Life Goes On

*~Book 2~* Chapter 33: Home

The trip to Great Aunt Cleo's was tiresome. Ominis, Sebastian and I headed to Hogsmeade station the morning after the Winter Ball, and from there we took a train to London. The last time we'd been there, it was for Anne's funeral. Ominis and I could tell that Sebastian wasn't feeling very well. We tried to talk to him about it but he insisted he was fine. Ominis suggested that we give him some space. Still, I hated seeing Sebastian just brewing in his thoughts, especially, knowing that they weren't happy ones.

"So once we arrive in London, we'll be taking a carriage. Hopefully we can find one easily, it may be busier there because of the holidays." Ominis mentioned in an attempt to change the subject.

"Great aunt Cleo told me she set up a carriage to pick us up when our train arrives, so we don't need to worry about that. I'm afraid it'll be a couple of hours out to Surrey still though." I said regrettably, my back was already so achy even on the smoother train tracks.

"Ah yes I remember... well no need to worry darling, I'm sure we'll be able to rest plenty once we arrive." Ominis reassured me.

"Doesn't your aunt still own that fancy horseless carriage, aren't those a lot faster?" Sebastian asked finally breaking out of his silence.

"Yes well, it was my father's, but it is no longer in working condition." I noticed Ominis elbowing Sebastian hard on the ribs.

"Ow bloody hell, what was that for?" Ominis tilted his head in my direction and Sebastian's eyes became dark, "Oh... I'm sorry love, I forgot about..."

"It's ok, are you guys hungry? I saw the trolley pass by a little bit ago, I'm going to go find it." I stood up and hurried down the cart wiping my eyes discretely as I walked away.

Ominis:

"You bloody idiot." Ominis exclaimed.

"What? It slipped my mind ok? I'm sorry." Sebastian answered a bit annoyed.

"You know Ophelia doesn't really like to talk about it, about her parents." Ominis said tilting his head in the direction that Ophelia had gone, making sure she wasn't within earshot.

Sebastian shook his head. "I know I know, I'm sorry I'm just distracted right now."

"Because of Anne." Ominis stated matter of fact.

Sebastian took a deep breath and looked out the window. "Yes...because of Anne. She would've loved Surrey, and Ophelia. It's too bad she never got to come out here with us."

Ominis turned back towards Sebastian. "I know it's hard, it's only been a few months after all. I'm sure the holidays make things, worse."

Sebastian exhaled loudly. "Yeah. I'll be alright, it'll pass."

Ominis held his lips tightly for a moment and placed his hand on top of Sebastian's. "You know you can talk to me, to Ophelia."

"I know... I'll be okay, promise." Ominis nodded and looked up to see Ophelia walking back towards them with a small box of cakes and pasties.

***

Ophelia:

When we arrived in London we headed out towards the carriage pick up area. I quickly spotted Mr. Smith our groundskeeper waiting by the carriage.

"Ah Ms. Wright! It is so great to see you, Mr. Gaunt, Mr. Sallow, a pleasure to see you both in good health as well." Mr. Smith gave me a side hug and shook both Sebastian's and Ominis's hands.

"Edward? is that you?" I asked spotting the young man standing behind Mr. Smith.

Edward looked towards me, "Hi Ophelia, it's been a long time." He said giving me a half smile.