Okay so, maybe not exactly what you were hoping for, but you all convinced me to expand this story a bit. For now, it's just a flashback, but I do have a few ideas in mind.
K- Your wish is… well, here ya go – multi chaps!
ClaudiaRain – Thank you for the kind words and great feedback. I agree that I feel we got cheated of a little family bonding in the beginning, but the emotions and acting was so poignant that those moments they did share are what sparked my interest. There was a lot unsaid, but even that was very well portrayed and touching. I do feel that the instant acceptance and family melding in regards to Wendy was too quick and flawless – some friction was needed. You put Ingrid's struggle in a much more tangible light than I did and it helped me work through some glitches, I hope that shows in the next few chapters. Please don't hate me when you realize I'm not a Dash fan.
AuntWendyTheCat – Ahh, your reviews are one of the best parts of posting my stories and NOT just because you say pretty things. Your insight has been invaluable and boosted my confidence tenfold. I'm so glad someone out there, besides myself, appreciates the bond between these two. As far as "manage[ing] to explain their connection in a way that the show can't" I have no words – really. This is my whole motivation for writing these two. There's such a strong connection, anytime they even look at one another (probably just good chemistry on the actresses parts, because they really deserved more explanation of this). I really just wanted to capture those moments and go deeper. I for one have totally fallen for their relationship and while not romantically, I completely ship them.
Heiti693 and Ambrosia Rose – Crying is absolutely the best compliment I can get! It may sound weird, but one of the biggest things I hope for with my stories is to invoke some sort of emotion. I personally think tears (both good and bad) are the most heightened so really – thank you!
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO
Wendy laid awake next to Ingrid for some time, willing herself to relax. If it hadn't been for her thoughts she wouldn't have minded the stillness of just lying there with a sleeping Ingrid beside her. She had her knees drawn up, facing Wendy. Sleep blissfully allowing her the rest she'd been lacking these past few days. It hadn't taken long for Ingrid to fall asleep at all. Smoothing her hair back away from her face, Wendy studied the peaceful look on her niece's face. It seemed their talk had been just what she'd needed.
It was hard for her to wrap her head around how such a simple conversation, filled with what she thought were obvious truths, could bring Ingrid back to the present so quickly and effectively. She hadn't said anything that should have come as a surprise. She'd never shied away from heartfelt truths or been closed to discussing things seriously, at least not with family. Even after hearing the reasoning's, she didn't understand why Ingrid didn't confide in her sooner.
Wendy hated how lost Ingrid seemed lately. She really just needed to get out of her own head for a bit and enjoy the present. That was where the truth she had such a craving for was. In the present moments where she made the choices. Wendy's truths however, seemed to stem from the past. Whether Ingrid wasn't repentance or not, she desperately wanted a way to make things right.
Before they had laid down she could barely keep her eyes open. Now, the thoughts wouldn't allow her rest. She kept going back to that day – the day she promised Ingrid she'd be back.
She had spent just a few days with the girl, knowing she'd have to say goodbye. She knew Ingrid understood how hard it was for her to have stayed away so long, but she didn't think her niece understood difficult it had been to see her, knowing she couldn't stay.
Trying unsuccessfully to distract herself, she reached over and turned the light back on. Knowing Ingrid there were bound to be more than a few books nearby. She wasn't disappointed and picked up one off the nightstand and tried to read. It was a futile attempt as her mind continued to wonder, but it helped her feel slightly more in control.
XOXOXO
I don't know where I'm at
I'm standing at the back
And I'm tired of waiting
Waiting here in line, hoping that I'll find what I've been chasing.
Ingrid was barely seventeen, but Joanna had allowed her to go away for school. She had finished high school early (no surprise there) and it was one of the first lives where she'd really had the opportunity to attend college. Even Joanna couldn't deny her daughter that, knowing how desperate she was for learning. It was the first lifetime Ingrid really took off on her own and traveled away from the family.
College life was intimidating, but Ingrid faced it head on with intrigue and wonder. She may not have been sheltered, but that didn't mean she wasn't prone to ending up in trouble. As soon as Wendy had found out she was setting out on her own, she had decided to go and check on her.
Joanna may not have wanted her to be a part of their lives, but that didn't mean she didn't stay informed to how they were. Normally she never interfered, there was no reason good enough to intrude upon her sister's wishes. She needed time - that was all. Wendy had tried to respect that. It didn't change the fact that she missed them all. Knowing that Ingrid would only be a town away from where she currently lived, she couldn't not go and see her.
She told herself she would just go see her, make sure she was okay, and leave without her Ingrid ever knowing. She wasn't going to interfere, she just wanted to make sure she was okay. All of that was of course very noble, but the truth was she was mostly just making excuses because she missed her family.
It didn't take much for Wendy to charm her way through the admin building and gain access to her niece's schedule. It also wasn't a giant leap for her to realize how easy it would be to slip her way into Ingrid's art class. She had always looked the part of the eccentric artist, something her sister had never pulled off. "Of course she's in art Joanna. She doesn't even like art, she's just pleasing you," Wendy grumbled as she skimmed the record, "At least it's art history in application, something closer to her own passions." She had to admit that learning things by a hands on approach was exactly like her niece.
She wouldn't drop in on the first class. She wanted something more subtle. By the third class things should still be hectic enough that she could slip in while everyone was still too new to remember one another, but hopefully it would be a little less formal and more focused on some project than the introductory period of the first sessions.
I shot for the sky
I'm stuck on the ground
So why do I try, I know I'm gonna fall down
I thought I could fly, so why did I drown?
Never know why it's coming down, down, down.
That morning she reminded herself that the plan was only to check in on her niece. She'd go to class, see her, and then leave without anyone being the wiser. When she got there she discovered that they were working on paintings. The teacher was more interested in tapping into their creative side, than teaching them any history and as a first semester project had them painting anything they wanted.
Wendy knew this kind of impromptu freestyle would drive her niece crazy. Ingrid liked rules and guidelines, unless of course she was trying to break them. Finding an empty spot nearby, she watched her niece struggle with getting started. There was no doubt that Ingrid was talented in any endeavor she started, but sometimes she just needed a shove in the right direction.
Carefully Wendy sent just enough magic her way to loosen up her inhibitions a bit. As if sensing the change, Ingrid turned around curiously. Finding her aunt's eyes, she smiled oddly and went back to her painting. Wendy froze as Ingrid's eyes landed on her, but tried to stay focused on the canvas in front of her. She was just here to see she was alright.
Spending so much effort focusing on not focusing on Ingrid, Wendy found herself getting lost in her own picture. Even the professor seemed to notice as she walked around and asked Wendy about her painting and her obvious talent and if she'd considered entering something into the college's art exhibition.
She was nothing compared to her sister, but having invested as much time as she had, she was bound to have picked up something. Carefully Wendy explained that it was just a lifetime of practice and that art was really more her sister's forte than her own, but she enjoyed it all the same.
Ingrid had turned around to listen and smiled at her as though they shared some secret. Wendy couldn't help smiling back, but she ached for more. She looked away and tried to find some distance from her emotions. She needed to get out of this situation fast, but she wasn't ready to. Deciding to just wait out until the end of class, not wanting to rob herself of a few extra moments with Ingrid, she tried to focus on her painting. She carefully watched Ingrid as she worked, not letting the young woman catch her eye again.
Class was nearly over and everyone began to start cleaning up. Wendy, never one to be rushed, took a few moments to add some finishing touches to her painting.
"That's really good. You've very talented," a voice said from over her shoulder. Wendy didn't need to turn to see who it was. She quickly said her thanks without facing Ingrid. She couldn't or all her walls would come crashing down.
"I couldn't help hear you say your sister is an artist? My mom is too, she teaches art at the local high school, but she also paints freelance," Ingrid said, with eager interest.
Wendy let out a small sigh, knowing that she couldn't really help herself. "She sounds like an interesting woman and you certainly inherited some of her gift. Your painting was pretty awesome too," she said, gesturing with her paint brush towards the girl's canvas.
"Thank you," Ingrid said. She blushed a little, but didn't duck her head as she did as a child. She was past the age of growing into her skills, but hadn't lost her humility. She was confident in her abilities and eager to learn, but she took compliments to heart and appreciated the goodness in others. "I was wondering if you had a class right after this one or if you had some free time? I was thinking that maybe we could get some lunch? This is my first semester here, so I'm still kind of getting used to where everything is."
Wendy bit her lip in anticipation. Did she dare stay longer and spend the afternoon here? It was so tempting, but she knew she shouldn't. It was already going to hurt enough when she left, as it was. Ingrid was doing just fine, she should have known she would. She'd done her part, what she'd set out to accomplish; it was time to let go.
"I'm sorry. I really shouldn't. I've got some stuff and, well, I don't know my way around the campus much either. It's my first day. Maybe some other time," Wendy explained, trying to ignore the hurt in Ingrid's gaze. She would get over it and Wendy would find a way to get over it too.
Ingrid nodded, trying not to show the sting of rejection. "Okay, maybe some other time then." The defeat was obvious in her posture, but she smiled brightly all the same. She had always been kind. It wasn't like her to make others feel guilty, even unintentionally.
This was supposed to have been easy, but it was breaking Wendy's heart. She wasn't ready to give up and fall back into the shadows. She knew leaving was for the best though. She may have been attached to her niece, but there was no way Ingrid had formed an attachment yet; she was protected from any harm that might occur.
Not ready to let go
Cause then I'd never know
What I could be missing
But I'm missing way too much
So when do I give up what I've been wishing for.
"Ingrid?" Wendy called out, just as the girl's feet hit the threshold. She shrugged as a smile danced upon her lips. "I could do lunch." They'd barely met and Ingrid had reached out. How could she pass that up? The girl must have sensed something between them and she couldn't bear to let that go just yet. My sweet girl, she thought as she watched Ingrid's reaction.
Ingrid's smile lit up the room and made Wendy's heart beat just a bit faster. She had missed her more than she could explain. It wasn't just that she and Ingrid weren't close any longer; Joanna had taken what was left of her family away too. Ingrid had always been her lifeline, but now she had no one. She knew that losing Ingrid this last time had been especially hard for her sister, but Joanna had no idea what this was doing to her. Joanna had her back, but Wendy had no one.
They made their way to a small café nearby that she had seen on the way in. It wasn't anything fancy, but the atmosphere was close and quiet allowing them to get acquainted all over again.
Wendy was always amazed at how each version of the young witch could be so familiar, but so new all at the same time. It was always her Ingrid, but with each incarnation she seemed to grow and hunger for more. She couldn't help but be grateful that her sister had allowed Ingrid to leave home to attend school. She was obviously enthralled with the whole experience.
She told Wendy all about her classes and her dreams for the future. With some encouraging prompting, she even opened up about what she was afraid of and what was holding her back. She was so eager to explore these thoughts with someone who showed interest. Ingrid had always processed things best by talking through them and this time was no different.
Several times during lunch Wendy caught herself just staring at her niece in wonder. Knowing it wasn't exactly the response one would expect from a first time lunch with a stranger she had to keep grounding herself in the reality of the situation.
Sensing her new friend's sadness, Ingrid seemed to back pedal her enthusiasm a bit. She was always one to comntemplate the situations at hand and Wendy squeezed her arm in appreciation. "I'm just a bit weary, you don't have anything to worry about," she said, affectionately.
"Am I that obviously?" Ingrid asked, cheeks coloring in embarrassment. It wasn't so much that she had been concerned, she was just unnerved a bit at the direct attention. She was so used to being on the sidelines that this focus of attention was foreign.
Wendy shook her head. "No you're not obvious about it. Most people don't see things because they're so focused on themselves and their own worries. You have a good heart."
"You noticed," Ingrid said tentatively, looking for some confirmation that the other woman liked her. She wasn't used to desiring attention, but this felt different. She wasn't competing with Freya or being the good daughter her mother expected. This was something of her own.
Wendy slid her arm to Ingrid's hand and squeezed. "I did." She didn't offer any more explanation than that, afraid that she would say too much if she tried to elaborate. They stayed like that in amicable silence for a few minutes.
Feeling the creeping sensation of running out of time, Wendy knew it was time to wrap things up. "I guess we should get going. I've still got to pack and I'm sure you have things you need to do as well." It was a blatent lie, but she needed to get out of there and away from her quickly.
They finished the remainder of their lunch quickly. After much instance, Wendy finally allowed Ingrid to pay for them both. She had always had trouble denying her. Making their way outside, everything seemed to slow down.
"I would really love to do this again," Ingrid said, smiling fondly at the older woman. She readjusted the bag on her shoulder, trying not to fidget too much. She had been a little worried about making friends. It was the first time she'd truly been without her family. Yet this woman, made her feel completely relaxed and like herself. It was a gift she wasn't ready to give up.
A bleak attempt at a smile spread across Wendy's face, as reached over to grab her niece's arm, running her thumb against it tenderly. She tried to hide her emotions, but it was no use. She was feeling too glum to care. "Me too, Ingrid. I mean that. I've had a wonderful afternoon. It would be a pleasure to do this again, but I'm not sure -"
Ingrid smiled bashfully, but she didn't look away. "How about tomorrow?" she asked seriously. There was a small edge of panic in her voice, somehow sensing that she needed to move fast. There was no room in her question for backing away or not answering.
"I'm actually headed back home tomorrow for the weekend," Wendy said, feebly trying to make excuses. She told herself she should just walk away, but the choice wasn't that simple. Everything she knew to logically make sense, felt so wrong. Seeing Ingrid's crushed features, she softened. "I could meet you for dinner tonight, though. Unless twice in one day is too much?"
Ingrid shook her head no. "I'd really like that. I know I keep saying it, but I really had a great afternoon with you. I hope I didn't bore you too much with all the rambling I did."
"Not at all," Wendy said smiling. She grabbed Ingrid's hand in both of hers. "You're a delight to be around. I promise there is nothing at all boring about you. The enthusiasm you have for things just shows how passionate you are. Don't ever lose that or let people convince you it's wrong. You're going to do great things Ingrid, I just know it."
She leaned forward and hugged her niece tightly, trying to ignore the burning in her eyes. She could not cry in front of her. Wendy had one hair tangled in Ingrid's hair and felt her squeeze back just as tightly.
Letting go, she said goodbye as quickly as possible and left. Once out of sight, she stopped to lean against the building. Breathing heavily, she let the tears fall. She honestly didn't know if she'd be able to leave.
I shot for the sky
I'm stuck on the ground
So why do I try, I know I'm gonna fall down
I thought I could fly, so why did I drown?
Never know why it's coming down, down, down.
Oh I am going down, down, down
I can't find another way around
And I don't want to hear the sound, of losing what I never found.
The afternoon's strain did nothing for Wendy's mood. On the small hope that she could make things right, she tried to call Joanna and work something out. Her sister didn't answer and she knew nothing had changed.
Wendy knew that dinner that night would be their goodbye. Even though Ingrid didn't have the same history with her, or at least remember it, she knew it was cruel to just leave her without a word. Ingrid had been so engaged in their discussions at lunch and the look in her eyes was pure intrigue. It seemed wrong to not give her closure.
Coming out of the restroom, her eyes quickly found Ingrid. The only trouble was that, standing there, she realized she was already in over her head. She watched as Ingrid waiting anxiously – eyes darting around with nervous excitement. Apparently, even though the memories were gone, they still connected just as quickly. There wouldn't be anything she could say to give Ingrid closure – no way to make her understand.
She'd seen that look on her niece's face many times, never once had it made her feel like a terrible person. Maybe Joanna was right to keep her away from the girls. Wendy didn't want to admit it, even just to herself, but coming here had been selfish.
Ingrid was resourceful and smart by nature, she'd know how to keep herself out of trouble or find a way to handle it. Wendy had just wanted to see her and find that connection once more.
Watching the scene before her, she noticed the cute guy in the corner nervously watching Ingrid. He looked harmless, but smart – just the type of person Ingrid needed in her life. Finally, ready to make his move, he walked over to Ingrid's table and they began talking.
Knowing Ingrid was distracted for the moment she slipped across the restaurant and left. She only glanced back once and wished she hadn't. The boy had sat down across from Ingrid and was still talking, but Ingrid wasn't focused on him.
She had spotted Wendy and instead of confusion, she looked – like she'd known it was going to happen. It was all pain and resignation. She sadly waved and nodded knowingly, but Wendy quickly ducked her head and started walking, trying to hide the tears. It wasn't supposed to end this way and it wasn't supposed to hurt this much. Killing Ingrid had been an accident, but this? This was a level of pain for both of them that she was creating, knowingly
I shot for the sky
I'm stuck on the ground
Why do I try, I know I'm gonna fall down
I thought I could fly, so why did I drown?
I'll never know why it's coming down, down, down.
It was then she decided to write the letter. There was no way she could have explained her reasoning's or vague excuses in person. Ingrid would have asked too many questions. A simple letter, explaining what she could and avoiding what she couldn't would have to do. It was better than nothing; she couldn't leave things the way they were – broken plans with no explanation.
My darling girl,
I am so sorry that I couldn't make dinner tonight. I feel terrible, but I didn't know how to contact you. I'm hoping the school will make sure this gets to you, but I know that won't make up for dinner. I would like to say that we could reschedule, but it's not possible right now.
There are things going on in my life that I wish I could explain, but even then I don't know if they'd be enough to combat your determination or sense of justice. I have to go away though. It's so complicated and I truly wish there was another way.
I will find a way to make this right and when I do I'll come back. I will find you; I just need to give the situation some time. There's a lot in my past that I need to make amends for and not everyone is as understanding or forgiving as you are.
Just know that I will do my best to make things right. I know this letter may not make a lot of sense to you – there's so much that I can't say. In times of trouble know that I will always be there for you. You may not always see me, but I promise I won't ever stop looking out for you.
I know you'll accomplish your dreams and so much more. You have such potential, just believe in yourself. Know that there is nothing you could do that wouldn't make me proud. I wish you nothing but the best. You're exceptional and deserve all this life has to offer you. Cherish each moment and know that you are so very loved.
All my love,
Wendy
There was a chance that this letter would merely confuse Ingrid and make her wary of their friendship. There was so much she hadn't been able to properly explain. It didn't matter though, she needed to say those things. She needed to convince herself that she was doing all she could.
Wendy regretfully slipped the letter into the mail slot of the school's office, wishing she'd at least had the courage to explain in person. It was too late for that though and with defeated resignation she left.
I shot for the sky
I'm stuck on the ground
Why do I try, I know I'm gonna fall down
I thought I could fly, so why did I drown?
I never know why it's coming down, down, down.
Wendy leaned over Ingrid to turn the light out, before she even managed Ingrid shifted in her sleep. The movement had Ingrid to stir and with sleepy eyes, she mumbled something incomprehensible. Wendy noted that in this confused state she seemed scared.
"It's alright sweetie, I'm just gonna turn off the light. Go back to sleep." She reached over once more and this time managed to turn the light of. Lying back down on the bed she exhaled. She was still all mixed up about her own emotions and wondered if things were truly okay between them.
Wendy glanced over to make sure Ingrid had found her way back to sleep, but the younger woman was quietly watching her. She offered a half-hearted smile, still hurting for her niece and how she had hurt her.
Ingrid scooted closer and tossed a sleepy arm across her aunt's waist. "Stop overthinking everything," she said, a teasing smile on her lips. When her aunt gave her a guilty look and a conceding nod, she put her head down against Wendy's shoulder.
With the arm that was wrapped around Ingrid, she gave a small squeeze and let herself relax. She kissed her niece on the forehead and heard her mumble a sleepy goodnight. Wendy let the moment chase away her thoughts and finally found herself drifting to sleep.
XOXOXOXO
Hope you guys enjoyed. Sorry about the delayed posting. I've gotten distracted with teaching myself how to make fan videos. Good news though, a. they're getting a bit better each time and 13. They're Wendy/Ingrid centric. If you'd like to check them out (and keep yourself angsty until the next postings) the link is below just replace *dot* with an actual . and remove any spaces. I would love some feedback on them if you do check 'em out. Gravity was the first and Breath Me was the second.
Vids
www *dot*youtube *dot* com/playlist?list=PLYMvgYwlARKaW0ywsypxEDOIOuGMTm9ee
Gossip (B/C it's Mind Boggling)
Can we all take a moment to squee over the fact that Madchen dubbed them with a name when I asked?
Mädchen Amick auntwendythecat Sep 7
" AshnScrbblLnd: Dashing, Frillian, Frendy, Dashillian? We need 2 find 1 f/Wendy & Ingrid #WitchesOfEastEnd" - how about #Ingy rachelboston
Mädchen Amick auntwendythecat Sep 7
" Jackie_Girl02: AshnScrbblLnd auntwendythecat Wengrid?" - hahaha rachelboston
I still prefer Ingy, but seems like everyone has taken to Wengrid, including Rachel
Rachel Boston rachelboston Sep 8
v_blair auntwendythecat Jackie_Girl02 AshnScrbblLnd hahaha! Yes! #TeamWengrid
