Sebastian opened the carriage door for Josephine. She didn't move an inch. His eye twitched in irritation.

"Excuse me, Ms. Cross; you can get out of the carriage now. We have already arrived." Sebastian said as polite as he could manage.

"I am not moving an inch. I have already told you, I will not go." Josephine said. She crossed her arms over chest and proceeded to look directly at what was in front of her.

Sebastian was getting highly irritated with her persistence. He sighed, stepping forward and lifting the woman out of the carriage. Her eyes widened in shock and she squeaked in surprise. Blushing madly, she yells, "Put me down! Put me down I say!" Her small fists punch Sebastian in the chest several times. He ignores her and proceeds on into the Phantomhive estate.

She kicks her legs violently, but Sebastian just tightens his hold on her. After many failed attempts to escape from his hold, Josephine finally gives up. She looks up at his face and thinks, "He is still as handsome as ever." She feels the heat rush to her face as she thinks this and sighs irritably. Sebastian just glances down at her for a second and looks back up. They are standing in front of a closed door now. Sebastian knocks twice.

"Come in." says a voice on the other side.

"Well I don't really have a choice." she murmured as Sebastian reached for the door handle. He puts his finger to his lips, a signal to be quiet.

Sebastian then proceeds inside, still carrying Josephine. He sets her down inside the room. She smoothes the wrinkles out of her clothes and looks up when a familiar voice speaks her name.

"My, it's been a while hasn't it, Josephine?" Ciel looks directly at the woman standing in the middle of the room.

She looks him face to face and responds with a curtsy. "Yes, it indeed has been a while Ciel. I see that you have now grown into a fine young man."

At that time, Sebastian comes in. "My Lord, it is time for supper." he states.

"I didn't even realize he left." she thought.

Ciel gets up and walks over to Josephine. "Come, we shall have time to chat over tea and supper."

They sit down at the table in the dining room. Sebastian pushes a cart over with the food on it. He states in a light-hearted voice what the courses are for today after serving them. He then stands near his master, just like any other butler would do.

"Enjoy the meal." Ciel says and you both start eating.

"So tell me, what have you been up to in these past years?"

She set her utensils down and thought about what to say. She definitely couldn't tell the truth. It would just lead to more questions which she couldn't give answers to. So she told part of the truth and left out the unneeded information. "I was actually working as a maid in a couple different households. Right now I am unemployed and looking for another job."

"I see. You can work as a maid of Phantomhive again, if you'd like."

"That's very kind of you, but I'm sorry, I have to put your offer aside." Josephine said and looked down.

"Why is that?" Ciel raised an eyebrow in skepticism.

"Well I don't believe it's really necessary to state my reasons. How are things with you? I mean with having to take over as the head of Phantomhive, it must be really hard and stressful. You are only a boy of twelve."

"I'm fine." Ciel snapped. "Life isn't meant to be easy. It is like a game that you have to win at to survive. And earlier, didn't you say that I have grown into a young man? I am not a child anymore." He was irritated, she could tell. He was also right, Ciel wasn't a child anymore. "He was forced to have to grow up too quickly," Josephine thought.

"You're right Ciel, you are definitely not a child anymore." Josephine looked into Ciel's eyes as she said this. "His eyes are hard and show much anger and sadness." she thought.

"It's getting late, I should go now." she said and stood up.

"Where are you staying at now?" Ciel asked.

"I... uhm."

"I brought her bags; she seemed to have been sleeping on the street." Sebastian said before she could lie. She looked away and glared at the wall.

"Is that so? Then prepare a room for her Sebastian."

"Yes, my Lord."

"You are welcome to stay here until you find another job."

"Are you sure? I am fine with staying out in the streets."

"I can't leave an old friend out on the streets. Besides, it isn't safe for a lady to be out in the streets at night." Ciel said.

"Thank you." Josephine said and bowed. Ciel smiled and his eyes softened a bit. At that moment, Josephine saw a glimpse of the past, when Ciel used to be just a happy, carefree child.

I hope you all liked this chapter! ^_^