Sorry, not a Frozen fanfiction.
Today I watched the anime "Princess Sarah" with my niece, it brought back memories from childhood and this plot just popped up in my head. I always wondered what happened to Lottie when Sarah left, so I wrote this. This is not going to be a long story. Maybe three chapters or four...
Enjoy :')
Normal POV.
" ... the princess finally married her prince and they lived their happily ever after. " Sarah Crewe finished her story, reaching a hand out to tickle her daughter's side and earned a soft giggle in return. " Alright love, it's time for you to sleep. "
" Aww... " The girl pouted. Sarah tucked her daughter in and sat on the edge of the bed.
" Mama? "
" Yes Sophia? "
" Is papa your prince? " The innocent question took Sarah by surprise but she kept smiling down at her little girl.
" Yes. "
" But why is he in heaven if he is your prince? "
The death of her husband at a young age was really hard for Sarah and at the time, Sophia was only two. The girl has no memory of her father but Sarah makes sure that her daughter learn more about him each day through her stories.
" Your father is in heaven because from there, he can watch over us. He can see things more clearly. "
Sophia frowned. " But papa is alone there without us? "
" Of course not. " Sarah chuckled, using a finger to caress her cheek. " Your grandfather is keeping him company, do you remember? "
" Mhmm. "
" And you should never forget Sophia, that wherever they are, they love you so much. "
" Okay. "
" Good. "
" I love you mama... "
" I love you too my Princess... sweet dreams. " Sarah whispered to her daughter, bending down slightly to place a soft kiss on her forehead. She sat there a few minutes until she was sure that Sophia was asleep before leaving the room.
Sarah would have returned to her quarters like she usually does but in the back of her head, she has a feeling that she will not be able to close her eyes soon. With one last thought, she made her way towards the library. This place holds the stories, adventures and dreams that Sarah knows by heart but it also gives her a comfort that only a dreamer could find in books.
But tonight, Sarah Crewe didn't want to read. She was simply enjoying the silence and allowed herself to get lost in her thoughts. And this is how Becky found her, sitting on the couch, staring at the orange glow coming from the fireplace.
" I knew I would find you here. "
A pause lingered and Becky quietly joined her dear friend, taking a seat on the armchair opposing Sarah.
" Am I that predictable? "
" After all these years, I think I lived enough to know my friend. " Becky states simply. A thin smile formed on Sarah's lips and the young woman finally acknowledged her friend with a glance.
" You and Eric are the only persons that could read me. "
" Like a book. "
" Well if that's the case, can you tell me what I'm thinking of? "
" Is it necessary to state her name? " Becky asked even though, she didn't expect an answer in return as it was rethorical. " Or maybe that today is the date of her birthday? "
" Is it? " Another rethorical question. " I wonder what she is doing at the moment we speak. I wonder if she is doing well, if she is happy... if she remembers me. "
Becky ponders on Sarah's words and truth be told, she wonders too. What happened to Lottie Legh? What happened to the little girl ought to be related to an angel? Fifteen years is a long time and all they have is the memory of a girl waving at them, as their ship left the docks. Her smile contrasting her bright blue teary eyed.
Lottie Legh became a memory since this day.
" I am sure she does. " Becky finally answered and Sarah likes to believe that indeed, Lottie remembers her. And so she believed. " Hasn't Ermengarde said that she has invited Lottie to her wedding? "
" That's what she said. " Sarah nodded. " But she has no idea if she will attend the party. The last time she has heard of Lottie was before her departure to America. "
" Lottie in America, who knew? " Becky hummed softly. As she tried to imagine Lottie, she couldn't help but imagine a little girl lost in a big crowd, crying at the top of her lungs for her mama while kicking her legs violently.
This was the Lottie they knew, not a woman and certainly not one conquering America.
Sarah sighed, standing up from the couch to walk over the window and looked out at the garden below. " Do you think we will see her Becky? "
" There is only one way to find out and we will see in a few days at the wedding. "
" I hope she will come... I really hope to see her again. "
" And so do I. "
When they left England, Sarah kept the contact with the girls she's spent her childhood with at the seminary, most of them being her closest friends. The distance that separates them never kept her from writing but there was one exception and it was Lottie. Sarah lost the count of letters she has sent to the girl... letters that were never returned. And even then, Sarah kept writing in hope to receive an answer someday.
Will Lottie be at the wedding? Sarah doesn't have the answer to that.
" Don't lose hope Sarah. " Becky's voice reached her ears once again. " If I know one thing sure about you, it's that you never lose faith. "
Sarah turned around and offered a genuine smile. " And that is the main reason why I made this decision. "
" Which one? "
" If Lottie doesn't come, I will personally send Peter to track her down. You might think it's insane because I am not her real mother but she was once mine and a mother is a mother. Related or not. I just need to see her. "
Becky didn't answer but she understands. Sarah is a mother after all and she has a beautiful five year old daughter named Sophia that looks like a small version of her gorgeous mother. Long raven hair and dark emerald eyes, Sophia was truly Sarah's.
But only a few knew that Sarah was a mother even before Sophia... a mother to a little girl named Lottie. A girl that was not Sarah's by blood but she has been hers nonetheless. And Sarah has longed to see Lottie, her friend.
Her first daughter.
In the meanwhile in America, a young woman was in the hotel room, packing her suitcases for her next trip. Lifting her head up from the many dresses she has packed, she sighed when she found her fiancé working at his desk.
She is not surprised one bit.
" Will? "
" What is it darling? " The young handsome man answered without looking up from his paperworks. He almost sounded annoyed that she interrupted him.
" Are you sure you don't wish to come with me? "
" Yes. " The answer was firm and sharp.
" Maybe a few days away from work will be good for you, don't you think? The ship is leaving tomorrow, we still have time in case you change your mind. "
" No I don't think so, the result will be more works. And I don't wish to attend the wedding of some friends of yours, I have better things to go. "
" Better than spending times with me? "
" Lottie darling, I love you but can't you see that I am busy here? "
" Oh yes, clearly. "
Lottie's fiancé finally looked up. " Maybe for the next trip. " He said simply.
Lottie wonders why she even bothers. She has tried to save their couple more than once and it seems like nothing has changed. Maybe a few days away from each other is exactly what they need and hopefully, William will realize how much he misses her.
" Alright, as you wish. " She shook her head and resumed in her packing. " Happy birthday to me. " she whispered.
Lottie's POV.
London hasn't changed much during the few months I was in America. I travel a lot but a part of me never left this place, I guess this is what happen when you live somewhere for too long. I have so much memories of London, it is not just about the place but also the people I met here. The friends I made, the family I used to have before everything fell appart. London reminds me so many things, it almost hurts.
But today is the wedding day and for Ermengarde, I had to be here. I am sure she is not expecting me as I never comfirmed her invitation but this is a surprise. As I stood outside the room where Ermengarde is getting ready, I took a deep breath and knocked.
" Who is it? " A voice could be heard.
" Not your groom. " I answered. I heard footsteps from the other side as I waited patiently until the door opened. A beautiful bride stood before my eyes with a shocked expression on her face.
" Lottie? "
I grinned and opened my arms. " Surprise! "
" Oh Lottie. " Ermengarde laughed, pulling me in the room with her before closing the door behind us. I immediatly took her in my arms and embraced her tightly. " Oh Lottie, I thought you wouldn't come. "
I leaned back and smiled. " Nonsense, I can't miss your wedding. "
" But when did you get here? Where are you staying? "
" My ship arrived here two days ago and I'm staying in this palace. "
" You came alone? Where is William? "
My smile faded at the mention of William. Just thinking that he did not say goodbye when I left makes me wonder how important is his work... or more precisely, if our couple means anything to him at all. I feel like I am the only one putting so much effort into this.
" William is sorry that he couldn't come, he is a busy man you know? " I replied, feeling guilty to lie to her. " I did not contact you because my plan was to surprise you. "
" Congratulations, you surprised me. " She started to tear up.
" Oh no, this is not the time to cry. " I grabbed her a tissue and dabbed at her eyes, careful not to apply to much pressure. " There, I don't want to be blamed for ruining the bride's magnificent make up. Look at you, you are so beautiful. "
" I'm sorry, it's just... I am so happy to see you. Thank you for coming Lottie. "
" It's my pleasure. "
I stayed a moment with Ermengarde until it was time for me to join the guests in the grand garden where the ceremony was being held. A long path of white petals of roses on the green grass makes an alley. The guests were gathering slowly and I took a seat in the front row.
The sun is here, it's just perfect. This day is going to be the amazing and this was everything I hoped for Ermengarde.
" Excuse me Miss, are there seats taken? "
As I look up from under my hat, I found a young man dressed in a black tuxedo staring down at me with kind eyes that look familiar to me.
" No I don't think so. "
" Do mind if we sit here? "
" No. " I shook my head slowly as I stared at him because for some reasons, he looks like someone I can't recall. Someone I used to know.
" Thank you. " He offered a smile. " I'm Peter by the way, may I know your name? "
Peter...
My eyes widened as it hit me and my body shot up from my seat. Peter... now I understand why he looks so familiar, it's because I know him. The last time I've seen this face was fifteen years ago when he left with for India. With Becky and Sarah.
When did he come back?
Oh dear Lord. Are they here too?
" Hey are you okay? " Peter took my hand to keep me steady when I stumbled backwards. He doesn't recognize me, maybe it's not too late to excuse myself.
" I am fine, I uh- I need to... "
" Peter? " Another voice called out and I could see passed his shoulder another woman walking up towards us.
" Becky! "
Peter looked at me confused. " You know Becky? " He asked but this time, I couldn't speak.
I found my hability to voice my feelings leaving my body and it was not because of Becky. It was the woman that stood by her side in a gorgeous red dress, as beautiful as ever. Fifteen years passed but I will recognize this face anywhere. It was her...
It was Sarah.
" I'm sorry. "
" Are you sure you're okay? I can help y- "
" I have to go. " I snatched my hand from Peter's grasp, interrupting him in the process and turned around to leave. I was relieved when he didn't run after me, I need to be alone right now.
I never thought I would see her again, not after all these years. Ermengarde said she has invited a few friends that I know but never once I would have imagined seeing Sarah Crewe again. But she was here and it's a reality I wasn't ready to face.
Not today.
That's it for now, tell me what you think.
Until next time... peace lovely readers :-D
