Surprisingly Royal

👸chapter 2:Sudden change in attitude

Ciara's POV

I wake up to a quiet house, too quiet. The kind of quiet that tells you something's missing.  And it doesn't take long to figure out what. Mum isn't home.

Now, that's weird. She's usually around on Saturday mornings, either humming to herself in the kitchen or telling me to tidy up my room for the third time. But today? Nothing.

Ever since I turned sixteen, things have felt... different with her. She's been super emotional about nearly everything I do, like she's watching me grow up in fast-forward. She checks in constantly, asks way too many questions about what I'm up to, and sometimes just stares at me with this faraway look in her eyes. It's sweet, but also a little strange. And I can't help wondering what brought on the change.

I was still lost in thought when the front door creaked open, and Mum walks in, carrying two plastic bags.

"Good morning," she says with a soft smile.

"Morning, Mum," I reply, heading over to take one of the bags from her.

"Hungry?"

"Already ate," I say, wiping down my plate from earlier.

She drops the bag on the counter and starts unpacking groceries .

"I just popped out to the market for a few things." She tells me

"Oh, okay..." I say, still curious but I try not to pry too much.

"You've got anything planned today?"She asks

"Yeah, I'm meeting up with Emily. We've got a little catching up to do."

"All right. Just make sure you're back before it gets dark."

"Got it."

"How about potatoes and bacon for supper?" She asks

"Perfect," I grin, reaching for my jacket on the rack.

"Oh, and love could you stop by the post on your way and check if there's a letter for me?"

"No problem," I say , kissing her cheek before heading out. "See you later, Mum."

As I walk towards the riverside, I can't help but think about that letter. Mum hasn't cared about receiving a mail in forever. The last time I remember her receiving one was years ago from a friend she hadn't seen in ages, who wrote to tell her she was marrying some army officer. Since then, nothing and not even the tiniest bit of interest in the post.

So what was she suddenly waiting for?

I spotted Emily sitting near a big rock, tossing pebbles into the river with that signature annoyed look on her face.

"Hey, Em," I call out to her.

"You're so late," she says,arms crossed. "You know I hate sitting here all by myself."

"Oh, come on. Don't be mad please..it really wasn't my fault."

"Sure," she says, rolling her eyes. "You say that every time."she adds

"No seriously, i had to wait for Mum to get back from the market. She would have flipped if I left without telling her.  I'm sorry, okay?" I add, tugging on my ear like a kid begging for forgiveness.

She sighs dramatically. "Fine. You're forgiven. But don't make it a habit .it's annoying."

"Deal." I smile.

"So... what are we doing today, besides laughing at things that have nothing to do with us?"

"Hmm, maybe talk about our weekend plans... or a boy or two?"

I give her a look. "Seriously?"

"Okay, fine," she laughs. "Truth is, I just want to get out of the house. I've been so bored lately."

"Well, talking about plans sounds good. But that boy part? Totally ignored," I say, grinning as we start walking along the riverbank.

"Oh come on! You're literally one of the prettiest girls I know. That black curly hair and those brows? Ugh, I'd trade in a heartbeat. I'm sure all the boys in Angellos are trying to get your attention."

I sigh. "Let me guess. You're talking about Richard?"

"Yes! That tall, muscular guy who's clearly crushing on you."

"Don't even start," I say. "Yeah, he's attractive, sure. But just because someone looks good doesn't mean I'm throwing myself at them."

"Okay, okay," she says with a shrug. "But you know half the girls would kill to be in your shoes right?."

"They can have him," I say flatly. "I'm not interested." I add

We spend the next hour or so just wandering and talking mostly about life outside Angellos. Our dreams and random stuff. The kind of chats that make the day pass without you noticing.

Eventually, I glance at the sky. "It's getting late. We should head back and Oh! I need to stop by the post — Mum asked me to check if there's a letter for her."

"Wait, since when does your mum care about getting letters?" Emily asks.

"That's exactly what I said. Mind if I tell you something?"

"Go ahead. That's what I'm here for." She says eager to hear what I have to say

"I think she's hiding something Em. She's been different since my birthday.  Softer. More emotional.  Almost... distant. Not like her usual strict self.  And suddenly, she's checking the mail like it's the most important thing in the world."

"I'm sure there's an explanation," she says gently. "Try not to stress about it."

"I don't know, Em. I just have this weird gut feeling. Like the letter she's expecting has something to do with all of this."

"So, what are you going to do?"

"I don't know yet."

"Well, maybe start by asking her. If it's nothing, great. But if she doesn't want to talk... then we'll figure out the next step."

. "You're right. I'll try." I nod and say

We finally reach the post office, but the clerk tells us there is no letter for Mum.
We say our goodbyes, and head to our homes.

⸻

Hey, lovelies!
Looks like the real story is just getting started and I hope you're ready for what's to come. Don't forget to vote, comment, and let me know what you think so far.

Till next time,
Beryl😊❤️