Chances of Fate

XI - A Sisterly Visit

09-26-xxxx

Dear diary,

Uh, I don't really know how to start this off but... I should introduce myself first. I'm Camellia and I'm a first year high school student! I don't have any interesting hobbies other than annoying my friends. I guess that's enough about myself for now (usually, I like talking about myself but I'm still not comfortable with writing on a piece of paper).

Well, anyway, yesterday, my maid taught me how to write a diary entry. Today, nothing much happened except that tomorrow's going to be a weekend which means there's more me time! I'm concerned about my best friend, Marlais, who I think still doesn't know how to write a diary entry hahaha. He's such an i***t. Uh, I guess this is it for today since nothing interesting happened.

Camellia

- - -

Amirah's Point of View

My reality slowly returned as I heard a familiar melody echo in my head. I forced my heavy eyelids to open, only greeted with the cold darkness. Letting out a quiet grumble, I turned my head to the desk clock.

It was three in the morning.

Without getting up from my comfy position, I used my head to look for the source of the sound.

It was from my phone that was resting on my bedside table. As I was reaching it, that's when I realized who was calling me.

You see, each of my contacts have different ringtones so that I know who's who without looking at the screen of my phone.

For some reason, it would always make me nervous whenever my phone rings. I'm not used to phone calls at all. Maybe that's why I preferred being pen pals with Crystal and the others than communicating through the phone.

Brushing off my thoughts, I pressed the answer button. "H-hello?" I yawned.

"Is it true that you make essays for people and let them pay you?"

With a funny look on my face, I whispered to myself, "W-what?"

Yeah, I wish.

Is that a rumor about me? Where did he hear that from?

"T-that's obviously false... but you k-know, I do write poems if our classmates requested." I scratched my cheek. "Why would I need money anyway?"

"I know, right? I was just curious wether it was true or not."

I glanced at my clock again. "You woke up b-because of that? Do you have any idea what time it is?"

"Three in the morning?"

"It's the witching hour, obviously!" I hissed, looking around my room to see if something looked weird or out of place.

Is it just me or did the room seem smaller?

"But isn't that just an urban legends?"

"Y-you don't know that!" I whisper shouted. My voice began to shrink as I became more conscious of my surroundings. "Now, go back to sleep, you dummy."

"Bold of you to assume that I was sleeping in the first place."

He's not the only one who sleeps late, you know. I can sleep at five in the morning if I want to but I was just too tired at school because of the crammed quizzes.

The tutoring did pay off because the problems seemed so easier.

"Go to bed, then." I frowned and ended the call.

Stupid Zodel, ruining my peaceful sleep.

After putting my phone away, I got up and stretched for a bit to tire myself even more and lied down my bed.

.

It didn't take long for me to open my eyes again when my stomach couldn't take it any longer. I thought that time skipped by two hours or so but no.

It had only been thirty minutes.

That means I'm still in the middle of the witching hour!

"Heck, no." I repeated that sentence for about a minute as my sight slowly adjusted to the darkness—oh wait, I still don't have my glasses on.

With my hands in front of me, I stumbled on getting out of my bedroom with no flashlight assisting me. I don't want some snitching maid to catch me.

Would it be best if I just go to Laura's bedroom and ask her for some food instead of going to the kitchen all by myself and slowly bumping into questionable things that I can't clearly see because of the dark?

I mean, it would be best if I try and face my fear of overthinking in the dark, right?

.

"My lady."

The room started to brighten as soon as I saw who was calling me.

I couldn't help myself but give out a scream as I jumped in fear, giving myself the heebie-jeebies. "L-Laura, you dropped my sandwich!" I worked hard for that!

"You should have called me if you wanted to eat something. I don't want to be rude but how did you manage to get here?"

"I-I quietly recited sonnet 116 and sang the twelve days of Christmas..."

"It's still September..."

"I was just getting ready, okay?" I picked up the fallen sandwich and frowned. "As a punishment for scaring me and wasting this delicious sandwich, make me a new one."

"Understood. But before I make you one, I need to inform you that your parents have arrived to give you news."

"That's 'Sir' and 'My Lady' to you" I scolded. "And and at four in the morning?" It must be so important that they had to leave their workplace for me.

Could it be that they finally realized that they were slowly drifting away from their daughter? Or are they here to finally force me into marriage with a dude that only cares about money? I doubt the first one though.

"You must hurry and get dre—"

"Tell them I'm moving out."

"Nonsense."

.

Wrapped in a navy blue off shoulder cocktail dress—well, at least that's what Laura told me—I slowly walked my way to the open lounge area as I bit my lower lip.

I like to dress up a lot but I'm not comfortable at this time of the day to put on some semi-formal clothing.

They were already sitting together on the couch with four maids surrounding the room. Now that they arrived, the whole place was lit up.

"Amirah, take a seat." Father stated, turning his head towards my direction, almost paralyzing me with his stare.

Thank goodness Laura was beside me.

I sat on the sofa across them and cleared my throat. "U-uh, so what's this about?"

"Let's get straight to the point." Mother started, placing her hands on her lap. "Me and your father found your sister."

"Maddie?!" I immediately covered my mouth and later on apologized.

"We believe that she's staying at our summer house in Valley of the Lilies." She continued, smiling. "I'm really relieved that we found her. I've been worried sick."

"I'm glad too..." I smiled back. "What can I do to help?"

Caught in less than a month? How dissapointing. I thought she wasn't that easy to catch.

Well, I guess she'll be home in a week. I missed her—but not that much.

"We'll handle it." Father replied, standing up from his seat and assisting mom so I also stood up. "We were just letting you know so that you don't have to worry."

They're leaving again.

"Thank you, father." I gave him a warm smile and walked them to the front porch together with Laura and the other maids.

.

I watched my reflection as Laura combed my hair. A realization came in my mind so I stared at my assistant through the mirror.

"She's not where they expected her to be."

"Correct." Laura softly replied, giving me a faint smile.

I knew it.

Sighing, I asked, "What's my schedule for today?"

"You have to review Connie and Azure's diary entry to make sure that they don't make a mistake and you also have three new letters from Valley of the Lilies. Oh, and you still have to study for the upcoming exams next week."

Well, it's Saturday so there's nothing much that I can do other than study.

I hate studying.

"Hand me a new outfit and give Maddie a call." I abruptly rose from my seat, grabbing a two hair ties and braiding them. "We're going for a trip."

No one knew where I was going except for Jacob and Laura, of course. Deane had to chase me outside to snitch on me but I didn't bat her an eye and just went in the car. I also had to lock it since she was forcing me to get out and talk to her.

The ride was six hours long so I couldn't help but fall back asleep. I didn't hear where we were going though.

I figured it out after getting woken up by Laura when we arrived. There was a sign that was on the path leading to the village. The place was called Wakefield.

Jacob dropped us at the entrance after letting him know that we'll call him when we're done. When I got off, I quickly scurried my way to admire the beautiful place.

The village looked so quaint and it felt like I travelled back in time.

So this is why Laura dressed me in some kind of village dress that made me look like a fantasy character.

Now I understand why Maddie chose to live here. It's like living your life in a medieval RPG game!

"This way, my lady." Laura instantly appeared behind me, grabbing my hand to lead me in a different direction.

We ended up in a tight alleyway that seemed shady. It was too shady that I knew Maddie would live in a place like—

"This place is beautiful!" I gasped, taking in the view of a cottage that rested on a small hill. "I think I'm gonna cry."

"Please, don't."

I want to live here now.

As we walked towards our destination, I couldn't help but notice the lavenders and baby's breath surrounding the hill. It even has little stone stairs and everything!

"There you are!"

"Ow!" I slapped my sister's hand away from me. "Maddison, I braided these myself!" She just had to pull my hair as a greeting.

I didn't even know where she came from! Was she hiding in the bushes or something?

Seriously, this girl never changes.

"Aw, but I miss you!" She laughed and pulled me in for a tight hug. "You've grown so much!"

"Just my appetite." I mumbled.

"New glasses, I see." Maddie released me and examined my figure with her arms crossed. She then turned to her assistant. "I also missed you, my lovely Laura. I hope Amirah wasn't a pain in the—"

I stopped her from finishing the sentence and frowned at her. "You're a bigger pain in the butt."

"Let's just say that Amirah's easier to take care of." Laura gave us a small smile.

Maddie let out a small gasp. "What's that supposed to mean?!"

Our little reunion didn't last long because I suddenly remembered that I haven't had breakfast yet. All I ate before leaving the mansion was a sandwich that Laura made for me.

Maddie made some buffalo chicken wings while Laura brewed chamomile tea and it was delicious as always.

"So what do you do around here? We have a lot to catch up to." I played with my teacup.

I hope she didn't cause trouble.

"Just some gardening and cooking. I also work at a coffee shop!" Maddie smiled.

"That sounds like something I would watch in a movie or read in a book. Is there something else?"

"Oh, did I mention that I killed and cleaned our meal myself?"

I coughed, "Okay, too much information."

"What? I work in a butcher shop too."

Ah, yes, just when I thought that my sister was now less into violence.

"How surprising." I mumbled under my breath. "Anyway, are you free to roam around today?"

"Of course! Anything for my dear sister!"

After discussing and getting my options rejected about where we should go first, we finally settled to flying kites in the park. We had to buy kites in a department store first though.

I bought a simple diamond-shaped kite while my sister got all extra and bought a three-dimensional one. My sister also forced Laura to buy one and what she got was the diamond kite too.

Flying kites with these two were actually fun. I genuinely think that visiting the library or playing chess or cards with them would be more fun though.

"Let's go to the pet store!" Without even letting me reply, Maddie pulled me towards the store so I also pulled Laura with us.

The door opened with a ring and I started looking around. Maddie, in the other hand, happily approached the cashier. It turns out that she already made friends with the people around here.

"Are you interested in buying something, my lady?" Laura stood beside me, observing what I was looking at.

The rabbits inside the pen are so cute. But I want a dog though.

I shook my head. "Not really."

My eyes caught something unique so I hurried myself on the other side of the room. It was a small plastic terrarium and inside it were snails. The other terrarium beside it were small turtles.

"How cute." I whispered to myself.

"Oh, do you want a turtle?"

"Stop sneaking up on me." I gave my sister a glare as I crossed my arms. "I want a dog or at least a cat."

It's worth to try again, right?

"Again with this conversation?" She raised a brow. "Mom's allergic to cats and dad's allergic to dogs. And don't we have Coco already?"

"Coco is aunt's dog." I frowned.

"Point taken." She patted my head. I was about to reply when she continued with, "But we're still not getting one."

After that, she bid her goodbye to the cashier lady and drew me back outside. Maybe she figured that it was a bad idea to take me to the pet store.

We went to the village square next. I did want to check out the stuff that they sell. I heard from Laura that this village has good tea.

When we arrived at the square, there were a few stores standing beside the buildings. I hurriedly dragged Laura with me when a familiar scent lingered around me.

"Jasmine." I smiled, checking the tea packet that was placed on the store's counter along with other several packets. One by one, I picked them up. "Chamomile, Raspberry, green tea."

After arranging them back, I stared at the owner of the store. "I'll buy them all."

"My lady—"

"You can only have one box." Maddie slid beside me. "Don't be selfish."

That's what I was going for anyway...

I reached for the box but accidentally brushed my hand against somebody instead. "S-sorry!"

"I didn't know that you liked tea." He turned to me with a bashful smile.

"A-Azure!"

Why's he here?!

"W-what a coincidence." I fixed my glasses as I gazed at him. "So, what are you here for?" He was also wearing the same kind of outfit I was wearing.

Azure looks like the love interest from a medieval-themed movie.

I looked away from him after that thought.

"It's my mom's birthday next week and I wanted to give her the best tea so I decided to venture here."

"Well, you came to the right place!" My sister interrupted, peeking from behind. "Hi! I'm Maddison!" She reached out her hand and the two exchanged their formal greetings.

I talked to Azure for awhile as I bought the tea box and when I turned around, Laura and Maddie were gone!

"See you after lunch!" Maddie yelled from afar, waving her hand. Laura was with her.

I thought we were gonna go see the ducks? And after lunch? Maddie's not cooking for me? She's so unpredictable!

"Is she a friend?" Azure brought me back to reality.

I shook my head. "No, she's my sister."

I thought it was obvious?

"Oh, she's your sister? I didn't know you had a sibling. Well, now that I think about it, you two do have the same eyes. Her hair's opposite to yours though."

Right. My sister has cream colored hair while I have rose gold that has cream colored tips. Maddie does dye her tips in mom's color sometimes to make it look like the two of us have opposite hair colors.

"Now that she's completely abandoned me, do you mind if I tag along with you?" I smiled, trying not to be awkward as possible.

Luckily, he agreed with a bright smile and led me to a nearby sidewalk café. We sat outside and had our lunch there. I just ate salad and cake while Azure had some soup.

I didn't notice it before but in the middle of the square, there was a beautiful clock tower and beside it was a grand piano.

At exactly two in the afternoon, the clock released a bong, making me flinch a little.

The sound of doors opening echoed in my head as the people went outside from their homes to crowd around the square.

"What's going on?" I turned my head to Azure who stood up from his seat.

He reached his hand for me and I accepted it, still confused to what was happening.

"Let's go see it for ourselves." Azure smiled.

Does he have any idea how anxious I am?!

We walked towards the crowd, forcing our way to the front.

There was a lady who approached the piano. She sat down and started playing a piece that I know too well.

"Comptine d'un autre été..." I silently mumbled to myself.

I always wanted to play that on the piano.

Azure chuckled beside me. "So that's what it was. I just don't know how to pronounce it."

"It took me one year of french class just to learn how to pronounce it." I giggled.

"You know how to speak french?"

"Just a little."

We clapped our hands as soon as she finished one more song.

She's really good.

It took me a few seconds to realize that I actually had eye contact with her. With that, she dissappeared into the crowd and when the square started to clear up, I couldn't find her anymore.

How mysterious.

"Now that that's over, where do you want to go?" Azure lightly bumped my arm.

"Is it okay if w-we visit a b-bookshop?"

"Sure!"

Finally! I'm with someone who actually accepts my opinion!

We skimmed through some opened books here and there on a tiny bookstore and it didn't take long for me to buy one... or maybe three.

I had lots of fun just being inside a bookstore with a friend. Maybe I should just live here.

It felt like peace actually existed in my life.

Until Maddie and Laura found me after a few minutes, telling me that it was time to go home.

"Let's go turkey hunting on December!" That was what Maddie said as a goodbye.

Sure, yeah. I may as well shoot her in the leg and just say that I mistook her as a turkey.

I yawned.

Well, it was already three thirty in the afternoon and I'm going to be stuck in a six hour ride so I surrendered myself to my sister and—hold that thought because I just had the greatest idea.

"Azure, is it okay if I kidnap you for my entertainment?"

"uh, what? But... sure, I guess."

So it was settled. Since he was on his own, I might as well give him a ride, right?

"Oh! So you're one of the Hearsts that owns the Lilac Valley Hospital and many other organizations! So that's why my sister seemed so formal towards you."

Crap.

I forced a chuckle. "Yep."

Is it hot in here or is it just my take-out from the cafe because I am sweating.