Illusions of the island *A LOST fanfic*

Chapter 46: Hidden treasures

Hayley climbed the stairs up to the dusty attic. She'd found plenty of her great-grandma's stuff up here before. She was sure she'd find more. Turning the light on, she trudged over to a trunk covered with a bunch of boxes. Carefully removing the boxes, she grunted as she lifted the lid to the trunk. Her eyes widened as she found lots of black and white photos of various family members she was sure she didn't know. 

She eyed a large wooden box on the right and reached in, fingering it. Opening the lid, she found a large tiara encrusted in diamonds. Gingerly reaching in, she picked it up and placed it on her head. Digging through the box, she found a faded cream-colored looking dress. Removing the tiara, she placed it back inside the box, pulling out the dress. Sliding the dress over her head, she placed the tiara back on her head and found one of her mother's old mirrors and stared at herself in it. Slowly twirling, she giggled as the dress twirled with her. Her face turned serious when she heard the creaking of the top step.

"Hayley Isabel Montero-Ford, what are you doing up here?"

Freezing, Hayley turned to find Juliet coming towards her, a stern look on her face.

"Nothing."

Juliet had her lips set in a thin grim line and felt her bottom lip twitch.

"Nothing huh? If it's nothing, then why do you have grandma Isabel's dress and tiara on you?"

Hayley slowly took the tiara off her head and placed it back inside the box. Slipping the dress up and over her head, she folded it up nicely and lay it back inside the trunk.

"I thought it would look really cool on me. You never told me grandma had a tiara. Can I have it?"

Juliet eyed the tiara nestled inside the box and shook her head.

"Hayley, that is not a toy. You can wear it for your birthday when you turn 15 next year. I don't want you playing with it. It's very old."

Hayley nodded and pulled out the photos she'd found inside.

"Look what else I found: Is this where grandma Isabel was born?"

Juliet shook her head and looked at Hayley.

"Baby what are you doing up here?"

Handing the photos to Juliet, Hayley smiled.

"I like to look through grandma's box. You always say be proud of where you come from."

Juliet let out a slight laugh and looked at the photos.

"I don't think I've seen some of these. Hmm. 1942. She and grandpa came here in 1959. There are a lot of things here. This must be great-grandma next to her in this one. At home: Isa and Carmen Santiago de Cuba 1940. What else is in here? Letters to grandpa. If you really want to get technical, we can trace our roots back to Spain. On grandpa's side, at least."

Hayley smiled at Juliet and took the photos, climbing down the stairs with Juliet.

To Be Continued...