Pretending
Disclaimer: I do not own Narnia. Obviously.
Susan was always pretending.
. . .
"Susan" asked Anne, "Where did that expression come from, 'by the lion', no one else uses it?"
"Oh. Err…just from a game with my siblings."
. . .
"How do I look?"
Susan looked at her friend, in a tight dress and nylons, covered in make up with her hair tied back too tightly – some flat across her head. 'Silly,' Susan thought, 'long gowns and loose hair is so much nicer. Oh Anne, you'd look so much better if only you... But no, no one thinks like that, not here.'
"Lovely," Susan replied, "You'll fit right in."
. . .
"Susan are you sure you're alright, about not going to Narnia again I mean?"
"I'm fine, Lucy."
. . .
"So, did you enjoy the party? William certainly seemed to have his eye on you. Do you like him?"
"It was good. William's the most handsome boy I've ever met, of course I like him."
. . .
"You can tell me about it you know, whatever's wrong."
"I know." The boy began walking away. "Edmund,"
"Yes, Su?"
"Nothing."
. . .
"Do you love me? Or is there someone else?"
"There's no one else William. My heart is yours alone."
. . .
"Come on Susan, what you gonna do about it?"
"I'll call my brothers."
"And what are they gonna do, punch me. No one will believe you. They'll get into trouble. What then Susan?"
. . .
"Come on Susan, it'll be great to talk to other people about Narnia again."
"Don't be silly Peter, it was only a game. It's time you grew up."
. . .
"Are you happy like this, Susan?"
"Yes Lucy. I am."
"If you say so."
. . .
"My condolences, Miss Pevensie. Do you need anything?"
"No. I'll be fine."
. . .
"Susan, you were whispering in your sleep. Something about kings. Are you alright?"
"I had a strange dream, that's all. Don't worry."
. . .
"Mummy, did you ever meet Father Christmas?"
"No Sarah, I didn't."
. . .
"Grandma, why did you say your brother was magnificent?"
"Oh, just an old joke we used to have."
. . .
Susan was always pretending. At first it was to fit in, then it was to seem grown up, but mostly, it was because it hurt too much to remember.
. . .
"Susan,"
"Yes Lucy?"
"I missed you."
A/N A bit strange and clichéd I know. Please review.