As I arrived home, I immediately went to aide mother. She's looking more fragile each passing day.
I'm under the impression the she'll never tell me anything about her condition.
"How are you feeling mother?" I asked as I placed an arm around her waist hugging her.
"All is well." She said.
Mother created a strong facade. She is quite a strong woman but strong people are allowed to show weakness too.
"Where's father?" I asked again, she then looked into my eyes and smiled.
"Let's go for a walk?"
I agreed.
"I can't believe you're grown now," she eyed me lovingly "you turned out to be a lovely young lady."
We reached the double swings on Paris. She motioned me to it and she began fixing my hair.
"Perhaps, I never told you but your father and I found it really hard to be given a child... we waited so long for you. You were our miracle." She paused and whispered.
"I guess we need another one." Then she went silent.
After a while I felt a cold teardrop on my shoulder and mother kneeled in front of me. Her one hand caressing my face, the other clasping my own.
"My sweet child, remember that I will always love you. We will do everything for you. Until my dying breath."
Goosebumps ran all over me. I don't understand why is she saying these things. Her green eyes were glistening in tears. I don't know what to do. Is this her goodbye? I felt myself catching my breath.
"Mother, I love you too but what's wrong?" I asked, she just shook her head as a reply.
After a while on the swing we head back inside. Mother busied herself preparing for my supposed simple dinner party but of course my relatives won't have it.
"A Beaufort should be celebrated with grandiosity." They wrote to my father which I only took a peek of course.
Our helpers have been bustling around the house under mother's command. Father, being himself, is locked up in his study.
I knocked at his door panting while I'm at it his study was at the top of the tower. I don't know how Winston manages to go through those stairs so easily.
"Come in." I compose myself upon entering. The dome of the observatory is visible just beside his east windows.
"Father, you called for me?"
I sat myself at one of the mahogany chairs, he gestured me towards. I scanned his study; books littered every part of the room. The smell of the parchment consumes the air. Father's aura was a tad gloomy for my liking.
"Your birthday's coming dear." He started and stared at me as if reluctant to continue. "Your mother should be here by now."
At that moment, Mother entered the study with the same expression he wore. They sat in front of me. Mother nodded at him so he started.
"We would like to give our gifts." Mother pulled out two boxes coated in velvet.
"Why now?" They smiled at my response. I opened them and found beautifully studded earrings and bracelet. The family heirlooms.
"Why..... are you giving me these?"
Aren't these supposed to be given during a marriage process?
"We really think it would look wonderful for your birthday." Mother said.
"But... I am not marrying yet-"
"The Rossfields will be here." Father said abruptly.
"Aldrich, was discharge for the military. He will be here as well." Mother added.
The room stilled.
"Father, I will be so delighted to see Mrs. Elizabeth and Ms. Susan. I loved the gifts father...mother but it has been a long day, I wish to retire to my room. May I?"
Mother dismissed me and I ran out of the study to my room and went straight to my balcony.
It's been two years since I last saw him. Aldrich Brian Rossfield, my first love. He went to military not even saying goodbye. It's been a year. I haven't heard from him not even a letter. My chest fell heavy, I wish Cynder was here. I just thought she'd understand. She was there when it happened.
"Ms. Adellyne supper's ready." I heard Sarai call from my door. I don't think I'll be ready to see him and I was hoping I won't.
"Dear have you chosen the flowers to be used for your ball?" Mother asked.
"Yes mother, I already told Letizia."
"Very well. Perhaps you should help me sending out invitations?"
"I've sent out the rest of it mother." I said absentmindedly.
"Oh my girl is so responsible ain't she." my mother cooed but I was so preoccupied thinking about how I should act when the Rossfields arrives.
I turned multiple times in my bed. Sleep seemed to have forgotten to visit me which lead me to write a letter to Benjamin.
YOU ARE READING
Ropes
General Fiction❄Others tie it in knots and hold on but some choose to just let go.❄. Adellyne Beufort was raised in a comfortable lifestyle. She had a happy childhood and probably has the brightest future. But a certain boulder was thrown at her. Her mother was de...
