Secrets, Lies, and Deception

Chapter 18 - Saturday Cafe

I woke up from my sleep because of some nightmare I had, but it wasn't a bad dream at all. It was a bad memory of the past. I bawled in my bed for a while. After that, I checked my phone to see the time, and it was still five in the morning. Too early, but enough time to get enough fresh air.

I slipped into my robe and left the room. The maids who were busy cleaning up before the sun rose stopped in their tracks when they saw me and greeted me a good morning. I gave them a shy smile and went to the kitchen to grab some bread and hot milk.

"Miss Luna!!" Nora screamed my name in shock, seeing me enter from across the room.

"I'm just here to grab some bite before I go to the stables," I said, waving my hand to her, telling her to just continue what she's doing and not mind me. She nodded her head in response.

The kitchen sounds really busy. I hear clanking, chopping, and shouting. Everyone was busy preparing the menu for breakfast. I'm in awe watching each one of them doing their roles. Norma was busy putting the muffins on the plate while shouting some instructions to the other maids. The head chef was busy tasting dish after dish and checking up on the sous chef's work. I suddenly laughed at my thoughts, which caught everybody's attention, and that was my cue to leave. It's just that everyone was preparing too many dishes, and it's like a feast is to be held, but it's just Grandfather and me at the table then.

After the bustling kitchen view, I went straight to the stables. I can see the blue sky tainted with the colors of orange and red as the sun is peaking for its sunrise. Compared to the busy corridors of the house, the outside is quite more peaceful and serene. The plants surrounding the house seem to be dancing as they sway back and forth with the wind.

When I arrived at the stables, the boy I remember when I was young was the closest friend I could have in the manor - was talking to one of our horses.

"I see your habit is still present after how many years," I said, sneaking from behind him.

"Miss Luna!!" he said, shockingly surprised to see me.

"Jasper!" I hugged in return.

Jasper and his mom have served our family for years. I remember how her mother was so caring of her when he was still a child. Jasper and I grew close because of our love for the horses. He grew up well. He has dark skin with curly hair, thick lips, and brown eyes. His body is well built, and indeed, you can tell that he is used to housework.

"I heard you came back with your Grandfather. How was that?" he said with a worrying tone in his question.

"Dreadful. The entire ride was quiet and awkward," I answered. He hugged me once again to comfort me.

"But why are you so up early? Aren't you the type to wake up past the supposed time?" he asked curiously.

"Oh, haha! I am still that kind of gal, but not for the night. I never thought I would feel uncomfortable in my own bed in my own room," I explained. He nodded in agreement.

"Well, I understand," he says while patting me on my shoulder. "Anyways, up for a ride?" he asked.

"I thought you wouldn't ask," I said happily.

Jasper led me to the back part of the stable, where I see a familiar horse I have taken care of for since I could remember. It broke my heart to leave him here, but I am happy to see him finally again.

"Ohh, Max!!" I said while hugging him. "Oh, how I missed you!!" I brushed the back of his neck as I know it comforts him for me to do so.

"Wow! I thought Max wouldn't recognize you after you left him alone. Your Grandfather almost dispatched him--"