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24th December 1867
"Come on! Why are you moving so slowly?!"
"But what if they catch us?!"
"If you move so slowly, they surely will!"
Eden had only been at the Ymbryne Academy for a week. Eden was already developing bad habits. Perhaps it was Alma's fault she was, after all, very fond of causing trouble. But Eden? Eden managed to surprise her. The moment her innocent smile turned into a sly smirk she knew they would be friends.
"But we're sneaking out at Christmas! That much everyone knows not to do!"
Which is why Miss Avocet won't be checking." She winked, cheeks red from the cold. "And besides, Isabel can cover for you."
"And you, Miss Seriema? What will you do when Miss Avocet finds an empty bed?"
Eden mused. In that moment, she was fearless and didn't fear the consequences. "Then I just won't become Miss Seriema, Miss Peregrine." It was a bold statement, but without proper retribution, Eden never came to regret it.
Alma only laughed in response, she too intoxicated by a foreign feeling of freedom and acceptance. She had only known the girl for a week, during which Alma showed her around and helped her find her classes, find a space to eat, and finally, became her company. The feeling was unknown to her, especially since she had been more or less imprisoned at the Ymbryne Academy since the age of three.
But the rebellious ymbryne was pulling her in the direction of the town with a big smile, and immediately, all her worries were forgotten. With a deep breath, she followed Eden.
The church bells rang and told them that it would soon be midnight. They ran to the town square and arrived at eight strikes, with four to spare. A group of people was already waiting there, looking up at the sky and waiting for something. Making sure no attention was spared to them, they moved to the middle of the crowd as a precautionary measure to ensure Miss Avocet or Miss Bunting couldn't find them should they go out to search for them.
The people looked up as a group of men put out the gas lights surrounding the square.
25th December 1967
On the first day, God created light.
It was Christmas.
They watched the sky light up with brilliant lights. The starry night, free of clouds, brought quiet gasps from their and the mouths of the people surrounding them.
The only light left unextinguished was that of the candles on the giant fir tree growing in the square.
"How much are you willing to bet that that tree will burn down?"
"That is a vile thought. A sixpence."
Eden nodded her head and repeated the answer as if she was deep in thought because of it. "A sixpence..." She looked at Alma, who looked strangely alluring with her candle-lit face. "Not much of a gambler, are you?"
Alma shook her head, but a small smile on her lips confused Eden. Was she affirming or denying her statement? "I try not to anger Lady Luck as much as possible with trivial things. Although, I do gamble with her. With some pretty important things too." She bit her lip as she looked at Eden.
Eden took it as a challenge, and so she spread her lips into a wide smile. "Like what, Alma?" An idea popped into her head. Looking at the girl's face carefully, she questioned, "Or should I ask who?"
"You should ask who. However, that does not guarantee you an answer." She shut her mouth and looked at the sky. "Sometimes I feel so disconnected from everyone, and then there she was a connection. She appeared with a whirlwind of emotions stirring up inside me." She nodded as she spoke, as if se was confirming the information.
She felt a hand reach for hers, but she shied away. No. They couldn't. As much as she wanted it to happen, it would ruin their lives, and Alma couldn't do that to Eden.
But the hand continued to search for hers until she gave in. She noticed a slight turn-up in the corners of Eden's lips and she firmly grabbed her hand and entwined their fingers.
Dear Lord, was she going to be the death of her.
But perhaps this was the sign Alma needed. The confirmation to speak her mind and tell Eden what she thought of her; felt for her.
The square started emptying as more and more people entered the church for Midnight Mass.
"I do gamble. I am gambling with you, Eden." She carefully analysed the ymbryne's face for any sign of rejection. Unable to find it – Eden simply smiled at her – she let out a breath she was holding before continuing in a quiet voice, careful, since the information was for Eden's ears only, "Because I don't know if you noticed, but in merely a week, I've grown to enjoy your company, your input, and your mere presence." She could swear she could see tears in Eden's eyes, which was confirmed as the girl wiped them. Immediately, she wanted to apologise. But before she got the chance to, Eden spoke in a serious tone.
"Take the gamble, Alma. This time, I'm sure Lady Luck will be on our side."
Their hands were locked as they ran from the crowd towards a nearby hill. Breathless as they were, upon succeeding to run to the top, they laid on the soft snow and laughed.
"Our clothes are going to get wet!" Alma whined as she tried to get up, only to be pulled back down by a surprisingly strong hand of the fellow ymbryne.
"I don't care! And neither should you!" She smiled as she pressed a peck to Alma's cheek.
"You- you just-" Seeing the worried look on Eden's face, she tried to explain further, which only ended up in a ramble because of her flustered state. "I liked it, but you can't just kiss me out of nowhere; what if someone sees?!"
"I didn't kiss you... I mean, it was only your cheek. It's not that uncommon to kiss people on the cheek... right?" She looked around, worried that someone had seen or heard them.
"Not really... Perhaps while saying hello? Maybe?" Quickly looking around, she spoke, "I don't think there's anyone here right now, though." She checked their surroundings one more time before turning to Eden. She leaned in, only stopping a breath away from Eden's lips. Without a word and without needing to say anything, she asked for permission to cross that distance, for the trust that it will only stay between them, and for a promise that this, that they have, is real.
Nodding, Eden crossed that distance and their lips connected in a soft kiss: no passion, no need, just sweet, sweet honey.
Alma smiled dumbfoundedly. She did it. She had Eden. And as soon as the thought came, terror struck. She had Eden. She took in her hands the love of the other girl, and she became responsible for it. And she would need to break it off. Better now than later.
Looking at those big, starry eyes she couldn't do it. So she made a deal with herself.
For seven days, she would have Eden.
Then, she would have to break it off. Ymbrynes couldn't date. But if she got the taste of that nectar, that Apple, well, she was sure she wouldn't become its addict. There was no snake in her story, but perhaps she was a snake herself, tempting Eden to walk down that path with her, then disappearing when it would all eventually come crashing down.
She was sure that just like the snake in the story, she would receive her retribution. But that time wasn't now. It hasn't happened yet. And she would deal with the consequences as they came.
***
It seemed normal, too normal, sneaking out with Eden. It was their second night in a row doing so, and it already felt like a part of a routine. Go out through the window, run for the loop entrance, meet each other at the Myrtle Tree, and then entwine their hands as they run towards the town.
This day was like any other, but the thrilling feeling of admitting their feelings for each other still stayed with them throughout the entirety of their lectures. They'd exchange glances, hold each other's hand under the table when they felt bold, and sneak off to the library, where they would smile like idiots at each other and hold their hands in the safety of the bookshelves.
Alma was already waiting for Eden when she arrived, breathless but smiling. "I head-" A deep breath. "-Miss Bunting outside of my room-" Another deep breath. "-and I was afraid she'd come in-" With another big breath, Eden tried to continue speaking, only to be cut off by the soft smile, and a hand drawing circles on her back.
"Calm down, Eden; take a few deep breaths, and then tell me what happened."
Eden listened, Alma's voice like a soft mantra, focusing the whirlwind of words inside her into a single thought. "Apologies for being late. Miss Bunting was outside my room and I thought she'd come in, so I was too afraid to leave."
"It is perfectly fine, Eden. Do not apologise." She extended her hand to the girl, who gladly took up the invitation before they began strolling towards the town.
Their surroundings were covered by snow, the hills, the rooftops – they all glistened in the moonlight. "It is a shame it didn't snow today." She crouched down, sighing as she picked up a lump of snow and shaped it into a ball.
Following Eden's motion, Alma too crouched down, picking up snow with her gloved hand and watched as it sprinkled through her fingers back onto the ground. "There is snow all around us, Eden. I believe that is good enough for a white Christmas."
"Yes, while it may be so, it didn't snow today, and that is a shame." She took a step back from Alma, who only looked at her in wonder.
Surrounded by the gasoline lights, Eden looked like an Angel.
26th December 1967
On the second day, God created the sky and put heaven in it.
It was Alma's first day of bliss, of existing in heaven. And, dear Lord, was it good. Until, with a heap of laughter, a snowball hit her face.
"Hey!" Alma watched as the girl ran away, searching for cover. She raised the ball she had already formed with her hands and threw it at Eden, hitting her back. A yelp sounded from the ymbryne before she found cover behind a carriage. "It's not fair! My face? Really, Eden?" She crept towards the carriage, a snowball in each of her hands. "You have to admit that was a dick move."
She almost had her cornered, but Eden surprised her as she jumped from behind the carriage, throwing a snowball but missing, as she ran to find her new cover. It was the morning of the day after Christmas, and a battle of snow had begun. Alma ran after Eden, who ran as fast as she could while simultaneously balancing on the icy surface. It was a bad idea.
No sooner did she go flying, than when a pile of snow appeared before her. Realising what would happen, she fought every instinct to change into her bird form and simply fly over the pile. They were in public after all, and the little sense she had left in her told her that she mustn't do it. People would see. People would notice. And they would end up in big trouble.
She outstretched her palms and prepared herself for the impact. She got lucky – the pile of snow was soft like cotton and only very, very cold. But as soon as she hit the pile, she was back up again, turning around and preparing for the snowball fight, only to be faced with a laughing Alma only inches away from her.
The ymbryne pressed a soft snowball to her nose before whispering, "I win."
"It's not fair."
"It wasn't fair of you to begin this fight in the beginning, Eden."
"I thought it would be fun, I didn't expect to-" She shut up as her cheeks heated up from embarrassment. Groaning, she hid her face in her hands. "I must have looked absolutely abominable."
"Not really, you are cute," Alma spoke quietly as she cleaned the snow off Edne's face with a handkerchief before offering her a hand to help her stand up.
"Baseless flattery." Not allowing the fellow ymbryne to get a word in, she asked, "So, where are we heading today, Alma?"
"I don't know, but I also don't care as long as I'm with you." They let go of each other as people passed by, both looking awkwardly at each other after their reaction. "I believe it would be best we do not hold hands, Eden. As regrettable as any moment without your touch is, it would help us stand out less."
Eden nodded. "Yes." She made sure the dark green ribbon holding her braids in a bun was still in place before smoothing out the creases of her dress and cleaning off any snow that was left. She groaned quietly. "My dress is going to be wet."
"Shouldn't have thrown that snowball at me." Alma shrugged as she smiled at the girl standing next to her.
"Now you're just saying that to be petty, Alma." Eden took a deep breath, checking one last time that she looked presentable before continuing to speak, "We could head to the Christmas market. I don't think I've ever been to one since I was five." Yet still, those memories burned inside her mind, like a warm fireplace inviting her to sit down and reminisce.
"I think the only time I went to one was when Miss Avocet took me when I was six. It is a wonderful memory still, even if all we did was walk around for an hour." She scrunched up her nose as the memories flooded her mind. Every now and then she had to remember that she was taken in at the age of three and didn't live much life outside of her ymbryne lectures. She was grateful for all Miss Bunting and Miss Avocet had done for her, but the uncomfortable feeling that rose whenever she thought about it didn't want to go away.
Eden recognised Alma's moment of distress and lightly squeezed her hand in comfort before letting it go. "Let's go to the Christmas market."
Alma nodded absentmindedly and followed Eden to the bright market in the distance. Curiously, even at one o'clock, the market was still open. It was swarming with people dressed neatly, some children running around, and stalls selling whatnot.
It was beautiful, and amidst all the lights, jewellery and other old things and trinkets, Alma couldn't stop staring at the beauty of Eden.
Just like the Garden of Eden, she was a gift to all of humanity. She couldn't fathom how paradise could be compressed into just one person, but now, looking at her Eden, she believed it.
The apples of her cheeks grew red with warmth, and Alma wanted nothing more than to reach out and kiss them. Her gaze softened as she looked at the small smile on Eden's lips. She was extraordinary, the way she could melt her insides with just a smile and the way her eyes seemed to hold the secrets of the universe.
And yet, of all those secrets, the most well-kept was her love for Alma. Eden nurtured it, letting it grow up into a beautiful tree with pink and purple blossoms blooming at the ends of the branches. It was the tree of love that she grew, and she smelled its sweet scent as she thought of Alma, subconsciously associating the two.
"I wish to go for a hot chocolate."
Alma smiled softly, "So do I."
They walked to the closest merchant with a sitting area and drinks where they ordered two hot chocolates. After a disagreement on who should pay for their drinks, Alma handed the vendor two threepences and he passed them their hot chocolates.
They sat at a table the furthest away from the other people, both cupping the cups to absorb their warmth.
"When did you come to the Ymbryne Academy?" Alma looked up from her hot chocolate. Eden was smiling at her with an awkward smile. "I mean, I know you arrived quite early and I was just wondering... You don't have to answer if you don't want to."
Even as everyone knew about her and her brothers, Alma rarely felt comfortable talking about her past or her family. At least what little she remembered or was told about them. But with Eden... It seemed as if all the walls were already broken down, and she was so used to the vulnerable state that she was in around her that she didn't even notice it. Around Eden, she could be herself, unapologetically. And yes, she did want to talk about her past, her family, and anything Eden wanted to talk about.
"I don't remember my family. Not really anyway. They drove me and my brothers from home, and by the time I was three, we were already under ymbryne care. Myron is the oldest, Jack is the middle child, and I'm the youngest. They're the only family I have." She took a sip of her chocolate and revelled in the way it burned her tongue before the sweetness spread through her mouth.
"I don't think I have any living family... I went to an orphanage at the age of eight and I was pretty good at hiding my abilities by then, although I have to admit I was a bit unhappy that I had to do something like that... And a month ago, Miss Bunting found me." She shrugged. "And the rest you know." She tried to drink her chocolate, but the burning was too much. "How can you drink this? It's hot!"
Alma laughed, happy about the change of topic. As much as she wanted to talk about it with Eden, she didn't want the ymbryne to know the dynamic between her and her brothers, and just thinking about it made her want to throw up. "You have to blow on it."
"Thanks, Miss Know-it-all."
"You asked."
***
"What should we put as its nose?"
"We don't have a carrot, and stones are too deep beneath the snow... What if we leave it noseless?"
"Faceless?"
"Faceless too."
Eden walked around the two giant balls of snow stacked upon each other as if she were an art critic. "And no buttons."
"At least the snow broke down some branches so it won't be armless too." Alma began picking through the branches, sitting atop the snow, looking for two of a similar size.
"Should I give it my shawl? It must be cold."
"But then you'll be cold, and you'll get a cold, and you'll die. Besides, it's made out of snow. Its heart is cold and dead."
Eden pouted as she looked at Alma through her eyelashes. "Well, that's mean of you, Alma. I expected better of you."
27th December 1967
On the third day, God created the earth, the seas, and verdure.
They lay in the snow, cold snow wetting the outer shell of their clothes, as the clock struck midnight. On their left was a snowman they built, two arms, no face, and a shawl draped around its body.
"Our clothes are going to get wet."
"So we'll take them off."
"As much as I'd like to Eden, we'd freeze before we'd shed our petticoat. Get up." Alma stood up, the snow sticking to her skirt before she brushed it off.
Eden got up but crossed her arms as she did so. "You're no fun."
"No, Eden, I care too much to see frostbite take you from me." She untied the shawl from the snowman and turned it so that the dry side was on the underside before draping it over Eden's shoulders. "You should dress warmer." She murmured before pecking the top of Eden's head.
"Who are you, my mother?"
"No. And for Lord's sake, don't say that to me." She looked at Eden, who put on her signature smile that signified trouble. But this time she didn't do anything. She only stared at Alma, who stared back with care before her face slowly dropped.
"The job you have set out to do is wretched, filled with pain and broken shards of glass," She mumbled, looking at Alma through her lashes.
"Then let them cut me, and your kisses will heal their poison." She took a step closer to Eden. "Let me show you that even in a room of broken glass there is paradise. If only I have you. If only we're together."
Eden leaned in and kissed Alma. Slowly, softly, their lips met as they wrapped their arms around each other.
"Do you want to go ice skating?" Eden asked as they unwrapped themselves from each other.
"Yes."
Their hands entwined, they began walking down the snowy path towards the town, only severing their connection when they stepped into the outskirts of the town. It would be unseemly for two women to walk holding hands, and as much as they wanted to rebel, there were still some societal rules to be upheld.
It was already rebellion enough that they dared to kiss, hold hands and speak little nothings to each other while they were alone, and they were alright with that.
A little hut stood by the ice ring, with a single young man standing behind the counter. His head perked up as they approached and a slight frown made its way onto his face. There was a big sign before the hut, which read: Borrow ice skates for two shillings.
"Hello!" In her usual cheerful voice, Eden greeted him.
He sighed heavily, shaking his head before he started speaking. "Listen, I know it's Christmas time, and we close a bit later, but please don't do this. The lighting is terrible and we close in half an hour." He pleaded with his eyes, almost screaming at them not to do it.
"Four shillings, right? For the ice skates? Just for the two of us."
"Yes, but don't do it. Half an hour and an abundance of troubles if you hurt yourself." To add to his point one of the gasoline lights flickered before finally giving out, its flame extinguishing.
Eden handed him the money as he exhaustedly passed them the skates in their respective sizes.
Giggling, they attached them to their shoes before stepping on the icy surface.
It took them ten minutes to get used to the slippery surface by skating with both hands clutching the rails. But before long, they were able to skate mostly freely, with their hands connecting once more under the pretence of helping each other.
They skated over the sea of ice beneath their feet.
"I love this!" Eden laughed manically, raising their entwined hands towards the air, before falling down with a yelp. But that did not stop her laughter, which only paused for a moment when Alma followed her to the floor before it resumed when Alma joined her laughter.
Equally enthusiastic, through the heaps of laughter, Alma added, "This might be the best day yet. I love the fact that I am skating here, in the moonlight, with you. And... You look beautiful."
"Hey!" The young man from before yelled, and immediately they stopped looking at each other, turning towards him. "I'm closing in ten minutes!"
The next ten minutes they spent skating in the big oval shape of the rink, chatting, and occasionally falling. The time seemed to fall short, and soon, they were passing their skates back over the counter and thanking the young man for allowing them to skate.
They walked away, both with their hands in the pockets of their skirts. They sat down on a bench at a park and looked at each other as Eden began speaking.
"I had a wonderful time today. I'm glad I met you, Alma. Truly, I do not know how to say it well enough, in the way that you deserve to hear it, but you are one of the best things that has happened in my life..."
As Eden paused, Alma silently prayed for her not to say it. Not to say those three words, those eight letters that solidified their feelings. She couldn't say it back, couldn't wish to do it when she herself decided that she wouldn't. No, Eden deserved love, real love, not what Alma was giving her. She deserved someone who could love her back, who could share her tears, her anger, and her smiles, someone who understood her and who wasn't afraid of exploring her. Someone who wasn't Alma.
But Alma's prayer was answered, with quiet, still silence, and in a moment, she felt empty, ridiculing herself for expecting Eden to say it. To say I love you.
And Eden did think it, but she couldn't say it. Not yet. She was, however, in tune enough with her feelings to know that she would. One day.
***
They lay on a woollen blanket, spread underneath their bodies on the snow, watching the starry night sky.
"I can't believe I get to lay next to you, hold your hand, and know that you are holding it back because you wish to do so."
"I will hold your hand until our very last days if that means you will be happy, my love." Alma turned her head towards Eden and just watched. The soft curve of her nose, her plump lips, pink from the cold, her pink cheeks, growing hotter the longer she stared... All she wanted to do was reach out and kiss her, kiss the entirety of her face over and over again until there wasn't a corner left untouched. Eden deserved all the love Alma had left to give, yet Alma knew that she couldn't give it to her.
She shouldn't.
So she turned away and looked back up at the stars. She looked at those balls of burning gas and they grew bigger, closer, until the last thing she felt and heard was a kiss on her forehead and a whisper telling her goodnight.
28th December 1867
On the fourth day, God created the sun, the moon and the stars dotting the sky.
Alma woke up an hour later with a shiver. It was too cold for her to properly sleep, yet somehow, she still succumbed to exhaustion. Next to her sat Eden, perched on her elbows and looking at something down at the square.
Seeing that Alma had already woken up, she pressed a finger to her lips and pointed at a group of people preparing to sing.
Angels we have heard on high,
Sweetly singing o'er the plains,
The beginning of Angels We Have Heard on High was welcomed with Eden's happy memories. She had often heard the poem sung at Christmas over at the orphanage she used to reside in. She was orphaned and found home at Christmas. And more than sadness, she felt content, happy that she got the chance to continue to live her life when no one in her family survived.
And the mountains, in reply,
Echoing their joyous strains.
A soft sigh escaped Alma's lips before she turned to Eden. She needed to breathe in her presence, take in her face and relax. If only it were that easy to do it while she was alone.
Angels we have heard on high,
Sweetly, sweetly through the night.
It was sweet. Sitting on the rooftop of a church with Alma, Eden knew better. She knew that the ymbryne would most likely try and break it off with her, if not earlier, by the time they graduated. And yet she still smiled as she looked at the girl next to her.
And the mountains, in reply,
Echoing their brief delight.
Yes, it would be brief what they had; was what Alma had to tell herself over and over again as she watched Eden smile at her. Seven days of paradise.
Gloria, in excelsis Deo.
Gloria, in excelsis Deo.
No, fuck whoever set that fate for them.
Alma could feel tears prickling in her eyes. She really did need to break it off with Eden, but how could she let go of her? The girl was perfect, everything Alma ever wanted to have in her life, and she was letting it slip through her fingers.
Suddenly, Eden wasn't focused on the carolers anymore, instead, she fully laid down and started pointing at the sky. "Look! There's Pegasus going under, and there! I think that's Cassiopeia!"
Alma happily welcomed the distraction. So she joined in, laying back down and looking at the midnight sky. "And there's Ursa Mayor and Minor. Ooh, would you look at that! Andromeda!"
"The only thing more beautiful than the stars tonight is you, Alma." Eden snuggled closer to the ymbryne, who wrapped her hand around her waist before snuggling her face into the crook of her neck.
"I'm sorry if I ever hurt you, but know that my affection will remain no matter what happens," Alma spoke, barely above a whisper. She might have said those words, but she didn't want Eden to hear them. She wanted Eden to hear none of it, not think of it, and not mentally prepare herself for a breakup, as selfish as it might have been of her.
"I know." The words hung in the air as they lay, wrapped in each other's arms in silence.
Eden felt some furry thing brush against her face, and she looked at Alma in utter terror at whatever fiend decided to visit her, only to find the girl barely holding back laughter. Not daring to move, Eden whisper-screamed at Alma, "Why are you laughing? What is it?! Please get it away from me!"
Alma sat up to get the fat cat away from confused Eden's face. "I think it likes you."
"Stop laughing. It's really not that funny. Stop laughing, Alma!" But with each sentence, Alma laughed harder.
"I'm sorry. It's just that- a cat- you were afraid of a fat cat!"
"Okay, shut up now!"
Alma's lips spread into a wide grin. "Make me."
"You think I won't?"
"I want you to."
That upset the butterflies in Eden's stomach and they began fluttering and hitting the walls and overall being a giant nuisance. "Give me the cat."
"No, I think I quite like this kitty."
"Give me the cat, Alma."
Alma pursed her lips before giving the cat to Eden. "You get the cat for five minutes. Maximum."
Eden grinned as she raised the cat above her head. "Oh, you're so well-fed, aren't you?"
"Meow."
"Yes, you are." She laid back and hugged the cat, who willingly snuggled closer to her. "I don't think it wants to go back to you, Alma."
"Then have it. As long as I can look at you, I don't mind." She moved to her side so that she was now fully turned towards Eden. It was a sight to see.
"One day, we will adopt a cat together."
"Whichever one you want."
"What will we name it?"
"How about Eliana?"
"I like it. If we ever adopt a cat, we will name it Eliana." She moved so that they lay with their bodies touching and the cat lay between them.
"We should go back soon."
"We should."
But they stayed there for an hour more, laughing as they spoke to each other and playing with the cat.
***
Since they were already breaking the rules by sneaking out, they could also break the rules by sneaking into a place. Or at least that was the thought process of slightly tipsy Alma and Eden as they snuck into the park next to the church in the middle of the night.
As if buying alcohol wasn't bad enough, although they were sure they wouldn't regret it, breaking and entering a private, church-owned property would surely do the trick.
"Why don't we just fly over the fence?"
"Good idea." They both changed into their bird forms and flew over the gate, where, upon changing back, they fell into a fit of laughter.
"Can you imagine someone seeing us?" Eden spoke again, catching her breath. "They'd probably think we're demons."
"Oh, fuck. What if someone saw us?" Alma, even in a state of intoxication, had the rationality to foresee how that could go horribly wrong. With one shared look, Eden knew it too and immediately all effects of the drink they had vanished. They ran towards the centre of the massive garden, where, immaturely enough, they broke into another fit of laughter.
"Oh, I pray Miss Avocet never finds out about this!"
Alma wanted to remark that she probably already has, but stopped herself. If Miss Avocet knew, why didn't she punish them yet? Why didn't she separate them, making sure that they never got to sneak off? In their situation, Miss Avocet was like God watching over them, writing down their sins and dealing out punishments for them. She didn't know all, to be fair, but she tried to. And her not knowing what Eden and Alma were was weird and out of typicality.
But she was pulled out of her thought as Eden pointed to a bench and pulled her down onto it with her.
29th December 1967
On the fifth day, God created animals of the air and sea.
Temptation has always been present in the Garden of Eden. Now, sitting in the snowy garden with Eden, the apples of her cheeks bright red from the cold, Alma wondered whether it would come for her too.
But it didn't matter, not anymore. As the fellow ymbryne's had moulded softly into hers, she forgot all worries, and let herself go to the feeling. She leaned onto the girl's shoulder and smiled. "You are my Eden, Eden." She couldn't see her face, but she imagined that soft smile resting upon Eden's lips, and she was sure she was right as a hand reached around her shoulders and hugged her closer.
"Am I your garden of paradise, your metaphor for the human soul free of damnation... Am I your temptation, Alma?"
"Yes." It came out slowly, unexpectedly. "You are my rapture, Eden."
"I love you."
Alma watched the snowflakes dance in their everlasting waltz. Some fell alone, some in groups of the softest cotton. They pirouetted their way towards the ground, where they formed a soft blanket. Both silent and mesmerising in their dance they fell, each carved with an intricate pattern showcasing the extraordinary artistry of nature. As they reflected the surrounding lights, Alma watched them as she repeated the words the other girl said in her mind.
I love you.
Perhaps they were already in Eden; there seemed no greater paradise than where, when, they were now.
She stood up, pulling on Eden's hand before wrapping her other hand around the ymbryne's waist.
She knew the words she wanted to say well, yet she couldn't bring herself to speak them. She was scared, fear paralysing her every muscle, and she couldn't speak the words. That's what she told herself. But the enormous bag of guilt that she had slumped over her shoulders said otherwise. She still needed to break all of this off.
"Are you alright, Alma?"
"Will you dance with me, Eden?"
The girl grinned, her pearly teeth shining in the midnight light. She put the hand that Alma didn't already hold onto the ymbryne's arm and they started dancing in a slow Viennese waltz.
Eden hummed a soft tune of the Blue Danube as she leaned into Alma.
Surely, it was a scandalous view, two girls dancing a waltz together. But they didn't care. How many people, after all, went to the park at three ante merīdiem? Even if people would stare, they were alone, then.
The feeling of the other's embrace transported them into their world, their own little piece of paradise. One which they both cherished dearly, as they knew it could pass quicker than they could ever imagine.
"I love you too, Eden."
Eden's hand slid up Alma's arm, to her neck before finally stopping on her cheek. No words needed to be said as the ymbrynes leaned in, their lips meeting in a soft kiss. It wasn't frivolous, yet it didn't embody passion either. It was simply a kiss, so sweet and gentle that they melted into each other.
Their bodies became one with the Walz and a kiss, and separation almost seemed avoidable. But sooner rather than later, they separated for air.
"I'm in love with you, Alma."
"I'm in love with you too, Eden."
Eden shook her head. "No. I am in love with you, Alma. My body, my soul, my mind, it's all yours for the taking. I am scared, I am vulnerable, and I am irrevocably in love with you. My love goes beyond reason. When you laugh, smile, even look at me, my heart feels like it's going to burst out of its cage. At your touch, my body torches with mad exuberance, and I feel as if I am engulfed with fire, and everyone can see me burn."
"I love you too, Eden. And for all the words in the world, I cannot tell you just how much. I am yours."Alma wanted to say more, so much more, but her fear crippled her tongue until every word she tried to get out seemed like a tongue-twister. Shadows of guilt once more covered her, gobbling her up and leaving her in total darkness. There was a light, one very far away, but as she ran to it she found Eden crying underneath it. And the way she looked up at her – such wrath Alma had never seen before. Alma took a step towards her, towards her Eden, but the woman stood up, shooting her one last glare before running away.
Eden knew.
And now Alma wasn't as worry-free as she was moments before, looking into those big eyes which worried and fussed and loved, with just a look, more than any other eyes in the world.
Eden knew, and she didn't say anything.
Eden knew, and she didn't do anything.
Eden didn't want to do or say anything. She didn't want to hear it, didn't want to know it existed, didn't even want to think of the possibility.
But Eden knew.
And it was the single most terrifying feeling he ever had. She wasn't scared of being in love with Alma, hell, even with confusion, she understood why Alma would want to break it off. What scared her was that Alma didn't tell her, that she kept being in love, told her that she loved her, showed her such softness, and still planned to break up with her – break off whatever it was they had. Their love, sincerity, friendship – just because she was afraid of the consequences.
There was guilt, there was betrayal, and there was anger, spiralling into delirium. But she didn't show anything. She didn't dare to show Alma that she knew for fear of taking away her final moments of happiness. She was prepared to lie, to herself and to Alma, just to stay happy.
That was love to her. A sharp double-edged sword, which protected her and left her vulnerable, a feather, which tickled a smile on her face in the middle of the night and made her laugh all the time. It was a lens through which she saw the world in different colours. Love wasn't always a grand gesture or poetic words; it simply was being there, listening, speaking, and knowing that you are required. It was to lie and forsake everything she held true for a few hours of happiness in the middle of the night. It was Alma.
Eden knew, and she would keep it a secret.
***
The snow was cold to sit in, but with their shared warmth, they didn't mind.
"Why did you say you love me?"
"Because I do."
"But it is dangerous. If they found out, we would both go flying from the school." Eden looked at Alma, who was already looking back, emerald eyes pooling into meadows.
"I-" Alma stopped. Would they throw them out? The thought scared her, sure, but there was a little voice telling her that they wouldn't, so she decided to go with that. "I don't think they would do that."
Eden scoffed. "Maybe to you. I only just came here and they've known you your whole life."
"Should I not have said I love you?" She frowned. "If so, that is an awful thing to say."
And Eden thought. Perhaps it was the knowledge that Alma was going to betray her, that she probably didn't really love her and only said so under pressure. "No." She closed her eyes. "No, I didn't mean it that way." She softly kissed Alma's cheek before mumbling, "I'm sorry."
A small smile appeared on Alma's cheeks. "It's fine. I'm sorry for suggesting that." They were both at fault.
"Do you maybe want to go sit by the fire in the middle of the Market? After that, we could go to the church rooftop?"
"That would be nice."
They rolled down the hill and laughed as they hit each other while arriving at the bottom of it before rising back up and making their way to the Christmas market.
The path was familiar to them now, and their route was already walked out from the times they walked it before. Tall leafless trees with snow weighing down the branches surrounded them, and the night sky dotted with stars wrapped the world in its nightly blanket.
They only stopped holding hands when they arrived at the outskirts of the town and closed the distance again to ensure they wouldn't get lost in the busy market.
The fire was bright and all-consuming, each snowflake that ventured in its vicinity melted, consumed by the burning flame. It scorched the earth and its branches at its base. Yet it radiated warmth, soft and caressing, it dispelled shadows, dark and haunting, and it brought life upon this Earth, warming man and its ancestors. As destructive as it was, there was no such thing that contained such allure as fire. Except for love. They both possessed the power to destroy life and rid the world of its inhabitants at a minute's notice.
They admired the big fire with a few other people, sitting close but not too close to raise suspicion.
"One day, I'm going to kiss you in front of a lot of people," Eden murmured in Alma's direction, smiling as the ymbryne blushed.
But Alma couldn't back down from the challenge, so she decided to answer with the most preposterous response her mind could think of. "I'll marry you."
It was a big blow to handle, and instead of smiling back, while she still blushed furiously, Eden just thought to herself. If only. Alma was going to break up with her the day after tomorrow.
"Eden?"
"Let's go to the rooftop."
30th December 1967
On the sixth day, God created the beasts of the earth and us, humane creatures.
Eden and Alma sat on the top of the church, the bells ringing loudly, almost depriving them of their hearing.
They simply were there, human. Or at least as human as they were.
"Look, a shooting star!"
"Oh... It's beautiful." Alma stared open-mouthed at the lump of burning dust of a meteor entering Earth's atmosphere.
Eden turned towards her. "Make a wish, you idiot!"
"Fine, fine, I'm wishing for-" Alma was interrupted by a hand covering her mouth. "You know this doesn't work, right?"
"You can't say your wish out loud. Then it will never come true!" Eden was almost angry at Alma's obliviousness to shooting-star-wish-making rules. But she couldn't be angry. Somehow, even knowing what she was planning to do to her, she couldn't stay mad for more than a second. She could scream and cry about it while she was alone, but she was never actually mad. Love intoxicated her more than she thought it would, and once that numbness spread, as much as she fought for rationality, there was no turning back.
"Oh."
They wished in silence, and in a few moments, the comet passed. "Did you wish something for us?"
"I can't tell you."
Her voice was serious as she spoke. "I did. I'm not telling you what, but I did. I love you, Alma."
"I love you too, Eden."
And how did she mean it. Alma loved Eden with all her being, with more than her being. Her soul was Eden's. Her body, if Eden ever wished to have it or even if she didn't, was Eden's. Alma loved Eden and she was prepared to spend every last day proving it to her.
One day, even if they had to wait a thousand years, she would marry her. Prove her love was meant only for her and would forever be hers. Not till death do us part, but even after. Even as their corpses would rot, she would love her.
***
"Come on, Alma. It's just one day before the new year. We have to go gift shopping." Eden pulled on Alma's arm as they ran towards the town.
The lights were on through the entirety of the town, and as they neared it, the dark scrambled away from their faces. There were trees by the path they walked and their shadows swiveled and twisted and turned on their faces like snakes slithering to their home.
They arrived at the town square when the clock struck eleven. Its sound was pleasant, now that they weren't too close to it, and for the entirety of the eleven times the clapper hit the sound bow, the world stilled. People looked at the clock and once the ringing stopped, they moved forward, rushing to their destination.
"Yes, but why? It's not like we can buy something at what is it, oh yes, eleven post merīdiem." Alma shook her head as they stopped. "Besides, Christmas has already passed."
Eden shot her a sharp glare. "If you would only listen, Alma." She sighed as the ymbryne hid her face in the crook of her neck. "You're too lovely."
"I'm listening."
"We can go back to that Christmas market and buy our gifts there. You have some money, right?"
"Yes. Who do you take me for?"
"Great! Our maximum is a quarter florin or a florin if you want to go all out, alright? And yes, we might have given each other the biggest gift the world has to offer at Christmas, but I still want to give you a proper gift. On new year's eve. So do this for me, or just buy me hot chocolate." She squeezed Alma's hand.
Alma squeezed Eden's hand back as she smiled. "No, I'll buy you a proper gift."
Alma did want to buy Eden a proper gift, but her excitement was sullied by the thought of the promise she made to herself. In a day, she would have to break off her relationship with Eden. But seeing the look in her eyes, that warmth and love, she came to a realisation. She couldn't, wouldn't do it. She loved Eden and she meant it when she said it. She loved Eden like she had never loved anyone before. She loved Eden like she loved the warmth of the sun's rays, the smile of the moon, the singing of the wind, the cleansing of the rain and the dance of the snowflakes falling above them. She loved Eden and she wouldn't stop loving her until the day she died. She wanted to spend every hour, minute, second and day with her, to share her laugh, her smile and those glances the girl would send her across the class. Alma loved Eden and she never wanted to let her go. She would never let her go.
"Oh, and we meet at the not-yet-burned-down Christmas tree in half an hour." Eden happily chirped, completely unaware, or at least pretending to be unaware of Alma's inner turmoil.
Alma nodded before confirming, "Although I will detest the time away from you, I agree." She checked that no one was watching, then pressed a soft kiss to Eden's cheek.
"What if someone sees?" Eden repeated the words previously spoken by the other ymbryne in a mocking tone.
Alma laughed at that and then looked at Eden lovingly. "Very mature of you, Eden, very mature."
"Thank you, I practised that." Edne curtsied and smiled at the look of fake disbelief coming from Alma. Eden kissed Alma's cheek before letting go of her hand and running to the Christmas market. "I'll get you the best gift!" Was the phrase the girl screamed before disappearing into the maze of stalls.
"Not if I get you a better one first!" Alma screamed back before she too took off in the direction of the Christmas market. She wasn't sure what to buy for Eden yet, but as she got lost in the labyrinth of the Christmas market she saw it, and she knew Eden would love it.
Half an hour later, they each stood on one side of the fir tree, waiting for the other to come. Eden held a small bag in her cold-reddened hands, and Alma held her gift in the pocket of her skirt.
"Eden?! Where are you?" Alma called out, stepping around the tree. It was twenty-five minutes till midnight and Eden still hadn't made her appearance.
Eden's voice, muffled by the falling snow, answered from somewhere on the other side of the tree. Alma started walking faster, and so did Eden. They both walked in the same direction, unknowingly keeping their distance while trying to find each other.
"Alma? Are you walking towards me?" Eden called out.
"Yes? Are you walking towards me, Eden?"
"Yes! One of us should probably change direction!"
"I'll do it!"
Then it turned into a game for Eden, and she knew she wouldn't let Alma catch her. "No, let me!" She laughed freely as they both changed direction and started walking faster, which then turned into a run, which turned into a sprint.
By then, Alma had figured out that Eden was playing with her, and so she decided to play a game of her own. She moved into the tree, where she would wait for Eden to come. But between the bawling of the snow and the rustling of the needles against her ear, she failed to hear a small yelp exiting Eden's mouth as she landed on the icy path.
A few minutes passed by, and as Eden didn't seem to show on Alma's side of the tree, she began worrying for her lover. "Eden?! Eden, are you Alright?!" Alma ran fast, pushing through her breathlessness until she saw the faint silhouette of Eden through the snowy curtain. Eden looked up at her as she arrived, with cheeks in the colour of the reddest apples. She rubbed her knees as she stood up.
"I hope your gift didn't get wet..."
"You idiot! Do you think I care about my gift right now? Are you hurt?" She put her hands on Eden's waist as they brought their foreheads together.
"No, I'm fine." Seeing the look Alma gave her. "Kiss me better? I doubt anyone will see us because of the snow-"
Alma kissed her, pressing her soft lips against Eden's. The kiss, just like the ones they shared before, worked wonders and made Eden forget about her aching knees.
"I love you."
"I love you too."
31st December 1967
On the seventh day, God rested from his work, the Sabbath.
Their love was a sin, and they were addicts. It made Alma realise that the Apple that rested in the heart of Eden was far more addictive than she had previously thought.
"So, what did you get me?" She tried to get a peek into Eden's bag, but the ymbryne pulled it away in time and shot her a glare.
"A secret."
"Then I suppose you won't be finding out what I got you."
"That is the point, Alma." Eden laughed as the fellow ymbryne pouted before clutching her hand and pulling her towards the way back to the Academy.
"I do not like your point."
"Shame."
"Oh fuck," Alma screamed as she pulled Eden under the cover of a canopy.
"What is it?!" But Alma put her finger on her lips to show Eden to stay quiet. Eden immediately realised her mistake and shut her mouth. Alma pointed towards the sky, and Eden followed her finger to the shadow of a bird in the night sky. A bunting – undoubtedly Miss Bunting – flying through the sky.
"Do you think they know?" This time, she whispered, with a slight shake in her voice.
"It is possible." Alma bit her lip as she looked back up. The bird had flown past them. She grabbed Eden's hand and bolted down the street in the direction of the loop.
Eden suddenly pulled back, their hands separating as she did so. "Kiss me one last time before we head towards our rooms. In bird forms. I believe it would be best that way."
"Eden..."
"Alma, please. In case we don't see each other in the evening."
"Fine." She stepped closer before slowly and tentatively kissing Eden on her forehead. "I love you."
Eden smiled back. Tears were welling in her eyes, and she couldn't help but wonder whether this was their goodbye. No, it couldn't be. They had one more day. "I love you too. Meet me under the tree at eleven."
"I will."
***
A bottle of champagne sat between them. Warm coats covered their shoulders, and the entirety of Derbyshire lit up with thousands of little lights from its towns, was before them. They met under the tree at half past eleven, when Eden finally awaited her darling lover, and now, as it was minutes before midnight, they sat on a blanket spread across the snow on a hill next to the town. Their hands were clutched together, and they waited for the clock to strike the wondrous midnight of the new year.
"The year is coming to an end."
"I'm glad I have a New Year's kiss then."
Eden and Alma simultaneously leaned onto each other, their heads and shoulders meeting midway.
"Remember. I love you no matter what."
"I love you too."
The clock struck midnight, and they both looked up at the barely visible church clock on the square.
Smiling, they kissed, both painfully aware of what had to follow but denying it as hard as they could.
1st January 1868
The kiss was short and sweet. Too short.
Immediately after, Alma pulled back, taking a deep breath before she started to speak. "I-"
Less than half a minute after the new year, Eden was crying. And not of happiness. "Don't break up with me- Don't break up whatever it is we have."
Alma took in a deep breath. Eden did know. It wasn't just a theory anymore, now, it was real, painful and destroying. "I'm sorry, I-"
"I see it, Alma! I see it in the way you look at me, the way you speak to me, the way you touch me; you love me. So don't break up with me. We can keep it a secret, hell, I'm desperate, I'll do whatever if it means we can continue this... what we have. I love you!"
"I'm sorry I didn't tell you before." She tucked the stray strands of hair away from Eden's face. "I'm sorry that when I realised you knew and I recognised my inability to do it, I didn't tell you. I'm sorry you had to love in fear, and I didn't tell you before that there is no need for it because my love for you is too strong to ever let you go. And perhaps, regrettably, I'm sorry that I love you, not in the way you deserve me to."
Eden really did cry then, and Alma cried too. Sweet tears of relief.
"I was never afraid or in fear because I loved you. Confused, hurt maybe, perhaps even understanding, but I never loved you in fear."
They leaned forward, hugging each other, then pulling away slightly enough so that their foreheads could touch as they leaned against each other.
"I love you, Alma."
"I love you too, Eden."
"I can't believe I thought you'd break it off with me."
This time, still through tears, they started laughing. Regret, guilt, sadness – they all disappeared in mere moments of them laughing and hearing the other laugh – and pure bliss took over. They knew that no matter the circumstances, they would never separate. They had gone through far too much and had loved the other to such an extent that parting almost seemed impossible. Five thousand five hundred miles would be nothing while their love blossomed even from a distance.
"I don't blame you, I was planning to do it," Alma whispered. "But too late did I realise I couldn't. I wish it had never had to come to that."
"Let's live in the present then, love." Eden clasped her hands together, a small smile returning to her face. "Now, gifts!" Eden reached into her bag, which she had been carrying around the entire evening, and pulled out a small but moderately thick book. "I got you a collection of poems. I know it's a bit beat up, but I believe it still retains its value."
"I love it." Alma took the booklet, a look of astonishment on her face. How did Eden know just what she wanted the most?
"I had to haggle down the price a bit. But I believe it fits the criteria."
"I love you." Hugging the ymbryne strongly she pulled away to search her pocket for the gift. "And I-" Alma pulled out a small vivid green stone, tied on a string, "-got you this. So you won't forget me when we'll have to separate at the end of the Academy."
Eden only shook her head to that. "I could never forget you. And besides, we will keep in touch-"
"I will write you letters-"
"A maddening amount."
"Yes." Alma looked at Eden as she tied the necklace behind her neck. "You look undoubtedly ravishing."
"I will come see you-"
"And I will greet you with a kiss."
"You better."
They kissed, knowing that there was no one around to see them, and even if there were, they were coming to a point in their relationship where it didn't seem to matter.
As long as they could be together.
In the end, Alma wasn't the snake. Eden killed the snake and brought her heart to Alma, who wordlessly accepted it. They were both sinners, but unlike Adam and Eve, who didn't hide their sin and were banished for it, they would continue to grow in each other's arms until the world was small enough that sending letters to each other from their respective loops seemed like one of the touches they shared. And they never forget it. Every now and then, they would travel over the ocean until they met in each other's arms. Sealed their sin once more in a kiss and enjoyed their paradise of blooming love.
But for now, they continued sneaking out until Miss Avocet bolted up Alma and Isabel's window, then resorted to hiding in the library, where they would once more confess their love.