The last week or two had been quiet. The closest thing to even a sound heard by Descole were the times when she visited Professor Layton, Emmy and Luke every now and then or vice versa. That still didn't mean she was willing to let her guard down. Descole was capable of finding her. He knew where she worked, where her parents lived. The only safe place she had was her home and even then there was some stress, from checking all windows and doors were locked.
Outside her home, she wasn't sure where else Descole would want her to know where he was. This was clearly a form of torment. Making her feel vulnerable, and possibly feel her friends and family could be at risk. She had again briefly considered calling Scotland Yard. Maybe even tell that Bloom guy. He seemed pretty interested in regards to Descole.
Elaine still carried her hatchet around her house when no one was around. You could never be too careful, could you? Elaine didn't think so at the moment. Of course, she was careful not to show it around to anyone when someone was present. She didn't want to look crazy, or sociopathic.
When Elaine heard her doorbell ring one night, Elaine had took said hatchet in one hand as she walked up to the door and looked through the peephole. She was surprised when she saw it was her brother, and without second thought unlocked the door and opened it up.
"Philippe, what are you doing 'ere?" Elaine asked as she gave her grinning brother a one armed hug.
"I thought it couldn't 'urt to give my petit soeur a surprise visit." Philippe explained before he noticed the hatchet in Elaine's hand and frowned.
"Why do you 'ave…?"
"Oh, this?" Elaine gave a sheepish chuckle. "I was cutting up some turf for the fire."
"Oh. Alright then. So, can I come in?"
"Sure, sure." Elaine stepped aside and let Phillipe step inside. "So, 'ow's the secretary work at that law firm going?" Elaine asked as she locked the door behind them.
"It's going alright. Nothing too exciting 'appening." Philippe shrugged, brushing a loose piece of dark hair behind his ear.
"Do you want something to drink? Tea? Wine? Water?"
"Just some water, thanks."
"So, not that I'm not thankful, but why are you 'ere exactly?" Elaine questioned after getting him the glass of water and sat in the armchair while Philippe plopped himself on the couch.
"Well… Mum and dad mentioned you were a little off the last week or two so I thought I'd see 'ow you were." Elaine nodded. "And Elaine?"
"Oui?"
"You're still 'olding the 'atchet. Mind if I put it back in the turf basket for you?" Philippe asked as he jerked his head towards said basket near Elaine.
"Oh, right. Desole. I'll put it down." Elaine apologised awkwardly before dropping it into the basket. "Just sort of… Forgot, I guess."
"It's no problem." Philippe brushed it off. "So, 'ow 'ave you been coping?"
"I've 'ad good days, bad days. Just like everyone does." Elaine shrugged. "It feels easier to eat these days I suppose though."
What about sleep?"
"Meh. I suppose I don't 'ave nightmares like I did when I first came back."
"Nightmares? Like what?" Philippe appeared like his curiosity was peaked.
"You wouldn't be too interested." Philippe put the glass on the coffee table and leaned forward.
"I think I would. Now tell." Elaine thought it over briefly. It couldn't hurt to tell her older brother, could it? He wouldn't tell anyone.
"Well…" Elaine began, a little tentative at first. "One nightmare I recall had Descole first as a wolf who was possibly going to eat me, and then as a woodcutter with a bloody axe to use on me." Philippe didn't say anything at first. He seemed to be thinking something over in his head.
"… Interesting." He mused. "I wouldn't 'ave thought you would dream of something like that."
"What can you do?"
"Not much I suppose." Philippe agreed after taking a sip of his water. "But you don't 'ave them now, right? So it's all okay?"
"I guess." The phone then began to ring. "I should get that."
"Go ahead." Elaine stood up and went to the kitchen to answer her phone.
"Bonjour?"
"Hey, sis. How's it going?"
… No.
"Sis?"
"I-I'm fine. Really." Elaine responded quietly, glancing to the archway leading to the livingroom really quickly.
"You sure? You sound a little off."
"Just… A bit tired from work is all." Elaine mumbled as her eyes wandered towards the nearby drawers were the knives were.
"That's good. Anyway, I wanted to call because I was wondering if maybe it'd be okay for me to come down and visit you next week."
"Erm… I'm not sure if next week would be okay. I'd have to make another call to check some stuff." Elaine's and began to inch towards the drawer handle.
"Oh. That's okay. So have you been sleeping alright?"
"Sleep's been alright." Elaine answered back simply as she slowly opened the drawer and reached in.
"Maybe you should lie down after we're done. You sound like you could use it."
"Indeed I do." Elaine muttered as she pulled out a short bread knife, only for her hand to be gently grabbed. She shut her eyes and took a deep breath. "Sorry, but I have to go now."
"That's okay. Call you later?"
"Yeah. One more thing."
"Hm?"
"… I love you big brother."
Elaine hung up the phone as the knife was slowly taken out of her hand and thrown back into the drawer which was then shut. Elaine gritted her teeth as she heard that familiar chuckle of Descole.
"I did say we'd meet again."