CHAPTER 2
Ellaine’s horseback riding practice was cancelled because of the wounds and scratches on her body. Chantal brought her bandages and cleaned her wounds. The maid stared at her, with a glimpse of sadness and caring. Ellaine is only seventeen, but she is getting paler as days and weeks passed by. Her parents are very busy at work, and she is left alone with the servants on their mansion. When Mariz heard the news about her sister, she demanded for a short break at the Dean’s office. She is very fortunate that the dean have let her go home, but only for one week.
“Ellaine..I’m coming home. Please wait for me,” she calmly said to her younger sister.
“I’m fine, dear sister. You don’t have to worry too mu--”
“Ellaine?!”
“S-Sorry. I was...”
“Ah, never mind. I’ll go now. The train will depart in ten minutes. Be careful, hm? Take good care of yourself please. I want to talk to Chantal”
Ellaine gave the phone to Chantal, followed by a cough. It sounded weak and throaty. Mariz’s eyes went sad after hearing her sister cough weakly.
“Lady Mariz?”
“Ah..s-sorry..I’m just worried”
“I know Lady Mariz...I am worried too. She’s supposed to be okay now...but it looks like she’s getting paler.”
“I see. Don’t worry I’ll be there soon. I need to go now. The train is here. Please take good care of her.”
“Understood, milady. You too, please take good care on your way.”
After the long conversation, Mariz went to the platform, waited for the train, and prayed silently. Her hands held her luggages and bags. When the train arrived, she stepped in and went to her respective seat. Her eyes are very sad and filled with worry. A year ago, she didn’t wanted to leave because of Ellaine, but since she needed to study, Ellaine have let her go even if it made her very sad. She felt a hint of guilt for leaving her sister. Instead of getting angry, she closed her eyes and let the breeze pass through her.
“We’re home! Ellaine, where are you dear?” Cisqua called.
“She is sleeping right now I guess,” Marco mumbled.
“I’ve brought her presents. Ellaine will like these gifts for sure!”
“Mhm..I think so. Let’s go up and see if she’s asleep”
The couple walked to their daughter’s room. They opened her room silently and saw her sleeping. They both smiled, but after seeing their daughter’s limbs covered in bandages, Cisqua sobbed quietly and walked forward. With her hands shaking, she sat on the side of her daughter’s bed.
“Ellaine dear...w-what happened to you? Who did this to you..?” her voice filled with fear.
Marco’s eyebrows curled in anger, but he managed to stay calm so that her daughter won’t get stressed. Ellaine opened her eyes slowly, and she saw her parents; her mother sobbing while looking down at her and her father tightening his fist in anger.
“Mother...? Father...? Um...I’m glad you two are home. How’s your bu--”
“Ellaine dear, please don’t move. Who did this to you? Tell me!”
“Um..I fell from a tree,” she lied.
“You should be careful! Look at you..”
“I’m fine, mother. They’re just scratches. I guess Chantal overdid it.”
“Ellaine, I told you not to go out. And you even climbed on a tree and fell!” Marco exclaimed.
“Sorry father...it’s just boring when I’m here inside the house. I wanted to go out...but I think I’ve been so adventurous..so I’m sorry,” she humbly said and bowed her head.
“It’s okay now dear. Next time, please be more careful. We understand you, but we’re worried that you might--”
“Might what, mother?”
The couple looked at each other and smiled faintly. Ellaine knew that there’s something behind those smiles. “Um...you might...get accidents again.”
“Ohh..”
Liars.
When Mariz reached the Erminford station, she hurriedly called a taxi and headed straight to their mansion. She felt mixed feelings; happiness, excitement, and fear. She’s happy and excited to see her sister Ellaine, but fears that she might see a very pale and weak sister.
“You’re Miss Mariz Bravidia, right?”
“Yes, I am. Why do you know my name?”
“Oh, I’ve heard you from your sister, Miss Ellaine.”
“Why do you know my sister?”
“I’m a great fan of her, you know.”
“Huh?”
The taxi driver smiled and removed his cap. “I’m Viel. I’ve seen Miss Ellaine’s paintings before. They’re so awesome!”
“Ah, yes. She’s an artist that’s why. How did you know her? You’ve been to her museum?”
“Eh? Well, yes. She opened the museum for free on her 17th birthday. I saw her wearing a pink dress. She’s so beautiful!”
Mariz smiled and looked outside. She tried to imagine her sister’s face years ago. She’s a very cute young girl. She is actually five years older than Ellaine, but when they’re together, it’s like she’s only a year older than her. She reminisced the times when they were together and the day of her departure followed.
“Sister! Don’t leave me!” Ellaine begged.
“It’s time to go, Lady Mariz.”
“Sister! Please! I will be alone!”
“Ellaine...I’m so sorry, but I need to leave for a while. I’ll visit you when I have time, okay?”
“But sister!”
“Miss Mariz? Are you okay? You’re tearing up,” Viel frowned.
“Er..yes, I’m okay.”
“That’s the mansion, right?”
The lady nodded and leaned forward to see their mansion clearly. “Yes, that’s the mansion”
“Hey, it’s your family’s mansion and you’ve been away only for a year. You look like you’ve been away for so many years”
“Well, it’s because I missed this place so much.”
When they reached the gate, the guards stared at the taxi.
“Any appointment with the Bravidia family?”
“Yes, Alfonso. I want to see my sister Ellaine. Problem?”
“L-Lady Ellaine!”
“Open the gates please. I’m in a hurry”
