Lost & found: Where did Seb go?

Chapter 1: Lola's Weird Request

Lola got an idea. But she wasn't sure her parents would agree. "What if I look for them? The brothers?" she asked. Both of Lola's parents were surprised by her sudden-out-of-the-box idea. "No, it's not even a choice Lola", Lord White firmly replied. "Honey, you don't know what it's like out there. It's dangerous", madame White added. "But I'm already 20. Mom, Dad, you both know the time will come when you have to let me go. This time, it's not like I'm not coming back. You have to trust me. I want to start practicing being on my own feet and, besides, I really want to help them. He's a friend". Lola tried to make her parents agree. Lord White was so skeptical about Lola's idea. "Tell me, hon. Are you worried about Elise and Ethan's eldest son?" Lord White asked. Lola was surprised. She couldn't think of any reasonable answer. "I'm worried about them, Dad. Not just Sebastian, but I'm also worried about Cristian. And Mr. Hugo, too," she replied.

The White's arrived at the mansion a quarter to midnight. "We are here. Let's talk about this tomorrow, hon." madame White suggested. Feeling defeated, Lola sighed and nodded. Both Lola's parents led her back to her room before heading straight to theirs. Staring at the ceiling made Lola fall asleep.

For two decades, Lola couldn't get her parents' approval every time she requests something related to become independent. She always wanted to stand on her own feet. But being the only daughter had a list of perks and disadvantages, too. She can easily get anything she wants and not at the same time. But she couldn't blame her parents for that. So, Lola always works on earning her parents' trust. That is also the reason why she can't afford to disappoint them. And that pressures her a lot at the same time.

Lola woke up at half past eight in the morning. She decided to talk to her parents again about the things they failed to finish talking about last night. But before she walked out of the door, she noticed the letter Sebastian gave her. She took it and stared to it for seconds. She couldn't stop feeling sorry for him. Five years had already passed. A lot may have changed. "Did he wait for me?" she asked herself. Lola felt stupid not to notice such a trivial thing from him.

Knowing Sebastian, he wouldn't ask things upfront. He's mysterious like a puzzle. He would not spoon-feed anything. People around him had to read his actions instead. But despite it all, Lola's feelings blinded all the reasons for her to give up having feelings for him just because he's difficult to figure out. He was cold but stayed Lola's friend. That alone is enough for Lola. "f**k! I should have known him better." Lola figured. Five years ago, when she received a letter from one of their butlers, she was clouded by her emotions and hated him for leaving without giving her a heads-up.

Out of guilt, she ran downstairs. It caused a huge footstep echoing in the hallways. Mari noticed her and came closer to ask "Milady, what's with all the fuss if you do not mind me asking?" Lola turned her head towards where Mari was standing and replied "Have you seen my father?". "Lord White is in the garden having a couple of tea with Madame, Milady," Mari answered. "Thanks, Mari," she said and went straight to the garden. Lola recognized both her parents' backs facing her direction just a couple of steps away from the back door.

"Mom, Dad." She called. Her father slightly tilted his head while his mother completely turned his back to face Lola. "Come and sit with us. Would you like some tea?" her mother directed and asked while raising her hand to get the attention of a maid somewhere in the corner for another cup. "About last night..." Lola's father interrupted her, "Sit down first." He firmly said. Lola switched her gaze towards her mother. Madame just nodded, agreeing to what her husband directed their daughter to do. The maid arrived, holding a cup, and poured some tea.

After a moment of silence, Arthur, Lola's father, said "We already know what you wanted to say. But first, let us start our morning together with a cup of tea before you decide anything", "Dad, I have already made up my mind," Lola replied. "Okay, so... before I and your mother decide anything then". Arthur corrected. Lola's mother sipped her cup of tea and the three of them leaned to their seats and stared at their beautiful garden, enjoying the beautiful sight at the moment.

Arthur and Catherine figured that their daughter was right about not having her around all her life. Lola's already 20 years old, but unlike any other typical Americans who taught their children independence even before reaching 18, they were so in denial about letting their daughter go. Arthur signaled his wife Catherine to do the honor of talking to their daughter. His wife nodded and said.

"It's not that we do not trust you, Lola. Your father and I are just having a hard time letting you go on your own." Lola sighed and kept listening. "We figured that although we could ask other people to look for the rest of the Hugo family, if you're confident and if you really wanted to do this on your own, we would trust and give you our approval."

Lola's eyes lit up and she hugged her parents. "Thank you. I promise you both that I can handle myself alone. Thank you, Mom, Dad." Lola replied.