Habits and hoodies
It their was anything to say about Lilith Clawthorne, it would be that she’s a creature of habit.
Both figuratively and literally.
She liked a rigorous schedule, finding comfort in the same things to be expected. Things couldn’t surprise her.
It also had to be her schedule.
If it was anyone else’s, she couldn’t bare it.
Her mind would have felt as if it was shoved into a box.
Her schedules weren’t difficult, and could be tampered with on small occasions (aka Eda pulling a minuscule prank or two)
All in all, this was a small proclivity, and nothing too life altering.
But the literal side of it was.
Well at least to her.
“Come on Lil, you can do this!”
“No, no I can’t. Edalyn you know how many times I’ve tried! It’s something I will just have to live with.”
Eda groaned, sometimes her sister could be so stubborn.
“So what, your just gonna a suck your thumb while your an adult?!”
Her older sister flushed, the accused hand slowly lowering.
“If it comes to it, I’ll have to indulge in secret.” She whispered softly, embarrassment laced in her words.
The calamity could not believe her ears, “Lily! You can’t just give up! You’ve been trying for so long now!”
“I know!” She shot back, “Can’t you see? I’m too weak to beat it.”
Eda looked at her sister in sympathy, she really really had tried, both of them in fact. They tried everything they could think of.
From spicy liquids, to hair holders, they even tried to hex it once! (Which had backfired and caused it to fuse with her teeth. She had to miss a few days of school for it to wear off, but still.)
“Lily, you wanna join the emperor’s coven! Do you really want to still be doing this when you get in?”
Lilith sighed, “Maybe I just wont join.”
Eda stood in shock, she could not believe her sister had just said that.
“I can’t believe you just said that!”
Lilith turned a deep shade of red, and went back to her work, absentmindedly sticking a tassel of her hoodie in her mouth while both hands worked on mixing ingredients.
The witch stared at it intensely, the cogs in her brain cranking at high speed.
“THATS IT!”
The bespectacled girl startled, glancing at Eda in alarm.
“Thats what?!”
Eda smiled wide, and with as much pleasure she could allow, cheered the next words.
“I know how to stop the habit!”
——————
The two had made a plan, deciding that if this was a bust, then at least it was one more option crossed off the list.
Instead of effecting the thumb in general, they should be switching the addiction to something else!
It was pure genius if Eda said so herself.
If Lilith ever got that look in her eye, Eda was to make sure she sucked on a tassel, a candy, even a potions dropper! Anything besides the ingrained digit.
Lilith had been relatively persuaded on that matter, but had brought up accurate concerns about the night. How could she regulate herself unconsciously?
That’s when Eda agreed to stay up and make sure it didn’t happen.
“But you can’t stay up that late!” Lily cried.
“Aw I’ll be fine Lil,” she stated with a wave,” you could say I’m a ‘Night owl’
...get it?
Night owl?”
Lilith cringed, but giggled nevertheless.
“It’s worth I try. I mean. Anything to get me to stop acting like a child.”
Eda leveled her with a stare, “You are not a child Lily, never tell yourself that. You simple have battled with a habit longer then others. It’s quite common actually, I mean the amount of girls I’ve seen who bite their nails! It’s practically a pandemic.!”
Lilith blushed, chuckling slightly.
“I’ll play your game edalyn, lets just hope it works.”
And so they the set the plan in motion.
Eda had read somewhere that it took a week to start a habit, and a week to end it.
So all they needed to do was make sure Lilith resisted for 7 days and they would succeed.
Day 1.
To be expected, Lilith hit the regime head on. She came down stairs ready as heck.
Her favorite hoodie was on, her hands were shoved into her pajama shorts pockets, and she had a tassel popped into her mouth with a sense of determination.
Eda couldn’t help but smile, she hoped it would work this time. Liliths self esteem was low enough as it was.
It was then Lily froze, feet stopped at the kitchen archway.
“Lily?” She called out, “Everything oka—“
Her voice cut off upon seeing who was at the dining table.
“Why hello Edalyn, Lilith. Everything is certainly ok.” Their mother answered with a malicious smile.
Their Father sat stiffly and Grimm. His eyes hidden behind dark circles. The glassy look in them told the sisters he had been drinking.
Eda stared at them questioningly, “I thought you guys were at a meeting?”
You always are, she thought privately.
“Our morning meeting was canceled, isn’t that great?” Their mom cheered falsely.
No one replied.
The fake happiness in Mrs. Clawthornes smile diminished, turning into a pointed stare.
Lilith went ramrod straight, letting the persona their parents crafted take over.
“Hello mother, father. Good morning.”
Eda winced immediately,
she hated how soulless lily looked underneath their parents watchful eye.
Their mom barely even acknowledged liliths comment, giving her a scathing look over and waving for her to sit down.
“Oh and do take that tassel out of your mouth! It’s improper!”
The youngest witch silently clenched her fists. Lilith was in a reluctant battle in whether to obey or not.
It was a relatively quickly decision, as she pulled it out with a sad little tug.
Their mom screwed their face up in realization.
“Ugh, Lilith, don’t tell me you still indulge in that disgusting habit.”
Lily blushed hard, staring at her hands in her lap.
“Sit up straight, look at me now!” Mrs. Clawthorne snapped. Patience gone.
Lilith trembled slightly as she complied.
“Good. Now tell the truth.” She ordered.
“I-I.. it- I—“
“—Dont stutter now! Spit it out.”
“Hey!” Eda called out, “Dont talk to her like that.”
Her dads face flashed angrily at hers, “You forget your place!”
Her face grew warm, “And you forgot to parent your kids normally!”
A quick flash of pain crossed her face, as her dads hand met her cheek.
She refused to look weak, and stared him straight in his glassy eyes.
Eventually the stare-off was broken, as her dad waved at the chair next to Lilith.
She hid the smirk on her face as she sat, but sympathy instantly flooded her as she understood that all the attention was back on her sister.
Her leg moved closer until their calf’s were touching, trying to infuse lily with as much strength as possible
Their mothers eyes bore into Lilith’s, “Well?!”
The witch gulped, and decided to just get it over with.
“Yes mother,” she meekly replied, “I’m sorry mother. I’ll do better.”
Mrs. Clawthorne scrunched her nose in disgust, “Disgusting Lilith. Absolutely disgusting. Only helpess infants suck their thumbs. Are you an helpess child?”
“N-no mother.”
“Well start behaving differently!”
“Yes mother.”
Liliths face was a deep red by now, her eyes growing in size behind her glasses. Which Eda knew meant she was close to tears.
She dared to reach under the table, entwining their hands together, and send every loving thought she could telepathically.
The breakfast continued in dead silence, only breaking by the clinking of forks and the occasional hum from their mother.
Naturally, because of the lack of Stimulation Lilith usually got from her daily habit, it was predicted that she would stim all the more.
Sadly, their mom despised when Lily stimmed at all.
Eda could see the restraint on Lily’s face, how it took everything in her being to sit still. Keep her hands silent and not make any noise.
She knew she needed something to ground her, that’s what she looked for in stressful situations, which is honestly probably why she was never able to give up her bad habit.
She angled her foot, so when she twitched it, it would tap the front of liliths ankle.
One tap, two taps, one tap, two.
Lily stilled, not fully understanding what was happening. So Eda did it a little more forceful. Trying to convey her meaning.
She was able to sneak a glance at Lilith, and once the witch saw it, she understood.
A smile appeared on the bespectacled girls face, as she honed in and focused on the rhythmic tapping.
It wasn’t herself, but it was something.
Soon enough she was happily humming to herself, her eyebrows twitching in time to the repeating beat.
Eda could see it before it happened, the way Liliths hands look extra graceful in a way, it happened every time before her fingers started to tick, then her wrist, and once it got to the wrists their was no stopping her.
“Lily, lily your hands.” She whispered worriedly.
A little meep emitted from her older sisters lips, she didn’t even know she was doing it.
“Um, me and lily have to go get ready for school.” Eda lied, they had plenty of time, but she knew her sister couldn’t hold out much longer.
“No you don’t, you have more then enough time. Eat.” Their father ordered. Things were never a suggestion or a question with them. Always a demand.
A small whimper came from Edas left. She once again cursed at her parents in her mind.
Slowly, small tiny stims started to slip through the cracks in Lily’s persona.
Quietly tapping her fingers, blinking rapidly. It was just the beginning.
“Lilith, quiet down.” Their mom chided.
“Yes mother.” Came the numb reply. The noise ceased for a few halting moments.
And then it came back twice as loud.
Noises rolled from Lily’s throat, matching the tempo she was currently hitting her wrist against the table.
Her other hand brushed the side of her ear over and over. Eda recognized every single one of these movements. It was all things she needed to do at the beginning of the day, or else she could not function the rest of it.
“Lilith! Quiet hands!” Mrs. Clawthorne scolded.
A squawk or protest came from Lily’s mouth.
“Please no mother,” She begged, “I wasn’t that loud.”
Their mom smiled, false kindness shown through.
“Darling this is for your own good.”
Eda growled, “For acid it is! Your just doing this cause you don’t think it’s normal!”
“That’s because it isn’t normal!” The mom growled.
With a quick wave of her hand liliths hands were bound together.
“It’s for your own good. They will release once you leave this house for school.”
And that was that.
————
“Gah! Mom sucks. Don’t listen to her.” Eda cursed, slowly taking off the binding on Lily’s hands.
The witch whimpered, angry red and purple lines were left behind on her fragile shaking hands.
“Ugh, I’m sorry Lil, last one and were done.”
“Just get it over with.”
She let out a sob as the last rope was removed, flexing each finger individually and testing their mobility.
Almost immediately she raised her hand to her mouth, every intention of breaking their agreement.
Eda caught it at the last second, looking at her pointedly.
“Look, I know this morning sucked,” she reached and grabbed one of the tassels holding it out temptingly, “But I said I would get u to drop the habit and I’m not gonna go back on my word.”
Lilith nodded, and reluctantly popped the tassel in her mouth.
Eda sighed.
This was gonna be a long week.
Day 2.
Day 1 had gone relatively smoothly, besides the morning incident. Lilith was able to make it through with no hardships.
And today was already starting up to a good start, Mom and Dad would be out for the rest of the week, leaving the two sisters alone.
It didn’t even bother them by now, they had been leaving the two alone since Lilith was 9. Tasking her to take care of not only herself, and the house, but also Eda.
Eda didn’t know it back then, she was only 7, but once she understood she respected her sister in a whole new light.
Which again, also explains why this habit had not been broken yet, it’s probably all that kept her sane.
It was nice though, to see Lilith come down with a smile, instead of that horrid persona their parents ordered around.
“You doing ok?” She questioned.
A light blush dusted her pale face, but it was met with a kind nod.
“I’m, better,” Lilith tried, overall looking a bit lost, “It’s like an itch. But it’s not really their. In the back of my mind.”
Eda nodded, she expected a little something by the second day.
Observing Lily closely, she noticed her fingers tapping/rubbing the base of her neck. It was a sign she usually did when she was either going, or is, nonverbal.
“Lily,” she said accusingly, “You know if you don’t want to talk to me you don’t have too.”
The blushed deepened, “Oh I know, I just don’t want to act odd or anything.”
A frown spread across Edas face, “Your not odd. You never were. Sure your determination to get into the Emperors coven is a little stuck up-“
“-Edalyn!”
“Yeah, yeh, sorry only teasing. Still. You are not odd. Your as normal as I am. Don’t let what mom said get to you.”
She walked over, not moving until she got an approving nod from lily, and hugged her.
Lilith sighed, “Theirs just one problem with that.”
The witches head jerked upwards, “what do you mean?”
Her sister smirked, “Your an absolutely Calamity!”
—————-
Day 3.
Day 2 had also gone by, with little to no problems. Lilith was doing remarkably well. Eda was starting to feel a little jet lagged, but it wasn’t to bad. Just a little fuzz in the back of her mind.
Being sleep deprived didn’t affect her as much as other people, she could always pull and all nighter, whenever she wanted too. Sleep was needed of course, but in tiny amounts, could be optional.
She awaited her sister downstairs, getting the normal cereals out they both like to eat.
Lilith like order. And schedules. In fact, she lived for them. So each morning she had to have a bowl of Rest in pieces Puffs.
It was comforting to her.
The tell tale sound of Lily’s footsteps caused a smile to appear on her face.
“Hey Lily! I got your cereal out and rea—“
She cut off upon seeing her sister. She was stimming a lot more then normal. Hands twitching and mouth clicking.
But she knew not to be concerned, only to give her space and quiet.
She would only become worried if she did her danger stims, which meant she was on the verge of a meltdown. And if she caught her during one, to make sure she didn’t do any self harm.
they ate breakfast in a comfortable silence, Eda keeping a watchful eye on her sisters behavior.
It was completely normal and expected for Lily to be getting a little antsy, this was probably the first day it was really started to irritate her.
Barely a word was spoken between breakfast and getting ready for school, but the clawthorne sisters had a connection bigger then words. They could have an entire conversation based on facial expressions alone.
During school, Eda made sure to stick close to Lilith, dutifully filling her role as a guard of sorts between classes.
And you would think, ‘but what about the classes u don’t have with each other? How could you possible keep an eye on her then!’
She grinned, the calamity had even thought of that!
Already, it was rare for Lilith to ever get the urge while class was in session, her attention 100% on the lesson at hand.
But their was times when work was given, mindless busywork that Lilith could do in her sleep, so mind numbing that her thumb automatically drifted up as she worked.
She wasn’t stupid though, far from it. She knew she’d be a laughing stock in class if she was ever caught indulging. So Lilith thought ahead.
They weren’t sworn to a coven yet, so they could practice a multitude of magic, just not in front of bump.
Lilith was quite advanced in illusions, and all she had to do was draw a quick little circle, and everyone in the class would be blind to what she did and how she moved.
Eda was ecstatic about this power! Saying they could ditch class and no one would ever know!
But NOOOOO! Little miss perfect only used it to cover up her habit and nothing more. Refused to let go and have some fun!
Anyway,
As she was saying, she had dabbed a small amount of potion she had whipped up overnight.
An alarm system of sorts.
If her thumb ever touched her lips or teeth, Lilith would automatically be given the smallest of shocks, waking her up to her actions.
You might be thinking, Wow! This is amazing! And their so stupid! How come they didn’t use this before??
The problem was it wore off quickly. And had to be constantly reapplied.
And Lilith didn’t have enough will power to seek out Eda every hour and a half to redo it.
Thank Titan Eda did!
But throughout the day, their was little to no struggle on Liliths side, but their was an increase in irritation.
Everything seemed to annoy her. And put her more on edge.
Eda knew to be patient with her, and continually give positive feedback.
Lily glared a lot, and didn’t much. Choosing to stim in agitation instead.
But she knew deep down her sister was greatful. Even if she wasn’t showing it currently.
————
Eda quietly followed Lilith to bed, climbing on the side facing outwards.
For the last two nights she spend the hours in bed with her sister, waiting patiently to stop any type of unconscious movements.
This night wasn’t any different.
She would usually mess around in her scroll or something, basic activities to make the time go by, while Lilith peacefully slumbered to her left.
Lily herself liked to sleep near the wall, as it applied pressure to more of her then just the mattress itself. Having Eda on her right was just an added bonus, all in all giving simultaneously pressure to all sides of her and stimulating in all the right places.
Eda looked up from her phone at around 3:30 am and was surprised to find Lilith still awake. She was usually out cold by 12.
“Lil?” She questioned softly, “you ok?”
“Can’t sleep.” Came the short reply.
Eda nodded in understanding, even though her sister couldn’t see it.
“Is it different?” Curiosity won over. She never had a habit like this. And wondered what it was like.
She waited for an answer, hearing none. Until the realization came that the silence WAS her answer.
“Please.” Lilith rasped quietly.
“Please.”
“Please what?” The vigilante asked in concern. More silence followed.
“Please I need too.”
Oh.
Eda frowned, understanding coursing through her veins.
“I’m sorry lil, I can’t let you. We’re gonna get through this.”
A empty sounding sigh was heard from her left.
No more words were said, but Eda was their for her sister the rest of the night. Even if none of them got a wink of sleep.
—————
Day 4.
The need for sleep was starting to increase in Edas brain, still not enough to affect her, but more so that it was like an old bruise. Their, but not exactly painful unless u pressed in the right spots.
Lilith on the other hand looked like crap.
It broke Edas heart to know she hadn’t gotten a minute of sleep. She had stayed up the whole not, craving the one thing that could help her. And it showed.
Dark bags hung under her eyes, the witches body not accustomed to the lack of sleeping. Her lips hung in a almost permanent frown, only switching out of it so she could eat.
Her hair looked extra wild, if that was possible. And her eyes looked desperate, but dimmed 60%.
She made sure to wear her favorite hoodie.
The one with the tassels she loved to suck on.
It was her only form of relief currently, besides the random assorted candy or two.
Eda couldn’t remember a time in the last four days she saw Lilith without hoodie. As it was obviously a rock of some sorts in her opinion.
——————
Lilith didn’t talk at all during that day, and she didn’t expect her too. But she did grow concerned with how Lily handled herself at school.
She didn’t pay attention in class, forgot to take notes, and actually got a B in a project.
a B.
Lilith had never gotten lower then a A-!
This was starting to really take its toll on her sister, and she couldn’t do anything but continue her watchful eye.
————
Oh dang it!!
“Dang it dang it dang it!” Eda cursed, running down the halls to the cafeteria.
The potion had run out five minutes ago and she had missed Lilith in the hallways while she cleaned up a mess she caused in science!
All this hard work could have been for nothing!
She lunged for the door, narrowly missing and skidding across the floor.
“Ugh, come on Eda, faster faster faster!”
She entered the cafeteria with a bang, ignoring the small amount of stares she got in reply.
Scanning the room, she located the red floof of hair that could only belong to her sister.
Weaving her way through the crowded students, feet almost tripping every five seconds. Eda managed to land at the table with a big ‘humph!’
“Lily!” She crowed, “I am so sorry, i had to stay back and clean up a-and, and..... oh.”
To her utter shock, Lilith was fast asleep. Her head resting down on her satchel.
Immediately she worried that the problem was still at hand, but failed to find, well, her hands.
They were no where to be seen. She concluded to leaning across and peering at the other side of the table. Letting out a little gasp as she did so.
Lilith, oh poor resilient Lilith. Had shacked her wrists to the seat with an illusions charm, and from the looks of it, could only be broken if Eda was the one to try.
A smile spread across Edas formally stressed out features, huh. Her sister had held out.
With a little circle, the shackles disappeared, Lily’s hands hesitating long enough for Eda to gently grab them. Making sure they stayed on track while her sister got some much needed sleep.
It was a relatively peaceful domestic moment.
“When will it end.” She spoke bitterly.
With a tilt of her head, she carefully leaned her head on top of Liliths shoulder, and although she refused to fall asleep, she was able to close her eyes for a bit, and just bask in the silence the thunderous chatter supplied.
——————
Lilith couldn’t fall asleep again that night.
It hurt Eda more then she expected. She was used to staying awake. Lily wasn’t.
She’d sometimes get to the point where tears would fall in frustration. So tired that she could barely think. But her body just wouldn’t let her.
Would let her fall asleep yet.
In the creaking slivers of waking dawn, Lily whispered to the air. Eda presumed she was talking to her, but the way it was said never asked for a response.
“It’s clawing at me.” She would say. Her voice hoarse and thick.
“It’s clawing.”
It sent shivers down edas spine. How hollow Lily sounded. How vulnerable she was at these moments.
“Three more days.” She’d whisper back.
“Three more days.”
————
Day 5.
If Eda was concerned yesterday, today she was panicking.
Sure many a night Lilith would be up late, studying for a test, but she had never stayed up this late.
Ever.
She honestly looked comatose. Refusing to get out of bed.
Well, technically she didn’t refuse. She just didn’t move. Or talk.
She wasn’t even sure if she breathed in these moments.
“Come in Lil,” Eda cajoled gently, shaking her sister a little, “We gotta get to school.”
It’s not liked Eda was against being late, heck she was at a daily occurrence, but Lilith, she wasn’t. She worshipped her perfect attendance, her perfect grades.
Man, it could be called irony. How many times had she begged her sister to be late for once, goof off a little. And now, she was just hoping she could return to normal.
—————-
She managed to somehow get Lilith to school, but she was so exhausted she didn’t even do her morning Stims, which could only lead to more problems later in the day.
Eda waited outside Liliths class one time, curious as to why she hadn’t come out yet.
Soon enough the teacher came out, startling her.
He shot her a concerned glance, “You should go in their. Maybe take her to the nurse. Or even go home.”
With a worried nod, Eda ran back into the empty classroom, absolutely floored to find Lilith passed out on her desk.
No matter how much shaking or wheedling she tried, Lily wouldn’t wake up.
She was passed out cold.
Guilt stabbed at her chest.
More like passed out from exhaustion.
Thankful she was allowed to go home early, and had to use the assistance of an abomination to carry Lilith.
—————-
Day 6.
Thankfully, the next day, Lilith was a little bit more like her old self.
After about 20 hours of dead sleep, she finally opened her eyes. They trailed over the room, pausing on Edas form, before finally landing on her hands.
She immediately started to stim, quite viciously, letting out all the pent up aggression she’d been feeling.
Eda watched patiently, only until Lily start to hit herself in the head.
Then she intervened, pulling her hands away and hugging her tightly. Trying to apply as much pressure as she could.
“Shhh,” she soothed, “Your ok.”
The panicked whimpered her sister emitted drove a knife into her heart. She sounded so scared.
She continued to hug her until the brunt of it was over, giving her space once she knew she wouldn’t harm herself.
In the meantime, Eda went downstairs to get stuff out for breakfast. Luckily, Lilith had woken right on time for school. Eda didn’t know what she’d do if she had to explain to lily that she got her first absence in forever.
About ten minutes later, Lilith came down the stairs.
She looked moderately embarrassed, and Eda was prepared to act like nothing happened. And was shocked when she heard Lily start to talk.
“Thank you, Edalyn.”
She instinctively nodded, as smile making its way over her face.
“Oh it’s nothing lil-“
“No it is something,” her sister argued, making Eda pause, “Something, everything... thank you Edalyn, for everything.”
She struggled with the words, but Eda could read it loud and clear. And before she could stop herself she was hugging Lilith with all her might.
“Of course! Someone’s gotta look after you big sis!”
Lilith adjusted her glasses perched on her nose, and Eda waited a beat before stepping away.
She wasn’t surprised to see Lilith in her hoodie, that had been her lifeline this entire week.
Of course they washed it every night, Eda would usually run it dry while Lilith slept , well, the nights she could sleep.
They ate in a comfortable silence, the sounds of spoons clinking and Lily’s stims were comforting to Eda. As a lull of peacefulness washed over them.
She really thinks they could do it. That they were past the brunt of it.
The two walked to school with matching smiles on their faces, both proud in their own ways.
Eda stopped by Liliths locker, so she could grab her books, only to be interrupted by Echo, one of Liliths friends, and her crush!
“Hey Lil! How have you been doing?” She asked curiously, “oh hi Eda!”
Eda gave her a chill nod, leaning back and watching the two interact.
“I’ve been doing fine echo, how bout you?” Lilith replied in a soft voice Eda was not accustomed too.
“Well not much obviously!” Echo snarked jokingly.
Her sister looked confused, “Wh-what do you mean.”
“Oh,” echo looked taken aback, but not anything negative, which was usually given when Lilith couldn’t understand a joke or sarcasm, “Oh! I’m stupid, ugh that’s on me Lils, I just meant that I have not been doing much because of the lack of time I got to hang out with you! You’ve been busy all week! What you been doing?”
Liliths ears turned a dusty red, “Oh, n-nothing. Just wanted to spend some sister time with Eda. Right Eda?!”
She felt an elbow to the gut, and wheezed lightly, “Yep! Just sister time.”
Echo nodded, before launching into some conversation with Lily that Eda soon tuned out too.
It struck her how correct Echo had been though, she has been spending a lot of time with Lilith lately. And although it was a struggle at times, she had enjoyed their time together immensely!
The dreaded thought crept its away up her spine, she tried to fight it, but it eventually manifested in her brain, blazingly alit in a uncomfortable fire.
What would happen after this week?
Would she still see her in between classes?
It’s not like she particularly needed that to live, but seeing the familiar bespectacled girl gave her something to look forward too. And actually inspired her to be on time more often, as the constant running between classes soon became instinct.
Would she still eat lunch with her?
Naw that was stupid, they always had lunch together, even before this!
But then again, Echo and Lilith had been getting closer, and Lily might want to branch out and make some friends on her own.
Would they ever sleep in the same bed again?
Eda didn’t know it until this week, but she had actually missed sleeping in the same room.
Many a night as a child, she would have a nightmare, and she could always count on her sister to have a warm comfy spot next to her in bed. It was safe, and Lilith would hug her until she fell asleep, even if she was uncomfortable with it.
But as they grew older, the two wanted more independence, and the weekly sleepovers soon turned into monthly. And then the occasional nightmare, and then
Nothing.
She had forgotten what it was like to have a warm body next to her. To hear the breathing of another life. To feel something besides the cold empty ness of her room at night.
And finally, the most painful question. The one Eda tried to avoid.
Would Lilith ever need her for anything ever again.
Eda started to panic. Things were changing so fast! And she wasn’t ready! She had one day left, one day! One day until Lilith forgot about her and moved on.
That is,
If she lasted one more day.
Eda had a thought, an evil thought. A thought to maybe apply the ‘wrong potion’ one that wouldn’t shock her every time her thumb touched her lips.
She quickly banished that.
She couldn’t do that, could she?
—————-
Later that night, as Lilith slept, Eda acted.
She tiptoed out of bed, mindful not to wake her sisters slumber, and crept down the hallway.
And their it was, Liliths hoodie.
With lingering guilt, Eda took the hoodie, and hid it where Lily could not find.
—————
Day 7.
“SISTER!”
Eda winced, but forced herself to remain normal, Lilith had been tearing the house apart looking for her beloved hoodie.
Apparently, her habit was making a last ditch effort, and Lily had gone into a desperate frenzy.
The hoodie was the only thing that could kill the craving, and if Lilith didn’t find it soon all the work would be for nothing.
Guilt resides in her chest. But she continued to eat her cereal. Trying to ignore the random shout in the background.
Lilith came stomping in, “Edalyn, I have teared this whole house about and I can not find my- Oh!”
The gasp of surprise was the moment she found it, but it was laced in concern.
For Eda had put it the one place Lilith hadn’t bothered to check.
On herself.
A simple illusions charm was all it took to make it look like simple pajamas.
“Edalyn,” Lily questioned, “Is that my sweatshirt.”
Eda glanced down at the soft worn hoodie, and looked back at her cereal.
“Yup.”
Lilith started in disbelief.
“Edalyn I need that! Give it back!” She stated in distress.
Eda refused to look her in the eye, and gave a small shake of her head.
“No?! What do you mean no?!?!” Lily shrieked, her hands were starting to shake, In a continuous motion of rising upwards, and she quickly cast a weak pair of illusion handcuffs, offering just a half of foot of leeway from her waist.
The witchling continued her stubborn act, even though the sight of Lilith getting more and more erratic was stabbing her in the heart.
Her sister scowled. “Edalyn! Give it back!”
“No.”
“Well why not?!”
“Cause I don’t want too.” She answered simply.
Lilith looked like she was about to blow a casket.
“Give it back!!” She shrieked, lunging her self at her sister.
Eda had poorly misjudged how desperate Lilith currently was.
It was a struggle at first, but the shackles eventually worked in her favor and she was able to pin lily to the ground.
“Sister! Just give it!” Lily continued to yell.
“No!” Eda shouted, “I can’t!!”
“Well why not!!!”
“Cause it’s all I’ll have left!”
Lilith paused her pursuit, and stared at Eda with quizzical eyes.
“Have left of what?”
The calamity sighed, a blush spreading across her cheeks.
“I’ve noticed how much time I’ve spent with you this past week. But that’s just it, once the week is up you’ll be off with your friends and won’t need me anymore!”
Her sister just stared at her, eyes blinking unevenly.
“You, you really think that?” She breathed out. Her voice going higher.
Eda blushed harder, “Well yeah.”
With a shake of her head, Lilith had manage to flip the girl, so they were laying next to each other, Edas head on her chest.
“Oh Edalyn,” she hummed, raking her hands through her orange strands of hair, “No matter how far, how old, how popular, or how busy I am. I will always need you in my life.”
Edas eyes widened, looking up, “You mean that?”
She giggled, “Of course, silly. You really thought I’d ditch you after tomorrow? Who else will I have to listen to my recent accomplishments!”
“Oh idk,” the witch snarked, “Maybe your girlfriend echo!”
Lilith blushed, “She is not my girlfriend!”
“Oh yeah,” Eda snorted, “You sure echo knows that?”
“Ugh!”
And with that Lily sat upwards, waiting for her sister to comply as well.
“Theirs just one thing I need from you,” she stared.
Eda nodded, “Yeah?”
“Give me my hoodie.”
——————-
Day 8.
They had did it.
Eda grinned as she watched Lilith talking to echo, both of whoms faces were red.
It took a whole week, and a agonizing journey, but Lilith had beaten her bad habit once and for all.
She still naturally made the notion of raising her hand, but the nail never penetrated past her teeth.
And now, finally, after all of this.
Eda could sleep.