Dream

Chapter 21

It's sleeping with the mind filled with uncertainty, and waking up to possibilities a new day may lead to. I feel the sun shine on my skin. It feels fresh. A fresh start to the dew of morning. From a night's good rest, my skin feels flushed. I sat up with good posture, with a smile that naturally fell on my face. 

"Anne?" I caught her attention.

"Yes, Lady Ami?" She replied with a question.

I waved my hand in the air, "Sara will do."

"Oh alright," she nodded hesitantly.  Anne always has a principle of keeping everything professional. As to being my maid, she had to separate herself in terms of class. I wanted her to know that we are the same. Through and out everyone, we share the similarity of being human. We all have a breaking point, the ability to smile, and love, somewhere in our hearts. Somewhere, it's there. 

"How can you tell when someone is your friend?" I genuinely wondered and was thinking out loud. It felt good to let go of the question that linger, as I thought of Melody. Anne tugged my hair tighter into a pristine bun. Finally, securing it with an elastic. Following, sticking a bunch of pins in. I flinched, one pin barely but scratched my scalp. 

I sat there staring at her reflection. She raised her eyebrow gradually, as she pinched her lips together. I could tell that she was thinking. Finally, through the silence, barely audible, she whispers, 

"you just do."

At this occasion, I felt like laughing. Such humour was brought by her simple response. "You just do? Anne," she flinched at her name, "what is that suppose to mean?"

She clearly looked uncomfortable, at the question of friendship. At that thought, I opened my mouth to change the topic.

"I-"

"You just simply know when someone is your friend," she interrupted.

"Huh." I paused to think.

"I never really had a friend," I blurted, sounding slightly desperate. Was it any kind of vulnerability that created beauty, or is that strength?

 I was always stuck at home, cleaning up after Ma's messes. Only those who had enough money could receive an education. Boys had the privilege to receive an education, under the supply of the monarchy. Some didn't go, because they needed to support their family. As for us, girls, private education only existed. The monarchy didn't provide for any sources for education. Gabriella went to a private school, while I stayed home. Gabrielle would always use my lack of knowledge as an excuse for everything. You won't understand, only if you went to school.

Honestly, it hurt a little, given my stance and power in society had to do with my eduction-despite not being able to get one. 

"I'm sure you did and have," she emphasized have by stretching the word. " You just never realized," Anne replied sympathetically. 

I thought of the multiple mornings at Joe's bakery, and Ms. Potts. I did, perhaps have a friend or two. But, it was different. Ms. Potts was like a mother to me, a consultant. Joe and I were mutual, we only shared common routines. I want a friend, a sister. 

Given the word, sister, my head went automatically to Melody. The other day, between her break, we had a great time. Although it was only a short period of time, we somehow got to talk more than our lips and vocals can provide. We just simply understood each other.