Donna Beneviento x Original Female Character: The Gardener Of Donna Beneviento

by SmilingKwokka

Summary:

Anna is called on by Mother Miranda after the loss of her mother to work on the yellow bloom infested gardens of the Beneviento’s residence. After finding Angie alone in the spooky mansion she suspects the lady of the house is nowhere to be seen. Though it seems Donna has taken and interest in Anna and wants to take every opportunity to watch her work, even if its from a distance. Will Anna be able to act gentle enough for Donna not to be scared of her? Will Donna finally realize that someone does find her beautiful?

Chapter 1: An Innocent Arrival

     “Well this is going to prove to be quite the challenge, isn’t it?” She mused as she took in the property. The ride there had been spooky enough but the property itself was indeed a sight to be seen. On the edge of a cliff and surrounded by an abundance of yellow flowers the area was more like a confusing half-made haunted house than the frightening abode it was made out to be. She had been called to this strange place after word got out of her mothers suicide. It was kind for someone to pay so much money to allow her a ticket out of her run-down town and let her stay here at the Beneviento residence. Though it was strange her caller didn’t wish to meet, nor did the lady of the House whose name was the only detail about her that the woman had mentioned other than her wishes to not be disturbed. Donna Beneviento was clearly a wealthy Lady and Anna was very happy following the orders to leave her be, she wasn't about to disobey the small instructions that her caller had put in place when the offer was so generous. 

     She had worn a yellow t-shirt and jean overalls here since no one was going to be there that she had to impress. She took her own tools that were not only in one of her few luggage bags but also tucked into the long rectangular pocket that made up the mid-half of her overalls. She looked feminine but there was no doubt she was a hard worker. Anna had her chestnut hair in a low messy bun and her soft waves made the scraggly hairs peeking out of her bun look like they were made to be there.

     The car that had brought her here had refused to go through the gates with her, even though the path was very much wide enough for a vehicle, he had refused. Her legs were nearly shaking from the exhaustion of walking through those trees and approaching the residence.  Luckily, the large shed she was promised to be allowed to live in was only a few feet away and she took the last bit of her strength and scurried over with a bag in each hand.

     She observed the yellow flowers that had crawled up the damp wooden building and frowned. She didn't recognize them from any book she’d ever seen about flowers and she often prided herself in knowing quite a bit about plants to the point where she could name any one by being shown it, even from afar. She shook her head and went inside. The walls were lined in shelves with rotting equipment making up the only few occupants. She went to work cleaning them off and one of the weaker shelves had so much moisture and rot in it that it broke apart. After about an hour the space was cleaned out and she had scrubbed the cot enough to make the place look acceptable. With the few blankets she’d brought and a pillow she was finished placing her belongings out. Everything else like clothing, food and hygiene products could stay in her bags. 

     After going outside to begin assessing what needed to be done to the flowers her head began to cloud. Her vision began to fog. She sighed as she began regretting not bringing an Advil with her on this trip as she was always prone to headaches. She decided to begin pulling the flowers and weeds out from beside the shed and work her way out to the side of the main building. They had completely overtaken almost half the property. As she went to work her headache worsened and she began to blame it on the excessive amount of pollen from the flowers. She prayed she didn't have a reaction as this was a generous offer and being allergic to certain plants was a terrible thing for an upcoming gardener to face. Her jade green gloves were stained yellow from all the flower tugging and the flowers themselves were practically glued into the ground so it took almost her full body weight to remove one small clump the size of her foot.

     As she pulled one clump out from the ground, the air around it clouded with pollen from such a sudden shake. Anna sneezed and stood up to avoid breathing in any more of the sweet scent.

     “Anna?”

     Anna looked up at the voice and expected to see the lady of the house. However, no one was there.

     “Hallucinating from exhaustion, great. I’ll never get this done if I keep having these problems.” She muttered under her breath.

     “Anna, why are you in the garden again?”

      Anna caught her breath as she recognized the voice. She could have sworn it was a woman’s last time but it sounded more like a young boy now. Almost like her childhood friend, Robert. 

     “Anna get up! Chase me!” A small boy was in the clump of flowers a few feet away from her. She fell back from balancing on her ankles in surprise.’

     “Robert?” She breathed and squinted her eyes at the boy. No he’d be older now, the same age as her. What was this?

      “Chase me! Chase me!” The boy giggled as he began to run from the clump of flowers. He looked as spritely as he had in her younger years. She found herself impulsively following him but as she turned the corner he was nowhere to be found. He had led her to the front of the house again.

     She shook her head as she realized how stupid she’d been. Of course it wouldn’t be Robert but the matter still stood that there was a child on the property running around near the cliff side. Perhaps it was Madame Beneviento’s son? Shouldn't someone be watching him?

       Her vision blurred and she heard his voice again. She couldn’t process what he said but she followed the noise. 

       “Hello?” She stopped walking at the sound of her own voice. She felt drunk and sounded far away. Or maybe more like she was underwater? 

       Her legs gave out and it wasn't until it was too late that she realized her whole body had buckled and was lying on the ground near the front porch. Her last thought was if the Lady found her would she get fired? She needed…… this…job…

Chapter 2: A New Companion

Summary:

Angie is Feral, as you saw in the tags.

“She’s awaaaaake!”

Anna opened her eyes to a dim room furnished with various fabrics and little near-identical figures everywhere she turned. She moved her head very little to find a cushion next to her head. She registered the color red and then realized she was placed on a loveseat next to a large china cabinet. But how did she get here? She had fallen hadn’t she? She closed her eyes again before realizing that something had said that she was awake, a high, rusty voice of a child. She didn't mind children but the Beneviento ones were proving to be a hassle, or at least the boy from earlier if that was indeed who he belonged to.

She opened her eyes again and allowed her brain to register shapes and colors in the room, dolls were placed in nearly every available space. Every shelf, every table, even scattered on the stairway. She must have been inside the Beneviento house.

The thought terrified her, what if she got in trouble? She wasn’t good at confrontation and she surely wasn’t used to dealing with the wealthy folks. She was from a low status family after all.

A shadowed black figure moved out of the corner of her eye and she lifted her head. It ached as soon as she moved and when she lifted her hand to touch her forehead she noticed how scratched up her arm was. They looked like freshly cleaned cuts, but who cleaned them? As she touched her head she felt a gash there too. She must have taken quite the fall. The shadowy figure forgotten as it was nowhere to be seen she slowly sat up. She was sore but it was completely bearable and she stood up just fine. She felt much less foggy than she had in the yard. Perhaps she was just allergic to those flowers.

She looked around and couldn’t help admiring the gaggle of dolls closest to her. They had porcelain skin and their features had been painted on with black and brown inks. Their garments looked handmade and were lined with lace and ribbon. They were each beautiful and as someone who had a viscous sewing hobby she admired the stitching work immensely. She walked a few steps around looking for an exit. The window placement made it look like there was supposed to be a door behind where she had rested but she couldn’t see one, just wallpaper.

Anna’s heart raced as she wondered what to do. Should she look for the Lady of the house? Was the servant who brought her in here still around? Should she wait to see if whoever brought her here would come back and check on her? Possibilities raced through her mind as she surveyed the room. She took a few steps sideways to peek up the stairs and took a breath. There was a gorgeous oil painting on the wall featuring a young woman and a frightening but intriguing doll.

Was this the lady of the house, Madame Beneviento? The woman wasn't smiling, only staring intently at the painter. Her hair was dark and so were her eyes though you could tell from the highlights it wasn’t completely black but a very dark brown. Her skin was a milky white and she looked a bit sad.

She was absolutely stunning.

It wasn’t until she was right in front of the painting that Anna's realized she’d been moving towards it. Her hand was mid-air near the painted woman’s face when she heard a rustle behind her.

“Pardon me?” She said quickly as she turned around to the empty room. She walked back down the few stairs she’d mindlessly walked up and peeked back into the main room. “Hello…?”

She heard a high pitched giggle from the other room and looked through a doorway leading to another room, equally filled with dolls. When she saw nothing she turned back to see another doll on the table next to where she woke up, sprawled on its back. As she took a few steps closer she noticed it was the same doll in the painting of the beautiful woman. It wore a torn wedding gown it seemed and had much longer appengages. It looked more like a marionette than a doll.

She looked at it and to her horror, it turned its head towards her.

“Hiiiiiiiiiiii!” It screeched and shot up to hover above the table.

Anna screamed and fell back on the love seat as the doll lifted its bony hands to cover its mouth, and tilted its head. “Ooooooh, did I scare yoouuu?” It drawled as it hovered higher and swooped toward her.

Anna held her hands in front of her face and closed her eyes, petrified.

“Don’t be scared of meeeee, I just want to play a game.” It giggled, a hollow sound that gave Anna chills. “Will you play with me?” It asked hovering closer and peeking through her arms.

“Are you going to hurt me?” Anna questioned in a small voice as she kept her eyes tightly closed. There was a pause and she opened them slowly, revealing the doll simply hovering in front of her face seeming confused.

“I only want to plaaaaay.” The doll said eerily. Her voice unnerved Anna but the thing did seem harmless. From her knowledge of horror stories, possessed dolls rarely hurt you if you didn't run. They were often spirits of lonely dead children taken before their time.

She lowered her arms to face the doll and righted her position on the couch.

“Okay, what do you want to play?” Anna asked slowly, observing the doll. The doll seemed delighted by her response and clapped her hands.

“Oh oh oh ohhhh! This will be soooooo much fun!” She squealed. “Let’s play hide and seek! I’ll hide and you seek.” She directed.

In a flash she had zoomed through the air and into another room. Seeing no other option, Anna began to count to ten.

“Eight….nine….ten!” She opened her eyes and stood up. “Ready or not, here I come!” She hollered through the quiet house.

She searched room after room on the first floor until she decided to search the second. Every room was filled with dolls and supplies to make them. She inferred that maybe Lady Beneviento was a doll maker, a talented one at that. Every once in a while she’d stop to admire one before continuing her search for the animated doll. As she passed the painting of Donna while ascending the stairs she paused again to admire it, every time she looked at it it felt like someone was looking at her back. Not from the painting per se, but someone watching her. Of course when she turned there was no one there. Perhaps it was the doll, she seemed rather good at hide and seek even if she hadn’t had a companion in a while.

After reaching the next floor she saw a while veil levitating behind a dresser that had been pushed in front of a shattered mirror.

“Where oh where could you be little one?” Anna mused to entertain the doll, she’d have to remember to ask its name later. Surely it had a name as all dolls do.

“Found you!” Anna said as she stood on her toes to look over the dresser. The doll laughed at an unsettling pitch and swooped up from behind it. Her face got dangerously close to hers while she was floating about and Anna tried not to look rude by stepping away. The last thing she wanted was to upset a haunted doll.

“Your turn, your turn!” She sang as she circled Anna.

“Before I hide, what is your name?” Anna interrupted her circling and the doll stopped in front of her.

“I’m Angie,” she said proudly. “Who are you?”

“My name is Anna, I’m a gardener.” Anna said and the doll looked her up and down.

“I know, obviously.” Angie quipped. “You were fixing the garden.”

“I was, yes, do you know how I got inside though?” Anna asked, curiosity getting the better of her.

“It was me, you fell asleep.” Angie answered, putting her hands on her nearly non-existent hips. “I cleaned you up so now you have to play with me!”

“Oh well thank you.” Anna smiled at the frightening thing. She was still unnerved by Angie's tendencies but she seemed harmless enough for now.

As Anna then began thinking of other questions, she noticed Angie losing interest in their conversation. She wondered what would get the dolls attention if only for a while, that benefited her.

“Do you want to play a new game? It's really fun.” Anna said enthusiastically.

Angie perked up. “A new game? What is it?”

“Well, I ask you a question and you ask me a question.” Anna said, trying to keep up her enthusiasm. Angie seemed unimpressed.

“That sounds bor-ing.” She then began to float around.

“Hmm,” Anna thought hard, “what if whoever knows the answers to the most questions gets something?”

“Okay, I know everything!” Angie declared happily.

“I’ll go first, how do you float?” Anna asked. Angie looked blankly at her.

“I’m just that great.” She answered self importantly. “Now, what is a Kangaroo like?”

Anna paused at the question, then said “I’ve never met a Kangaroo, so I’m not sure.”

Angie looked disappointed at that so Anna tried to ask another question quickly. “Are you friends with Madame Beneviento?”

Angie laughed. “We’re best friends forever. Me and Donna are like peas in a pod.”

It was Anna’s turn to laugh. “That’s great. And does she play with you?”

“Uh uh uh! You're cheating! You took my turn!” Angie screeched.

“I’m sorry I’m sorry, that's my fault. How about now you can have two turns then?” Anna said quickly.

“Hmmm, ok.” Angie said slowly. “Why did you come here? Aaaaaand……..do you like all my cute friends?”

“I came here to clean up the gardens here, because I’m a gardener as you know. And you mean…the other dolls?” Anna said carefully, not wanting to offend Angie by calling them inanimate things. Were they all alive?

“Yes, my friends, do you like my friends? Do you think they’re pretty?” Angie demanded flying into her face.

“Yes I think they’re all absolutely beautiful, so is the woman in that painting on the stairs. Is that Donna? Did she make you and your friends?” Anna asked.

Angie stared at her blankly again for a moment. “Yeah that's Donna, she made my friends but not me. I’m a one and only!” Angie quipped.

“Oh well you’re all very pretty.” Anna said, looking around.

“What’s your favourite color?” Angie said quickly, ignoring the compliment.

“Hm, I think blue but I like green too. Green would be my absolute favourite but light blue is a close second.” She answered after a moment.

“I like green too!” Angie said, excited.

Anna looked out one of the covered windows and Angie backed away as she moved the fabric blocking it.

“I think I need to go back to work now. We can play again another time if you’d like, though Angie.” Anna said, trying not to sound too eager to leave.

“But work is boring! Play with me some more! Play with me foreeeevvveeeerrr!” Angie whined.

“How about you come out with me and we can play and I can work?”

“No! I don't like outside!” She said quickly, backing away into the shadows.

Anna almost regretted wanting to leave as well, her head was just beginning to clear up. She blinked rapidly and realized how much more solid everything looked. Angie watched her do this.

“On second thought, I don't want to play with you anymore, you can go back to your boring job.” She said more in resignation - or was that fear?- than pettiness or anger.

Chapter 3: An Invisible Interest

It had been a day and a half since her run in with Angie. At this point Anna had half the mind to say it was simply a hallucination from over exertion. But he still couldn’t get that experience out of her head. As much as she’d dreaded the harsh punishment of Madame Beneviento, she had wished just a little that she had been able to see the woman for herself. She was just so….intriguing.

Perhaps it was only the divine work of the painter but there was something in those dark eyes that held Anna’s attention. The woman was stunning and Anna now felt a longing to meet her in person. Nonetheless she toiled over the gardens in hopes to wrench the memories from her mind. Why did she think these thoughts? Why did she want to go back so badly? She had been alone for so long, even before her mothers passing it was like living alone, and Donna must feel the same way all alone……

She pulled another clump from the ground and tossed it in her wheelbarrow. As she saw it bounce off the contraption and fell to the ground she knew it was full yet again and got up to wheel it over to the edge of the cliff to be gone with it. Her headache was just as bad today as it was the past two days though the boy from her first day was nowhere to be seen.

She wondered of other flowers to keep her mind from the mysteries of the place she so longed to unravel. She was too curious for a lady, too outspoken, too humorous, too loud or too quiet. Flowers weren’t judgmental, they only needed love and nutrients to thrive and accepted you as you were. She wondered if she found any other flowers than these yellow infestations if she could bring some to Angie. She might appreciate something to break up the gloom of inside the Beneviento residence. Simple roses would be perfect to set off the dull tones of gray, black and burgundy colouring of the walls and carpeting.

Her mind shifted to her mother as much as she tried to block it out, cut that part of her away. 'You're too happy Tatiana, you're too talkative Tatiana, stop smiling at everyone Tatiana the men will think you're easy.’ She didn't dress or act out for men. She dressed as she pleased whether it was a white morning dress or gardening overalls or a blouse. Though she didn't doubt how differently she dressed when it was women’s night at the bakery her mother ran. She couldn’t help it if she noticed the Hairdresser’s top button was always undone when Anna had her shift, could she? It wasn’t her fault she leaned in so close over the counter to discuss the price of a blueberry muffin.

Her vision began to blur as she began her way back from the cliff. She must have gotten pollen in her eyes on her way over and wiping them with her pollen covered gloves was no help. She paused and took them off, she’d have to wash them before she continued on with her project. By her estimate it would take two weeks to clean up every flower bed and another week to actually add to the garden before her job was only upkeep. She was about one eighth into cleaning up the flower beds so far which was a feat she was personally proud of considering her small stature. Her eyes began to water and her brain grew foggy again. She stepped away from the cliff and tried to steady herself. Her legs gave out and with a familiar darkness creeping across her vision she fell unconscious.

She woke up on a familiar loveseat. She would have been completely un-alarmed this time if not for the light pressure on her forehead. She didn't open her eyes but simply lifted her hand to her head to find a cold hand. She lightly grazed the wrist with her fingers and kept just the tips off them there while she tried to catch her bearings and open her eyes. Whoever had been touching her shied away as soon as Anna touched her and Anna lifted her hand towards where they went to try and keep their hand there. Her head now hurt more without the light pressure there and in her tired state, all she cared about was that soft pleasure.

She couldn’t find the hand but tried to mumble something that barely came out as a puff of air.

She tried again. “Angie?”

It couldn’t be Angie, could it? Her hands were made of bone and the wrist she felt was very much alive and human. It was cold but soft and gentle. Had it been….the Lady of the house?

She opened her eyes and was more alarmed to see no one yet again. She really was becoming obsessed with the thought of this woman, so much so she must have imagined the presence of touch. Angie would be here in a moment perhaps, and she could ask more questions to entertain her stay.

She slowly sat up and yawned. She was much more tired this time. Even in the midst of summer the house seemed deathly cold. She didn't remember that last time. Of course today she was wearing a thinner white blouse with black tights. More skin was showing which might have been the difference but not by this much.

She got up and spun around to take in the room. She wished she wasn't only brought here after she passed out from pollen so she could bring something for Angie. She couldn’t help feeling some sort of care for the thing. As she passed a familiar shelf she realized all alone in front of all of the dolls was a new one. It had chestnut hair that had two front pieces that fell in waves to frame the face and the est was tied back into a messy bun. Her face was pale but she was the only one who had faint freckles spattered across the nose unlike the other dolls. She also had a green ribbon separating the two front pieces from the rest of the hairdo. There was a half made dress beside her that also had green ribbon accents. She sat back down on the loveseat and admired it for a few moments. She traced the ribbon with her index finger and looked into its blue eyes. That was the other difference, the other had ink faces in brown and black ink, this one had blue eyes and painted whites so it looked more real and thought-out. It was gorgeous.

After admiring the doll she reluctantly put it back and turned around. To her surprise, there in fact was a door behind her. Last time she could have sworn there wasn’t. After a few minutes waiting for Angie she decided to leave. Perhaps tomorrow she’d search for blooms to bring Angie and Donna.

As soon as she walked through the front doors she felt a weight off her shoulders. As if someone or something had been watching her and she’d just stepped out of sight. She found it strange but went back to her wheelbarrow to continue her work.

Even if she had turned around, it would have still been near impossible to see the figure peeking through the window ever so slightly, clutching Angie in her pale hands.

Chapter 4: Sandwiches for the Win

The next few days passed with no visit from Angie and no hallucination episodes. Anna couldn’t help but feel disappointed by this, it got lonely pulling flowers all day and she would have enjoyed some company even from a scary possessed doll. She’d told Angie she was welcome to come and watch her garden in hopes of drawing her outside, with no prevail. The field stayed empty except for Anna and those wretched yellow blooms.

On the last day of the week she found a different looking patch of flowers, buried underneath a terrifying amount of yellow ones. They were shriveled and pound in o the dirt, but their seeds could be grown into a new healthy patch in a week or two she guessed. She let out an audible sound of triumph and began gently prodding at them to prepare moving them elsewhere.

The shed was now completely free of flowers and it helped her headaches a bit now that she wasn’t breathing in that pollen so close all night. Anna decided to plant the new blooms into the garden patch a bit away from the shed, but close enough that she could check on them on her way by. She brought the day's lunch with her as well, but as she sat down and opened the bag she found that her sandwich had been completely annihilated by some force of nature. The condiments had exploded all over the ziplock bag.

“Dammit.” She cursed as she tried to remake it enough to hold without making a big mess.

She gave up halfway through and decided to use her lunch break just to lay down on the warm grass. It tickled the back of her neck so she opened her eyes after a moment to readjust. She sat upright in surprise as she saw a black figure staring at her from barely a few feet away. It was cradling Angie lovingly in one arm and just standing there, in the middle of the field.

As soon as the figure noticed her awakening it was gone.

“Madame Beneviento..?” Was she hallucinating again? This was definitely proving to be a problem.

Her caller had mentioned not to bother Lady Beneviento. Was it because she was snobby, or just shy? She wished she had pretended not to see her so that she had stayed.

She moved to pick up her tools again when she noticed a small paper wrapped sandwich behind her. She picked it up to make sure it was real and then carefully unwrapped it. It was a cucumber sandwich, not particularly her favourite but she was hungry enough to not care. She looked back to where the dark figure had stood.

“Thank you, for this.” Anna said loudly into the general direction and took a bite. She finished it in a matter of seconds and folded the paper as small as it would go before tucking it in her pocket and going back to work.

A day later, she hoped and prayed for Donna to show up yet again. She had found more of the flowers from earlier that happened to be in full bloom and set them out on the house’s porch with a thank you for the sandwich for Angie. She supposed that was who gave it to her anyway since Donna was so shy. She had invited her again to come to the garden -Angie or Donna, or both, the more the merrier after all- but neither had shown up. Whether it was lack of desire or the difference in status, Anna was beginning to wonder if she’d imagined their interest in her because she was so interested in them.

At lunch, she checked her bag to see if today's sandwich was still intact but this time it seemed her sandwich had run off. It wasn't even there, she counted to see if any other meals were missing but it was only the one, thank goodness. She supposed she’d wait until dinner to eat and left the shed.

When she arrived back at where she was currently working in the garden, she noticed yet another sandwich sitting where she previously had sat. She smiled despite herself when she opened it and sat down to enjoy. She was grateful she wouldn’t have to miss another meal.

As she unwrapped the sandwich a small piece of paper fell out of the packaging. Anna picked it out of the grass and immediately noticed the shakey cursive writing along with a small yellow flower taped to the corner of the note. It simply said;

 

Thank you very much for the pretty pink flowers. I liked them. I hope you like my sandwich as much as I like the flowers.

~Angie

 

“Indeed I do!” Anna laughed to herself before she noticed the black figure yet again, but hiding behind her shed. Anna was careful not to look directly at her as she finished her sandwich and carefully tucked the note inside her back pocket. She placed the flower in her bun and prayed she didn't sneeze. Surprisingly, the flowers didn't bother her at the moment. Her vision was clear, she didn't feel tired or itchy. She wasn’t complaining but it still caught her off guard.

She pretended not to notice Donna and kept working while beginning to hum quietly.

She peeked every once in a while to see Donna still there, just standing and watching her. A few times later she noticed Donna had inched just a bit closer, then the next time it was closer, and closer….

Anna tried to keep her heart from racing. Why was she so excited? All those years alone had finally gotten to her, hadn’t it?

It felt like forever before Anna glanced up and her heart skipped a beat, she couldn’t see Donna anymore. Anna sighed sadly, she had finally left. She felt dissapointed and chastised herself for doing so, it was a stupid thought. Stupid, stupid thoughts.

It was only when she turned to grab something sharp to cut out a troublesome clump of flowers that she realized Donna was still there.

She was practically right beside Anna.

Anna tried not to gasp or smile or show any sign she noticed her in case she scared the mysterious Lady away.

Anna couldn’t help smiling to herself as she worked. Her heart raced as Donna sat watching her from only a meter away. She was wearing a mourning gown and veil. It was strange, perhaps she recently lost someone. Anna felt her heart ache as she thought about how that could be the reason Madame Beneviento had stayed tucked away in her home, wishing not to be disturbed.

Angie sat in Donna’s lap, watching her as well. Donna clung to the doll as if it were her lifeline and Anna wondered if maybe she could begin a conversation with the doll to avoid scaring Donna away with direct conversation. Before she could do this however, she heard a small noise from Donna.

“Hi.” It was a soft sound, barely audible, Anna looked up. Donna immediately lifted Angie in front of her as Anna made eye contact -or at least tried to, through the black veil- and the doll giggled.

“Hello!” Anna smiled at Angie, shifting her focus to the doll. “So you did come to watch me garden after all.”

Angie crossed her skinny arms. “I got bored.” She said definitively.

“Well I’m happy to see you Angie,” she paused, hesitating with what she wanted to say next. “And you as well Donna.”

“Why are you pulling out all of the flowers!” Angie screeched angrily.

Anna dropped the clump she was working on in surprise. “I was hired to clean them up, I’m not getting rid of all of them, I’m only making sure they don't overtake the house.” She said quickly.

“Oh.” Angie said simply, annoyed. “Who told you to do that!”

“My caller, I think her name is Miranda?” Anna answered, frightened by the doll's outburst.

“Mother Miranda? But she gave me these flowers!” Angie whined.

Mother Miranda? That was definitely strange. Was she a nun?

“All I know is that she hired me to clean up the property and keep the gardens under control.” Anna said simply, holding her hands up in resignation.

There was a bit of silence before Anna looked back in Donna and Angies direction.

“Thank you for the sandwich, by the way.” She said softly.

“Donna made it!” Angie squeaked and Donna shrunk farther down behind the doll, keeping her hands on its waist.

“Well thank you very much Donna, that was very kind of you.” Anna said, avoiding eye contact. She didn't want to risk making Donna uncomfortable. She truly wanted her to stay.

Two hours passed in silence as the two watched Anna pull clumps of flowers until Donna silently got up to leave with Angie.

“Thank you for coming to visit me,” Anna said quickly, Donna paused. “You’re welcome anytime, I enjoy your company.”

Donna lowered her head and hurried back to the house. Anna sighed as she watched her go. Had she overstepped again? She could only hope she got to see Donna again tomorrow.

Chapter 5: Behind the Veil

The days passed just the same, Anna learned to stay silent or hum to herself even when she noticed Donna arrive. It was true Donna disliked talking but not for the reason Anna had suspected. She was just…anti-social. Not fearsome and strict as she had previously thought. After an initial two weeks, Donna stopped bringing Angie out with her and just sat in the grass a few feet away, watching Anna garden.

As for the garden, it was doing quite well. Anna had gotten some different flowers to thrive and the yellow ones were being contained in a patch farther up the estate.

Donna brought food every once in a while coincidentally whenever a meal was missing from Anna's bag. She didn't mind at all of course even after she realized Angie had been stealing them late at night so Donna could replace them with something she’d made. Her meals were far better than the cucumber sandwiches and soups Anna had brought for herself anyways, and Donna seemed happy whenever Anna mentioned she’d enjoyed them. Donna even said something about flowers the other day out of the blue, though she disappeared back inside when Anna tried making further conversation.

Today was a particularly tough day for Anna as the sun was making her sweat a great deal. She’d just gotten over a particularly bad sunburn and she was worried she'd have to deal with another. Donna, who’d scooched forward a few paces seemed to be bothered by the scorching heat as well, only slightly though. Anna puzzled over how she could deal with such heat in her all black cover up. She had thought better of asking to see her face as she was worried she would never see her again if she asked.

Even a silent companion is better than no companion at all.

After catching Donna adjusting her veil a few times Anna decided to slip off her overalls, tying the shoulder straps around her waist to encourage Donna to relieve some of her clothing as well. Donna seemed to tense a bit and then casually look away as Anna slipped off the top half of her garments. Her yellow shirt underneath was already soaked in sweat and she found herself slightly embarrassed. She was only slightly relieved by this and wished she could just take off her overalls altogether.

Anna went back to silently working and after a bit Donna scooched even farther towards her, until she was only a step away from peering over her shoulder.

Anna couldn’t help smiling to herself but kept her work pace the same. She was worried that if she made one wrong move Donna might leave again. Out of the corner of her eye she peered at Donna who was carefully watching her work. She had her arms wrapped around her knees in an almost childlike position and was statue-like watching her motions.

Most of the time she caught Donna looking more at her face than what she was working on which made her blush, but in the summer heat it was easier to mistake it as rosiness from the sun.

Perhaps she was imagining that part. But she seemed to notice it a lot.

She’d been using her hands for most of the morning to tend to the flowers and pull weens but she realized she now needed one of her tools.

Anna's shoulders slumped as she realized her tools were on the other side of Donna.

Would it scare her away to lean in front of her like that? Definitely. But oh how Anna wanted to get that close to her, even if it were just to grab a tool.

Anna tried to make her voice sound casual, quiet and gentle.

“Donna, could you pass me that triangle tipped tool next to you, please?” She tried.

Donna didn't jump like the last time she tried to have a conversation with her but she did pause before shakily trying to find the tool she had asked for.

There were only three tools out of the tool kit but Donna seemed to treat the situation as if it were life or death. She scanned the ground unsure which tool to pick up. Her hand was hovering just above the right one but she hesitated.

Anna watched her hand patiently as she waited, she didn't lean in or turn her body to pressure Donna but she just casually watched her.

After a moment of pause Anna nodded, “Mhm, that's the one.” She smiled at Donna as she picked it up and shakily passed it to her. “Thank you very much.”

Donna's hand hovered in the air for a second before lowering it into her lap as she switched to sitting criss-cross on the grass.

Anna plucked through some stray flowers and tied them up with a blade of grass to sit in Donna's lap. Donna lifted her hands out of her lap in surprise and looked up at Anna, but she had already quickly turned back to her work. She cradled the flowers in her hand like one would a child and admired them for the next few minutes.

Anna began praying for the wind to pick up as the day dragged on, seemingly getting hotter and hotter. Fortunately, with a light breeze, her prayers were answered. It started out light until random gusts of wind started lifting up her hair. She closed her eyes during one gust of wind just enjoying the sensation when she heard a rustle beside her.

She frowned, Donna was leaving again.

No no, she wasn’t leaving again in her quiet poise with her hands folded as she usually did, she was chasing something…?

Anna took off her gardening gloves and turned to see what she was chasing. It seemed the mini bouquet of flowers had blown away and escaped in the wind and was now skittering away across the grass. Donna was feverishly tip-toeing after it, one hand lifting up her skirt as it was definitely not the best garment to run in.

Anna rose to help her catch it and soon enough they were both running after the little bouquet as the wind played tricks on them, slowing down to let them catch up and then picking up again, flinging the bundle of flowers another few meters.

Finally caught up to it, Donna practically flung herself forward to snatch the thing mid-air. The motion along with the gust of wind hitting her just right traded her bundle of flowers for her veil as it was ripped off her face.

Anna was face to face with her as this happened and she was close enough to see the bright, smiling look of triumph on Donna’s face before a look of horror and panic overtook it as she clawed after it in the air.

Anna did not gasp, didn't fall back in shock as most would have guessed, but stood there looking at her.

She was indeed the same Donna Beneviento she’d seen in the painting, dark hair that glittered a chestnut brown in the sunlight, pale skin, defined features, dark eyes, the only difference was the fact that there was only one dark eye to admire as the other was covers with a pinkish scarred tissue.

Donna was frozen in fear as her veil was whisked away over the cliff side. She let out what seemed to have been meant as a scream but only came out as a distressed and hopeless whimper.

It took her a moment to realise that Anna had been looking at her but as soon as she did she did her one eye widened and then contorted into some painful mix of shock, fear, disappointment and shame. None of these Anna ever wanted her to feel.

Covering her face with hands -one still clutching the bouquet- she took off towards the house in a fleeing distress. Not knowing what else to do and desperately wanting to assure Donna of her nonchalance towards what she had been hiding, Anna took off after her.

After a moment of running Anna realized she'd be able to easily catch up to Donna as she was far slower than what Anna had hoped against. All of this was confirmed after Donna's legs gave out after tripping on something convenient in the grass -which Anna's gardener brain made a note to pick up later- causing her to fall to the ground.

Anna knelt beside her as she struggled to get up again and grasped both her wrists gently. Donna instinctively began using this to help herself up until she realized someone was near her and began to pull away.

Anna held firm as Donna looked down trying to pry herself away and hide her face at the same time. “Donna…Donna? Are you okay?” Anna asked gently. Donna didn't answer but grunted as her ankle failed her while trying to stand up. Her panic only grew as she realized she couldn’t get away and her breathing came in quick gasps.

“You must have sprained your ankle,” Anna explained in the calmest voice she could muster up, trying to get Donna to focus on her. “It's okay Donna, you don't need to run away.” She said softly.

Donna decided finally that if she couldn’t run away she would focus on her second goal and hide her face. She turned her head as far as it would go into the grass, her torso and arms straight out as Anna still held her wrists in a firm but gentle grip.

Tears were silently streaming from Donna's good eye as she kept them tightly shut. As both they’re breathing slowed a bit, Anna put both of Donna's thin wrists in one of her hands and pressed them against her leg to keep her from moving. Anna leaned forward and tried to softly wipe Donna’s tears away.

Donna struggled to press the side of her face farther into the grass but she had already stretched as far as she could without breaking her neck. Along with the fact her high collared dress was restraining any more drastic movement from her.

After wiping her cheek Anna placed her hand awkwardly on Donna’s back and lifted her up, Donna still straining to face as far as she could in the opposite direction.

“Please look at me.” Anna pleaded. Donna only seemed to turn away with more fear. “I’m not frightened, I’m really not. You don't have to hide….please..”

Donna opened her eyes but kept facing the opposite direction. Anna's grip on her wrists had loosened so she was more holding hands with Donna than restraining her but Donna didn't fight to get away.

Anna exhaled and looked down at her and Donna’s hands. “At least let me take a look at your ankle, I won't look at your face if you don't want me too, I just wanted to let you know I wasn’t afraid.”

Anna saw her turn her head a bit and stuck out her leg a bit so Anna could take a look. Given the go ahead, Anna lifted her dress a bit and could already see that her stocking had been torn through and there were small traces of blood. She took off her shoe and rolled down her soiled stocking. Some old garden tool from the last caretaker must’ve been what she had tripped on because her ankle had a terrible gash in it.

“Oh yep, there's a bit of a cut from what you tripped on but it's not bad.” Anna reassured her. “Do you have some gauze or something in the house that I would be allowed to use to clean you up?”

“Yes.” Donna replied in a voice grainy from underuse.

“Alright, I won't look at you, but let me help you up.” Anna said. Donna hesitated again but let her assist her in getting up and slip an arm around her waist. It took a while to get going but as soon as Donna was comfortable enough to hold on to Anna they made it to the house in no time.

Donna sat down on the loveseat where Anna had woken up so many times before and immediately reached for a drawer. Underneath a few small sewing kits was another veil and she confidently layed it across her face. She opened another drawer and handed Anna a dusty medical kit.

Anna opened it with a disturbing crack and gathered some bandages and disinfectant.

“This stuff might sting a bit, just a warning.” She said to Donna, still looking down at her ankle. Anna lifted Donna’s leg so she could rest her ankle on her lap and began to clean it. Donna seemed bothered as she cleaned and bandaged her wound, she didn't jump or flinch. After it was done and Donna had both feet back on the floor, Anna awkwardly looked towards the door and stood up to leave.

“Don’t leave.” Donna said quickly, facing the ground.

Anna stopped in her tracks and looked at her veil protected face, waiting for more.

“You could stay..” Donna said quietly, “..please, stay.”

Anna sat back down, across from her and for once Donna met her gaze, even if it was through a veil. “I would love to if it’s alright.” She smiled.

Donna nodded and left the room. Anna waited for her, looking around lazily.

When Donna came back she had a tea kettle and a few cups in her hands and Anna got up to help her carry them. She was a bit taken aback but allowed Anna to take a few cups from her and set them on the coffee table.

After pouring some for Anna she then poured a few cups for her dolls, Anna watched this in fascination while she drank her own tea. Donna finally poured some for herself and they both drank in silence.

Donna lifted her hand to her right eye, where her scar had been and let it hover there as she drank, as if her face was still unprotected. She put the tea cup behind her veil to drink to prevent revealing any skin at all. After many internal arguments Anna finally broke the silence.

“I wasn’t frightened you know, I didn't think anything less of you.” She quickly took another long sip from her tea as Donna studied her.

After a long moment of silence Donna spoke up. “What.. did you think?” She said flatly, looking back down at her cup.

“I was just……happy really.” Anna worded carefully. Donna tilted her head, studying her again. “I..was just happy to see your face for real. It was nice.” She smiled and took another sip of her tea.

Chapter 6: A Brave Gift

After three refills between each of the dolls Donna had set up -seemingly for moral support- and a very long period of silence Donna rose with the empty sugar cube tray and left for the kitchen again.

Anna was worried that this little tea date might not go anywhere and they’d both be trapped in this awkward silence between each other for a dreadfully long time. She found herself wanting more than just her as a silent companion now, she wanted more of her.

While having this revelation Anna realized that Donna had been in the kitchen for a terribly long time, She half-wondered if she might be having trouble finding the sugar.

Dismissing the thought, she looked towards the door, questioning how it was still light out after all this time. Maybe the silence just made it feel longer. She would definitely need a good long bath after this scorching day. Sure she only had the stream and a very large bucket but still, a bath was a bath.

A floorboard creaked in front of her and she turned her head to see that Donna was back, the ornate sugar cube tray that she had brought with her to the kitchen was full now and rested on a dresser to her right. But at this point the sugar cube tray had the least of her attention.

Donna, fists clenched at her sides, eyes tightly shut in a terrified but defiant cringe, was standing in the center of the foyer facing Anna.

In one of her pale, tightly clenched fists, was her veil.

Anna couldn’t help grinning in both delight and disbelief.

“Donna, you're amazing.” Anna whispered in awe, getting up from her seat to walk over to her.

What to do? What to say? Should I touch her arm? Oh no no no not her arm she might get scared. She can't see, how am I supposed to not scare her? What did she do this for? Does she want me to touch her? To look at her…I mean I will gladly do so but goddammit….Anna’s mind raced as she stepped forward. This was definitely a leap of faith for Donna, a near impossible one really.

The floor was dusty enough for Donna to hear Anna walk towards her and she straightened her posture as she did.

Anna was face to face with Donna now, just admiring her. She wished she didn't look so terrified, she wanted to reassure her, convince her that she was wonderful. She wanted to learn more about her. She wanted to love her.

It wasn't something she’d thought of often, women like her were often already married or promised and under the radar looking for proper pleasure, not love. None of Anna’s relationships with anyone had ever been with any sort of care or thoughtfulness. She thought, if Donna is willing to trust her this much, to be this brave, then she should do the same.

Anna rested her hands on each of Donna’s upper arms, barely applying any sort of pressure. Donna tensed, as Anna guessed she would, but she still gathered whatever idiocy she had about her and leaned in. She had to swivel sideways a bit because of Donna's tense cringe of fear.

Anna let her lips meet Donna’s with the same amount of force contained in a butterfly kiss, to her surprise, Donna leaned in a bit, resting there for a moment.

After Anna stepped back she watched as Donna froze in confusion, her hands were lifted mid air, as if she had moved to hold her arms in return. Then they moved to her mouth, she looked utterly confused but not scared as she was before.

“I think.. I should probably..go before dark.” Anna stumbled, wondering what to do now. As endearing as she thought Donna was when she was quiet she really wished she’d say something right about now, or at least open her eyes.

She turned to leave slowly and Donna didn't stop her, she rushed out the door and as soon as she was behind the house she broke into a run, filled with a new and confusing energy that threatened to take her both off the cliff side and into the air. She laughed out loud at the adrenaline she was feeling. No not the adrenaline-

The happiness.

She was filled with a newfound sense of joy, giddiness almost, that's what she felt.

She could only hope that Donna was feeling somewhat the same.

 

The night was long and restless, not only for Anna but the Dollmaker as well. She sat up in her bedroom with Angie tucked in beside her. She’d been needing her less now, there’d be days where Angie wouldn’t even move from the bed. Their connection had lessened which both frightened and overjoyed Donna, she wasn't sure if she could survive without her.

She was also coming to the realization that she might not survive without the gardener girl either. Anna had caught her attention the day of her arrival, Donna had been ecstatic when the pollen had allowed Angie to get her inside so they could play. She was worried she’d regret ever allowing herself to be visible to the girl and almost considered just watching her from afar for as long as she visited. She just couldn’t wrap her head around what had happened that afternoon.

She would have frozen that moment if she could, letting it last forever until she crumbled to dust. She’d been thinking about it since Anna left and wished she had invited her to stay, to do it again.

A bright smile played on her lips as she entertained the thought of Anna staying with her, in the same house, the same bed. She so longed to be held by her, she no longer had feelings of fear towards their interactions and having her so close the day before had made her feel so safe. As she continued to smile she wondered if Anna had ever seen her smile before, if she would think the way the corners of her mouth tilted slightly sideways was slightly endearing.

Donna rested her back against her mattress and gazed at the ceiling as she thought of how to approach her the next day, she found her confidence towards her desires fading as the night went on.

She flicked her fingers for a few minutes before sitting up in her bed, there was no point in sleeping. She needed to talk with her dolls, they’d help right? She’d been neglecting them lately, what if they told her to stop watching Anna? Were they jealous? All of these thoughts swirled around her head as she clutched her mattress, pondering what on earth to do.

She sighed, now she was just stressed.

She layed back down and decided to daydream -or…night dream? Regular dream? Fantasize? Ah yes, fantasize, that felt like the right word to her- about things she wanted to do with Anna. Tea was nice, or maybe it wasn't the tea she found nice, it was the end of that arrangement. Did Anna enjoy the tea or was she only entertaining her? Donna was ridden with anxiety the more she thought about such possibilities. Could she just be over her head? She’d never felt this way before, not about the field boy, not about the children her father had tried to get her to meet. She was panicking now, what if Anna didn't actually like her? What if she only even associated herself with her when Donna used that pollen to bring her to the house? Would Anna be angry that Donna had been the one who knocked her out in the first place? Too many thoughts, too many possibilities, she nearly wished she had never seen her in the first place and it was back to just being alone with her dolls.

If Anna kissed her again she might feel better.

She tried to push the thought aside as she touched her lips again gently, but a smile managed to push its way through and betray her. Maybe she’d visit Anna again and she wouldn’t be as scared as she was. No, no, for some obscene reason Anna wasn’t completely disgusted by her appearance as Mother Miranda said she would be, she was just being gentle with her. And she loved it, she really did.

Next time, if there was a next time, Donna might even kiss her back.

Chapter 7: A Brave Gift Returned

Anna woke the next morning with an unexpected kick in her step. She wasn't groggy as she usually was when she woke up, the sun was just beginning to rise and she most often had to muddle around the small shed for a while getting dressed, eating, brushing her hair and teeth, and even after that she was still tired. This morning she had a sudden purpose, not that feeling when she had a new job to do or a new routine to follow, more like a desire.

What she desired was to see Donna. Would she even visit today? It seemed rather awkward the more Anna thought about it. The more she did, the more she nearly regretted kissing her in the first place.

After a bath in the stream -using a bit extra soap along with a perfume she’d brought with her which she hadn’t used until now- and finishing up getting herself ready for the day, she left the musty shed with her tools and headed for the far side of the house, where she was now trimming up uncovered hedges that were now freed of the infestations of yellow blooms.

By lunch Anna was no longer hoping for Donna’s return. She had herself convinced she had overstepped and frightened the poor woman away.

At these thoughts she felt hopelessness overtake her, she would again be alone. A feeling so familiar and yet so dreaded.

Anna decided to retire early and threw her tools carelessly into the bag beside her where they landed with a hollow clunk. She then turned and laid on her stomach, wrinkling her nose as the grass caused her face to itch momentarily. Slowly she blocked out her thoughts and drifted into a quiet state of half-sleep under the shade of a half-trimmed decorative bush.

She heard birds pass overhead and let the pattern of wind picking up and smoothing out lull her into submission. Which is why the soft shuffle of disturbed grass didn't faze her. The only thing that made her nearly open her eyes was the trail of fingertips grazing her temple and ghosting down her cheek.

Donna..

She thought groggily, staying still and faking sleep as Donna’s cool hands moved to Anna’s hair and began petting it slowly, in what only could be described as a childlike way.

Anna carefully calculated her next steps as she took a deep, noticeable breath and looked up at Donna with half lidded eyes.

Donna was wearing her usual garb, veil now returned to its post but now accented with one of the most wilted flowers Anna had ever seen. She then recognized it as one from the bunch she had given her a while back.

Donna lifted her hand back into her lap and watched as Anna rose slowly, dusting herself off.

“Thank you for waking me up, I could’ve laid like that the entire afternoon. I think that's the sweetest way I've ever been woken up actually.” Anna smiled at Donna whose shoulders tensed at the attention.

After a bit of awkward silence and some time looking around aimlessly, Anna decided it was safe to push the conversation further.

“I’m sorry if I made you feel uncomfortable yesterday.. we don’t ever have to acknowledge it if you wish.” She murmured, reaching for her tools.

“N-“ Donna paused, like the sound she had made had embarrassed her. “No.”

Anna nodded, even though she was unsure what that ‘no’ had meant. After a moment she figured she’d rather push her luck and make sure she understood as her curiosity got the best of her.

“Did…I make you feel uncomfortable?” She pressed gently.

Donna looked up from her lap, surprised. “No!” She whispered earnestly.

Anna grinned blissfully despite herself. “I’m glad.”

The next bit of time passed strangely. It could have been an eternity or twenty minutes, either way, both of them sat in blissful silence as Anna gardened and hummed to herself, feeling Donna’s careful gaze and watching her sit unmoving from the corner of her eye.

“May I ask you something?” Anna questioned, her heart skipping a beat in fear as Donna jumped at her sudden words.

Donna tilted her head at Anna thoughtfully for a moment. “Yes.” She decided.

“Why don't you talk very much?” She said carefully.

Donna didn't say anything and looked down at her lap. After enough time passed that Anna was sure she had gone too far Donna’s quiet voice broke the silence.

“Half the time I get too embarrassed to say anything.”

Anna’s heart jumped at the simple sentence. Sentence. Donna had spoken a full sentence to her. She bit the inside of her cheek, reminding herself to tread lightly.

“Well you shouldn’t, you're lovely company.” Anna commented. Donna visibly brightened at such praise, and Anna silently wished she had more opportunities to make her feel like that.

“You too.” Donna responded, some giddiness showing through whispering voice.

“Perhaps if I haven’t made you uncomfortable with our last encounter, and I haven’t overstepped here, you wouldn’t mind having tea with me again?” Anna tried gently.

Donna reacted quickly to this, though her voice was still a whisper some enthusiasm seemingly showed through. “Yes, yes please.”

 

“Oh these are beautiful, Donna.” Anna exclaimed as Donna presented her with pale, square shaped cookies with icing flowers around the trim.

“DONNA MADE THEM ARE THEY NOT SO PRETTY?” Angie squealed in delight as she began stacking half the plate into her bony arms.

“Angie!” Donna chastised quietly, causing the doll to plop a few back onto the plate. As intense as Angie was, she seemed to be slightly more separable from Donna, she now seemed to leave Donna’s lap from time to time to let Anna and her be alone. Along with constantly promoting Donna to answer questions or answering them for her in ways that revealed more details from her past.

Angie gathered her goods and flew up the stairs to the second floor, likely to find a nook in which she could enjoy her winnings peacefully. Donna’s gaze lingered on the doorway at the top of the stairs that Angie had flown through, seemingly in discomfort as her hands lingered above her lap in a familiar, nurturing position.

“Your cookies are as delicious as they are stunning Donna, I didn't know you were so talented in the kitchen.” Anna stated, trying to ease Donna’s discomfort. This seemed to work though she still looked like she had something one her mind. Every comment Anna made Donna looked like she wanted to say something different, like she was waiting for something to happen, or Anna to do something.

Soon enough, what began as a comfortable tea date of enjoyable silence became a battle of glances between the two as Anna tried to think of things to keep Donna content in her company and figure out what she truly wanted. They barely noticed as the lights dimmed and the outside became colder and damper.

Anna was the first to mention the change.

“It seems to have gotten rather dark, would this be a proper time to take my leave?” Anna asked, trying to mask her longing for more.

Donna seemed to be a bit hurt by this as she sat back with her cold tea and seemingly pondered this. Anna wished she could see her face to get a better grip on her emotions or at least a facial expression.

“Or,” Anna wondered aloud, trying to prolong the night, “we could sit on the porch and look at the stars, I could show you the constellations if you’d like.”

This seemed to grasp Donna’s attention and she moved to collect their teacups and the empty cookie tray.

“May I?” Anna reached for Donna’s cup as Donna was reaching for hers and she could have sworn she heard Donna suck in a breath she was so close. She collected the cookie tray as well before pulling back and following Donna to the kitchen. Donna set her teacup into the sink and Anna may or may not have purposefully touched her arm and reached around from behind her to deliver her own dishes. This yet again put their faces in dangerously close proximity, making Donna falter in her sure movements.

Donna fled upstairs to grab a large comforter to prevent the chill in the night air from biting them too badly.

She led Anna out the front door and set the blanket down on the porch swing. It was big enough to fold over and around them even while sitting on it together.

Anna slid into her seat comfortably and lifted the blanket in order to be able to cover them both. Although instead of doing so she looked up to find Donna standing stock still in front of the swing.

“Am I too close?” Anna asked, moving to make more room. To her surprise however, Donna quickly sat down in protest, rocking the swing a little with her sudden movement.

Anna set the blanket over them gently and tried her best to ignore the fact that they had their sides pressed against each other. Oh how she wanted to wrap her arm around Donna and…and….

Anna pushed that thought away as they looked up at the night sky, just beginning to reveal small points of light in the darkness. Donna shuffled closer and Anna found it in her to touch part of her hand through the blankets. Donna accepted this surprisingly quickly and Anna wondered if it was the darkness that had given her such confidence.

After a long while the chill in the air began to pick up and Donna rested her head on Anna’s shoulder. Anna in turn, moved her head to rest on Donna’s.

A sigh of content escaping Donna was enough to give Anna the confidence to initiate what happened next.

“Do you mind if we ..do…what happened last time we had tea?” Anna worded carefully.

Donna looked up at her and Anna leaned back to see her veiled silhouette better. She let her eyes travel around her for what seemed like her first good look, she had gotten too used to quick glances and tip-toeing to appreciate Donna fully, even when she was hidden behind her veil.

For one, she smelled really nice, especially this close, she smelled of the yellow flowers in the garden, lavender from her tea, of old books and lace. Her hands were delicate and pale and insanely soft except for her thumbs where calluses from hours of sewing had formed. She was filled with so much character Anna was sure she could stare at her for hours and be content.

“May I?” Anna asked, letting her hand ghost over the side of Donna’s face through her veil. Donna shivered and lifted her veil ever so slightly with a free hand.

Anna slowly moved closer, giving Donna time to pull back and when she didn’t, she allowed their lips to brush against one another once again. Donna leaned forward and rested her hand on Anna’s shoulder lightly. After Anna leaned back Donna reluctantly did the same. Her reluctance boosted Anna’s confidence even more until Donna squeezed both her hands into her own with an urgency Anna didn't know she possessed.

“Don’t leave, not again please.”

Anna exhaled softly, trying not to make it sound like a laugh. “I won’t, was that ok.”

Donna nodded aggressively, making Anna smile.

“Good.” She freed one hand and held Donna’s now veil covered cheek as the other was continually held by Donna.

“Thank you.” Anna said quietly.

Donna cocked her head.

“I know that must’ve..I don’t know..made you feel scared, or unsure and I know you don’t like that very much,” Anna began, “so thank you for..trusting me.”

Donna answered by pulling Anna’s down to her chest and hugging it gently.

“You're so sweet Donna, I hope it never scares you to kiss me again.” Anna whispered, pulling the blanket back up over them before it became too cold.

Donna didn't respond but nuzzled more confidently into her shoulder once again.