013. Between Love and Loyalty

11 2 0
                                    

THE SOFT, GOLDEN light of the early morning filtered through the large windows of the chateau, casting a warm glow over the room, the sounds of birds chirping faintly in the distance. She slowly stirred, a faint smile tugging at her lips as the soft blankets and peaceful atmosphere of the chateau reminded her where she was- and for once, everything felt right. Last night's laughter and conversation echoed in her mind. The night before felt like a dream, comfortable and warm. The stress of her reality temporarily faded, if only for a moment. She felt like she belonged there, with them. Maybe she wasn't lost after all. Amelia lay there, allowing herself to relax and enjoy the quiet comfort of being around people who truly saw her, she hadn't realised just how much she needed this- time away from everything.

"Morning, M" Kiara said, smiling.

"Morning, Kie. How'd you sleep?" Amelia asked, sitting up.

"Pretty good- Look, I wanted to talk to you about the text I sent last night..." Kiara said nervously, sitting next to Amelia.

"Kie, it's okay. I'm not even mad. If anything, I'm glad you did it." Amelia said

Kiara looked at Amelia. "I just want you to know I did because I was trying to help."

"Kie, it's okay," Amelia said, holding her hand.

"Really?" Kie asked

"Yes. of course," Amelia said, smiling.

The two girls embraced each other before Kiara went to the bathroom to prepare for their day on the boat. Amelia made her way to the kitchen, her feet light on the floor, and moved towards the counter to gather the ingredients she needed. She took note of the small amount of groceries John B had and made a note to go grocery shopping later. Amelia set the ingredients on the counter, glancing over them before grabbing a skillet. Just as she was about to crack the eggs, her phone buzzed, interrupting the peaceful silence of the kitchen. Amelia reached for her phone, seeing Sarah's name light up the screen, her fingers hesitating for a moment before opening it.

Sarah (message): "M, where are you? Dad wants you home."

Sarah's message made Amelia's stomach twist as she realised she had left without telling anyone anything. 

Amelia set the phone aside with a sigh, returning her focus to the bowl as she began cracking eggs before reaching for the salt and pepper. The rhythm of her actions soothed her as she worked. The smell of breakfast started to fill the room, and Amelia hummed softly as she worked, trying to keep her mind off Sarah's text. It wasn't until she heard footsteps coming towards her that she glanced up.

"Morning, Mils", JJ greeted, voice groggy.

"Morning, J" Amelia greeted with a smile.

"It smells good in here. I didn't know you could cook, Miss Cameron," JJ said playfully.

"It's just scrambled eggs and toast, nothing gourmet." Amelia chuckled

Just then, her phone buzzes again, making her jump slightly.

Sarah (message): Amelia, you need to come home. Dad wants to talk to you.

JJ noticed Amelia's demeanour change as she glanced at her phone. Seeing Sarah's name again,  her stomach twisting and smile fading, she sighed and placed her phone down with a soft thud.

"Hey, you okay?" JJ asked, his tone laced with concerned 

"Just stuff." Amelia shrugged, avoiding his gaze for a moment "Family stuff. I shouldn't have left without telling anyone. Now my dad wants to talk to me again"

"Family stuff, huh?" JJ paused, looking at her thoughtfully, concern filling his features. "Well, look, whatever it is, I'm here if you want to talk. You don't have to, like..hold it in"

TROUBLE | JJ MaybankWhere stories live. Discover now