Icy seldom ever cried, and Bloom never really liked to see it when she did. Because when the witch broke down, she really broke down. Often times she did so alone.
She said being alone when she cried made it less embarrassing, but that didn't make Bloom feel any less guilty for not being there–sure it was 'less embarrassing' but it at the same time it was far more lonely.
Bloom had seen the witch cry quite a few times, each of which she'd slide by unnoticed, so not to make Icy feel uncomfortable. But this time was different; usually the witch would lay in bed on her side crying, or slumped over her desk.
This time she didn't even make it that far.
No. This time she lie curled up on the floor.
Bloom couldn't even begin to come up with what would make her feel thatdistraught.
The fairy thought of tip toeing quietly away as she usually did. She then mentally slapped herself for even considering leaving Icy on her own…even if the woman wanted to be alone.
Bloom sat down beside her, without a word. She ran a hand over the witch's hair, waiting for her to flinch back.
But she didn't move.
At this point she wasn't really making any noise either. She just lie there letting silent tears drizzle down her cheeks, slow and glistening.
"You wanna talk about it?" Bloom asked.
"She's dead." Icy managed, her voice hitching at 'dead'.
That was it.
She said nothing more.
"Who?" Bloom questioned.
"My mother."
"Were you two close?"
"No." Icy replied.
Then why are you so upset? The question was on Bloom's tongue, but it didn't get much further.
"A month or so back…" Icy started her voice dazed and breathy. "She finally decided she was going to be a better mother. Finally decided she was going to try…"
"Did she?"
Icy nodded affirmatively. "But I didn't. I didn't want to forgive her. And then yesterday, I decided to give her a chance…and this morning…" She paused. "I was going to meat her at some restaurant, we were going to have breakfast. Talk things over…"
"Was she sick? Is that why she was reaching out?" Bloom asked, at this point wondering if she was asking too many personal questions.
"No. She was fine. She 'reached out' because she wanted to not because she knew she was going to die." Icy bought her hand to her face and roughly rubbed the tears away. "They said it was a freak accident, she was in the right place at the wrong time."
Bloom waited for her to continue. It took her a considerable amount of time before pressing on.
"She was standing outside the restaurant. The building over was under construction. Part of it collapsed. Took three people and my mother down with it." Icy slammed her hand into the floor. "She was there because…"
She slammed her fist into the ground again. "I should have forgave her sooner or held my grudge logger."
Bloom swallowed a lump in her throat, tears beginning to well under her eyes.
"Today was supposed to be a good day. A new beginning, not an end."
"You have me…" Bloom tugged the witch closer into her arms.
Neither of the two said anything more. Bloom couldn't tell her it was okay…because there was nothing okay about the situation. Nothing aside from 'at least you know she loved you before she left', but Bloom knew better…Icy wouldn't want to hear it yet. It'd only make it worse.
So she simply lie there next to the ice witch…a silent support.