"Without knowing the present, how could I understand the past?"
17-year-old Charlotte De Loughrey was living the typical Cinderella life, until something made her snap... releasing a part of her she didn't even know existed until now.
She was a wit...
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I rose early, even before the sun had. My duties for the day taking precedence over a sleep-in on a Sunday morning. Today was one of the four days of the year I dreaded, excluding any other celebrations like Christmas or Easter, even though those were just as bad. Today, however was Ella's birthday. My pretentious little step-sister turns 17, making her the same age as me for three months.
You would think as we're around the same age our duties would be similar, but our age is the only thing we ever shared. Ella being the daughter of my contemptuousness step-mother, meant she was entitled to anything and everything her inconsequential heart desired. I however, being the daughter of my step-mother's dead husband meant I was down right ignored, only being acknowledged when someone needed something. I went from being part of the family to the family maid.
It angers me whenever I think about it. I have done everything in my way to please them, to make them change their opinion of me, but even after eleven years of being treated as a servant I suppose I should have given up on them ever accepting me back into the family.
I had once asked my step-mother why she treats me the way she does and was told rudely that I'd end up just like my father if I continued to pester her. If that doesn't show how much she cares for me, then let me tell you that if I was a bug, she would happily squash me.
Leaving my sullen thoughts in my wind-drought and musty smelling room situated in the furthest place away from my step-family, was easy this morning, it's not like staying in a cold bed brooding all morning was inviting at all.
Climbing down the wobbly ladder that was the only way in and out of the attic, I made my way down many flights of stairs until I reached the bottom floor where I made my way through the winding halls of the manor to the kitchen to begin my morning chores.
Before I entered the kitchen, I stopped to plait my blonde hair down my back, so it was out of my face. The wispy parts at the front escaping to float around my face. I put my apron on, tugging the braid out from underneath the string around my neck. The piece of dirty white material had been well worn and direly needed a wash. I must do that later. I added it to the long list of chores I would have to complete today.
Upon entering the large kitchen the smell of baking bread and a tall, slender woman who was the wonderful person responsible for the delightful smell greeted me.
"It'll be a beautiful day today lass, I can see the fog liftin' soon," said Annie. She looked up at me then back down at her focus, small fruit pies. She's never told me where she's from, but her accent has faded after many years spent in the English countryside. "You'll be able to go outside and collect me some fresh eggs without your young body growin' cold."
"Good morning to you too Annie." I smiled as I replied. I stood captivated by the intricate work of decorating fruit pies Annie was completing in front of me. "Save one for me for later please."
"Only if you hurry back with those eggs Lottie," She gave me a stern look, but I could see the humor in her eyes. Annie was the only one who called me Lottie. I much prefer to be called Charlie as it's what my father used to call me. My mother used to call me by my full name, Charlotte, as that was why she gave it to me but I don't like the memories it holds.
