Today was the day, and all Billie wanted to do was skip it altogether.

She wasn’t to be found when Gideon opened up the shop, nor did she turn up for lunch or even supper for that matter.  It was only when dusk started to make way into night that she appeared, shouldering her way through the door as if she were about to sink into the ground.

Her hair was an absolute rats nest, and her clothing sported a noticeable layer of extra dirt.  Her boots were slung over one shoulder, bare feet so discolored that it almost looked as if she’d developed a sudden tan.  Various leaves and twigs hitchhiked on her clothing, but she didn’t have cause to notice.  Overall, Billie looked as if she’d been dragged behind a horse.

At first, she didn’t say anything to Gideon, just wandering past him to put her boots somewhere where they weren’t likely to muck up the floor.  Though, her feet were just as filthy.  In truth, she wasn’t sure how to even begin.

The past week had been rough.  Billie’s good spirits after finding her wand had slowly dissolved into moodiness that only grew more and more insufferable as the days drew closer to the decision date.  Poor Gideon had to bear several bouts of impatience that ended with the sort of snapping that only developed when someone was deep within their own mind.  Depressed, she'd drawn away from some of her friends, preferring to be alone on her daily outings.  She avoided Honeydukes altogether, and she'd even been extra terrible to Jimmy.  They’d always teased one another and held a staunch rivalry, but this week was the first time she'd been outright malicious.  She hoped he realized she was sorry. 

Despite all the pondering and agonizing she'd done, Billie was no closer to what she considered to be the right answer.  No matter what she decided, she was going to feel like she was pretending.  But a choice needed to be made.  They needed to know how to go forward, no matter how difficult that might be.

"Hello," she finally greeted, peeking up at Gideon.