Author's note: This chapter uses an oc from some of PlayerPiano's fanfictions. Before any flames spark in the reviews section, I got a PM from PlayerPiano that stated that I have permission to use their OCs. As for if this story is canon to their other fanfics as a result of this use, Fluttering Hearts is in no way canon to their fanfictions, but if Playerpiano wants to make certain aspect canon, they can feel free to. And as for Playerpiano, I would like to thank you for letting me use your OCs and would especially appreciate your input for this chapter. With that out of the way, enjoy.
Maudeline couldn't help but watch the old grandfather clock tick away as she anxiously waited. 8:56, no, 8:57, she mentally recorded, litteraly counting the seconds away. The day before, she had been informed that Victor and Victoria would be visiting alongside their young daughter Lydia at about 9:00. Usually, she'd enjoy these visits to an extent. This was mainly due to little Lydia herself, who was at tge time still just learning to speak. Although she never formally admitted it to anyone else, Maudeline did find Liddie somewhat endearing. As a result, she'd normally look forward to seeing her granddaughter again.
But Maudeline also wasn't usually fully cut off by her in laws when these visits came. So this time, she was incredibly anxious.
Ever since the incident with the letter from Nell two days ago, Maudeline had been fearing a visit from Victor and Victoria, or more accurately, a visit from Victor. He was, after all, next in line for the ownership of the Van Dort Fish cannery. He had to have known about the recent financial cuts, and by extention the cuts to the financial aid she received. She at leasted hoped Victor wouldn't talk about the budget within Hildegarde's hearing range.
"Your daughter, son in law, and granddaughter are here, Lady Everglot."
"Send them up, Hildegarde. Tell them to go to the third bedroom on the left."
Through all of this my heart still won't keep a constant pace around her. Just another problem to deal with, Maudeline thought somewhat sarcastically. I can at least try to keep it in check.
And then came the moment when the situation lightened a little.
"Ga-ma! Here!"
At least little Liddie is doing alright, Maudeline said to herself as Lydia did a clumsy toddle-run into the room after shouting to her in the hall. Maybe I was overreacting a little. Victor likely won't bring up anything as serious as the budget with a 16 month old baby around. This visit might actually be needed after everything.
" Slow down Lydia!" Victoria said, quickly following behind the rambunctious little one before stopping to catch her breath, "It's not like grandma's going anywhere!" Maudeline couldn't help but chuckle a little uncharacteristically as she saw her granddaughter outrun her as of then two months pregnant daughter. Victoria was at least, in fact, technically correct so long as Maudeline was trapped by her casts, but the sight lessened that. And then things became a little strange.
"Nasha! Nasha!" Lydia shouted, turning back to the doorway, "Here!"
Maudeline quickly became confused at this. "I'm sorry, but who's this Nasha? I thought it would be just you, Victor, and Lydia."
"So did we," Victor explained as he entered, "until Lydia insisted on bringing her imaginary friend over last night. We wanted to talk her out of it but she was so excited at the prospect. She kept of saying that Nasha wanted to see you."
"We at least tried to tell her to be subtle." Victoria added, "It's clear we overestimated her ability to understand the definition of subtle correctly."
"I'd see to it that it changes if I were you two. You're lucky that having an imaginary friend should just be a..."
Maudeline paused at what she saw when Lydia re-entered the bedroom, her face going pale. It couldn't be, Maudeline thought in a panic, it... it can't be! That... that was just a dream! A dream! That's all it was! That's all she was! How could she be here? She can't be here! She can't... doesn't exist.
That's what she told herself. But what she heard told her otherwise.
"Hey, Water Liddie, why don't you go see your ga-na Hildegarde? I'm sure she's missed you, and I have something I want to talk to your ga-ma about in private."
"Okie!" was Lydia's only responce before bolting out of the room.
"Lydia, get back here!", Victoria shouted, running about as fast as she could.
"This is neither the time nor the place for a game of chase young lady!" Victor quickly added as he followed suit.
And then the door closed behind them.
Must just have been a gust, Maudeline reasoned, a very strong gust that somehow came indoors.
Then the floorboards started to creak.
This... this manor is very old, Maudeline told herself. That's... just from Victor and Victoria chasing Lydia
The shadow seemed to dance to the rythem of the crackling fire as it moved towards her.
Merely one of those... optical illusions. Yes, just the way the furniture is arranged.
But nothing could explain the familarity of that exposed canine skull. The masquera-like ink around the eyes was burnt into Maudeline's mind. And the voice that cane out of those jaws was to recognizable.
"Hey Maudeline. Crazy how short two weeks can seem."
No no no no no! Please, not her. Oh lord, please not her. Not... not...
"I'll... give you sone time to process."
Not... not Nightshade!