Jaquelyn quietly entered Chell's cave. To her surprise, it wasn't blocked off. She flew deeper into the innermost chamber and landed on a stairwell. She looked up into the light filtering through the cages dangling from the ceiling. It had been over a week since Chell had rejected her. "Chell?" She called out. "Chell, I know you're here."
Everything was quiet. Jaquelyn seemed defeated, but turned her head and saw her shadow was warped. It wasn't her own, anymore.
Jaq swallowed, unafraid.
"Chell, I'm sorry for prying. It wasn't my business. But you know, you're not great at privacy yourself," She said, trying to lighten the mood.
"But you're right. I don't know you, I know you've hurt me and the others in the past, but, that's why I asked. That's why I wanted to know, I only wanted to understand you better."
"I mean, no one ever tells me anything!" Jaq half shouted, ice the floor with her staff in annoyance. She walked up the stairs and paced the broken bridge. "Not my memories, not the moon, not anyone's pasts, not about being a spirit, not about guardianship... nothing." She sighed. "Even so, while I respect your boundaries, I need you to respect me, now."
The shadow was unmoving, but Jaq could imagine Chell raising an eyebrow at her.
"You don't get to decide what is and is not dangerous for me. I mean, it really goes to show you don't know me at all, huh? I'm Jaquelyn Frost! I LIVE for danger! I know you think it makes me stupid, but even you can admit to the thrill. But fun or not, when that danger is hurting my vulnerable, pompous friend?"
Chell abruptly rose from Jaquelyn's shadow, staring down at her.
Jaq puffed out her chest, taking a deep breath. She pointed the tip of her staff at Chell's chin.
"If you think I'm gonna just abandon her because she said some mean words to me, then you've got another thing comin, old lady."
Chell met Jaq's eyes. Shadows danced upon her closed fists. The two were at a standoff. Chell then suddenly sighed, sagging her shoulders forward.
"Ah, leave it to Jaquelyn Frost to meddle in my affairs. I suppose... if I couldn't stop you then, I sure can't stop you now." Chell walked past Jaquelyn; her high heels clicking upon the bridge as she strolled. "The lair has been getting quite stuffy. I could use some fresh air."
Jaquelyn watched as Chell walked on, pretending to ignore her. Jaq rolled her eyes and shook her head at the audacity. But soon broke out into a fit of giggles, and ran after her.
