Isadora's Problem

The sound of people chattering was only a faint background to Violet's ears. Her eyes were fixed on one person alone and nothing could break her concentration. As you can imagine, her hair was tied up in a ribbon. A few children here and there would cast her rude smirks; after all she did sleep in the Orphan Shack, though that was no reason for people to make fun of her. But she didn't pay them any mind anyway. She gazed at one person only: Isadora.

Violet had noticed a change in Isadora's behavior after the first few days that the Baudelaire's had lived at Prufrock Prep. But why? Violet was fairly certain that she hadn't done anything to upset Isadora, but somehow, she had. Whenever Violet and Duncan sat close or held hands, Isadora would glare at them both. But in that glare, Violet could see a twinge of some other feeling.

Violet imagined that she was simply protective of her brother. But lately, the twinge seemed to be a lot like jealousy. And whenever Violet caught this look, Isadora would blush and look away. Violet couldn't explain this behavior, so she had decided to confront Isadora about it. But now that the time had come, she wasn't sure if she could go through with it. The last thing she wanted to do was make Isadora even angrier with her.

At last, Violet heaved a sigh and stood up. Most of the other children had left, so Violet would be able to talk to Isadora without anyone else overhearing. And thankfully, Duncan and her siblings had gone as well. Now it was only Violet and Isadora. Violet approached Isadora hesitantly.

"Uh-um… Isadora?" Violet called. Isadora looked up and Violet could have sworn that she saw the faintest bit of a flush from Isadora's cheeks. "Look, I… I have to talk to you." Isadora seemed very nervous as Violet sat down beside her. "You've been acting a bit strangely lately."

"Oh, have I?" Isadora replied. "I didn't notice. Sorry."

"Yeah, well, you've been sort of… you seem angry with me and Duncan."

"Oh, I'm not mad at you, Violet," Isadora said quickly.

After a pause, Violet said, "But you're mad at Duncan."

"Kind of…" Isadora mumbled. "I guess, a little." Violet put an arm around Isadora, which was meant to be comforting, but Violet saw Isadora take a deep, anxious breath.

"Just tell me what's wrong, Isadora," Violet said. "I'm your friend, I can help." But at this, Isadora stood up and was about to walk away before Violet grabbed her by the hand. "Isadora, what's wrong? Just tell me! I can help!"

"No, you can't!" Isadora cried, and burst into tears. She fled from the room and Violet was left alone, confused and hurt. Violet felt a sudden anguish at the sight of Isadora's tears. She immediately stood up and ran after her. But she didn't find her.

The next day, Violet had still seen no sight of Isadora, which was odd because she Duncan was there. Then Violet noticed that Duncan seemed a little uncomfortable and upset. "What's wrong?" Violet questioned.

"It's nothing," Duncan replied.

"If it was nothing, I wouldn't have asked," Violet said quietly. "Haven't I earned enough of your trust as a friend?" Duncan sighed.

"Oh, alright," he muttered. "It's Isadora. I've never seen her so upset before. Not since our parents and Quigley died. And…"

"And?"

"And she mentioned talking with you yesterday," Duncan said quietly. Violet felt sick. She had upset Isadora even more without even knowing what she did wrong.

"Where can I find her?" Violet asked Duncan. Duncan cleared his throat and acted as if he hadn't heard her. "Duncan!"

"Alright! Alright! But do not tell her I told you. She's at the back of the building. Past those giant gray pillars." Violet rushed away without even thanking him. When she finally reached her destination, she spotted Isadora sitting against one of the pillars.

Violet could see Isadora's face clearly in the rays of sunlight that bled past the pillars, shining against the cool cement. Isadora's hair glistened in the light and her eyes, dejected and a little red from crying, were more beautiful that Violet had ever seen them. Violet wondered why she had never noticed how beautiful Isadora was. She also wondered why a strange feeling was stirring inside of her at the sight of Isadora.

When Isadora sensed Violet's presence and turned to her, she blushed and desperately tried to hide her sorrowful eyes. Violet sighed and sat across from Isadora, leaning her own back against one of the pillars. Violet and Isadora averted each other's eyes for while. But at long last, their eyes drifted slowly upward and then finally met. They could no longer pull their gaze away.

"Isadora, I just want to know what's wrong," Violet said quietly. "Please, tell me. I just want to know what I did wrong." Abruptedly, Isadora sat up and moved so close to Violet's face, that Violet thought Isadora was about to smack her. But she did something far different.

She whispered, "You have done nothing wrong." Then she moved closer and placed her lips on Violet's. Violet was so shocked that she couldn't move. But then Isadora pulled away, flushed with embarrassment. She scurried away, tears springing to her eyes again.

Violet just sat their, stunned. She thought to herself in bewilderment, asking herself several questions. Why did Isadora kiss me? Is Isadora hiding some secret feelings for me? Does Duncan know about this? Is this why she was upset? …Why did I enjoy that kiss…?