Disclaimer: Anything recognized from the book belongs to Ms. Levine. Everything else is mine.
Replies to Reviews:
ElvenSilver-I tried to update sooner but login was jammed. Besides, I couldn't think of how to continue.(Thanks for your review for, "Barren Wasteland.")
WhiteCamellia-No, she doesn't know who she is yet. Chloe/Leah refrained from telling her. Remember? (Sorry for repetition.)
Iwatsuki-Thanks.
Chapter 9: The Journey Begins and a Memory Emerges
I woke up in the morning at my usual time and began to walk downstairs. Leah came out of her room and said, "I wouldn't go down there yet. You should pack."
"Pack?" What did she mean? Was I dreaming? "Why?" I asked on my way back to my room. She fell into step with me.
"Remember Brandon; from the ball?" I nodded. "Well, he has been negotiating with Maurice all night and has persuaded him to the point where instead of having to marry you, he is taking you back to your parents." I hugged Leah.
"Does he know my parents?"
"No, he just knows where they are. Maurice told him where."
Leah helped me pack up with the few possessions I'd accumulated over the months that I'd been here.
We were about to leave. I embraced Leah for the last time we were leaving. As I was hugging her, I whispered in her ear, "I'll come back and save you from this monster someday Leah." Tears streamed down her face and she hugged me harder. Then, after we finally stopped hugging I said louder, "Goodbye Chloe. I'll miss you" She knew I was only acting so they wouldn't become suspicious.
Then, as I walked to the carriage Brandon opened it for me and I lent him my hand. How I knew how to enter a carriage, completely mystified me. Then we were on our way.
While we were traveling, I watched the scenery pass by. I didn't really feel like talking, so I went to sleep.
I'm sliding on a long stairwell. I'm having fun, laughing and enjoying the slide. There is someone at the bottom arms outstretched to catch me. I can't tell who it is; their face is bleary. Whoever it is catches me at the bottom and twirls me around and around. I run back up the stairs and the scenario repeats over and over again…
I wake up and realized it wass nighttime already. Brandon was asleep across from me, shifting slightly.
Oh, he looks so handsome, sitting there. I wonder if he knows who my parents are. I'll have to ask him tomorrow.