Hawthorne - [SAMPLE]

1 - Last Goodbye

Camilla White

-- 6 months earlier --

After my own mother's death at the age of fifteen, I would never think I'd be in this position again. At least, not this early.

Especially not regarding the person that was closest to me after her.

Elizabeth Hawthorne was like a second mom to me. She never imposed limits on my presence, letting me grow up here and never seemed bothered by my presence. She was often delighted with my company. She'd ask me about the school, and what was I learning. She also deemed it proper to teach me her people's etiquette.

It ended up being helpful since I started to accompany her everywhere the last couple of years.

One word to describe her is thankful. She always made sure I felt like this was home.

This manor house is my home. It's the only home I've known for my entire life.

When my mom died I thought I was done for, going into the system until I turned eighteen but no. Mrs Hawthorne took me in, and she allowed me to stay, working part-time while finishing my studies.

It allowed me to become a biologist even though I haven't started practising yet.

When I graduated college it's when Mrs Hawthorne's health started to deteriorate so I decided to stay with her and give back everything she gave me. I cared for her just like I cared for my mother during her cancer.

It was the least I could do when she took care of me.

But now I am truly alone in this world.

"Camilla, where do I put this?"

A young worker here asks me while holding a big crown of white lilies.

"Outside in the garden," I tell him. "Right next to Mrs Hawthorne's picture, there's an altar there for all tributes."

He nods and scurries off.

Everything's in full swing. I've prepared the entire memorial and funeral service, and I've sent out letters to let the Court know. I even sent a letter to the King but I am not sure if he read it or is even coming, even if she was married to his older and illegitimate brother.

As always, these royal connections are a mess. Late King George had Mr Joseph Gotta out of wedlock and forced him to marry Mrs Hawthorne to try and legitimize him but he never could. His wife wouldn't allow it, even if she struggled exponentially to have children.

She ended up dying during birth, but the child survived. He grew up and now he is King.

King Charles.

So, in reality, he's Mrs Hawthorne's brother-in-law, but he never recognized Mr Joseph as part of their family. Not even after he married her.

It's a shame. To deny your own family in the name of the status.

I would give anything to have mine and yet I can't bring anyone back.

"Camilla, people are starting to arrive." One of the maids exclaims, bringing me out of my reverie.

Straightening my back and dusting off my clothes, I head to the main entrance where I begin to formally greet the sea of important people that have come to attend Mrs Hawtorne's memorial.

Half of these people didn't know her and most of the ones who did, didn't care about her. But they're here because society's rules demand their presence.