The Magic Within The Pages

Chapter 3

"Princess Amara, gising na po! It's already morning, and your father is calling for you to join the family for breakfast" The voice belonged to Lily, 

I recognized it well because she was the only one who spoke to me yesterday. 

As I stare at her, she seemed like someone who should be on the cover of a captivating storybook, full of enchanting adventures. Like those beautiful fairies we see on television. Siguro kung nasa mundo ko siya, isa na siyang sikat na personalidad.

"Does your head still hurt?" Lily asked. I could see genuine worry in her eyes. It was kind of her to check on me. 

I couldn't shake the feeling that I was in a strange, new world. 

Everything around me seemed different, yet somehow familiar. The sunlight pouring through the window felt warm and inviting,  but the situation I found myself in was confusing. 

Had I really been transported to another place completely?  

"Princess! Are you still there?" Lily's voice broke through my thoughts. 

She might have noticed that I was zoning out, lost in my thoughts. Not wanting to worry her, I quickly focused again and gave her a nod.

"Yes, I'll go eat breakfast with them," I replied. 

It seemed pointless to remain locked away in this room. Perhaps if I stepped outside and joined them, I would learn more about this world and figure out my place in it. Maybe I could even invent something amazing, like a time-traveling capsule! But that thought felt foolish. Was such a thing even possible? 

"Oh, really? I didn't expect you to actually come, Princess. But I'm glad you're finally starting to open up to your family after such a long time," she said. 

I remember in the book Princess Amara had once distanced herself from her family, possibly avoiding them because she prefers to be alone

"Anyway, Princess, your family is waiting for you. Make sure to eat plenty!" she added.

The old Princess Amara had never truly enjoyed spending time with her family, often retreating to her room to keep to herself. Looking at this body, it was clear she hadn't been taking good care of herself. Even simple activities left me feeling exhausted, and I found myself wanting to sleep more often.

As I walked down to the dining room for breakfast, I was amazed by how beautiful the castle was. It wasn't just an ordinary building; the walls were decorated with detailed carvings, and the chandeliers sparkled like diamonds. The staircase was beautifully designed, showing a lot of thought and artistry. This castle felt like a grand maze—both stunning and huge! 

"Dear daughter, come sit here," an elderly woman said warmly. 

I assumed she was Amara's mother, as her gentle manner almost made me feel loved, like how a mother treats her child. 

I looked around the dining table and noticed a little girl eating quietly. She seemed peaceful and content. "Maybe she is my little sister?" I thought to myself. 

Her features resembled those of the woman who had invited me to sit beside her, but hers were softer and less defined because she hasn't matured yet.

I sat down at the table and started eating quietly. I chose to stay silent because I was worried that if I said something wrong, they might get upset with me—just like my family back home often did. 

I didn't want to create any problems for Amara by speaking out of turn since I am not familiar with her world . What if I mentioned things from my life back home, and they thought I was strange for it? I didn't want to cause trouble for the real Amara,

"Are you sure you're feeling okay?" a man said, I assumed it was Amara's father

"Does anything hurt? We can call the doctor if you'd like," Amara's mother said.

"Big sister! Are you really okay? You used to talk to me a lot, but now you seem so quiet. Are you upset with me?" Amara's little sister asked.

I sat quietly, watching them interact. Is this what a family is supposed to be like? 

They talked to each other, made sure everyone was included, and asked why someone wasn't joining in the conversation. I had never known such warmth and closeness in my own family in real world. It felt unusual to me.

"What is this, Faye?!" My mother sounded so furious. 

"Seriously, top 7? Are you forgetting something, Faye? You are Faye Amana! Ano nalang iisipin ng mga iba? Na ang mga Amana ay hindi matatalino? Maybe they'll think we're all foolish!" Her disappointment was visible, and her anger echoed around the room.

 "Ma, I promise I'll do  better in second quarter," I said, trying to hold back my tears.

"Why can't you be more like your sisters? They've achieved so much at such a young age! Why can't you follow their example?" my mother said.

"Ma, tao rin naman ako ah, not a machine. Why do you assume I can do everything just like my sisters? I'm exhausted from being compared to them. Can't I simply be myself?" I said.

Suddenly, a slap landed across my face. My father's disappointment can be seen. 

"You're at the dining table, yet your mouth is full of worthless words. 'Yan ba ang natututunan mo sa school?" he said.

"Do you want to rest in your room, Amara? You look so pale," my Amara's mother asked, pulling me back from my thoughts. 

"No, I'm okay. I can handle myself. Thank you for your concern. I really appreciate it," I said. 

I truly did appreciate it because this was my first time having a breakfast that I really wanted, surrounded by the people I was with.

"If you ever get bored at home, you can go to the garden. We've planted your favorite flowers there. Gerberas, right?" said by Amara's father.

Would I be selfish if I admitted that I liked this world more than my own? 

There was no pressure here; everything seemed so beautiful and calm. 

The warmth of Amara's family was something I had longed for. The way they cared for one another made me feel safe, free from the worries that haunted me back home.