章 90: In the shelves

"You're so pretty, Elizabeth. You know that?" Adeline as I combed her that night.

"You are prettier, Lady Adeline."

"I have insecurities, though. My body didn't mature that much, unlike my sister's and yours. How old are you?"

"Twenty three."

"You're three years older than me, then. So maybe my body isn't like that yet? But when Venice was my age, her body was already in full blown."

"Your body is beautiful the way it is," I said, combing her hair softly.

"Well..."

I've always wanted to have a sibling. You can be with me like this before bed, storytelling. But I guess there are really things that are not meant for you.

"Have you had a boyfriend yet?"

I stopped combing. She saw it in the mirror, so she turned.

"Why?"

I smiled and shook my head. I continued combing. She remained watching my expression in the mirror.

"I had one…" I said, almost a whisper, like it was a big secret.