, which told her that a part of her already suspected where this was going. Or maybe that was wishful thinking.
“I’ve got an idea.” She simply stated. The more time she gave it to settle, the more sure she was that it was a good one. She needed someone she could trust if this was going to work.
And there was absolutely no one she trusted more than Eileen.
“How do you feel about cross-dressing?”
Ayla Westford was many things but patient was never one of them. She’d freely admit as much if anyone asked her about it. The fiasco at the Prince ball was evidence enough of that. She’d only meant to keep to the side and not draw attention, yet the night had still ended with a food fight and her new gown soaked from head to toe in a fountain.
Her mother would never let her forget as much. Not when it ruined her plans to have her married off. For whatever reason that was. It wasn’t as if they didn’t have enough money to sustain them. If she thought on it and focused, she was sure she’d hear a voice in her mind telling her it was probably because it was ingrained into her at a young age.
A smile pulled up her lips for a moment at that thought. The voice was very much Eileen. Ayla was content on calling her mother controlling and hard-headed. Miriam Westford hated that her daughter had no interest in such things.
It had always been a point of contention that Ayla would much rather map out the sky than be within ten feet of a date. Or that she spent her days penning her novel or designing clothes when she had the time. She’d never outright said it, but Ayla had a feeling she’d have stopped paying for the supplies if she had her way.
But the current situation was more than horrid. More so than ever before.
“Ayla Therese Westford. You will acquire a date for the ball or so help me I’ll find one for you!”
Ayla huffed in annoyance, snapping her book closed and turning to face her mother. “Why do I even need to go?” Really, it was impressive she'd lasted as long as she did under her mother’s continuing tirade.
Her mother looked somewhere between pained and annoyed. “As I’ve mentioned the past ten times you’ve asked, it would be disrespectful not to attend when they’ve extended the invite.”
A part of her wanted to tell her mother that she didn’t care about being seen as disrespectful. That she’d rather sit in a ditch than go to this stupid ball. The words were on the tip of her tongue, but one look at her mother’s face and they disintegrated. She looked absolutely exhausted.
“Why can’t I go alone like I always have?” She asked instead. Ayla knew the rest of her family had prior commitments, but surely it wouldn’t hurt to not push the issue.
“Sweetheart, you’ve never gone alone.” Her mother shook her head. “You need a date. If not for whatever future you could have, then for my peace of mind.”
Aylaloved her mother. She really did. And knew that she meant well, but this was not a topic they’d ever agree on. So she simply stayed silent instead of answering. If she spoke, it would not be fit for polite company and her mother was still recovering from pneumonia. She didn’t want to needlessly upset her.
“I know that look.” Miriam sighed, fingers pinching the bridge of her nose.
“I don’t want to go with a date.” She picked up her book and went to head for the stairs. Her patience was running to thin for this conversation.
Of course her mother wouldn’t let her have the last word. “You will go to this ball with a date or I’ll pick one for you.” A moment of hesitation, then. “And I’ll cut off your allowance as well!”
Ayla stilled in her step. A rage welling her heart, flowing through her brain and she sees red. She almost turns around. Almost lets out the barrage of curses she’d learned fromTobiaswhen he got back from sailing.
But at the last moment, the memory of her mother weak in her bed floats through her mind and the anger is gone. Instead she heads up the stairs without giving an answer. A less damaging act of defiance that would still make a point.
Not that it would do much good. She didn’t have to ask to know her brother would agree with her. Not because he truly thought being in a relationship was important, but because he didn’t want to upset her either. None of them did. Not with how close they’d come to losing her.
So she held her tongue and faced the annoying suggestions with silence instead of anger. One of her hands went to brush through her shoulder-length auburn hair. She almost regretted cutting it now, even if only so she’d have a longer path to vent her annoyance. But she liked the look too much to really regret it.
The entire situation still made her angry and all she wanted was to throw her book on her bed. Maybe it would do a better job of getting rid of the irritation buzzing underneath her skin than pulling her hair did. Her hand lifted to the doorknob, bracing to do just that as she swing the door open, but the sight that greeted her had her stopping dead in her tracks.
Eyes widening, her mouth dropped open, arm once again falling to her side. She opened her mouth to speak but was shutting it again a moment later. There. Sitting with her legs up on the table, smiling at her over the book in her hand, was Eileen.
“Had a rough day?” She cocked her head. “I thought you would be happier to see me.”
Suddenly, she didn’t feel so angry. Ayla used her foot to shut the door behind her, book falling softly to the carpet. A grin spread across her face. Then, without missing a beat, she was running to the engulf the woman in a hug.
It was good that Eileen’s reflexes were so fast, otherwise she’d have hit the book instead. The hard-cover of the book narrowly missed her face as it was placed on the bedside table. ButAylacouldn’t bring herself to care.
Laughing, Eileen returned the crushing hug. “You didn’t have to tackle me!”
“Oh I absolutely did.”Ayla breathed. “It’s been so long since I saw you! We haven’t talked in ages!”
“We talked just the other day.” Eileen replied with exasperated fondness.
“It’s not the same!”Ayla whined, content to bask in the warmth of her presence.
Eileen only shook her head, chuckling when it made her squeeze tight. Ayla felt like none of her worries mattered. Not with her best friend being next to her for the first time in years. She didn’t want to let her go. What if this was a dream.
They stayed like that for a few moments longer, before Eileen started to move. “Alright, I think that’s enough hugging for now.”
“It’ll never be enough hugging.” She felt it necessary to add, but pulled back regardless. Her head tilted when she took in Eileen’s hair, eyes narrowing. “Is that a wig?”
“Yes.” The reply was tinged with a hint of amusement. “Is that really the first thing you want to ask?”
“Your hair is not straight.”Ayla felt that was an important point and couldn’t think why it wasn’t just as important to Eileen.
“No it is not.” She agreed. “But you know as well as I do that looking like myself inTeodeswill bring nothing good.”
Aylacouldn’t deny that. “I suppose.” Then another thought came to mind. “Wait. What are you doing here?”
“In Teodes or in your room?”
“Teodes. ” She automatically stated before blinking. “Wait, what are you doing in my room?”
“Well a certain someone threatened to haunt me forever if I didn’t visit her when I came back toTeodes, so here I am.”
“And I meant it too.”Ayla grinned. “But that still doesn’t answer my question.”
“Well, the short answer is that I’m looking for answers.” Eileen ran a hand through her hair to fix it. If Ayla didn’t know any better, she would have assumed it was her natural hair.
“How did you even get in here?” There was no need to ask what answers she was looking for, she could guess.
At that, a mischievous smile curled up Eileen’s lips, a finger going up to cover it. “Secret.”
“But-”
“Don’t you want to see your present?” She pulled up a bag as she spoke the words.
Immediately, Ayla’s hand went up to take it. Slowly undoing the ties to open it enough to see what was inside. Her eyes widened, flickering up to look into Eileen’s green, a delighted smile on her face. She pulled it out, joy lighting her hazel eyes as she took in the golden telescope she’d been brought.
“Do you like it?” Eileen asked, even as her face relaxed into satisfaction.
“Like it?”Ayla huffed. “I love it! Thank you.”
She knew just the place to put it. Striding to the desk, she placed it besides the manuscript she was working on. She stopped to stare at the sight with satisfaction for only a moment before returning back to the lounge Eileen was now sitting on.
It was hard to believe not ten minutes prior she was in a foul mood. All she could feel as she sat down was elation. They fell into familiar chatter almost immediately. Talking about all of the things that happened since they last spoke. Eventually, Ayla found herself ranting about what had put her in the foul mood to begin with.
“And she’s insisting that I take a date to this ball!” She huffed. “Even when she knows how much I hate the idea.”
Eileen merely nodded, obliging her to rant.
“Do you know she threatened to set me up on dates if I don’t.”
“How horrible.”
“It’s absolutely terrible! I can’t think of anything worse.”Ayla threw her hands up in the sky. “And I can’t even tell her that because she’s only just recovered.”
Eileen moved to place a hand on her shoulder at that in comfort. She was grateful for it. Especially since the sorrow she had been burying was starting to find its way back to the surface. Tamping it down forcefully, she continued with her rant.
“I know Toby would agree with her. Papa would too! You didn’t see her in that bed, she … looked so pale. I don’t ever want to see her like that again. I can’t!”Ayla huffed, waiting to catch her breath. “But I also can’t go on this date. For one I have no interest in such things and for another it wouldn’t be fair to the poor sop. She’s being very unreasonable about it this time.”
“You’re right.” Eileen said in a placating tone. “But maybe the reason she doesn’t want to back down isbecauseshe was so ill.” She continued gently. “Perhaps she feels a greater sense of urgency because - And Ayla I’m sorry, but it needs to be said - she was so close to death.” A small smile. “She probably doesn’t want to feel like she failed you if she had died.”
“She wouldn’t have failed me.”Ayla says, even as her throat thicken and a ball forms.
“I know.”
“I hate that you’re right.”
A small smile. “I know.”
“What am I going to do?”Ayla falls back into the cushioning of the lounge.
“I’m not sure.” The hand is know resting at her thigh. “But whatever you do, I’m not going anywhere. We can figure it out together.”
Shooting her a quick smile, she turned her head to stare out the window. Even if the words were a lie, which they weren’t because this was Eileen, they would have still been comforting. She didn’t feel nearly as alone as she did before she got there.
The past few days had been rough. With her father so busy for work, her mother recovering, and her brother busy with his wife, it had felt like she was all alone. With Eileen close by, those feelings faded away. They always had.
She didn’t doubt that Eileen would find a way to fix whatever mess this got them into. It was just what she did. The only thing was, could she do it fast enough? The ball was days away and she had only just got back to Teodes.
Even if Ayla wanted to go along with her mother’s wishes, they wouldn’t be able to find a man to fit the requirements fast enough. It would also be a hassle. With all that she talked about set-ups, her mother was a romantic at heart. She’d gotten married young and still retained her hope in love.
Being around her parents had gave her faith that enduring love existed, but that didn’t mean she wanted it for herself. She would much rather continue her research or finally get around to finished the manuscript still sitting on her desk. But she knew that if she really wanted to make her mother happy, those things would have to wait.
A heavy sigh blew from her mouth as her eyes glanced to the side to meet Eileen’s green. A smile tugged her lips again. The silence was comforting. It always had been with them. They didn’t need to be constantly talking to enjoy their time. It felt nice to finally be able to see her again. Letters and phone calls just weren’t the same.
Mind wandering back to the problem at hand, a list of requirements started to form. If she actually went to the ball with someone, they would need to be understanding. Someone who could satisfy her mother's demands. Someone who would be able to keep her safe. They would need to be someone she could trust. Someone kind so that her brother would be able to get along with him.
Ayla doubted her mother would be satisfied with one date. If she was really after security like Eileen suggested she was, then he’d eventually have to meet her family. And they would have to like him or she’d be back to the start. So he would need to be someone who fit all the requirements. Someone like…
Her eyes widened as she sat upright. A hand going to cover her mouth, a grin spreading behind it. Glancing to the side, she met Eileen’s confused gaze.
“Is something wrong?”
Ayla shook her head, eyes sweeping over Eileen’s face and resting on the wig on her head. It really did look very real. Which was good, because it meant Eileen may have others.
“Do you have a wig with short hair?”
“Yes.” Her eyes furrowed. “Why do you ask?” The tone was hesitant, which told her that a part of her already suspected where this was going. Or maybe that was wishful thinking.
“I’ve got an idea.” She simply stated. The more time she gave it to settle, the more sure she was that it was a good one. She needed someone she could trust if this was going to work.
And there was absolutely no one she trusted more than Eileen.
“How do you feel about cross-dressing?”
