Author's Notes: Alright here's the next chapter. Now we can skip the emotions and return to the cliffhangers. *grins*
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Hidden - By: Hell's Huntress
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"Her family disowned her when they found out. They didn't want her to marry him, and his family didn't approve either. Because of that, they were left on their own. The good thing about it was that they had nothing to worry about but themselves. They had no children. That was bad in another way. She wanted a child more than anything. They tried everything, but nothing worked. She remained a young woman, growing old without anyone to pass her knowledge on to. That all took place until one day when she found out that she was carrying a child. She would have told her husband, but she couldn't for the child was not his. Her secret wasn't too last though. Months passed and her stomach began to grow bigger. Things would have been so much easier if the real father didn't show up......."
" What happened then? "
Monique closed the book. "That's it. That's where the story ends."
"What?! No! But it can't end there! What happened to her? What happened to the baby? And what about the two men? "
Monique chuckled at her sister's curiosity. "I'm sorry but the story isn't mine. I don't know what happens next because the story ends there."
"Then make the rest up!"
"I can't do that. I didn't even write it to begin with, and my imagination isn't large enough to create an ending for a story that wasn't written by my own hand."
"But why didn't the author finish it? "
Monique placed the book back where it belonged and cleared her throat. " The author was a girl. She was writing a story based on some parts of her own life, or so I heard."
"You mean that happened to her? She had the baby?"
"I don't think so. She had two men involved in her life though. One wanted her, but she also wanted the other one who wanted her. Things were so confusing that she decided to write a story based on two men who can make a woman's life so terrible at times. She wanted to make it horrible though. I suppose she wanted to feel better.......thinking that others could still have two men and feel terrible."
" Who told you that anyway? "
" Uncle Haris told me. He said the woman who wrote it really did live."
" She's real?"
" That's what he said," she shrugged. " He said the story can happen to anyone."
" But then how did he know about it?"
" I don't know. "
Their conversation ended by the sound of horses. Both girls looked outside only to find men standing by the door, talking to their father.
"We have visitors. They look dangerous....."
"Papa's talking to them so he must know them."
Monique narrowed her eyes and marched outside followed by Hannah.
-----------
"I'm really sorry sir, but I - "
"Need a place to stay? Yes, I can see that," Henry stated in a flat tone, his eyes narrowed upon the horses. One of them had a wound.
" If you don't mind, may we please? "
Henry looked at him for a moment. He studied his face for about a minute before finally giving in. "You have three days," he sighed. There was something about the men that he didn't like.
"Thank you sir, thank you very much, " the man smiled before stepping inside. The other men followed after tying their horses to safety outside. "The horses should be better by that time."
" They should be, " Henry cut in, his voice steady and firm. "In the mean time, have a bite to eat. While you're at it, tell me about yourselves. Why you're here.....where you're from."
"Yes sir," he nodded and seated himself at the table. "But before we get to that sir, I just jave one question."
"What is it?"
He held out a small picture of a young girl with blonde hair and blue eyes. It was a painting but very accurate. She was dressed in long red skirt, otherwise known as a 'filipiniana'. " Have you seen this girl? "
Henry stared at the image for a moment. He narrowed his eyes in recognition, but shook his head anyway. "No, I don't think I have." There was a hint of doubt in his voice. "Is that the reason for your trip?"
"Yes sir. She ran away......we're looking for her. If you find her though please let others know. We've been to many towns and left word for her there. If someone sees her, I'm sure word will travel. "
Henry nodded, his eyes still on the picture. " Well I don't believe I've seen her. The only women I see are my daughters."
"They're here?"
"We're here," Monique cut in from the bottom of the stairway. The other girls were beside her, followed by Andrew who's hair was terrible.
The man narrowed his eyes and observed each and every one of them. He seemed to give up. "Those are the only women here?"
"Just them, and I don't think they look like the girl on that painting. Before we discuss this a bit more, what shall I call you?"
"Please call me Alfred, sir. We've been searching everywhere for her. Our journey will end soon. It's our last chance to find her, which explains how important she is to us."
"I see. And where are you from?"
"Somewhere far away among the islands."
"Any name?"
" I'd rather not say. I hope you don't mind. "
"Very well then," Henry nodded even though he did mind. "Well then, eat while you're here. The servants will tend to your horses."
Three men walked in and set plates before Alfred and each of his men. They ate almost instantly, but Alfred didn't touch his food.
He stared at it for a moment as if wondering off into space. Henry cleared his throat, snapping him out of it. He looked up and smiled at the older man in apology before finally eating.
Monique turned away, a dirty look on her face. "I don't like him," she snorted. Her voice was low but firm.
Jacquelin frowned and gently pulled her away. "There's something strange about him and that girl he's looking for." She paused for a moment. "I think she looks like......."
"Like?"
Jacquelin grabbed Monique's hand and led her upstairs to a room next to Serena's. "She looks like the female form of Sam-"
The door next to theirs creaked open. Serena stepped out, her hair wet and her clothes a bit messy. "Good day," she yawned. "I just took a bath. I feel terrible."
Jacquelin grinned. "I can't blame you. You had too much to drink. Even men shouldn't drink that much."
She grinned. "Well I'm not a-" she choked back the words. Both sisters gave her a strange look so she coughed to cover up for her mistake. "I'm sorry.......one of those times when you just feel like choking."
"We understand. What were you going to sa?," Monique questioned sounding completely normal.
Serena nearly grinned. They didn't suspect anything. "I'm not any other man. I drink a lot, but I must admit that I've never had that much." Well it was true in a way. She never did drink a lot before, but she never did have that much.
"You're awake," Andrew walked towards them. He looked better but he still looked a bit sick. "Hope you're feeling better Samuel because we have guests. Who are they by the way?"
"I don't know," Jacquelin shrugged. "They're just men looking for a girl."
Serena felt her heart leap to her throat. Little beads of sweat poured down her neck despite the cold bath.
"A girl," she choked out. "What-what did she look like?"
"I'm not sure but I think she had blonde hair. She must be important because I heard that they went to all these towns looking for her."
"Oh....."
"Are you alright?"
"Of course I'm alright. Why do you ask," she croaked. She could barely talk.
"Because you don't sound right."
A hand shot up to her mouth. She pretended to choke again to cover up for another mistake. "I....I have to go-"
"Oh hurry! We can't have you let it all out here!"
Serena nodded and ran into her room, shutting the door behind her. Panic-stricken, her eyes quickly darted around the room, looking for a way out. There was a window, but what good will that do? They'll find out that she's missing. They'll look for her. They'll find her anyway because she isn't familiar with the place and has no where to go.
She crumbled down to the floor and sighed. There was only one way. She might as well play along. If she was good enough then maybe they would forget about her. Maybe they would actually think she was a man.
She quickly ran into the bathroom and washed her face. She didn't exactly know what she was doing. She just tied her hair and tucked in all the strands. She tied the cloth around her chest again so that it was tighter, and she pulled out her pants and shirt, making her look more masculine in a way. She cleared her throat, making sure her voice was deep enough and walked outside before her mind could protest.
Monique was outside, a confused look on her face. "What happened to you? I thought you were sick."
"So did I," she replied in a deeper voice. "Nothing happened."
Monique cocked a brow upon hearing her voice but made no comment. "Go down and meet our guests."
Serena nodded and followed her downstairs. She could feel her heart thudding against her chest the whole time. Their silent footsteps echoed through her ears like a plague. She could feel beads of sweat of pour down her forhead. She firmly wiped them away, making her hands sweaty. She didn't care. From her point of view, it just made her more masculine. She didn't have much to think about that though. She froze almost as soon as she reached the bottom of the stairs.
Luckily she managed to regain her composure. No one seemed to notice. She looked at all of the men, slowly observing and every one of them. Some of them just glanced at her while others gave her curious looks. They turned away almost instantly as if dismissing a thought. That's when she saw him.
Alfred.
She caught his gaze. Her heart skipped a beat. She could feel her back stiffen and her body grow cold. She nearly cringed. It's been a while since she last saw the man. However, she held his gaze and nodded at him, trying to make things look natural. He narrowed his eyes at her and turned away, even though he still glanced at her every now and then. He didn't do anything though which was a good sign.
"This is Samuel. Samuel, these are a few gentlement who will be staying with us for a while. They're looking for a girl.....maybe you can help," Henry introduced her to them and handed her the same picture. She nervously took it, trying her best to keep her hand from shaking. She looked at the picture and stared at it for what seemed to be an eternity. It was her own picture........one she hasn't seen in a while.
Sorrow seemed to flow over her, but it was instantly replaced by panic. "No....I-I haven't seen her," she handed the picture back. She was surprised at how she acted. She was expecting a terrible performance, yet the men seemed to buy it.
"Alright. So Samuel......please come have a drink with us," Alfred grinned.
Serena wanted to frown but she shook her head instead. "I'm sorry. I've had too much not too long ago. I-I just caught a fever of some sort after."
"I see. Well then eat with us anyway."
"Thank you sir, but you are the guests here. I still have-haven't recovered much," she nervously swallowed a lump in her throat. She was stuttering and her attempts to stop it weren't really helping. Her body suddenly felt hot and sticky. "I still feel a bit sick."
"Alright then. So Samuel.......you live here? Pardon me for asking but I might as well strike a conversation while we're here. We can't stay silent forever now can we?" He smirked at her. There was something about what he said......something about the way he was looking at her that made her nervous. It was as if he was talking about her......how she can't stay silent or hidden for long. Did he know?
She let out a small smile to cover up. Henry looked uncomfortable as well. Same with Darien and Andrew who were exchaning glances. Perhaps they could also sense something in what he said.
Serena cleared her throat, breaking the silence. She gathered up one of the last bits of courage she could muster and smiled at him. "Well sir it was meeting you.....all of you. But I-I just need to get some rest. I still feel a bit terrible."
She nodded at them and walked up the stairs. She was stiff and didn't dare to look back until she was completely out of sight. She let out a long, silent breath and ran to her room, closing the door behind her. She nearly ran to her bed and collapsed. She stared at the ceiling, her heart beating like horses. She could feel it. She could hear it. She could still feel the heat of her body combined with sweat whenever she was nervous, yet she could feel her body grow cold with relief and panic. She wrapped herself in the covers, burrying half of her head in her arms. Before she could think about anything else, sleep claimed her.
--
The night was fresh with the sound of crickets and men talking. Serena weakly opened her eyes and stretched, only to have her back crack. She turned around and remained frozen, trying to remember what happened. She let out a small groan and stood up, still tangled in the covers. After struggling to free herself, she finally stood beside her bed. Strands of hair escaped her tie and clung to her skin.
She leaned over and frixed the covers, only to suddenly freeze. There was a faint sound outside in the hallway. She listened carefully, yet she could only hear her own breath. She nervously continued to fix her bed until she could've sworn that she heard it again.
Footsteps.
Almost as soon as she distinguished the sound, the door burst open. Alfred walked in and grabbed her wrist, a twisted grin on his face.
"I knew it," she snarled. "I knew it was you. You think that you're little act could fool me? It may have fooled them but they don't know you. I know you, and I know who you really are."
Serena could only stare at him, not sure about what was happening. Henry suddenly walked in followed by the others. Alfred looked at them and ripped off Serena's hat and her shirt. There her band was revealed and her hair tumbled down like a golden waterfall. Henry stared at her in disbelief. There was a look of confusion and denial written all over his features.
"Samuel," Alfred grinned at them. "Your Samuel is not who you think he is. He is a woman."
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Author's Notes: Okay so the last part was a bit strange but there you have it. So the truth is out. I am sooooo sorry for taking a long time. Fanfiction.net was down and it wasn't working for me. =/ Anyway, here's the chapter though. Reviews and emails please. The last few chapters will be out soon enough. Thanks.
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Hidden - By: Hell's Huntress
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"Her family disowned her when they found out. They didn't want her to marry him, and his family didn't approve either. Because of that, they were left on their own. The good thing about it was that they had nothing to worry about but themselves. They had no children. That was bad in another way. She wanted a child more than anything. They tried everything, but nothing worked. She remained a young woman, growing old without anyone to pass her knowledge on to. That all took place until one day when she found out that she was carrying a child. She would have told her husband, but she couldn't for the child was not his. Her secret wasn't too last though. Months passed and her stomach began to grow bigger. Things would have been so much easier if the real father didn't show up......."
" What happened then? "
Monique closed the book. "That's it. That's where the story ends."
"What?! No! But it can't end there! What happened to her? What happened to the baby? And what about the two men? "
Monique chuckled at her sister's curiosity. "I'm sorry but the story isn't mine. I don't know what happens next because the story ends there."
"Then make the rest up!"
"I can't do that. I didn't even write it to begin with, and my imagination isn't large enough to create an ending for a story that wasn't written by my own hand."
"But why didn't the author finish it? "
Monique placed the book back where it belonged and cleared her throat. " The author was a girl. She was writing a story based on some parts of her own life, or so I heard."
"You mean that happened to her? She had the baby?"
"I don't think so. She had two men involved in her life though. One wanted her, but she also wanted the other one who wanted her. Things were so confusing that she decided to write a story based on two men who can make a woman's life so terrible at times. She wanted to make it horrible though. I suppose she wanted to feel better.......thinking that others could still have two men and feel terrible."
" Who told you that anyway? "
" Uncle Haris told me. He said the woman who wrote it really did live."
" She's real?"
" That's what he said," she shrugged. " He said the story can happen to anyone."
" But then how did he know about it?"
" I don't know. "
Their conversation ended by the sound of horses. Both girls looked outside only to find men standing by the door, talking to their father.
"We have visitors. They look dangerous....."
"Papa's talking to them so he must know them."
Monique narrowed her eyes and marched outside followed by Hannah.
-----------
"I'm really sorry sir, but I - "
"Need a place to stay? Yes, I can see that," Henry stated in a flat tone, his eyes narrowed upon the horses. One of them had a wound.
" If you don't mind, may we please? "
Henry looked at him for a moment. He studied his face for about a minute before finally giving in. "You have three days," he sighed. There was something about the men that he didn't like.
"Thank you sir, thank you very much, " the man smiled before stepping inside. The other men followed after tying their horses to safety outside. "The horses should be better by that time."
" They should be, " Henry cut in, his voice steady and firm. "In the mean time, have a bite to eat. While you're at it, tell me about yourselves. Why you're here.....where you're from."
"Yes sir," he nodded and seated himself at the table. "But before we get to that sir, I just jave one question."
"What is it?"
He held out a small picture of a young girl with blonde hair and blue eyes. It was a painting but very accurate. She was dressed in long red skirt, otherwise known as a 'filipiniana'. " Have you seen this girl? "
Henry stared at the image for a moment. He narrowed his eyes in recognition, but shook his head anyway. "No, I don't think I have." There was a hint of doubt in his voice. "Is that the reason for your trip?"
"Yes sir. She ran away......we're looking for her. If you find her though please let others know. We've been to many towns and left word for her there. If someone sees her, I'm sure word will travel. "
Henry nodded, his eyes still on the picture. " Well I don't believe I've seen her. The only women I see are my daughters."
"They're here?"
"We're here," Monique cut in from the bottom of the stairway. The other girls were beside her, followed by Andrew who's hair was terrible.
The man narrowed his eyes and observed each and every one of them. He seemed to give up. "Those are the only women here?"
"Just them, and I don't think they look like the girl on that painting. Before we discuss this a bit more, what shall I call you?"
"Please call me Alfred, sir. We've been searching everywhere for her. Our journey will end soon. It's our last chance to find her, which explains how important she is to us."
"I see. And where are you from?"
"Somewhere far away among the islands."
"Any name?"
" I'd rather not say. I hope you don't mind. "
"Very well then," Henry nodded even though he did mind. "Well then, eat while you're here. The servants will tend to your horses."
Three men walked in and set plates before Alfred and each of his men. They ate almost instantly, but Alfred didn't touch his food.
He stared at it for a moment as if wondering off into space. Henry cleared his throat, snapping him out of it. He looked up and smiled at the older man in apology before finally eating.
Monique turned away, a dirty look on her face. "I don't like him," she snorted. Her voice was low but firm.
Jacquelin frowned and gently pulled her away. "There's something strange about him and that girl he's looking for." She paused for a moment. "I think she looks like......."
"Like?"
Jacquelin grabbed Monique's hand and led her upstairs to a room next to Serena's. "She looks like the female form of Sam-"
The door next to theirs creaked open. Serena stepped out, her hair wet and her clothes a bit messy. "Good day," she yawned. "I just took a bath. I feel terrible."
Jacquelin grinned. "I can't blame you. You had too much to drink. Even men shouldn't drink that much."
She grinned. "Well I'm not a-" she choked back the words. Both sisters gave her a strange look so she coughed to cover up for her mistake. "I'm sorry.......one of those times when you just feel like choking."
"We understand. What were you going to sa?," Monique questioned sounding completely normal.
Serena nearly grinned. They didn't suspect anything. "I'm not any other man. I drink a lot, but I must admit that I've never had that much." Well it was true in a way. She never did drink a lot before, but she never did have that much.
"You're awake," Andrew walked towards them. He looked better but he still looked a bit sick. "Hope you're feeling better Samuel because we have guests. Who are they by the way?"
"I don't know," Jacquelin shrugged. "They're just men looking for a girl."
Serena felt her heart leap to her throat. Little beads of sweat poured down her neck despite the cold bath.
"A girl," she choked out. "What-what did she look like?"
"I'm not sure but I think she had blonde hair. She must be important because I heard that they went to all these towns looking for her."
"Oh....."
"Are you alright?"
"Of course I'm alright. Why do you ask," she croaked. She could barely talk.
"Because you don't sound right."
A hand shot up to her mouth. She pretended to choke again to cover up for another mistake. "I....I have to go-"
"Oh hurry! We can't have you let it all out here!"
Serena nodded and ran into her room, shutting the door behind her. Panic-stricken, her eyes quickly darted around the room, looking for a way out. There was a window, but what good will that do? They'll find out that she's missing. They'll look for her. They'll find her anyway because she isn't familiar with the place and has no where to go.
She crumbled down to the floor and sighed. There was only one way. She might as well play along. If she was good enough then maybe they would forget about her. Maybe they would actually think she was a man.
She quickly ran into the bathroom and washed her face. She didn't exactly know what she was doing. She just tied her hair and tucked in all the strands. She tied the cloth around her chest again so that it was tighter, and she pulled out her pants and shirt, making her look more masculine in a way. She cleared her throat, making sure her voice was deep enough and walked outside before her mind could protest.
Monique was outside, a confused look on her face. "What happened to you? I thought you were sick."
"So did I," she replied in a deeper voice. "Nothing happened."
Monique cocked a brow upon hearing her voice but made no comment. "Go down and meet our guests."
Serena nodded and followed her downstairs. She could feel her heart thudding against her chest the whole time. Their silent footsteps echoed through her ears like a plague. She could feel beads of sweat of pour down her forhead. She firmly wiped them away, making her hands sweaty. She didn't care. From her point of view, it just made her more masculine. She didn't have much to think about that though. She froze almost as soon as she reached the bottom of the stairs.
Luckily she managed to regain her composure. No one seemed to notice. She looked at all of the men, slowly observing and every one of them. Some of them just glanced at her while others gave her curious looks. They turned away almost instantly as if dismissing a thought. That's when she saw him.
Alfred.
She caught his gaze. Her heart skipped a beat. She could feel her back stiffen and her body grow cold. She nearly cringed. It's been a while since she last saw the man. However, she held his gaze and nodded at him, trying to make things look natural. He narrowed his eyes at her and turned away, even though he still glanced at her every now and then. He didn't do anything though which was a good sign.
"This is Samuel. Samuel, these are a few gentlement who will be staying with us for a while. They're looking for a girl.....maybe you can help," Henry introduced her to them and handed her the same picture. She nervously took it, trying her best to keep her hand from shaking. She looked at the picture and stared at it for what seemed to be an eternity. It was her own picture........one she hasn't seen in a while.
Sorrow seemed to flow over her, but it was instantly replaced by panic. "No....I-I haven't seen her," she handed the picture back. She was surprised at how she acted. She was expecting a terrible performance, yet the men seemed to buy it.
"Alright. So Samuel......please come have a drink with us," Alfred grinned.
Serena wanted to frown but she shook her head instead. "I'm sorry. I've had too much not too long ago. I-I just caught a fever of some sort after."
"I see. Well then eat with us anyway."
"Thank you sir, but you are the guests here. I still have-haven't recovered much," she nervously swallowed a lump in her throat. She was stuttering and her attempts to stop it weren't really helping. Her body suddenly felt hot and sticky. "I still feel a bit sick."
"Alright then. So Samuel.......you live here? Pardon me for asking but I might as well strike a conversation while we're here. We can't stay silent forever now can we?" He smirked at her. There was something about what he said......something about the way he was looking at her that made her nervous. It was as if he was talking about her......how she can't stay silent or hidden for long. Did he know?
She let out a small smile to cover up. Henry looked uncomfortable as well. Same with Darien and Andrew who were exchaning glances. Perhaps they could also sense something in what he said.
Serena cleared her throat, breaking the silence. She gathered up one of the last bits of courage she could muster and smiled at him. "Well sir it was meeting you.....all of you. But I-I just need to get some rest. I still feel a bit terrible."
She nodded at them and walked up the stairs. She was stiff and didn't dare to look back until she was completely out of sight. She let out a long, silent breath and ran to her room, closing the door behind her. She nearly ran to her bed and collapsed. She stared at the ceiling, her heart beating like horses. She could feel it. She could hear it. She could still feel the heat of her body combined with sweat whenever she was nervous, yet she could feel her body grow cold with relief and panic. She wrapped herself in the covers, burrying half of her head in her arms. Before she could think about anything else, sleep claimed her.
--
The night was fresh with the sound of crickets and men talking. Serena weakly opened her eyes and stretched, only to have her back crack. She turned around and remained frozen, trying to remember what happened. She let out a small groan and stood up, still tangled in the covers. After struggling to free herself, she finally stood beside her bed. Strands of hair escaped her tie and clung to her skin.
She leaned over and frixed the covers, only to suddenly freeze. There was a faint sound outside in the hallway. She listened carefully, yet she could only hear her own breath. She nervously continued to fix her bed until she could've sworn that she heard it again.
Footsteps.
Almost as soon as she distinguished the sound, the door burst open. Alfred walked in and grabbed her wrist, a twisted grin on his face.
"I knew it," she snarled. "I knew it was you. You think that you're little act could fool me? It may have fooled them but they don't know you. I know you, and I know who you really are."
Serena could only stare at him, not sure about what was happening. Henry suddenly walked in followed by the others. Alfred looked at them and ripped off Serena's hat and her shirt. There her band was revealed and her hair tumbled down like a golden waterfall. Henry stared at her in disbelief. There was a look of confusion and denial written all over his features.
"Samuel," Alfred grinned at them. "Your Samuel is not who you think he is. He is a woman."
**********************************************************************************************************************************************************
Author's Notes: Okay so the last part was a bit strange but there you have it. So the truth is out. I am sooooo sorry for taking a long time. Fanfiction.net was down and it wasn't working for me. =/ Anyway, here's the chapter though. Reviews and emails please. The last few chapters will be out soon enough. Thanks.
