Innocence in Chains

Unlike other days, Amelia woke up quite early. The beautiful sunset streamed in through the window and gently touched her face, like a peaceful Good Morning. She let out a small yawn and sat quiet, her eyes half-open. Her thoughts was still foggy, not quiet awake yet. She was always like that. She needed a moment after waking up to sit quietly. She had difficulty remembering her identity, location, and day of the week. After clearing her mind, she ran to the kitchen in her Hello Kitty slippers, creating a lovely jingling sound with each step. 'How could she forget how special today was?' She made a cup of black coffee, just how her father loved it. The eggs sizzled gently as she fried then until golden and tender, then served them beside two slice of warm bread. At least everything appeared........ presentable. She then took a lemon from the fridge, sliced it in half, and made a warm lemonade- her little routine. She tiptoed toward the ground-floor corner room, taking care not to spill the drink. Just as she raised her hand to knock, A sound came from inside. "The door's already open, princess." Shoot! Amelia let out a quiet sigh and touched her forehead with a pout. Her plan failed....again. As she stepped into the room, her face showing the tiniest trace of defeat, lips pressed into a sulky line. Every year, on this day, she tried her best to wake up before her father and Surprise him. But somehow.... he always beat her to it. Today was no different. For the past few years, she had tried the same little tradition- make breakfast, carry a warm glass of lemon water, and greet him with a bright smile. But every time she reached his door, he was already up, dressed, and waiting, as if he had read her mind. She could never get ahead of him. Not even once and still..... she never stopped trying. Amelia pushed the door open and step inside. Her father, Alberich Lewis, was already dressed crisp, clean, and sharp as always. he stood in front of the mirror, calmly combing his hair with careful strokes. of course he was ready... he had to be. He was a Forensic Medical Officer, after all. When he saw Amelia standing there- glass in hand, face a little sulky with disappointment - he couldn't help but smile. Not just any smile, but the kind that lit up the room. The kind that made her forget she was even upset in the first place. A brilliant, heartwarming smile that belonged only to his daughter. "Did you fail again today, princess?" Alberich teased softly. Amelia pouted and replied, "Don't remind me, I failed again papa. How did you wake up so early today? I set my alarm for nine." He smiled warmly, stepped closer, and kissed her forehead. Then, with a gentle touch, he ran his fingers through her hair. Holding the glass of lemonade to her lips, he waited patiently. Amelia took the glass and drank it all down, feeling the warmth spread inside her. "Princess, don't you know that on this day, your father is always extra careful to wake up early? it's a challenge for me - and I have to win. After all, today is the Birthday of my little one. Happy Birthday, Princess." He said, his voice full of joy. Amelia's little anger melted like water. She smiled softly and wrapped her arms around her father. "What do you want for your birthday this year?" Alberich asked, gently stroking her hair, His eyes filled with love. "There's a new restaurant near the College, today, we will try every dish there." Amelia said excitedly. Alberich smiled but shook his head gently. "You know, princess, there's a very important case going on. Can't you ask for something else." Amelia's face fell, her playful smile fading. " Why do you have to work even today Papa? Please, just take the day off- just for today! You can put that work on that bird's feathers." Alberich laughed softly. "Don't tarnish anyone's name. Don't talk like that, Dear." Amelia made a waving guesture, as if shooing away flies. "That's the same thing- Heather and Feather, just one letter different. Tell him to handle your case today." Alberich glanced at his wristwatch, then pulled a card from his wallet. He handed it to Amelia and said.... "You didn't tell me which restaurant you're going to. Go with your friends, try everything on the menu. If the restaurant runs out of food, go to another one. Don't worry about the money. Just give me a call." Amelia laughed softly and said, "Do you think your daughter is a glutton? How much can I eat? And tonight, you have to come home early. There will be a separate celebration at home- Don't forgot what kind of cake to bring." Alberich smiled and replied, "Even if everything else goes wrong, the cake won't. Don't worry, I will try to come home early." "Not try, you have to come. No excuses." He grinned and said, "All right, Mam." She chuckled and was about to say something just then, the doorbell rang. No one was supposed to come at this hour. thinking it might be her friends planning a surprise, Amelia rushed to the door. As she opened it, her smile faded. A handsome tall mad stood outside. Broad shoulders, neatly styled hair, and a loud grin on his face. He glanced at her once, then quickly looked away. "Ahem,Ahem." He coughed, covering his mouth with his hand on purpose, it seemed. Amelia looked down at herself oversized home T-shirts, shorts, slightly messy hair, and fluffy Hello Kitty slippers. In a flash, she hurried behind the big flower vase near the entrance and hid herself, cheeks burning. Facing the other way, she said, "Come in, Mr. Herman Feather." Herman stepped inside with a smile,. Amelia's house was a duplex, modern outside and cozy inside. He walked over and sat on the sofa without even glancing at her. "It's Herman Heather, Miss. And could you please call Sir?" He corrected quietly, Amelia turned and rushed to her father. "Your Bird's Feather is here. He's calling for you." "Herman? Why all of a sudden?" "How would I know?" She shrugged. "He's your right hand, isn't he? you should be the one keeping track of him." Alberich chuckled and said, "Go on, and prepare something for him to eat too." Amelia changed and combed her hair before going back to the kitchen. she walked over to the counter near Herman and asked, "Did you already have breakfast? Or will you eat with us?" Just then, Alberich came out of his room. He was about to scold Amelia for her tone, but stopped himself. After all, it was her birthday. But she still hadn't learned to speak very politely. "I already ate. Don't make anything special for me." Herman said. "I wasn't going to, anyway, just asking." Amelia said, tossing her hair as she walked to the dining room. Herman didn't mind- he was used to Amelia's ways by now. Alberich approached Herman and said, "Don't mind her behavior." "No,no, Sir, there's nothing to mind. Amelia is still young, She doesn't mean anything by it." Herman replied kindly. "So what brings you here so early?" "well.... umm.... actually it's about the case. yeah it's about the case, I wanted to discuss it." Herman said, sounding a little unsure. "I was going to the office anyway. Why did you trouble yourself to come here?" "This case seems quite complicated to me, and time is short. So, I didn't want to waste any time." "I've rarely seen an officer as dedicated as you. You will go far." Herman smiled softly and ran a hand through his hair. Meanwhile From the kitchen, Amelia pouted annoyingly and muttered to herself 'Drama! I know exactly why this Bird feather is here.' After breakfast Amelia went forward to see Alberich off. As soon as they left, she moved to close the door. At that moment, Herman caught the door with his hand, peeking toward Amelia. "What do you want?" Amelia said, flaring her nostrils. "you won't give me what I want anyway, so just take this for now." He handed her a small package. then, in a low voice, he said, "Happy Birthday, Angry Bird....." Before he could finish, she took the gift and slammed the door right in his face, she knew exactly why Herman had come.... it was because of her birthday. He always find excuses to come around. Does Amelia knew this all along? Oh, she knew it all. She realized this long ago that Herman liked her, But she will never give him the Chance. Why would she? what's the point of paying attention to someone you don't have feelings for Amelia dressed up extra careful today. She wore a short lavender gown above the knee with purple, magenta, dark red butterfly print on it. Her hair was softly curled and left down. She put on just a little make-up enough to feel bright, but still herself. Her phone kept buzzing with lots of birthday wishes. Today, Amelia wanted to treat everyone. She grabbed her bicycle and started riding to the college. Her father told her to take the car, but she loved feeling the fresh air on her face as she rode. Even though she had a car, she liked to use her bicycle everywhere. As soon as Amelia entered the classroom, her hands were full of gifts. Being lively and playful, she had no shortage of friends. in just a few days, she had made friends with nearly everyone in her class. Among them she was especially close to two boys and two girls- mostly because she already knew them. They had all taken private lessons from the same teacher when they were little, and they went to the same school too, which made their bond even stronger. You could almost call them a little gang. Amelia had brought jar cakes and fortune cookies to share. For everyone who wished her a happy birthday, she handed over a sweet little jar cake and a fortune cookie, smiling brightly.