Chapter Thirty-Six

It ended there. The magic book could no longer show me anything. I frantically turned the pages yet I only saw fairytales. I sighed. Well, tomorrow, or maybe some other day, the magic book would show me the rest of Elspeth's story. But even if there would me more, I couldn't read any longer. I was sleepy and my eyes were begging to be shut.

I closed the book, returned it to its place, and lied down on my bed. I breathed in the unmistakable smell of soap. I pulled the blanket over me. I didn't get to sleep immediately. I was thinking about the story.

Eliza was wrong to run away. She had someone who loved her. And Gavin was willing to give it all up. But then, I would have ran away if I were in her place. Of course…Char. I ran away, didn't I? And it was for his sake, not for me. If I had found a way to break the curse before he said he loved me, I would have stayed. But I still have the curse, and the best thing I could do—or at least I know I should do—to save him. If there was another way…

I didn't get to ponder about that question. I was so tired from all the things I had to do. And there was still tomorrow.

I fell asleep.

~*~

"Wake up, Ella!" Gretchen said.

My eyes snapped open. Despite the curse's drawbacks, it had also made me alert, in some ways.

"Yes, yes, I'm awake," I said. I was still sleepy though.

"You have so many things to do today!" Gretchen told. "Dress up, go down, eat a little, and go market. I have the list downstairs. And do it quickly." She left as fast as she had talked.

I nodded. My head pitched forward because of my grogginess.

When the order issued in my head, I jumped up and quickly dressed. I went down, ate a little, and got the list for the things I had to buy. Quickly. Even Gretchen was surprised of my pace.

I yawned as I as walked to the market. I read the list. It looked the way it had always been. After all the marketing I had done, I've almost memorized the things I had to buy. The sellers in the marketplace already knew me.

"Ella, madear! Buy this 'ere veggies fresh frem the elves!" Marjorie yelled at me. I smiled. I always bought from her.

"You needn't scream, Marj. I always buy from you. Well, if you have what I need." I went to her stall. I selected the best of her cabbages, lettuces, carrots, anything I need. "So, any news for me?" I ask as she weighed the vegetables.

"Nothin' much," she replied. She helped me place the vegetables in my basket. "I 'ave one though. Lady Vanessa, yer friend.."

I decided not to tell her that we're not friends any longer. I also pretended not to make a big deal out of it. Ella, I've her tha Lady Vanessa's gonna get hitched wit the Prince o' Kyrria. "What about her?"

"Jest wonderin' if ya know tha' the Prince has an eye on her," Marj answered.

"Oh," was all I could say. Deep inside I was thinking, of course that would happen! I should have expected it.

"I hear that Prince been openin' 'is mouth fer her." Marj shook her head. "Ayorthaians don' speak much. 'Cept when they wanna do it."

I looked at her. "Ayorthaian? Prince Orono, not Prince Charmont?"

"Yup…shame it ain't Prince Charmont, eh? I hear that gal's been runnin' after him since the day she set her eyes on 'im"

I nodded, as if in approval. "Yes, yes…pity…" I was happy, but why was I? Even if Char didn't marry, that didn't mean that I would be with him.

"But she don't mind," Marj told me. "There in Ayortha she is. Hopin' probably to be a princess."

I sighed. "Marj. How do you know this things?"

"People talk, madear. 'Sides, me cousin's a gossiper. Lives in Ayortha. Knows everythin' concernin' anythin'…well almost."

I nodded. "Of course. I have to go Marj. I'll see you tomorrow."

~*~

I did my chores extra quick today. I wanted to be done with it so when I have time, I would go up, open my magic book, and read the remainder of Elspeth's story.

It's wasn't an easy task though. I realized that no matter how much I do, nothing seemed to go as quick as I had wanted.

It was already night, and time for me to sleep, when I had the moment to open my magic book.

The story wasn't there.

"Well this isn't the first time the magic book has failed me…" I muttered to myself. I remember the time I ran away from finishing school, without the magic book showing me a map to Uaaxee's farm. I didn't blame the magic book entirely though.

I flipped the pages, hoping to find a nice story to read before I sleep. My hand fell on a page with crabby writing. The writing was familiar. I knew because it was Larissa's. I read on.

Sunflower… (should I still call you that? Vanessa's been at about a sunflower being a pretty weed…can't she shut her mouth for a moment??) I made a big revelation today. And I regret my past actions…

I talked with Char today. He is in Ayortha. Now, one may ask why he is…well, he is there to accompany Princess Ava of Ayortha in her trip to Frell, Kyrria. I have told you about the practice right? Well if not, let me enlighten you. Future rulers of Kyrria and Ayortha spend time at each other's courts. It has been practiced for many years. And it has done nothing but good.

Princess Ava is the second in line to the throne. Next to her brother, Prince Orono.

Anyway. I couldn't help myself but ask him why he chased Ella during the Basten Ball. I haven't forgiven her yet because of her actions but let me tell you so you'll understand.

I asked, "Char, how come you chased Ella during the Basten Ball?"

He was certainly surprised that I asked. At first I thought I lost him—he was looking…what's the word? Pensive—but he recollected himself and said that she once lived in Frell, and was a constant visitor in the Royal Menagerie. He said he had known her but not much. He recognized her and wanted to speak with her.

I pretended to believe him. I couldn't believe him. Why? Because why would someone with an acquaintance run after someone, frantically? His actions was not proportionate to his answer.

I arrived in a conclusion. A PREPOSTEROUS conclusion. I think they were very, very, very close friends. Something happened between them that led Ella to run away from him and him run after her. What could be the cause? Think me mad but I have a gut feeling that…dare I say it? They love one another. Or maybe just Char. But why would Ella run away? Surely, Char isn't a menace! And how could anyone not love him? (My answer? If you love another…but we're not talking about me) Ella does not have a beau. She herself told me. And I know. I was friends with her! 

So why?

Now my revelation. Vanessa is a lying cheating little twit who purposely told me that Ella was flirting with Cedric!

HOW COULD I HAVE BELIEVED HER??

Ella could not have possibly done so. First of all: I believe that she still likes Char…if not love. Second of all: I guess I was blind with hatred that I didn't see that Ella would never do this to me. She respects me, and I do too. If there's anyone I know who would deliberately flirt with Cedric just to annoy me, it's Vanessa.

Speaking of Vanessa, she is now in love (or so she says) with Prince Orono. Oh dear oh dear. Should I believe her? She said that to Prince Charmont but now she cast him away for a "better, attentive, generous Prince". She said that. She "loves" Char and he is all that but why Prince Orono? Because Prince Orono is already in love with her. He gives her gifts—thus generous. He listens to every word she says as if it were precious rain during a drought! Thus attentive. I asked her, "Not more handsome?"

"No, no, no, no! Dear sister!" she answered happily. "He is handsome and so is Prince Charmont. BUT they have to different faces. Prince Orono's face is…dark and serious. And Prince Charmont's face is adorable!"

Adorable? Imagine what "love" is doing to my sister. What more if she were already married?!

Adorable is not something to describe Char. Clearly, my sister has lost her mind.

She calls him, My Prince Orono.

Because of her "love" I have to stay in Ayortha and not come back in Erima…to Cedric. And I have to be stuck in a place wherein not a lot of people speak. Prince Orono opens his mouth to speak to Vanessa. He loves her I guess. Ayorthaians don't talk much but their Prince opened his mouth just for his beautiful Vanessa. How romantic.

I must return to Bast! Back to Gretchen's Inn! I must apologize to Ella and find more answers to this enigma! I have done her wrong, and now I must go back to get her friendship. It's all Vanessa's fault…and mine too. If I didn't believe her then I would not have done so!

Night Sunflower. I think I'll leave Vanessa hear. After all, Father entrusted me the coach and coach driver. I am the only one who could dictate the destinations!

The magic has not failed me at all! I was happy that Larissa would come! I treasured our friendship, before it was ruined. But I was frightened that she would come. She would ask for questions about Char and I. Questions I couldn't possibly answer.

She would understand. And she will not go far in solving her own mystery.

A picture was on the next page. It was a picture of her, talking with Char. I was sure that this was the moment she asked him about me. She was looking confused, and Char was, well, what she said, pensive. Thoughtful. I longed to his face, the real face and not just part of a picture in a page!

I wonder, does he hate me? Or was there a small part in his heart, ready to forgive me, if I were worthy of him? If I would ever be worthy of him. I have lost all hope of ever breaking this curse. I don't know how I could. If I knew, I would done so as soon as possible!

I sighed. I flipped the next page. It was Char's! It was all about his meeting with Larissa. His entry was short but it was enough for me.

Lady Larissa came today. I knew she was friends with Ella, or Elalaine…whoever she is now. I refrained from asking questions about her. Yet she was the one who surprised me by asking how I knew her!

How could I possibly tell her that I love her? I couldn't. I decided to make up some story, partly true, partly false. I said she often visited the Royal Menagerie, which was true. What wasn't true was that she was just an acquaintance.

I doubt she believed me. It was a pitiful attempt to cover up something. Yet she was considerate enough to pretend she believes me.

I too wanted to ask her questions. Where would I find her? Has she mentioned me to you? How did you become friends? Does she love another?

I didn't. Now she would have no more reason to even just pretend to believe me. I once promised myself that I won't think of her. I can't fulfill that promise. She is everywhere! She keeps haunting me, and appearing like a phantom, but not so. She is real, and she keeps running away.

She's confusing me. I don't know if she loves me. If she doesn't, how come she keeps coming closer? But she runs away.

I remember her saying, during the Basten Ball, "I'm so sorry!"

What does this mean? I had pondered about it long ago but I still am.

Princess Ava is coming with me to my return to Frell. I once asked her how she feels going to Kyrria. After a long moment, she said in a voice full of emotion though not full of words, Excited.

Char was still bewildered by my actions. I had a feeling that he doesn't hate me…that he still loved me. But that was all I could think about. He asks so many questions, I wish I could answer them all one by one.

You would find me in Gretchen's Inn in Bast.

No, I haven't mentioned anything about you to Larissa or Vanessa or Cedric or Ivinia.

No! I don't love another! I love you!

It wasn't possible. Because of this curse, almost everything was impossible in my life. I realized that I was lucky that not all people dictate things, else I would not have my own free will.

The magic book was not yet finish with its contents. On the next page was a picture of Elspeth. She was writing more stories, in a more suitable domicile. I suspected that she earned her keep writing stories. She was laughing to herself. The next passage was written by her hand, yet the beginning of the content puzzled me.

Dear Diary,

Should I call you that? It sounds…mundane. But isn't having a diary, already mundane? Yes, my neighbor Lucille has a diary. My best friend Mary has a diary. My other neighbor Daliah has a diary. Now how do I know this? Aren't diaries supposed to be secrets? I always see them sitting on the grass of their gardens, looking wistfully thoughtful, and jotting down things that of course, I can't see. Obviously, it's a diary. Why would anyone write daily and look like that?

First of all, my name is Melisande. I do not like my name. It's so long and sounds so…so…sophisticated, as Lucille put it. Elegant, as Dahlia told me. Well, I'm not sophisticated nor elegant, so there. My name is terrible. When Dahlia or Lucille or anyone of those vain ladies who know me well get angry at me, they call me names from my name. Sandy! It doesn't sound as sophisticated but I don't like being called Sandy. I've never even touched sand from a beach (yes, that's how secluded I am from the world). Or Melly!! It sounded like a name of a fish…for me…or even a turtle. Now, when Lucille gets REALLY angry, she scrambles my name and says (in a shrill voice that, I swear, can break windows), LISANDEME!!! That is the end of the line. Mary, is a great big consolation. She calls me by a more proper though not very short name, which I am pleased. She calls me Melissa. It almost sounds like my name. 

I came from Nolain. It's near Bast. Lovely little town with not a lot of achievement to brag about. As far as I know, the only achievement from this town is Most Fastest Eater, a title held by the boorish Eddie. I recall that he had eaten five HUMONGOUS pies in five minutes. Anyway, Nolain means Little Bell, after the little bell that was allegedly heard by some wanderers who searched for a place to stay. They eventually found "Nolain" once a nameless piece of land because of the little bell. Sounds ridiculous.

My father is a trader. Successful, or so he says. He's never here. And if he's here, I run away. He demands that I act like a lady and sew and embroider and crochet…it's UNBEARABLE. And he simply hates me for acting not like a lady. What is wrong with climbing trees in this age?

I demand to know what a simple childhood pastime could do to me??

My mother says that it would ruin my image as a lady. But I don't already look like a lady! She says that I should act to makeup for my not looking like a lady ("But you do look like a lady if for ONCE you would comb your hair!"). That's why she hired a governess to teach me things I don't want to learn. Sew, embroider, crochet. I love mother, don't get me wrong, but sometimes she gets overboard with the you-must-learn-to-be-like-me attitude and I-am-your-mother-so-it-is-my right-and instinct-to-do-so mentality. (It's long, I know, but it's the only way to describe it). She sends me to cotillions and dresses me up like a doll. "You are so beautiful! WHY CAN'T YOU SHOW THAT??" she once told me when I refused to wear an insufferable dress which was made entirely of frills. I love my father too but he acts like my mother sometimes.

Beautiful? I don't think so. Lucille is beautiful. Dahlia is beautiful. Even Mary is beautiful. I, on the other hand, am not. I am not so tall. I am thin and not slender. My hair is always and forever will be a mess. And it looks dirty. Why should I be a dirty-blond when I could be blond-blond? My eyes…my eyes are like grass…dead grass.

And do I care? No! Dahlia feigns a faint when I say this. I don't want to be the lady attracting young men. I already have troubles now. What do these idiots see in me? And why do they keep on visiting me?? I am a stubborn, wild, talkative, ungraceful, unruly…I am not the docile withdrawn petite lady that they wish to marry! I guess because they decided to take a trip to Lucille and Dahlia that they decided to visit me too. I don't like it one bit. I have run away from my own home many times just to avoid them.

Most of the time, I just stay in the forest, near the river. It's relaxing there, without any bothers. Everybody can't leave me alone. They all have to fuss about me.

It's stupid, I know, and I can rant all day about it. I just don't want to.

Melissa or Melisande…You know what? I don't really care.

I laughed in some parts of the story. I didn't think that I would laugh tonight, with so many questions in my head. I figured that this was a new story that Elspeth was writing. I was glad that she didn't have to write about heartbreaks. It would be so much better if she were to move on. If I hadn't read this, then maybe I would always see Elspeth as sad. Certainly not with this! It was great "hearing" from her. She seemed well, and that was enough for me.

It was a perfect ending to my night.

Maybe in some other night, I would read more about Eliza and her life. It's not just this night.

~*~

Yeah. I know you're all wishing for the Eliza story but it seems that I have changed my plans. Because of my insomnia (terrible thing…it's not fun…it drives me crazy!!!), I have more ideas popping into my head. I have a much nicer way of revealing the story but I won't tell.

I placed the "new" story of Elspeth there so then you have something to read about other than Eliza's utter misfortune. And it shows that Elspeth is not so sad any more. And to add a little happiness…!!

You might have an idea on what will happen on the next chapters but for now, I ain't giving no clues! Hey, at least you heard from Larissa. And at least you know they're not completely erased from the fic. Wait…and because of her diary, you know what'll

Typo Alert!!! (Chapter 35)

Lady Germaine was sniffing and dabbing her eyes. She was also holding her smelling salts. She wasn't talking to her still. Finally, she spoke.

She was supposed to be talking to Gavin. Now don't go thinking that he's a girl ok? It's a typo and I want to clear things up. And I hate it when I notice a typo and I don't address it. Unless, I've completely forgotten about it.

New Story/Fic–Briar Rose

By the way, I've uploaded a story. It's a retelling of Sleeping Beauty. The witch is the one talking. It's bitter (oh, yes, that's the word) and children might not agree to the ending…hehe… I'm very mean to Sleeping Beauty. And sometimes, when I read the gift part, I think there's something really wrong about that. So, my views are kind of but not quite, reflected on the story.

On Maiden of The Sea—coz trinity_avalon's asking… hehe

First of. It's related but not quite. What the heck do I mean about that? It's like I make a story with the girl in love with the fairytale Snow White. That kind of related. But the original Little Mermaid, I reconstructed to fit the jigsaw puzzle of the story. And you're right…does remind me of Sirena…Is that by Donna Jo Napoli? I love her books. Very serious and enlightening. But mind you, I didn't get the name Sirena from that book, although I've read it. Back here in the Philippines, mermaids are called sirenas or a mermaid is called sirena. So it's Filipino. You don't know that very much, but it's true. A little trivia.

Some other stuff…

Thanks so much reviewers! If no one reviews then I might not upload. Coz I doubt if someone's reading the story. And it's ok if you skip the story within the story. It's not completely and utterly needed to understand the story. But I suggest you read the other later parts of the story within the story because it's going to be a little relevant.  By the way, if you want to be emailed when a chapter is updated, do tell in your review and add your email too. I'd be happy to tell! :-)