Isles of Recollection

(III) Paige Ersatz

Therese Greenfield

For the next three days, I was sleepless. I kept dreaming about this odd phrase that repeated over and over in my mind: "Avenge the Queen."

I didn't care whoever this Queen was. I was hungry. I left my room (which used to be Alison's until she got married) in pursuit of a mouth-watering bacon.

"Calvin," I called out. "Calvin, I'm hungry."

"Help yourself. Alison made breakfast earlier." He replied out of nowhwere.

I didn't know where that man was or where his voice came from. It didn't really matter though, I rushed to the table to see what's for breakfast. Much to my disappointment, no bacons are to be found. Instead, I find warm noodles, which wasn't bad. I sat down the mahogany chair as I indulged in a bowl of noodles.

"Good morning, Therese." Alison greeted. "How's your memory?"

"Still fogged up." I said in between my scrumptious meal, "This is really good, sorry for being unlady-like." I laughed.

"That's okay, I understand you're famished." She smiled.

I nodded and continued eating my meal, and just before I finished, I heard the same phrase in my head again:

"Avenge the Queen."

---

I had no idea what to do, I've been boring myself out in the past eight hours. Calvin won't let me do any work, he insists that he does not want to give me a 'burden.' Alison was nice and everything, but she's dusting everything non-stop. I swear the entire house was literally sparkling due to her constant cleaning. And we have Carter, who was reading books ninety-nine percent of the time.

A thing I learned about bookworms was, you can never ever disturb them without earning an ear-piercing scream. Long story, but let's just say that after that 'incident,' Alison had apologized to me for about a hundred times. I was fine with Carter's scream, though, I understood the old man. Perks of being a bookworm, I guess. I wonder, was I bookworm in my previous life? I hoped so. He seemed to be deeply engrossed. I wanted to feel whatever he has been feeling. I wanted a distraction, to be able to slip away into another world even just for a while.

I decided against reading a book because I didn't want to borrow from Carter, considering he's busy. (I've also heard that bookworms like Carter were overprotective of their books. A teeny, tiny fold could start a war) I resolved to walk around the huge island. I noticed that wherever I turned, an odd symbol is always to be found. It looked like a P with a reverse E. Whatever that peculiar symbol was, it sure radiated an aura of respect and terror combined.

I was so amused by the entire town that I didn't notice a beautiful girl about my age running towards my direction. We accidentally bump into each other. She looked very royal, and immediately I sensed her authority. I apologized with a polite bow.

"Sorry, madame."

"Oh no no no dear!" She exclaimed, "I'm so sorry! What is your name my dear?"

"Therese, madame, may I ask what is yours?"

"Paige Ersatz." She replied sweetly.

The moment she said her name, I was in awe. I've heard from Calvin that Paige Ersatz is the reigning queen of Kralc. She was cruel, according to them. Although, from what I see, she is the epitome of sweetness. Her jet black hair was perfectly smoothed, her eyes had a twinkle in them, and I immediately felt fondness for her.

"Q-queen Paige?" My face grew pale.

"Yes, dear Therese." She answered. "You know, I'm tired of this."

"Tired of what?"

"Of pretending to be a queen. No wait- I do love being queen, but I'm forced to speak in a sophisticated, prim and proper manner. I mean I'm only twenty-one! I deserve a life. I want a friend." She laughed.

I didn't know what suddenly made her forget the "Prim and Proper Paige Ersatz," but I definitely like this carefree verson better. Kill the idea of a prim and proper queen. A voice popped in my head, or maybe it was just a random thought.

"And, perhaps we can keep this our little secret?" She smiled eagerly.

"Of course." I chuckled.

The fierce image of Paige that Calvin has painted in my mind was immediately replaced by a sweet, humble, royalty.

"Well! That's great! It's been long since I've talked this way." She grins, "So Therese, tell me about yourself."

Calvin told me to never ever tell anyone where I came from. He gave me fake details in case someone asks me. But I decided, I could trust Paige Ersatz. Call me stupid for being so open. I, myself, think of myself as ridiculous, but at that moment, I didn't want to care even the slightest. I mean, what harm can it do? I'm just telling the truth.

I told her everything, and the air around us grew colder. The wind blew against our faces, and Paige's bright, bubbly self slowly faded away. By the end of my short story, her face was glum. I assumed it was because of the weather. She immediately waved me a goodbye and hurriedly ran away.

-

Paige Ersatz's POV

I thought I had found a friend

I felt warm and bubbly towards her

and I now realize why

it's her.

-

(A/N)

Hai guys! New update (although nobody really reads this xD)

Anyway ilysm have a nice day!

P.S. what do you think of Paige Ersatz? :)