A Love Beyond Time

Chapter V

It has been roughly a month since our birthday ball. It was now the middle of January, and the winter was becoming fiercer. During a snow storm a window in my brother's study broke due to strong winds and the room became a pile of snow. Most of my brother's important documents were damaged due to the snow or blew away entirely. Ciel spent a considerable amount of time locked away in his study reorganizing everything to his liking. Thankfully, the picture of our parents which always stood on the corner of his desk was unharmed. He gave it to me for safekeeping until everything was back in place.

I held the photograph, in its gold frame, in my hands. I smiled and pressed it to my chest. Despite this photo being taken almost 11 years ago, I remember the day it was taken as if it was only a day prior.

.........

"Darling, come here a moment, will you?" my mother called to me with her sweet voice. I stood from my chair and rushed to her side in the foyer. She opened her arms, tightly embracing me. I nuzzled my head into the nook of her neck, her warmth wrapping around me.

"Your father, aunt, and brother wish to take a family portrait out in the gardens, my flower. Take my hand," she released me and outstretched her hand. I grasped her pale hand, our fingers intertwining and walked slowly alongside her. I loved being close with my mother. She was the shining jewel in my life, the apple of my eye. I love her dearly. I instinctively clutched the side of her dress with my other hand, maneuvering myself closer. She took note of my moments and crouched down. She placed her hand gently on the top of my head and stroked my hair. Her soft blue eyes calmed my nerves.

"Please, let us make haste. Your father is waiting for all of us as." . I quickly let go of my mother and ran through the halls leading into the garden.

"Be careful!" my mother worriedly called to me. I pushed open the heavy doors and stepped foot onto the gravel. It was yet another glorious summer day. I felt the heat of the sun on my skin and my eyes were filled with vibrant colors of the many flowers we had growing in the garden.

"(Y/N), over here, dear!" my father, Vincent, shouted. I quickly turned my head to the side where I saw my father, aunt, and brother all standing together. I grabbed my dress, lifting it slightly off the ground and ran toward the three of them.

"Took you long enough, we worried you wouldn't be able to make it on time!" my brother complained. My father placed his hand on his shoulder and smiled.

"Ciel, my son, be kind to your sister. Let's be grateful we have this opportunity to take a portrait," my father said with a smile. Ciel took a deep breath and sighed. My aunt, Angelina, smiled brightly at me, her bright red lips had a calming feeling.

"Oh, my darling niece, how have you been?" she asked while tightly wrapping her arms around me. Her hugs were always so tight. There were times where I would fail to breathe.

"I've been splendid, auntie! I'm pleased to see you again!" I exclaim in joy.

"Sister, be gentle with my little rose, will you?" Auntie released me from her grip, a childish pout on her face.

"I only wished to express my love for my darling, niece, brother..." she complained. Seeing my family all together made me smile. Moments later, mother came to our group. The warm wind blew through her brown hair. She was truly beautiful.

"Now that everyone is here," my father started while gently pressing my shoulder to my brothers, "let's smile for the picture!" There was a man standing in front of us with a black box resting on three black, metal legs. The man asked us to group together in a manner so we would all fit.