A/N: Hey everyone! Sorry about the lateness of the update, and although the date will say last month, it's to keep me on track. However, good news is that today was my first ever attendance at the San Japan convention which was loads of fun. I couldn't stay for too long unfortunately, but still enjoyable nonetheless with my friends.

However, before moving on, there's one discrepancy in the plot that I must address and that centers mainly around the Jack the Ripper arc. I noticed, while going through the documents that Madame Red's son, Gilbert, had died March 1, 1885, which would've given her months to recover due to that carriage accident. However, within this timeline, I would need to do some tweaking since she's still pregnant, and it's August 1885 within this story. Plus, the timeline of the manga was clear that by December, the Phantomhive manor attack would've occurred and then her meeting with Grell. So, in order for the story to have coherent organization, Google supplied that a hysterectomy (not including the child) would take a 6-8 week recovery, so I'll be using that liberally for the flow of the story to make sense.

I'm sure not many of you will care that much, but for ease of mind, I'm still putting it down here to let you know. Sorry about the lengthy AN, though.

Also, just a major thanks to Kuroki Kitsune for the lengthy piece of advice in PM for information regarding Rachel's occupation. It was incredibly helpful and I'll be sure to utilize it as much as possible within the story.

Now, onto the review(s):

skaterrockgirl: Very good analysis, and you're correct. Undertaker's impatience will definitely be a catalyst on the many unlikely events Rachel will experience throughout her stay as his assistant. But for now, that attraction could either mean scientific or romantic kind, so Rachel will have to tread carefully. Thank you for your feedback, and I hope this next chapter meets your expectations, as well as the other readers.

Disclaimer: I don't own Kuroshitsuji nor will I ever. Everything read not included in the manga are my ideas and characters alone unless mentioned otherwise.

Chapter 18 Rachel's POV (1st)
August 28, 1885 - Friday
I was getting antsy. Although I would be on standby for the majority of the case, I was still worrying about whether I would have to save someone or if one part of the plan goes awry, should I step in?

Undertaker had also noticed how impatient I'd gotten, and thinking he'd be able to poke some fun, decided to tease me, but when I exploded (which included biting off his ear and then disappearing for a good half day and returning late at night to cool down) he got the message.

I was sitting at my desk, fidgeting. Although I didn't mean to undermine the Watchdog's capabilities to solve a case, you couldn't deny that you have to expect the unexpected.

I was staring straight ahead, lost in thought with my hands interlocked, pressing against my mouth until a nail poked my head. I barely turned my head just enough to see the silhouette of Undertaker's robes to know he was back.

Because he knew how short I was since yesterday, he already surmised that I was mentally preparing for the upcoming case. Although it had nothing to do with my "hang out" with Madame Red, I wouldn't be surprised if it were related to it.

I sighed. I was getting sloppy. Although she wouldn't be here, that didn't mean slacking off. If anything, it would be suspicious if she weren't able to get here.

Am I overthinking it?

Maybe I am. And I still hadn't reached a conclusion about what to do with the Phantomhive attack. Truly, the possibilities of what Undertaker could do to me paled in comparison to her punishment in the future.

Really, it was the matter of whether I cared about the greater good. Should I risk intervening? What would happen if I did intervene? Perhaps this was my calling?

I tapped my fingers against my chin. Well, any attempt is better than none if faced with Undertaker's wrath. I blinked. But, I think it's the fact of him not knowing, that he could've prevented it if I told him.

I sighed. For the first time, I didn't know what to do. I didn't know what plan to follow through with. I hated this grayness of decision-making.

"My dear, are you ready? The dress isn't too uncomfortable, is it?~" I peeked at him with my visible eye and found him leaning towards me, eager for my attention.

I looked down at my attire, another purple dress gifted to me the day prior thanks to Madame Red just for today's special event. She wanted me to save the evening dress for the party, so I complied considering my clothing wouldn't function well in outings as it did working in Undertaker's shop. The style was far more subdued, but a bit elegant just to make it seem I were associated with nobility. "I'm fine. I just don't know what time you should be expecting me to get back."

He giggled. "Now now, you've done well during the past week, so you ought to enjoy today to the fullest~"

I replied dryly, "I'll do my best."

He only giggled, and just as the carriage pulled up, he got up to lead me out the door to the foot man getting ready to help me up. "Take care, dearie~"

I only spared him a glare as I ignored the bug-eyed glances from the coachman and the footman taking a seat. But just before the carriage took off, I waved back to him, seeing as he was acting like a parent sending their kid to school. Idiot.

I smiled a bit before schooling my features. I had a hour and a half's ride to Madame Red's manor, and I would whole-heartedly use that time.

…

Undertaker could only wonder what made him trust Rachel so easily. He understood she was half-demon by nature so, of course, naturally, one would have their guard up. Yet, Rachel had yet to prove of any dishonesty.

Perhaps it was that eager truthfulness of hers. Maybe that was it. She was blunt with her opinion, and if anyone doubted her, she'd go out of her way to prove it, if she cared to, of course.

He smiled as he walked into his shop, having seen the glimpse of a just-barely-there smile of hers. He felt like a parent, dropping off their first kid to school. He giggled. What this what it felt like?

Of course, he wasn't being serious. She was young, very, in fact, yet too wise beyond her years. A heavy price came with that, he would know.

He walked over to the corpse she'd finished stitching the other day, mindlessly assessing her work. He could see the improvement in workmanship the more stitches he encountered. They weren't spaced out as oddly and less retries - mainly due to the decreased amount of holes.

He wouldn't say Rachel was confident nor arrogant, not even when she acted like it. However, there was a cool-headedness to her that he admired. How she's able to adapt to his requirements as an underling. Of course, it could be the demon side of her taking over, but Rachel seemed like the earnest kind to do things in her power first before relying on anyone.

He smirked. Ah, what a hassle those were~ The type to never rely on anyone unless absolutely necessary.

What fun he'd have breaking her in~

"Hey, old man~ Hope you don't mind the intrusion!" He turned his head to where her associate, Zero, would be.

"Hihi, not at all~ Make yourself at home while I get some tea started~"

"Uh, sure. Go ahead." He sat down on a coffin awkwardly, still not comfortable.

Undertaker grinned sharply. He wasn't as fond of Zero because of the fact that he and Rachel were quite literally opposites. His presence was very noticeable wherein Rachel's blended right in. He chattered easily while she remained silent.

Perhaps it was that camaraderie of solitude and quiet that they were able to get along very well. Rachel, not Zero. A solace only the two shared when they were alone.

But, of course, if he were to be completely honest with himself, he was also jealous that Zero had all access to Rachel: her trust, dependency, even her easygoing nature. Many of those were time-sensitive, but if his intuition were correct, Rachel was not the type to remain in any place too long.

She had a free-spiritedness about her, a detachment to relationships that allowed her to slip in and out of people's lives with ease. Of course, he couldn't know for sure, but he could never mistake a gut feeling. And if he wasn't wrong, he may as well be working against an invisible timer.

What a shame for her to slip away before he could dissect her openly and freely.

Lost in his head, he mindlessly went about the motions of boiling water before transferring it to two beakers and adding tea bags for them to steep before making his way to the foyer of his shop. Locating Zero, he offered the tea before assuming his place at his desk. "I never did get to fully thank you for your help in bringing in the desk, hihi~"

Zero scratched his head. "Oh, haha, don't worry about, sir~ Don't mind at all~"

He smirked. "But, if you don't mind, I would also like to ask you for extra help~"

Zero straightened up, tilting his head, puzzled. He looked around the shop and noticing the cadaver, shivered. "Uh, this has nothing to do with coffins nor what's in it, right?"

Undertaker giggled. "Heh, not today~ However, I'm experiencing several bumps in the road with your associate."

Zero's brow lifted as he smirked. "Really? Well, who doesn't? Took her a month to stop hating me!~"

Undertaker's mouth quirked. "Oh~?"

Zero nodded as he sipped the beaker cautiously. "Oh yeah, and not because I'm gay, mind you, but because Rachel just generally hates people. She doesn't like it when people try to get close to her."

"Hihi, is that so? Any ways around it~"

Zero paused to look at Rachel's boss for a good moment. "What is it you want from her, exactly?"

Undertaker's grin broadened. "I desire the purest of laughter, and for Rachel to provide, I must find ways for her to cooperate~"

Zero deadpanned, already knowing he was bullshitting, but because he also knew that her boss wouldn't elaborate anymore than that, he decided to play along. "Alright, well, one way to get her to open up is to be genuine, but interesting. She doesn't like to be around people she can easily read nor people whom she can't discern their intentions. More of a half n' half type of deal."

Undertaker hummed as he drank his beaker, liquid spilling out the sides of his mouth. When he finished, he wiped his mouth with his sleeve, completely oblivious to Zero's distaste.

Said associate grimaced, knowing that his associate would've hated for tea go to waste. She hated people who wasted food. He then wondered how she put up with him. She was not known for her patience. At least, when she's not in a good mood, which was often.

"Be genuine but interesting, ne~ Well now, I believe I can manage~" He giggled creepily as ideas started popping inside his head.

Zero sweat dropped but offered, "Would you be open to another piece of advice?"

Undertaker smirked. "Depends on what it is~"

Zero cocked his head. "Well, if you want her to warm up to you, talk to her about things she likes. Even teaching her new things works, too, but that's all I have to say."

Undertaker bobbed his head eagerly. "Oh yes~ She's quite fond of music, no?"

Zero snorted. "Understatement of the century, but yeah. Good starting place."

"Very well~ That will suffice. Many thanks, Zero-kun~ Hihi, drop by anytime if you want your favor returned~"

Zero smiled tightly. "Sure sure, just don't let her know it came from me."

Undertaker snickered. "Of course~"

...

Rachel's POV (1st)
So it was decided: I would attempt to save the Phantomhives. While I was still uncertain about letting Undertaker know about the Phantomhive manor attack, I owed it to him as well as Vincent to at least try.

What I worried about most was the aftermath. Although there was a chance that someone could stop me, the probability of me succeeding also seemed slim. What if my presence alone had introduced a new element into the show?

I would really hope not.

It was complicated enough having to deal with the culture shock, but now to worry about potential enemies crossing over could only mean disaster. I shuddered. I could only hope she didn't find a way here.

I looked out the window, observing busy city life before arriving at Madame Red's manor. The cobblestone roads weren't very pleasant what with all the bumps, no matter how soft the cushion of the seat was. Walking would've been preferable to this, but oh well.

I didn't know much about Madame Red before the accident, before meeting Grell. Besides the fact that she was still in love with Vincent - everyone seemed obsessed with him in the manga - her transformation had been inspired because of his rejection.

It was amazing to me how accepting people were of pain when they could be happy that their loved ones were happy. I was no stranger to it, pain, but the kind of pain that you were happy to live with… That seemed most painful yet unselfish of a person.

I should want to empathize with her, to relate with her on that same level of having to give up what you want for someone else to benefit from. Maybe that's why I accepted her invitation? Perhaps we were kindred souls.

My expression soured. Not like soul mates, but at least as close friends who could confide in each other. I didn't know how much I could trust Madame Red with, but if she could keep Grell's secret, then perhaps it wouldn't be a bad decision.

But of course, that came after the trauma of losing her baby. Grell became her new anchor after having lost everything…

I sighed. Nothing in life is ever easy.

The carriage stopped and I looked up to see Madame Red's manor come into view. Being married to a Baron, her station in the ranks of nobility wasn't as high, but she was still well off, in my opinion.

Once the carriage pulled up to the front, it jolted to a stop, and I could hear the footmen jump down from the back to escort me out. As the door opened, I bunched the heavy dress to not slip on the way out and looked up to see Madame Red waiting impatiently for me.

As soon as I neared her, she grabbed my hands and pulled me into a hug, making me stiffen in surprise. I awkwardly placed my hands on her back, patting her gently before nudging her away. She gave me an amused half-smirk, and right then and there, I swore I'd be damned if she and Undertaker weren't plotting something behind my back.

"I know it's been quite a while since I saw you last, but I'm quite happy you could make it. Just so you know, I did plan a bit of some outing for today~" She elbowed me playfully as if thinking she'd outsmarted me. "Heaven knows that mortician wouldn't know anything about a woman's comfort and care."

I deadpanned, not bothered about bursting her bubble. "Well, seeing as you're all dressed up and my early arrival to your manor, I suspected as much."

She pouted before circling my arm with hers to lead me back to her home. With a sniff, she retorted disdainfully, "Well, be as it may, I'll see to it that you're /well/ taken cared of~" She squeezed my arm a bit, as if her veiled "threat" didn't do enough.

I barely concealed my snort.

Just barely.

…

So, as it turns out, she wasn't kidding.

I sighed, looking down at what was probably the tenth dress I'd tried on.

"You know, Madame Red, I appreciate the courtesy and all, but you don't need to do this." I pinched the skirt, lifting it as I focused on not passing out, thanks to the corset.

Madame Red had planned on buying me feminine clothes for a while now, using the excuse of wanting a niece/fellow girlfriend to spoil on, not like Lizzy existed, but someone about her age. Which was not the case at all.

"I have nothing with which to repay you either." I quirked an eyebrow. Not even the salary courtesy of Undertaker would cover these expenses.

Predictably, a sharp laugh came from the redhead as she dismissed my complaints. "Now now, all the payment I ask for are more future outings, and I'll not have you dressed in a mortician's garb while doing so~"

I blanked. "Sure."

I peeled back the curtain of the dressing room to show off the dress she wanted me to sample. Currently, we were at Hopkin's Tailor shop, trying on different kinds of gowns such as daily wear, evening party dresses, even night gowns. Already, besides the one I owned, she bought two more party dresses, one a blueish purple and the other was black with purple highlights. As for outings, three dresses that were blue, a soft purple, and indigo. Already, pale colors were ruled out, so dark hues were far more favorable.

And right now, I had on a red dress to appeal Angelina's craving of color. Personally, I didn't like red due to it's brightness and attractiveness. Personally, I wouldn't have minded more black dresses.

"Hmm, we'll have to do something about your hair…" I felt a playful tug on a strand as she played with my hair.

When silence ensued a bit too long while she attempted making a bun, I decided to ask, "So, how far along is your pregnancy?"

"Hm, well, we'll be expecting the baby within the next year or so.* Probably around January or February?" She looked down at the bump in her belly before stroking it fondly. "Would you like to feel them kick?"

I sweat dropped. "Oh, you don't have to."

She laughed before coaxing my hand onto her bump and placing it on the side. I waited awkwardly until I felt it kick and was so surprised that I forgot about being embarrassed.

"Oh!" My brows furrowed as I felt one more kick before pulling my hand away and looking at it then back to Madame Red. "Doesn't the kicking bother you sometimes?"

She smiled gently as she rubbed her bump. "Oh, never~ Well, unless if I need to go the water closet, that is."

I snorted and she smirked at me before going back to playing with my hair. "You know, I'm sure I said this before, but your hair is quite thick and voluminous! Have you thought of growing it out some more? We'd be able to curl it then~"

I shook my head. "No, thank you. Too much hassle, and besides, I already have Undertaker whose made it his priority to care for my hair."

She giggled. "Ah, so I'm just the designer?"

I shrugged. "I don't really care. So long as you know how to do braids and whatnot, I don't mind."

She looked at me from over my shoulder to frown at me. "You mean to tell me you don't even know how to braid your own hair?!"

I shrugged helplessly as she harrumphed in disapproval.

"Why, this won't do at all! Very well then, by the end of today, I'll see to it that you don't return until you learn two new hairstyles~"

"Seriously, Madame, don't overwork yourself trying to help me. Besides, I don't care to dress up often."

"Oh, pish-posh! Every woman ought to present themselves in a suitable manner, whether that is at home, work, and even the party~ Believe you me, dear, you'll be a changed woman by the time I'm through with you."

I sighed, choosing to simply be wise and give in. "If you say so, Madame."

I felt a whack on my head which had been cushioned by my hair design which had been braided before ending in a bun, my bangs freely framing my face. She hadn't touched them at all, in fact. I looked back at her, offended and covering the smarting area with a hand to find her holding a fan. "And that's Angelina to you, not Madame."

I sighed. "Yes, ma'am."

She beamed. "Excellent! Now, about those maternity clothes~ I am in dire need of a second opinion, and who better than you to assist me? Fu fu~ Now, come along, dear! Change back into your original clothes for we have more stores to look forward to."

I hung my head as I struggled back to the changing stall. I take back all my complaints about Red being a shopaholic because it seemed Madame Red one-upped her in all the ways possible.

…

"Oh, wasn't today just peachy, Elle~?"

I tiredly rubbed my face as the carriage rumbled along to Madame Red's mansion. "Oh sure, absolutely fantastic. Best day of my life."

I felt her fan whack my shoulder again, and I didn't hesitate to level a tired glare at her which she matched with her red hot temper.

"Oi! Give me some time to recover! You don't know how draining it is to deal with people nonstop, have to retry clothes incessantly to see if they fit, go window shopping- which, by the way, is the most useless form of shopping since all you do is look- and whatever nonsense you made me do today."

She scoffed, setting a hand on her hip as she indignantly replied, "So you mean to tell me that all my effort has gone to waste?"

I narrowed my eyes at her, but I didn't need to answer for her to understand that my version of a "hangout" differed greatly from hers. Starting with the fact that I was not - I repeat, not - an outgoing person. How she managed to hop off the "loners" boat and onto the socialite's cruise was beyond me.

But, of course, I had to be careful not to offend her given the fact that all the dresses and gowns were paid for. Mind you, we also shopped for her maternity dresses, so that evened out a bit. Otherwise, the lunch, shoes, undergarments, and whatever else I needed for my Victorian cover were all paid by her, which put me in a very tight spot.

No matter how much I refused, she'd go ahead and buy it for me, insistent that my image in society must be maintained anytime I was around her. And although she had a point, I sensed she had somewhat of a point to make. I just hoped it didn't result in her utilizing my debt against me.

"No, it wasn't a failure, but it's not what I would call a 'fun time'." I crossed my arms, looking out the window.

"So you mean to tell me that you'd prefer to stay indoors, play some games, and 'hang out' as your version of fun?"

Based on the distaste in her tone, I'd hazard a guess she found that mundane and boring. I simply looked back at her boredom and shrugged. "Hey, simplicity is key."

She rose an eyebrow at my lingo but cracked a smirk anyway. "Perhaps, but I'd like there to be a flair of uniqueness if and whenever I so choose to spend a day out with friends."

The carriage rolled to a stop as it pulled in front of her manor, and we waited patiently for the footman to open the door and assist us out (well, mostly her, I just hopped off). Once she'd directed instructions to the coachmen of where to drop off my products for the Undertaker's place, I followed her silently into the reception hall.

"Well, dear, you'll have to excuse me. I'll be changing so I'll have my maids assist you into your night clothes before we rendezvous with our night games~"

I paused, quirking an eyebrow. "Wait, what? Wasn't I supposed to head back?"

She also stopped and looked back at me amused, as one would when a kitten had their head stuck in a bottle. "Why, of course not! You'll be staying the night, dear. In that case, I had already prepared a night gown for you."

I blinked. "A night gown? Wait, does Undertaker know about this? Me staying for the night?"

She smiled. "Yes, a night gown. And I'm sure he won't mind. After all, you ought to go out more. Live a little!"

I frowned. I didn't own any nightgowns since I hadn't liked how choked my neck was. I much rather preferred pajamas anyway, but she didn't know that. "Well, just in case, I'll contact him to make sure. And don't worry about the night gown, I've got my own clothes planned."

She rose an eyebrow but dismissed her curiosity. "If you say so. The option is still available. And the phone is right by my office. I'll have Stanford ready the call for you."

I nodded. "Alright, thanks."

She winked. "Of course! Now, if you'll excuse me~"

One of her maids appeared to lead her back to her room as the head butler directed me to her office to use the phone. He dialed for Undertaker's shop before handing me the phone and making his way out, informing me that a maid would direct me to my room. I nodded, waiting for the dial tone until a familiar voice popped up.

"Hi hi~ This is the Undertaker's residence. How may I be of service?~"

I sighed. "Un."

"Ara~ If it isn't my lovely assistant, hihihi! Miss me already, dear?~"

"Sure. About the hangout, just so there's no misconception, I'll be staying the night at Madame Red's place. Is that alright with you?"

"He he, you're already a grown woman, dear~ I'm sure you can decide for yourself. Besides, I'd already expected you to stay there~"

My eyebrow ticked out of annoyance. "Great. Then I'll see you tomorrow." Just as I was about to hang up, he intercepted.

"Ah, before you do, dear, a little favor from me to you~"

"Yes?"

"Do be careful how much indulge to the madame~ Hihi, some things are better left unsaid."

My brows furrowed. "I know."

"Hihi, I'm sure you do~ And, just a little side note, don't wash your hair until you've made it home. I've a little surprise planned for you~"

Immediately, I felt unsettled. I know Undertaker was capable of many things, and the not knowing part was what bothered me the post. "Uh, sure. If that's all, I'll be going now."

"Hihi, have fun~" With that, the call ended and I put it back into the receiver.

Well, I guess he suspects something's up with Madame Red, so I'll have to keep my guard up.

"My lady, Madame Red requests you in her bedroom as soon as you're done changing. I'll be the one to lead you to your room. Would you like any assistance in changing clothes?" A demure maid was standing at the door, patiently waiting, I guess.

"That won't be required. I just need directions to the room so I can change."

"As for the gown?"

"Leave it, I have something else prepared."

"Very well."

With that, a quarter of an hour later found me knocking on Madame Red's door. "My, that took quite a while~ Did the dress give you any trouble?"

"Not at all. My boss simply informed me what I need to do for tomorrow."

"Is that so? Well, come in before you catch a cold. Can't have a guest sick already~" She ushered me into her room, which I'm sure would've been highly inappropriate. However, considering that she told me her husband didn't mind her having friends over, I guess it gave her leeway.

"Now, I'm sure you could guess, as well as I, why I brought you here, right?"

I raised an eyebrow. "No…?"

"You couldn't have possibly missed the signs, could you?"

I blanked. What signs?

She then started to move towards me, and I blanched and stepped away. "Um, Madame, whatever you're insinuating, I hope it's nothing unprofessional."

She blinked before laughing, collapsing on the bed. "Oh, Ellie~ Surely you wouldn't think that low of me, would you?"

I deadpanned. "Madame, I don't know if you've noticed, but I don't hold expectations of anybody."

She patted my shoulder. "Oh sweetie, you need to loosen up! Just a joke, after all."

I sighed. Lately, it seems I'm surrounded by people with low standards of what good joke actually is.

A stifled giggle came out, but she corrected it by clearing her throat. "Now then, all jokes aside, there was a matter I wanted to discuss with you before retiring."

I settled on her bed after she patted it invitingly. "Yes?"

She stared at me thoughtfully before asking quietly, "You know about me, don't you?"

I blinked, feeling a stab of panic. What gave it away this time?

Taking my silence as a sign to continue, she added, "And I don't mean just me. I'm talking about everyone here."

I studied her carefully. I wasn't one for deceit nor did I like resorting to any method pertaining that because then it would take extra work keeping up with the lies. So, I opted for some loopholes instead.

"What brought about this whole idea, Mrs. Ann?" I cocked my head at her.

She smiled coyly. "Well, it may be just me, but sometimes, the way you act or even look at certain people, you just seem to know. Maybe not by experience, but, at the very least, intellectually."

"And, let's say if I did, what is it that you want to know?"

She paused before giving me a patient smile. "Well, I necessarily didn't want anything from you per se. Rather, I'd like to lend a hand, or an ear. Offer a second opinion."

I looked at her warily. "A second opinion?"

"Yes. For example, if it comes to the decision that you want to change something that happened in the past, I could help you decide whether you ought to or not. You know, shuffle the cards a bit." She grinned playfully at me, trying to lighten the mood.

Unfortunately, I wasn't in the state of mind to be tempted. "Shuffle the cards? What makes you think I'd /attempt/ to change the future?"

Her smile dropped from her face, now fully realizing the brevity of the situation. "You mean to tell me that you would allow nature to run its course, even if it meant losing a friend?"

I narrowed my eyes at her. "Madame, I believe in a greater force out there, and I've grown up on the principle that our actions have consequences. Perhaps one small thing I did may seem inconsequential, but in the long run, may mean the difference between life or death. Simply saving a person who was meant to die or vice versa could impact my life in the future with disastrous effects. As much as possible, I'd like to avoid that."

Based on the confusion on her face, I could tell she didn't agree with my way of thinking nor like it either. "Isn't that rather prejudiced of you, however?"

I shrugged. "It may be, but as a doctor, I think you'd know that better than I do."

She seemed to flinch, not expecting such a blunt retort. Unfortunately, what Madame Red didn't realize was that she was no longer talking to Rachel but rather Ruth.

"Madame, simply put, all I came for is still a mystery to me. I don't know if I'm meant to change anything, correct it, or even cause an event. However, my main priority is going back home. In the meantime, I don't plan on playing with fate. 'Fate can be one mean bitch of a lab', and I don't care to particularly complicate my problems with more problems*."

The dense atmosphere in the room made it a bit hard for her to open up, especially with the weight of the finality of my decision, so I decided to become a bit more gentle. "Madame, if possible, I'd like for everyone to have a happy ending, but if it means losing the future, then the responsibility would lie one me for causing it. You understand, don't you?"

She looked at me with conflicted eyes, the pain she usually hid so well now forefront and exposed in all its wallowing glory. "Of course. My apologies for expecting too much from you. I just only hoped…"

I stared at her expectantly. "Hoped?"

She gave me a pained smile. "Well, I can only hope that mine is a happy ending, too."

My smile mirrored hers, but inwardly, my stomach lurched painfully to that.

How I could sit there, knowing she'd lose everyone again, and still tell her I wouldn't do anything about it eluded me.

*The star indicates that it was somewhat of a quote taken from Garth Stein's The Art of Racing in the Rain. It's a beautiful book, and highly recommended you read it if you're an dog lover especially considering the author writes in the perspective of a dog.

08/31/19

Add to Phrasebook

No word lists for English - English...

Create a new word list...

Copy