When Hell Comes (#wattys2017)

Chapter IV - Past, Present & Future...

*AN: Hi guys. I hope the last chapter has you interested in the rest of the story. I most certainly enjoy writing it - A LOT!!!

Please vote and comment if you feel this chapter deserving. Enjoy!*

Stacey mulled over the newly learned information of Katey - her twin sister - all the way home. It certainly was a lot to process, but the worst part of it all was the sting of betrayal she felt whenever she thought of all the opportunities her parents had had to tell her - and chose not to. Her mother had picked up on her silence and had inquired about this. Stacey shrugged it off and said that she was simply tired, and was pondering over the wedding...

Her mother had said that it was normal to feel 'jitters' when big changes as these came across one's life - she needn't worry about anything. Stacey agreed that jitters were normal, even in this instance. However she doubted that her mother would receive the news well if Stacey told her why she had jitters, that she had dug up information her parents chose not to reveal to her, even when it had affected her all of the days of her life.

Stacey would've liked to take a nap in the carriage as they made their way towards the manor house, but she feared the horrors closing her eyes would reveal if she had even dared... Katey haunted every moment her eyes were closed - even just blinking. She had now started filtering into every waking moment as well... She pondered what she was to do next, a strategy of sorts - to end the madness that was infiltrating her life.

# # #

Stacey's answer came quick enough... Not long after they had returned home had she overheard a whispered conversation between her parents. She only caught the tail end of this conversation, but it was more than enough.

"...why we have to attend this dinner, Amelia." 

"Charles, we've had quite a tiring day. I don't feel fit to travel further, and I'm certain Anastacia won't care much for this dinner party either..."

"Amelia, we cannot refuse a dinner invitation from the Queen's court! Anastacia can remain here - we shall explain of her asthma - but I am going. And you will be by my side, as is fitting for a wife."

"Very well, Charles. I shall go with you." Her mother said with an exasperated sigh... "Will you arrange with the cook to see to Anastacia's needs?"

"Yes, dear. Time is of the essence. Do not squander it unnecessarily..."

And with that Stacey hurried to her room - before being found out of eavesdropping - where Emily helped her undress and combed her hair. Emily was VERY curious of all the events that took place during this day, and so Stacey divulged all the details. She also showed Emily her dress for the engagement party.

Saying that Emily loved the dress would never explain the absolute euphoria that showed on her face. A whole new thesaurus would have to written to describe her look of amazement and wonder at the beautiful dress Stacey had revealed.

Stacey described to her best ability the peculiar dressmaker, Sir Louis, and Emily laughed at her imitation of the man. Not long after had Emily finished with helping Stacey to get ready for bed, and listened intently as Stacey described the luncheon and the rest of their day - but she kept the information regarding Katey to herself. She trusted Emily, yet Emily still worked for Stacey's parents. Her loyalty was to them, in the end. Not to Stacey...

At exactly that moment her father knocked at her door. Stacey invited him in, and at this Emily made a bow and exited the room. Her father was in quite a hurry, making no pleasantries but simply stating facts.

"Darling, your mother and I are headed to the castle. We've a dinner party there. I trust you shall be well until morning? Your waiting maid and the cook shall remain here to see to your needs until our return. The cook has also prepared a light meal if you should be hungry, but seeing as you are dressed for bed, your maid shall bring it to you."