The Harrington Sisters

Winter Towers

Inside the limo, a dim crimson light cast an eerie glow from the ceiling, enveloping them in its somber ambiance. "Sit on this blanket; I don't want you ruining the seats," Roxy ordered. Amelia's eyes widened in surprise at the request. "I'm 13 years old, not 3; I'm not going to wreck your seats."

Roxy's response came back sharper and angrier than before, "DO AS I SAY!" Bella, overwhelmed by Roxy's outburst, began to cry, her tiny frame quivering.

Roxy's frustration deepened. "What's wrong with her?" she muttered.

"I think she misses our parents," Amelia offered gently to Roxy. "Miss Roxy." Roxy turned her attention to Bella.

"I understand that, but we have to move on. They're not coming back. We're here now, at Winter Towers. My home," Roxy explained with a hint of compassion, her tone softening.

As they stepped out of the limousine, they were instantly swarmed by paparazzi, hungry for a photograph of the now-charismatic Roxy, who graciously waved and smiled. To the sisters, she seemed like a completely different person.

Roxy engaged in a brief conversation with a woman in a sleek black blazer, who held a golden clipboard and pen. "Janette, take them to the spare room and provide them with new clothes. I can't stand their old ones," Roxy commanded.

"Of course, Miss Roxy," Janette replied with professional poise. She then turned to the sisters and beckoned them, saying, "Girls, follow me." With hesitation, the sisters trailed behind her, navigating a labyrinth of grand, golden-swirled staircases until they arrived at a room labeled "guests."

The girls entered the room, greeted by opulent golden chandeliers that cast a warm, inviting glow. Two enormous single beds dominated the space, each one seemingly reserved for one of the twins. Bella, brimming with excitement, darted around the room, her curiosity guiding her exploration. She couldn't resist bouncing on one of the beds, a sense of belonging washing over her.

Janette, noticing their awe, chimed in, "There are dresses for both of you on the bed."

Amelia, on the other hand, harbored doubts about how Roxy knew her size so precisely. Bella, in stark contrast, seemed utterly carefree. She had already adorned herself in a magnificent gold and white dress, dubbing herself a princess. As Amelia watched her sister, memories of their past together flooded her mind. She remembered the countless times they had played dress-up, the laughter, and the shared moments. A solitary tear welled up in Amelia's eye, a poignant testament to the stark changes in their lives.

Janette turned her caring gaze toward Amelia. "Are you okay, dear? You seem a bit sad," she inquired with genuine concern. Before Amelia could reply, however, Roxy appeared in the hallway.

"Janette, I instructed you to tuck them into bed; it's well past their bedtime," Roxy asserted, casting a stern glance at Bella. "And you," she pointed at Bella, "keep the noise down. I can hear you all the way downstairs."

"Sorry, Miss Rocky," Bella quickly apologized, slipping into some gold pajamas. She corrected herself, "Oh, Roxy, I mean."

Roxy peered down at Amelia and then at Janette with an air of superiority. "I hope this one's not causing you any trouble, Janette. Remember, there's always room 13," she remarked with a smug grin creeping across her face. Janette gulped but tried to reassure Roxy, "No need for that, Miss Roxy. All is well, I assure you."