Garden of Withered Roses || ON HIATUS

The Endless Cycle of Life and Death

Penelope looked over the serene lake. The moon was high into the sky and the hooting of owls could be heard from the trees. She smiled. There was no reflection to be seen in the waters.

There was a small family gathering at the manor near the lake. She knew that there would always be. She tilted her head to get a better look at the manor. Their laughter and conversations were still in high spirits.

"That's good. It's not late yet."

She didn't want to return to Hilise's room just yet. She couldn't face her. At least, not yet. During Hilise's second life, she had foolishly revealed herself to the younger Hilise, causing her to be wary of Penelope. Afterwards, the real Hilise had brushed Penelope off Penelope's warnings about Christian.

"Yoohoo! Hilise? I'm right here you know?" Penelope said, poking Hilise's arm.

Ah drat. Is she ignoring me? Had Hilise lost her memories when she regressed or something?

"Hilise. You can't ignore me forever you know!" Penelope said, waving her hand in front of Hilise's head.

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Hilise is nineteen already. The moment I awoke, I asked her if she was okay. The little Hilise looked as though she was about to puke and before I knew it I had started rambling about her past life. She's been ignoring me ever since. Man, that kid sure can hold a grudge. It's been thirteen years, for crying out loud!

Today was the day Gabrielle's monster had run loose. Suddenly, Hilise was utterly terrified.

"How..?"

Then, Ricardo had cried out for Gabrielle. He rushed to her aid, pushing aside Hilise. Hilise suddenly used Blossom to subdue the beast, however, she was clearly shaken.

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A few hours later, I had decided to take a walk in the gardens. Suddenly, i see Hilise, shivering as she sat on the marble gazebo.

"Am I dreaming right now?"

"I should've definitely died when I fell off those stairs..."

Huh? Hilise has been here since she was six, right? Unless... Ah. It appears that she had regressed after me. I suddenly felt a pang of guilt. Ah damnit, why had I let my big mouth go off on little Hilise! The poor girl must have been terrified of the crazy lady who suddenly told her she was supposed to be dead.

"If that was a dream"

Ah. She still thinks it's a dream. Not to worry, sweet child, Penelope is coming to the rescue.

"As I thought, you're here, Hilise." The familiar voice of Christian Parvenon said.

Huh, what's this bastard doing here? Isn't he supposed to be here because of Gabrielle? Is he trying to pull moves on my sweet Hilise!? God what a dirtbag! He has a fiancée, for crying out loud!

It didn't help that Hilise had a crush on him. How many times had I told that child that there's plenty of other fish in the sea?

"What brings you to this place? Gabrielle isn't here..." Hilise said, hurrying to get up and greet him.

"You're talking about Gabrielle again. I told you the last time as well, I came to look for you. Were you here alone all day again?"

Is this man actually flirting right now? I groaned and rolled my eyes. A faint blush appeared on Hilise's face. She fell for it.