Broken timeline - Part One

Chapter Twenty Four - Family Tree

All my life, I had never stolen anything, not even candy at our local convenience store. Summer 2010 was brutal for me, with every girl around the block trying to look older than they actually were. They dressed up and put on makeup on a daily basis, to go to the mall with the boys from our neighborhood and mess up with the salespeople. Stealing items of clothing or accessories was considered cool and edgy. I, on the other hand, had never felt the need to take any part in it. First because my dad would've killed me, and second, because my mom would've murdered me.

I was a good kid, and had never gotten into any kind of trouble. But when senior year hit, I became friends with the popular groups and skipped a few classes every now and then, with my brother always covering for me. I considered it like a rite of passage, something I couldn't miss during my teen years, and my parents never found out about it. But still, I was scared to death of getting caught and being grounded for the rest of my life.

But right now, the fear that was taking over me, was far worse than the one I had experienced when I was in High School. Sir Thomas was staring down at the book and silently examining it.

"I have not thought about Georges in ... years. I still remember the day I gave him this book, and how elated he was to be able to read it. He had helped me so much with the elaboration... I owe him so much." He said with a nostalgic voice, sounding like he was speaking to himself.

I was on the floor, shaking, with the whole content of my purse scattered around me. Completely frozen, and not able to form a decent sentence.

'What if he turned me in for 'stealing' the book or owning a strange device ? I could lose my head for it!'

He kept looking back and forth to the book and to the rest of my stuff, silently waiting for my answer and after a while, he finally broke the silence that was filling the room.

"Lady Emma, the last time this book was in my hands, was eight years past, when I had offered it to my friend. Pray tell me, how could you have gotten it ? Have you been acquainted with him ? Are you aware of his whereabouts ?"

"No Sir... I do not know him... I was not aware of this book belonging to him... I..." I hesitated for a second, before continuing, "I...took it from a library...to study it. I forgot to give it back before leaving, for I was so caught on it you see. I do apologize, I know that I have to return it a soon as it possible. But for now I tried to look after it as well as I was able."

The simple truth was the best thing I could come up with. Sir Thomas looked extremely dubious and after a few seconds he noticed my phone in my hands.

'What... in the world is this ?!' He muttered under his breath.

'Okay that's it Em, we're screwed... But look on the bright side, we will get to experience the full witch burning at the stake experience for free !'

Gosh my mind could be really morbid sometimes.

"Lady Emma... since the moment I met you, I have known to be something strange and peculiar about your character, but could not quite grasp it. I do not believe that I have given you any reason to doubt me, so I would appreciate it if you would be so kind as to tell me your honest truth. I shall protect it with my honor and will make sure of your safety, but I have to ask for some truthfulness." He said with a very stern voice, catching me off-guard.

I was surprised by his serious tone and looked down to the floor, like a child getting caught red handed. That was it, he knew something was up and there was no point in hiding it anymore. Without realizing it, tears started rolling down my face and I just broke down. I couldn't bear the pressure anymore, and fell on the floor, sobbing.