Chains & Butterflies

Chapter 3: Personal Maids & Dreams of Reality!

"Just living is not enough...One must have sunshine, freedom, and a little flower." - Hans Christian Andersen

Emily, my precious Emily, was to me like Sara was to my mother. Not only was she my personal maid, but also my best friend. The first time I met her I had no intention of becoming friends. When I was young, father had introduced her to me one afternoon while I was playing with Violet outside.

I was not excited to share yet another part of my life with someone else. After Violet was born I was stripped away from the youngest child title. So, when he introduced us, I decided to ignore her instead. The thing was Emily kept following me everywhere I went, like some kind of lost puppy. It was annoying the way she would call me Miss, and asked if I could play with her.

There was one thing about her that I didn't understand at the time. She was an orphan. So when I screamed and told her to go home because no one wanted her here, she broke down in front of me and ran away. Father wasn't to please with what I had done.

I couldn't comprehend why he was so keen in keeping her here but once Mother explained to me what she had gone through. I felt horrible. I felt utterly stupid about my actions. At once I ran to go find her. I began searching around the house, but she wasn't there. I search outside and I couldn't find her. When I told my parents they sent out a search group, but no one could find her on the grounds.

My parents were getting worried since night was approaching. I had hope she didn't run into the forest. I could only image what would happen to her if she wasn't found. That night I stayed up with my mother waiting for my father to return with her.

It was around six in the morning when I saw my father return with her small figure in his arms. I was relieved she came back alive. Waking her up then, I hugged her I told her I was sorry and to please forgive me. She was nicer than I had expected and smiled at me, returning my hug. The rest of the day we were stuck together like crazy glue and we have been since then.

"I made a great deal of mayhem in the kitchen. Your mother will be busy for about two hours. I think you liked to know most of the guards have moved from the eastern gate leaving the western gate, carelessly I might add, under guarded."

"Good, that's plenty of time." I turned to embrace her in a thankful hug. "What about Isabel?"

"I fed her this morning. She now is waiting for you in the same spot we left her last night."

"Thank you, Emily" I uttered standing up. I owe you everything and more.

Since we were children she has kept many of my secrets, because of this I considered her like a sister. Even if we were considered best friends, she would always address me as Miss. I'd have to remind once in a while not to do so. Yes, Emily also tried to get me to re-think my plans about leaving, but once I made up my mind she decided to help me out.

She stood up and added, "I'm not done just yet. I also took the liberty to compose a backpack filled with clothing for you, and hid it in a tree nearby. There is also some food for Isabel in the front pocket. Oh and Miss?" asked Emily as she stopped short of the door. I had already walked over to my stereo and noted the time. 1:07. Turning on my radio, I crooked my head to her direction. "Yes?"

She stuttered. "I'll miss you."

"I'll miss you too Em's." I answered back as I turned the nob, blasting the music across the room. I smiled to myself singing along with the song while exiting my room. "So is everything as planned then?" I asked her once more.

"Yes Miss." Emily responded now closing the door behind me.

"And you know what to do now, right?" I said turning to her. "Yes Miss."