Hey guys,
IMPORTANT AUTHOR NOTE:
Thank you for the 100 follows, I am a bit amazed! Anywho, here's the last chapter where peace lies before the storm. It is more fluff chapter than anything I suppose (plus a little shorter). But I have a serious problem on my hands, I don't know what I want to happen. The story could go two ways:
1. Rina is hospitalized with Tanaka during the month of the kidnapping.
2. Rina is taken with the twins and endures the torture set upon their kidnappers.
I would like to know which of you guys would like to read more of. I have both chapters written up for those two scenarios, so please help me fans of this fanfic! Just leave a comment or a DM in what you would like to see happen, pretty please. I would appreciate it!
Anyways, thanks for reading guys!
0-0-0-0-0-0
Tapping the ink pen against my journal, I write down what I did today so far and anything that happened. I have been logging my days for so long that I have two other journals filled to the brim with my thoughts. It became a habit and a stress reliever. I should become an author I think with a humorous smirk. I could write stories about traveling back in time and being a slave to housework. Not sure many would like it, but I'm sure it would be popular in my era.
People would wonder how I got here though because of the accuracy of what I know. I hold back a snicker at the thought and close my journal. I slide it into the drawer of my desk and get up from my seat. I finished all the chores assigned to me for the day. I was waiting for the boys to finish up their lessons. I swear the lessons pile up every month I almost feel bad for them. I straighten my apron and head out into the hallway.
It was rounding evening and a special guest was arriving at the manor tonight. Well, special as in Racheal's sister, Angelina Dalles-Burnett; also known as Madam Red. She was very beautiful, but she wasn't called Madam Red for no reason. Every time I saw the woman, she wore red all over ironically. Even her hair was red! It does kind of hurt my head to look at her. Although, I prefer her company way more than Racheal.
If it wasn't obvious, but at least Madam Red likes to have fun. The woman doesn't talk much to me, but I have a feeling Racheal has something to do with that. Probably thought I would steal her sister from her too. Hmph, what a stubborn woman and quite a possessive one she was. I let her off the hook though, not only because I understand why but because I pity her so much. To get jealous of someone you helped personally raise only find them unsightly afterward.
No one just does that. How does that even work? I let out a sigh and continue to walk aimlessly down the halls, having no destination in mind. Thinking about it gives me a bigger headache then trying to think of a way to get back home. I have long given up on that mission. How does one exactly travel through time as I did?! Not even the twenty-first century has such technology! Unless it's hidden in area fifty-one...
Dismissing that thought, I get rid of the other ones also. Trying to figure out Racheal was like watching paint dry. It makes want to punch a hole through the wall eventually or walk away and leave.
"Ahh!" I hear someone yell down the hallway.
Startled, I begin to pace myself toward them, recognizing it as one of the twins. Rounding the corner, Fenian barrels around it with a panic-stricken face. My face hardens waiting for the threat to make an appearance while turning my walk into a mini-jog. Fenian spots me with teary eyes and runs over quickly. I see a speck of black up behind him and let out a sigh of relief.
It was only Sebastion, the dog. It didn't take long for Fenian to reach me and vice versa. I pick him up with a laugh, trying to cheer him up. I was practically swinging him in the air, above me. "Upsy daisy!" I beam.
Fenian's teary eyes disappear in an instant and he laughs with me as I hold him. Sebastion barks wildly while biting the edges of my dress. I rest Fenian on my hip eventually, glaring down at the dog. "Why is Sebastian chasing you?" I ask.
"Because he hates me." Fenian frowns, glaring at the dog also. He sticks his tongue down at it while wrapping his arms around my neck. "My Rina!"
I blush slightly at his possessive behavior, making him even more adorable, "Feni?! I am no ones."
I nudge the dog out of my way, and he listens obediently. I continue to hold Fenian as he squirms in my arms slightly. "What? But you're my sister!" Fenian retorts with a pout.
I sigh and shake my head in amusement, "You are right, but I am not yours specifically."
He sends me a mini-glare and I blink in confusion, "So, what you are saying is you don't want to be mine."
Letting out another sigh, I wonder briefly what this debate is about. "I never said that, did I?"
"Liar, you just contradicted yourself."
I sweatdrop and a tick mark takes place above my eyebrow. Why this little-okay I need to calm myself down. Taking a deep breath, I meet his glare head-on with my own, "I said I was your sister, not that I am someone you own. There is a big difference, Fenian."
He doesn't give up I find out, "I don't want to own you. That'd be odd, wouldn't it?"
"Yes, so that is why I am your sister and friend, but nothing else. You hear me?"
He nods and hugs me tightly; I pat his back to realize he was trembling slightly. "Feni, are you so scared of losing me?" I ask curiously.
I feel his hands clench into fists, the fabric of my maid uniform bundled into them. Oh, poor thing, he really is terrified of me leaving, huh? Frowning, I cup the back his head and give it a loving peck. "You know one day I will have to leave, but why is this suddenly bothering you? It's not like we haven't had this talk before."
He ducks his head into my neck, "B-Bad dream..." he mutters with a sniffle.
I force him away from my neck to look at me in the eyes which were filled with surprise. "What happened in it?"
He avoids my stare and instead opts for the windows we pass with every step. "Y-You..." he begins with a stutter, his eyes welling up with tears. "Died!" he wales loudly.
He bursts into tears and I stop in the middle of the hallway in shock. He had such a dream like that; it baffles me to no end. I never thought he would ever dream something like this. I was more surprised it was me he dreamed of and not an actual blood relative.
My face softens and I kneel onto the ground. Unwrapping his arms from around my neck, I set him down as he hiccups from his crying. I grab his hands in mine and stare into his red-rimmed eyes. "I won't die. I swear to you, I'll always come back." I vow with a deep ache, never wanting to truly leave his family.
I raise my hand to cup his wet cheek and wipe it with my fingers. "You can't promise that." Fenian mumbles, his gaze a bit dark.
I chuckle, "Well, I can try. If I did die though, I would count on you to continue to keep living."
"I don't think I can live without you, sissy."
A crack of a smile stretches across his lips and I couldn't help mine either. The last time he called me 'sissy' was when he was four years old. Ah, where has the time gone? My heart warms with his comment, but I steel my resolve. "You will have to someday, Feni. But, that's in the future and we are in the present. We must focus on what is currently in front of us. The future can be scary to think about. The past is an old memory we dwell on to remember who we are and what has changed."
I find myself pouring my heart open anyways, thinking of all the things I dwell on. Perhaps, I am still in the past mentally. I am not sure when I will be able to move on from my predicament. The present is much more important than my future. I could die tomorrow, but I don't think I could care less. Death is only a natural occurrence after all. I'm afraid of my regrets though because I cannot name how many I hold.
Fenian hasn't made a sound so far, but he had a long distant look in his gaze. "So, Fenian, for now, can you help me focus on the present. I want to be with you, your brother, and your father as presently as possible." I finish with a melancholy smile.
He copies my smile, although his undeniably cuter. "I'll protect you, Rina. Leave it to your brother."
I'm not sure why, but I seem to bond with Fenian so well. Maybe we were related somehow, I think with a chuckle. "How about we protect each other. Like a king and queen." I offer.
A devious smirk spreads across his face, reminding me of his father; giving me the chills almost remembering past torment. Who knew both twins were just as scary as that man? "Not in chess, the queen protects the king."
I get off my knees and stand up straight, "You're a pretty bad queen, ya know? Better start training." I tease with my smirk.
Beginning to walk ahead, I wait for him to process what I said. "Hey! I'm not a girl!" Fenian whines not long after while chasing after me.
"You cry like one." I continue to tease.
I could swear I heard a tiny growl come from him, "You're no longer my sister."
I laugh loudly and chase after him now as he charges ahead with clenched fists. "Aww! Come one, Feni. Don't be like that! ~" I taunt as he runs away from me in anger.
He and his brother are more alike than I realize sometimes if pushed enough on both sides.
0-0-0-0-0-0
I had to take a break after our heart-to-heart. It struck up many complicated feelings that I still do not know how to handle. I end up burying my emotions deeper into my mind to hideaway. That may sound cowardly, but it's the only way I can move on with my life here. Being trapped is no fun adventure books make it turn out to be. I miss my mother so much.
This makes it sound like I'm whining too; I should just forget everything and finally accept that I am stuck here. But it isn't so easy, even if I've had to so many years to overcome it. I feel my personality is quite tormented, but I will continue to ignore it for my health. Life is calm, yet always stressful here. So, here I sit at the piano and play my feelings out.
I used to play back home, but I stopped in fourth grade. Though, once I got here and saw the beautiful grand piano Vincent held in the manor; I couldn't help but feel the spark to learn how to play again. The piano was glossy black. I know a couple of songs I was taught back in at home. I had to fill in the keys I couldn't forget but it still sounds just as good.
When I finish a random song, I hear clapping behind me. A bit spooked, I look behind me to find Madam Red as my audience. Blushing in embarrassment, I get up quickly and curtsey politely. "Madam, welcome back to the manor. It has been long since I have seen you."
I receive a friendly smile from her and walks closer, "Indeed, it has been a little while. How are you, dear?"
I smile back and undo the curtsey, "I'm doing fine, thank you for asking. How about you?"
"You don't seem to be doing fine from what I heard from that piano."
I freeze, processing what she said. My eyes widen in wonder, "Oh, well, if I may be truthful, Madam. I am a bit down."
She nods and takes my arm, having me walk with her up the stairs. "I see. Would you like to talk about it?"
Chewing on my lip nervously, I shake my head. "No, but thank you for the offer. It is something I shall deal with on my own."
I give her a small smile, "Are you on your way to my lady's room?" I ask.
"Yes, I am."
I take her to the door where Racheal should be, probably doing some meaningless sowing. "She was in her I last checked."
I knock on the door first, awaiting a reply. I hear Racheal at the end call out and I open it for Madam Red. I gesture her in, not wanting to be near Racheal in general. Madam Red sends me a thankful nod and walks in. I close the door behind her and make my way to Vincent's study to inform him about Madam Red arriving. I also have a request to ask of him.
I didn't take long to get here, and I knock on his door too. He tells me to come in and I open it. Walking in I find Vincent doing paperwork per usual. Vincent peers up and finds me with a light smile, "Ah, Rina. How are you doing today?"
"I am well enough. How about you?"
I sit down in front of his desk comfortably instead of standing. "Just about the same," Vincent replies dryly. "What is it I can do for you?"
"I was wondering if I could steal the carriage and go to London for the rest of the day."
He sets down his pen, "Whatever for?" he asks with a raised eyebrow.
I purse my lips, "Well, the boys' birthdays are coming up next month. I would like to buy them now instead of later."
He hums in thought before he nods, "I see why not then. But I may have to come with you. I have some business in London tonight."
I smile happily because I get to have one on one Vincent time. "I do not mind."
"Good, I shall prepare a carriage. Go get your stuff."
I get up from the chair with a stupid grin on my face. Before I leave, I turn around, "Oh and your sister-in-law is here by the way."
I watch as his face pales slightly and I smirk at the expression. He coughs a couple of times, "Well, we should leave very quickly."
I giggle with a nod and walk out of his study. As much as he adores Madam Red, he avoids her all the same. That woman used to throw herself at Vincent due to his handsome features. It's a little weird but I can't exactly blame her; Vincent's quite the catch. Although, Racheal finds it humorous rather than annoying as Vincent isn't easily flustered.
Snickering, I head to my room to grab some money and a coat; as it is the ending of fall, it is becoming chillier.
0-0-0-0-0-0
I brought a book with me while we were on our way to London. Vincent brought a newspaper to pass time as well. I was enjoying the peace and the wonders of my book until Vincent decides to speak up.
"What do you plan on getting the boys?"
My gaze flickers up to meet his own, "Hmm, not sure yet. Got any suggestions?"
He leans back in his seat with a thoughtful look, "The boys both enjoy games."
"Well, I could have told you that." I chuckle.
Games...hmm. What kind of game do they already not have? This is going to be harder than I thought. Should I attempt to make a game from the future? Wouldn't that be cheating?
"I might need some help, Vincent. This is tough enough already." I mutter with a small sigh.
"My help may be useless, but I can try."
I nod my thanks and return to my book, getting lost in the world of Jane Austen. I can greedily get my romance from these charmers.
0-0-0-0-0-0
Vincent and I split ways once the carriage arrived at a stop alongside the road. In the end, both of us could not think of anything for the boys. Racheal shops for the boys usually he admitted on the way. I wasn't all the shocked, but it was a bit sad. I walk by many shops with my hands behind my back in wonder. Should I just get them both a couple of toys? I feel like they were getting to an age where those things aren't as entertaining as much.
Mostly Ciel was like that though, but nonetheless, they both play them. Man, this was a real headscratcher. Trying to piece together what they have liked in the past. Almost everything I think of they have already. Ugh, this was almost impossible, and it puts a damper on my mood. Ciel's quite picky but Fenian likes anything I give him or at least acts as he does.
I visit various shops only to come back out empty-handed and unsatisfied. I stop by a yarn shop and decide that I should maybe attempt to make them something. I find some thin yarn and smile at a brilliant but rather simple idea I conjure. Snickering to myself I grab three different colors and pay for them at the counter. Mission: get the boys a birthday present, complete!
I pick up some sweets from a shop for myself and the boys for later tonight. As much as I like sweet things, the twins love them even more. It's a wonder how they don't have cavities by now. I head back to the carriage to wait for Vincent, but I find he was already inside.
I blink in surprise and I sit down on the opposite side. He hits the roof with his cane to signal the driver we were ready to go, "That was quick." I comment.
"I only had to take care of one thing."
"What was it?"
He shrugs with a smirk, "Nothing important."
I sputter at the notion, "Please, everything's important to you."
"Who knows? ~" he taunts playfully. I shake my head and lean back in my seat, getting comfy for the ride back. "Anyways, what did you get my children?" he asks curiously while eying my two bags.
"Well, I got some yarn and I plan on making something for them."
He hums in thought, "I didn't know you could sew?"
"I don't. This doesn't require such a skill."
He stares at me as a curious side was taking over. He doesn't approach the topic and we sit in companionable silence. What I did not notice as I read my book however was him glancing at me from time to time with a calculating stare with a smirk.
