Chapter 10: Owned by it
The following morning, as the sun's gentle light filtered through the curtains, Ruelle woke with a lingering sense of unease. Memories of last night clung to her like morning mist, reminding her to tread carefully and keep a wary eye out for the vampiresses she had cleverly yet recklessly deceived. She knew it was best to dress quickly and make her way to class before trouble had a chance to find her.
A soft yawn broke the silence from across the room, drawing Ruelle's attention. June stirred slowly, stretching as if she were used to mornings that promised more rest and less haste.
"Morning," June greeted, her tone surprisingly soft.
"Morning..." Ruelle replied, wondering how June was coping with the humiliation she had endured the day before.
June hesitated, a thoughtful expression crossing her face. "I... want to apologise for the last time with the sweaters. I didn't realise how hard things could be for us humans until last night," she confessed, fidgeting slightly. "We really need to support one another."
Ruelle considered her words carefully before offering a reassuring smile. "We should. Let bygones be bygones, right?"
June nodded, relief softening her features. "You are kind. I was thinking, if your family sells sweaters, maybe I could help. We could find ways to make things better for both of us."
The suggestion sparked an idea in Ruelle, lighting up her face with a bright smile. "The sweaters... That's it! I could actually earn some money by selling them."
June noticed the shift in Ruelle's voice, her relief evident, which seemed to affect her own guarded demeanour for a moment. "Also from now on, I'll be quick when it's my turn for the bath. This way, you will have enough time, so you won't have to rush so much."
"That would be great..." Ruelle replied.
As June gathered her clothes and prepared to head to the bath, she paused, turning back to Ruelle. "You know what? You should go first today. I've left my bed a mess anyway."