Jane had hated Lisbeth; Winifred did not. In fact, Winifred found herself really liking Lisbeth. Lisbeth was able to make conversations roll and flow exactly how they should. Winifred never had that ability; Flora most certainly did, but Winifred did not. Winifred also liked the way Lisbeth laughed before she first called her Winnie. There were many things Winifred really liked about Lisbeth by the end of the school day.
And it turned out there were many things Lisbeth liked about Winifred by the end of the school day. Or at least enough that Lisbeth felt comfortable asking Winifred if she’d like to go over the next day and giving her a hug goodbye.
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Flora: Wait up! Guys! // Hey that doesn’t mean walk faster!
Winifred: We weren’t going faster. You’re just slow.
Ilse: Winnie don’t be rude, she clearly has news and can’t help being slow.
Louisa: What’s the news, Flor?
Flora: Do you guys remember Emmett? Super tall, ginger-
Louisa: Yeah.
Ilse: Duh!
Winifred: Sure?
Flora: Well a little birdie told me...
- - -
Pierre: Hey did you hear Emmetts brother and sister are coming to school now.
Eugene: Who told you that? Jane?
Pierre: No- we stopped talking over the summer.
- - -
Jane: I already don’t like the new girl.
Louisa: Why? Cause she isn’t Emmett? You know he isn’t returning this year- he’s too old.
Flora: We all know you had the biggest crush on him.
Jane: It’s not because of Emmett!
Flora: You seriously can’t already hate her Jane. She hasn’t done anything to you.
Louisa: <through laughter> Maybe she’s prettier than Jane?
Jane: <scoff> She isn’t prettier than me // But Winnie, she and her brother are at your desk.
Winifred: Oh I- I don’t mind.
Jane: God Winnie, don’t just let them walk all over you.
Flora: Jane? Hey Jane! No!
Jane: Get out of my cousins desk- now.
Lisbeth: Excuse me?
Flora: Jane don’t bother them. Winnie is fine to sit somewhere different.
Jane: This is her spot, Flora. She should sit here. Besides, boys sit on the other side.
Mr.Harrison: Jane Brandt, stop being bothersome and go take a seat.
Lisbeth: It’s quite alright; and I’m Lisbeth, but please call me Lis and anything but Bethy.
Winifred: I take it that’s what your brother calls you?
Lisbeth: Yep- either that or Lizziebeth. I despise both.
Winifred: My whole family calls me Winnie. I suppose I don’t hate it. Actually, you could call me that if you’d like. It’s less formal sounding than Winifred.
Lisbeth: <chuckles> Okay, Winnie.
Mr.Harrison: Winifred, Elisabeth- Pay attention!
Lisbeth: Sorry Mr.Harrison...and it’s Lisbeth.
- - -
Lisbeth: So I’ll see you tomorrow and after school you’ll come over?
Winifred: I’ll ask my mother tonight if it’ll be okay with her.
You are the best. Best. Best. The conversation we had back on Friday (...Saturday Morning...) Made me feel so much better, I don't think you even know. A lot of those things had been really getting to me, I guess, and I don't know...you said just the right things. I love you.
