Faded

Chapter 6

I made my way back up to my bedroom window and slowly slid the window open and stepped in. The chirping of the crickets cessed I closed the window and closed the curtains, only then did I breath a sigh of relief. The lights suddenly flicked on and my head automatically turned to the location of the light switch. Preston was leaning against the wall with a look that was anything other than pleasure.

"Sneaking out late at night I see" he announced as he stood upright.

"Preston" I sputtered in surprise. "I...didn't...see you there" My stomach twisted in a knot as he stared at me with his usual poker face.

Does he know where I had disappeared to.

"I know why you're acting out like this madam"

"You do?" I quizzed.

"Heading to bed early but only to sneak out to a party, you're trying to get your father's attention aren't you?"

"Who told you this?" I cautioned slowly.

"You're friend Ariel Caparelli. She told me everything"

Oh thank god. I thought she wasn't going to go through with it.

"I know that you miss your father Scarlet but your father is a busy man. He can't leave everything and spend time with you. He loves you and your sister both dearly, you are aware of that right"

"I didn't mean to go out. It just feels kind of lonely here sometimes" I replied.

"I know. If you really want to talk to anyone you have the maids and I here for you, we would willingly spend time with you" he stated reassuringly.

"What about my father-"

"He will not hear of this as long as you decide not to go out again. I understand that it can be hard to live under such pressure; I do not think you need anymore of that dropped upon your shoulders."

"Thank you" I responded with a small smile.

"Get some sleep" he ordered as he left closing the door softly.

That was close, too close.

I undressed from the outfit I was wearing and was faced with scratches on my arm with a couple a bruises here and there. The one that was the most prominent was the one on my stomach. It pained me to touch it and there was nothing I could have done about it at that point so after washing up I simply changed into a pair of simple navy blue pajamas. I stared at the black bag in my closet, took another look at the crown and sighed.

She'll be back for this, that I am sure of.

*****

As I sat down to eat the next morning there was silence. Usually I was accompanied by Isabel in the dining hall but for the first time I was just as alone as I felt lonely.

"Your father left early for the office." Preston replied as I began eating the waffles in front of me.

When is he ever home anyway.

"Your sister came by earlier." Preston continued.

I placed down the knife and fork in my hands and finally looked at Preston in the eyes.

"She did? What for?" I asked slowly.

"I'm not sure, but she did have an argument with your father and insisted that she needed to see you." Preston explained. "I reckon she'll be back."

I don't have much time left.

"Of course she will" I mumbled under my breath as I stood up and placed the straps of the black bag from last night over my shoulders. As I began to walk out of the dining room Preston blocked my path. I then noticed Preston dressed in a black coat with gold buttons, white gloves, a black baker boys cap in one hand and a black camping backpack on the other.