Lady of Imperfection [ON-GOING]

Chapter 13 [Heather]

As my mind wandered, I was in a place that I was sure that I've seen before.

I heard a voice and I looked up to him. He was holding a black umbrella, crouching down to me.

The drops of rain were almost defeaning. The thunder made me tremble in fear, and so did the lightning. Would I die here?

"What are you doing alone in a weather like this, kid?" Dad...? Have I gone back home?

But, wait... This scene. This has happened when I was 13 years old on Earth. It's like I'm stuck in my former body.

"You'll get sick." He said, handing me his umbrella. "I'll leave the door open for you. If you want to come in, please do so." He informed, leaving the door crack open. I followed him inside and sat on the couch.

"Here, some dry clothes and a hot chocolate." I had known what his house was like, because it was like a home to me, as well. "I don't know if those dresses would fit you, but that's all I have. My daughter loves to wear dresses, especially when they're in pink." He told me with such melancholic eyes. I remembered this. Dad's real family had died in a fire "accident".

I nodded as I went in the bathroom and changed. Surprisingly, the dresses fitted me well. The scent of the clothes are those of a fresh laundry.

I returned and took a sip from the cup of hot chocolate.

"Does the it taste good? Is the temperature okay?" Dad consulted, sitting beside me. He was holding a  remote.

"Yeah... It's good." I responded as I blew on the hot chocolate that warmed my soaked self. I turned to the television, then to dad.

"Do you like this series?" He inquired, watching two men fighting with their fists.

"Hmm..."

"Why did you run away? It wasn't awhile since you had your part time job here." Dad studied my movements. He must've known everything that has happened... I've been working for him ever since that incident, ever since I was seven years old.

"A mistake." I sneezed. "Sorry." I shuddered.

"What was that?" He asked, covering me with a thick blanket. "Don't catch a cold, now."

"I made a mistake..." I muttered.

"Mistakes happen. The important thing is you've learned from them." He ruffled my wet hair with a towel, drying it.

"Do you plan on going back?" He questioned me, eyes glued at the television.

"No." I stipulated as my grip tightened around the cup.

"Then, why don't you stay here with me?" He recommended, eyeing me. "You can work for me, full time this time. You can clean my training grounds, and in return, I'll provide food and shelter for you. I need to train you, just in case, as well." He counted with his fingers. "I'll also provide for your school fees."  Although that I was just a replacement for his real daughter, a second hand thing, I was still very honored and was filled with delight. Such a kind and warm man. It's a shame that he had suffered this way.

"What do you say?" As I was about to agree, I heard various shuffles and voices.

"–ther."

"–Heather."

"Lady Heather!"

"Ah!" I screamed and sat up to see Thea with some dresses and shoes.