Star-Crossed | Jennie Kim

calm morning

Southampton, England

The sound of the early morning birds chirping in the distance soothed the young girl while she waited to be called down for breakfast. She supported most of her weight on the wooden frame of her balcony door, leaning on it as she left it wide open for her to enjoy the fresh breeze of spring. She had done her morning routine of showering, brushing her teeth, dressing finely, doing some light makeup, and making her bed, and as always she had time to spare.

She usually took this time to do what she wanted, whether it was relax, write in her little journal, or play the guitar she had received from her grandmother. The old lady had long passed away, but Jennie would always remember her dearly for keeping her dreams alive with the heartfelt gift. She loved music, but her mother didn't approve of her playing any instruments. Knowing her daughter well, the eldest of the family gifted the youngest with a guitar.

Outside, the sun's rays were partially blocked by the huge tree in her backyard that offered some comfortable shade. Her brown eyes were glued to one of the bird's nests right on a branch near her balcony, seeing how mama bird fed her babies, all of them chirping happily at the morning meal.

The young girl smiled to herself, seeing them getting out of the nest when their mother flew away. It was their time to fly on their own, and while she stood there, she saw in awe how each little bird took off without their mother helping them or worrying. They had their freedom guaranteed with those wings, and she continued to look up at them, flying away into the bright clear sky, chirping happily. Jennie was about to get closer to the stone rail of her balcony to continue admiring, but a small knock on her door followed by a soft voice brought her back to reality.

"Miss Jennie, breakfast is ready and has been served."

Jennie turned around, eyes falling on her kind maid, "Thank you, Nari. I'll be there shortly."

Her maid politely nodded and stepped out of the room, gently closing the door before she could leave.

Jennie sighed and made her way inside her luxurious and spacious bedroom, gently closing the balcony doors before heading downstairs.

Her house was a labyrinth to walk around. It could definitely pass by as a labyrinth in a mansion. A mansion in the Edwardian era, full of antique and vintage decorations that were brand new and could definitely be in a castle. Nothing of this house looked old and cheap, that was the beauty of the fine architecture her mother loved so much.

As she reached downstairs, the sound of classical music and the faint smell of oatmeal reached her nose, and she took quick notice of her polished mother sitting at the head of the long dark wooden table. There was a bowl of assorted fruit neatly organized by their color. There were blueberries, strawberries, melon, pineapple, and watermelon. A delicious assortment to eat with her oatmeal or have on the side.

As she stepped through the archway towards the dining room, a smooth but stern voice reached her ears.

"Good morning, Jennie. How was your night?" Ella Kim, Jennie's mother, asked.

The middle aged woman's black hair was in a neat bun on top of her head, wearing a pretty cream long sleeved dress, her neck decorated with a necklace of fine pearls, as were her ears. She looked neat polished as always, and her voice was so soft, a facade to her strong attitude and beliefs. The woman barely smiled at the sight of her only daughter.

Jennie reached her usual spot on the table, right next to her, and smiled, "It was good, mama."

"Mother. You address me as mother." The older Kim said, her skinny hands gently holding her utensils.