One way out

Chapter 1: Progress

This is a story I made just to apologize for my long hiatus and for not uploading stories for the past few months. I’m really sorry for not uploading anything. Really. This story was born when I was in school, during free class time. I was bored and thought of stories to entertain myself, this is one of them.

One way out.  Chapter  1 : Progress

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That day… the day that father, King Collians passed away suddenly… the whole kingdom was upset for days, and none of the farmers have energy to work, sister Chime don’t even have the appetite to eat nor have the mood to even get out of her room. The only person who’s not having a bad time is… the one who’s about to hold the throne, my mother, Queen Margaret. None of the citizen dares to steal thrones with her even though she has no qualification to become the ruler. It’s because of her well known attitude, “The angry lioness” they nicknamed her.  Once put on a fight with her, there’s no ending to the argument.

“The snow pure white, cold and soft, dances around the sky …but why does it feels so lonely? Why does it feels so empty? The snow touches my cold skin, it’s freezing…Where did you go…Don’t leave me alone…I can’t move on like this…”

A single drop of tear started rolling down from the corner of my eyes to my cheeks, reading the last line of the book “The coming winter”. I wipe the tears off to prevent it from making the book wet, I don’t want to ruin my book, even if it’s just one little scratch, it’s not acceptable.

“Princess Faine?” suddenly faint knocks were ringing in the far end door in my room. “Breakfast time, would you like to eat your royal breakfast meal in your room, Milady?”

“No it’s fine, just come in and help me get change into my dress”

“Yes, Milady” A maid came in with a warm smile applied in her face. “Good Morning your highness.”

“No need to greet me, Cecilia.”

“Yes Milady” Cecilia chuckled. Cecilia’s gazes suddenly focus on the book I’m holding. “Nice choice indeed, Milady. The author, it’s Princess Chime isn’t it?”

“Yes… this brilliant book…”I hold up the book. “Was authored by my sister…” I suddenly felt a lump in my throat.

Cecilia kept silent.

“How is Princess Chime?” I asked.

Cecilia looked away from me and gulped. I can sense a feeling of guilty in her. “I’m sorry Milady… but Princess Chime refuses to eat.” She dropped down on her knees and begged me to forgive her.

“Cecilia… please stand up, it has nothing to do with you.” I helped Cecilia to stand up. “After this, give me her breakfast, I would like to try convince her to eat.”

“Yes Milady.” Cecilia went to my closet and took out a red long gown with white stripes on the bottom and small ribbons decorated the whole gown. “Hmm… is this fine Milady?”

“Anything is fine, now help me put on it, quick.”

Cecilia nodded and helped me to get dressed. “Done”

“Thank you Cecilia.” I ran through the hall into the kitchen and took sister Chime’s breakfast meal. The chef gave me a cart and I took it and walk while pushing the cart to Chime’s room. The only room with all white, white doors, white window, white bed, white table, everything…white. It’s her favorite color. “The color that is easily gets contaminated but really strong, the color of blank, the color of a new start, pure and calm…the color of the snow.” Her warm voice rings inside my head.

I knocked on her door.

No response.

I knocked again. “Chime, Sister?”

No response.

I twisted the doorknob and walked in while pushing the cart beside me and closed the door. “Rise and shine!”

“G...Get out!” Chime threw a pillow at me and I fell down.

I get up and walked quickly towards her and pulled her hand. “Chime, snap out of it! Father has been gone for a week already! If you love him so much you should gather all your conscious back and walk forward and make him proud! Not lying here like a dying soul! Father won’t be pleased with your condition now! ”

“I do not need your advice! I want father back! Give him back!”

“Chime, those people who passed away can’t reawaken! Face the truth already, sister dear!”

Chime sit up and slapped me. “Don’t you dare-”

“It’s the truth, face it! We cannot revive father! Those who died cannot be revived! Please sister, listen to me…”

“OUT, get out of my room!” Chime pointed at the door.

“I won’t go unless you eat your breakfast! I will watch you eat every single bit of it!” I insisted.

“If I did, I want you to never speak of father in front of me ever again! And I want you to get out of the room the minute I’m finished!” She yelled back.

“Agreed” I said while pushing the cart closer to her white bed, took out her breakfast meal and gave it to her. “Ah... sister’s favorite royal marmalade bread and Ceylon tea. Enjoy.”

Her eyes went big and I can see a faint smile on her face but she quickly covered it up by fake yawning. I smiled knowing that I successfully convince her to eat and better, made her smile again.

“Let me brush your hair, sister. It’s all messed up.”

She nodded while eating her marmalade bread. I took out a brush from her white drawer and sat behind her on her bed.  

“You have such nice hair, sister.” I said while brushing her long blonde hair. “It’s so soft…unlike mine.” I chuckled faintly.

“What’s the point of comparing… all humans are equal, good looking or not, it’s the same.”

I nodded as the sign that I understand.  “Sister…”

“What?”

“Have you ever considered to write your amazing stories again? I believe there’s a lot of people who’re looking forward to your stories again, including me.”

Chime went silent and took a sip of her Ceylon Tea.

“I would like to read your amazing stories again… one day. Promise me that you’ll write again, even just once… I would like to enjoy your works again.” I smiled.

“I’m done with my meal, now… out.” she covered her face with her blanket and pointed at the door.

“Yes sister.”

I pushed the cart along when I was walking towards the door. While I was about to shut the door, Sister Chime suddenly got up.

“Faine, I’ll consider that… but you will always be by my side, supporting me right?...”

I was shocked that Chime actually said something and it’s what I expect her to say. “Yes, I will!” I smiled while trying to hold my happy tears from flowing out from my eyes.

Chime gave me her warm smile and went back to cover herself up. I closed the door and cried… it’s been such a long time since I saw that warm smile, it’s been such a long time we talked this friendly…

“That smile, that angelic smile just made my day better.”