(The Lessons of Judith)
*November 24th, 1941*
*5:32 pm*
*Glen Cove, New York*
*Miller Manor*
Anya was sitting on one of the couches in the pink room when she saw Judith taking a book from her shelf as she flipped over the pages while walking towards Anya as she sat down next to her.
"So, this book right here is gonna turn you into a proper lady. I don't want you to embarrass me in front of these people, okay? I wanna show a certain someone that's attending that I'm not some wannabe" Judith spoke out to Anya while gently placing the book on her lap which caused Anya to look at her with curiosity as she began to speak to Judith.
"Certain someone? Who is that if I may ask? Is she a relative or friend perhaps?" Anya asked Judith in a curious voice as she saw Judith staring rather annoyingly at her.
"Why do you wanna know? She's not even worth getting to know and if you think I'm a royal bitch then she'll make me look like a girl scout in comparison so don't push your luck" Judith spat back in an annoyed tone while Anya stared back with a curious look on her face as she wanted to press on but she decided to respect Judith's wishes so she simply backed down.
"I see, well, I hope that treats you nicely during the winter ball since she sounds quite hectic" Anya spoke back while Judith sighed in annoyance as she flipped through the pages of the book.
"Yeah, I know. She "treats" me well but let's just say that she's quite annoying with her little goody two-shoes act! It's just annoying trying to prove yourself when she steals all the thunder and everyone praises her but at least my mother somewhat acknowledges my acts of elegance during these events.." Judith ranted to Anya in annoyance while she continued to flip pages in the book while Anya could see the annoyance on her face and for the first time, Anya didn't see the bully who terrorizes her and her friends but rather, a girl who was filled with jealousy and hurt.
"Judith, I know we have our differences but if you want to talk to me, I'm here to listen, okay?" Anya advised Judith while gently placing her hand on Judith's hand which quickly made the girl snatch her hand back rather aggressively.
"Don't pity me! I don't need any brownie points for being honest, okay? I'm perfectly fine on my own so don't you ever pity me like that, got it? I'm not opening up to you at all so don't get any ideas! But Anywho, let's get started with the lesson" Judith spat back in a defensive voice while staring back at Anya rather annoyingly as she finally stopped on her desired page of the book while Anya simply nodded in an understanding way.
"O-Okay, I won't bother you about that again.." Anya responded thoughtfully while Judith smiled back in her usual manner.
"Good, now, the first step into becoming a proper lady is to always say thank you, ma'am, sir, and other such wonderful words when speaking to people, okay? You must also speak in a proper and elegant tone as well. I don't want you embarrassing me" Judith advised Anya while handing over the book to her which was accepted by Anya as she observed the pages.
"I see. I will try my best to ensure this will happen and I can be proper as well" Anya spoke back with a smile on her face while Judith smiled back in a smugly way.
"You better. Keep reading the book and you'll be someone I can tolerate in the future but for now, you'll just have to learn the basics" Judith spoke back to Anya with a smile as there was suddenly a knock on the door which made the young girl roll her eyes rather annoyingly as she began to respond.
"What is it?! I'm busy! Could you leave us alone please" Judith spat back at whoever was behind the door with a vain voice as she waited for what was coming next as the voice began to speak.
"S-Sorry, I-I figured that you and the guest wanted some cookies but s-sorry for disturbing you.." The voice which appeared to belong to a young girl spoke back with disappointment before the sounds of her footsteps could be heard walking away much to the relief of Judith as she turned her attention back to Anya.
"Sorry about that. This particular servant always seems to bug me whenever I'm busy so don't pay any attention to her, okay? She'll just annoy you but again, you seem to like those types of people so why even bother warning you" Judith spoke to Anya with annoyance while sighing to herself as she thought about her previous conversation with her concerning the certain someone before speaking once more.
"The girl's name is Emily. She's the certain someone I was talking about. Every time I see her during events such as these, she always seems to act like such a little goody two shoes but in reality, she's very unbearable. She always wants things to go her way.." Judith spoke out to Anya with annoyance and this caused Anya to quickly look up at her bully with curiosity.
"If I may ask, how unbearable is she? She seems like a handful and maybe your behavior could have been influenced by her. If I'm wrong then please correct me but I do wanna end this conflict between us" Anya asked Judith in a curious voice as this only made Judith annoyed despite her calm demeanor.
"No, why would I even try to act like her? Emily is nothing but an annoying bitch! She just does nothing but insult and talk badly about my appearance which is no big deal but when it comes from your own family then it kinda hurts.." Judith spat back while looking down as those words made Anya feel for Judith as she stared at her.
"She sounds terrible. No wonder why Judith acts this way. I truly hope she can change for the better.." Anya thought to herself while continuing to stare at Judith as she began to open her mouth to speak.
"I see. She doesn't sound like good company and I'll do the best I can so that Emily can be happy for you!" Anya spoke back to Judith with a confident smile while Judith smiled back but in her usual smug manner.
"Please! Don't do this if you are gonna pity me. I'm just being honest with you since we're spending time together and it doesn't hurt me anyways but if it floats your boat then I guess.." Judith spoke back with a smug smile on her face as she got up from the couch to open the window to allow some air to come in and the view from her room was beautiful as the twilight light illuminated the sky.
"But…thanks for listening to me. You always seem to help out your little annoying friends so thanks for trying to help me, I appreciate that.." Judith spoke to Anya once more as she smiled warmly while staring at the window and while Anya didn't see Judith smile, this still caught Anya off guard as Judith usually doesn't behave in such a manner.
"O-Of course. I just want to help people in the best way I can and that means helping you if you truly want it as well" Anya spoke back while smiling warmly as she saw Judith turning back to her with a smile on her face; however, this wasn't the warm smile she had when facing the window but rather her usual smug smile.
"Alright, Neville and the others should be here in twenty minutes, so we should probably get ready for them so, don't worry, I'll make sure they treat you right since you are my guest of course" Judith spoke back to Anya while stretching as this was met with Anya giving her a thumbs up.
"Got it, and I can help you get prepared for them as well" Anya spoke back to Judith as both girls began to prepare themselves for the guests that were on their way and during this, Anya had a good feeling that maybe things could work out; however, not everything works out as planned and she knew and was prepared for whatever Judith had planned for her.
6 days until the Winter Ball
