Cat in the Pupa - Chapter 5.2

Kit felt her soul crush beneath the weight of Rosaline’s actions and words. She had been enduring them for as long as she could remember. From a young age, Rosaline had always hurled abusive words at her, and whenever Kit tried to stand up for herself and get Rosaline to stop, it always resulted in a hard slap across the face.

Something inside Kit snapped. All the time she had suffered at the hands of Rosaline, the revelation that she had always been with Ronnie before the marriage, and overall the way she walked around as if she was the most important person in the world.

Kit had had enough.

Spurred on by the adrenaline that was coursing through her body, Kit stormed over to Rosaline. Rosaline appeared as though she was about to make some snide comment, but Kit didn’t give her the chance to open her mouth. With her hand clenched into a fist, she thrust her arm forwards. Pain shot down her arm when she made contact with Rosaline’s face, but it was nothing compared to the thrill of hearing the satisfying crunch of a broken nose.

Rosaline let out an ear-piercing shriek, her hands clasped around her nose. Blood poured between the cracks in her fingers, staining her arms and the sleeves of her dress a deep red. Ignoring the pain in her arm, Kit shoved Ronnie out the way and grabbed Rosaline by the collar of her dress. She yanked her down and forced her to look directly into her eyes. “I have had enough, Rosaline. I am through with trying to make you like me. I hate you. There, I said it. I hate you with every fibre of my being. There are not enough words to describe the hatred I feel when I look at you.” Kit hissed at Rosaline, the words flowing out thick and fast. “Go ahead, tell father what I did. And tell him what you did to deserve it. Show the world what a detestable piece of human garbage you are. And I will be waiting to witness your inevitable downfall.”

Kit pushed Rosaline away, smirking at the tears now flowing down her cheeks. With a final glare at Ronnie, Kit spun on her heels and walked away with her head held high. She had seen Rosaline do it many times before, and wanted Rosaline to know how it felt. The adrenaline was fading away, and was being replaced with the sensation of sheer euphoria.

Once there was enough distance between her and the town, she let out a guttural scream that came from deep within her being. It was one that conveyed many emotions: immense relief and elation, pent up anger, and the sensation of freedom. She was free from the grips of Rosaline, and had told her sister exactly what she thought of her. Her screams turned into maniacal laughter, the sort that would cause any passersby to immediately turn in the opposite direction and flee.

“I did it.” Kit said, looking down at her hands. They were soaked with Rosaline’s blood, and she laughed as she wiped them on her dress. She ran her hands through her hair and let out a soft chuckle. There were other matters she had to attend to.

*

The walk back to the manor had worked its magic, and Kit was as calm as could be when she arrived back home. She quickly washed her hands and changed into a clean dress, so as to not frighten Edwin with the blood stains.

She walked over to the library with a beaming smile on her face and a spring in her step. She was on top of the world, and nothing could ruin her mood.

Inside the library, Edwin was in his usual place, his head still buried in a book. Kit sauntered over to him and sat down in the chair opposite; one leg folded over the other.

“Hello, Edwin.” She said, her confidence levels at all-time high.

“Didn’t I tell you to leave me alone and not talk to me?” Edwin said, his head not leaving the book. Kit leant forwards and swiped the book from under his nose.

“You’re already talking to me.” She said, childishly waving the book in front of him. “Listen to what I have to say and you can have this back.”

“For the love of… How many times do I have to tell you that I am not interested in hearing your nonsense?!” Edwin leapt to his feet to try and grab his book, but Kit was already on her feet and dangling the book in the air.

“Do not get in the carriage that will take you to the main palace.” Kit said, holding the book behind her back. “You’re going to die, Edwin. I’ve seen it happen.”

Edwin let out a resigned sigh, and gestured for Kit to return his book. He tucked it under his elbow and pinched the bridge of his nose.

“How do you know all this?” He said, his voice heavy.