Stars
It was a starry night, and not a cloud in sight as far as the eye could see. It was one of those magical winter nights, where there’s this feeling lurking, that you could truly make all your dreams come true. Like the heavens are charged with magical abilities. The moon shining round and proud, making the snow sparkle. It was a beautiful night.
Ann sat in the window, with her robe wrapped around her, and she rested her chin against her knees. She gazed longingly out of the window at the magical night, wishing she was somewhere else, fingering the brim of her robe absentmindedly. Anxiety quelled within her chest, and she felt as though her life was slipping through her fingers and she could do nothing about it. What kind of life was this anyway? Ann thought, lifting her head from her knees to rest it against the cool glass of the window. She was alone and felt the loneliness acutely. Everyone whom she had loved had left her. Nothing mattered if there was no love to give or be given.
Ann was so alone in this world. Her relatives seemed to only care because of the estate and her money. Sometimes it felt like that to Ann anyway. They thought of her as an invalid, Ann sighed, maybe she was? She didn’t know any longer. She had been in her shell for so long that she might as well be. Every day, she woke up and passed time until she could go to bed again. Nothing seemed to excite her. She was dimmed by all the sorrows she had lived through. Dimmed by her own poor opinion of herself. Anxious that she would die before she had even lived. Tears misted her eyes, and she dried them away with the back of her hand before she once more focused on the stars, trying to find constellations, trying to occupy her mind for a while.
Ann remembered a time when she had come alive, when she had felt excited and happy. It was seven years ago; she was but nineteen and she had spotted Miss Lister of Shibden Hall and then run after her to invite her to tea. She remembered with fondness that one-time Miss Lister had stopped by to drink tea with them. Ann had been so enthralled by her. If Ann were to describe her with one word she would say ‘alive’. She had been so kind and attentive, and Ann had never met anyone quite like her neither before the event nor after. But of course, Ann thought sadly, Miss Lister was hardly ever at Shibden as she was off travelling in the world, and she hadn’t seen her since. Ann’s eyes watched the stars as her mind was filled with the few, but pleasant memories she had of Miss Lister.
A star fell from the sky and Ann watched it wide-eyed, wishing with all her heart, that one day she would meet Miss Lister again, and maybe even be whisked off on an adventure. Ann grinned despite herself, it was a silly thought. Something like that would never happen. Ann wasn’t interesting enough or clever enough to capture the interest of someone like her. But Ann thought, sighing loudly, one could always wish upon a star.
Before them stretched a magical winter night; the stars shone brightly, and the moon reflected itself in the snow, making the snow sparkle. The outside was quiet, save from the tiny squeaks coming from the shoes of the two occupants that, despite the late hour, were out walking – admiring the stars.
“It was a good idea to step outside for some air.” Anne mumbled to Ann who held her arm, her head resting on her shoulder as they walked. They had escaped the bustle inside from all the Christmas festivity, to have a moment alone.
“You should know by now that my ideas are always good.” Ann teased tiredly and Anne chuckled softly, nodding,
“True.”
They walked down the lane from the house, enjoying just being with each other. Anne pointed out a few constellations, talking about them, the mythical stories behind them and Ann listened intently, completely mesmerised by her wife. She always spoke with such passion, and Ann absolutely loved it and felt so proud of her whenever they were in company and something of interest to her was mentioned. How could anyone so clever and interesting have chosen her? Ann was certain that she was the luckiest woman on earth. She was with the love of her life who also just happened to love her back.
“Do you see those stars over there?” Anne asked her and Ann’s eyes followed her index finger and she nodded,
“Yes.”
“That’s Cassiopeia. According to Greek mythology, she was chained to a throne in the heavens by Poseidon for having sacrificed her daughter, Andromeda.” Anne explained to her with a small smile, and Ann gazed at the constellation with furrowed eyebrows,
“Did she deserve it then?”
“Mm, well she was vain and arrogant, but I hardly think that’s reason enough for eternal punishment. Then again, she did try to sacrifice her daughter, but in her defence, I will state that they did so because some oracle had told them that it was the only way to save their country.” Anne replied, averting her eyes from the stars to rest them upon her wife instead. Ann felt her eyes on her and met them with hers, leaning into her, sighing content,
“You know, I remember long ago another starry night like this.”
“Mm?” Anne raised a quizzical brow, and Ann smiled up at her,
“It must have been five years ago. It was such a magical night, but I was feeling rather low.”
“Why ’s that?”
“Oh, I felt alone, and I suppose I was bored – I felt as though I was living but I wasn’t alive.” Ann described to her and Anne nodded sympathetic, she knew what sorrows Ann had suffered, only to then be left alone rattling in that big old house with no one to confide in, no one who could understand her.
“I saw a star fall from the sky.” Ann continued, her eyes brightening, and Anne beamed,
“Did you wish upon a star?”
Ann blushed slightly but her smile didn’t falter,
“I did.”
“What did you ask for then? If you can remember.”
“I wished to meet you again someday and for you to whisk me off on an adventure.” Ann revealed and the brunette was inevitably touched by that. She gasped and grinned wide,
“You never told me before!”
“Well, I didn’t even think of it until tonight.”
“So, wishes do come true sometimes.” Anne contemplated, and Ann touched her cheek,
“Oh, this is so much better than what I ever could’ve wished for!”
“God, knows I love you!” Anne touched her forehead to hers, and Ann closed her eyes,
“Thank you for making me feel alive again!”
“Oh, I’d say it is rather…” Anne was interrupted by Ann’s amused scoff,
“Just kiss me! That sentence clearly should’ve been followed by a kiss.”
Anne’s hand cupped her face, as she tilted her head slightly and leant down to capture her lips in a loving, tender kiss under the stars.