High Ranks (Completed)

Chapter XXVI

Chapter XXVI

I heard my father's gasp when he read what's written on the front page of the newspaper.

A Scandalous Hayhurst!

Daphne Charlotte Hayhurst, only daughter of a successful entrepreneur Morris Hayhurst was reportedly seen dancing and having 'fun' with some drunkard at Lewis Pub.

People are questioning about the young lady's actions. According to many resources, Daphne did gone berserk once, it was when—

My father closed the page and looked at me seriously.

"It's my fault. I ran from the party and ruined our name."

He let out an airy exhale. "I don't care if you tarnish our family's reputation for a thousand time, Lottie. Ang inaalala ko lang ay ikaw."

"I'm fine, Dad. To tell you the truth, I had fun while dancing with those people. I even consider them as my friend."

Tumango si Daddy na parang naiintindihan niya ako. "What I mean is you'll be the subject of all the hate the media has to offer. They'll target you just like what they do to all the women in our society. I can't watch my daughter being pounced ny those predators."

"Dad, I'm fine. Nothing happened to me and my birthday was a week ago!"

"I'm sorry, Charlotte. I have to do this. You're grounded."

"What? What am I supposed to do? I'm not a child anymore!"

"Take a vacation. I'll handle this," he said before leaving the room.

I huffed. I'm not mad, alam ko rin na kasalanan ko. I was pretty wild back in the saloon. Though I had fun, I still have to face the consequences of my actions. A lady born in this society cannot be seen in a pub full of stinky men or you'll be the subject of slut shaming and you'll shame not just your self but your family also.

Nang lumabas ako sa private chamber ni Daddy ay nakasalubong ko si Kirsten. She looked tense and shaken.

"Pinagalitan ka ba? Sana sinabi mong ako ang nagdala sa iyo doon."

Natawa naman ako. "Don't worry about it. He's not mad. I just need to take a break for a while."

Kirsten followed me all the way to my room. Kinuha ko ang isang malaking bag at nilagay ko doon ang kalahati ng damit sa aking closet.

"Where are you going? Maglalayas ka?" gulat niyang tanong.

"What? Of course not. Dad's right. I need to clear my mind and I can't do that here as long as the streets are bustling."

I packed all my luggages and I told one of the servants to book me a train to Kershaw.

Nang makasakay ako sa loob ng karwahe papunta sa train station ay nagulat akong tumabi sa akin si Kirsten. She's not supposed to be her.

"I told Elijah that I'll be coming home with you," she said while smiling innocently.

"Are you certain? I will be gone for almost a month."

"Then I'll stay there with you."

At last, fresh air! I've never had this in the last five years. I am tired of seeing the tall buildings on every block. Good thing, only these fairytale villages are my only concern. Matagal na akong hindi nakabalik dito. And I was glad that nothing changed in this place.

"Wow the new town mayor must be doing his job well," tudyo ko kay Kirsten.

Napailing naman siya at sabay kaming dumiretso sa dati niyang bahay. Her house looked the same. The cozy vibe of her little hut gives me the nostalgic feeling.