Rose
After a series of self-reflection and understanding the situation, I came up with...nothing.
I tried searching for clues and reading my diary but there's nothing pertaining to the reason why I came back in time.
So, I decided to give up and go down and I saw Dad eating in the dining hall. He noticed me and quickly lifted his gaze at me.
"Rose, come here and eat your breakfast." Dad coldly called me.
He was always indifferent to me from the start, although he gives me everything, materialistically speaking. We never had a proper daughter-father relationship since he's always busy and tired from work. I, on the other hand, didn't reach out for him and we both fell apart.
It was also too late for me to realize his true feelings, Dad got into an accident and was in a coma for years.
I found letters in his office and it was all dedicated to me. I read how he wished he was a proper father and how he wanted for both of us to have a good relationship
I smiled bitterly remembering it all.
"F..Dad, last week I was complimented by my mentor when we designed and sewed clothes. She told me I could be a great designer in the near future." I chirped cheerfully waiting expectantly for his reply.
I also read in his letters how he wanted me to call him Dad and get closer to him.
He looked at me with a bemused expression for a moment but it quickly changed to a stoic one.
"That's good. Keep up the good work" and he continued eating.
The heck...I expected more, this mending of relationship would take me hundreds of years. Dad's naturally awkward to the bone.
"Dad, I also want to change workshops." He looked at me, stunned with my sudden decision.
He furrowed his eyebrows, his eyes showing clear confusion.
"But I thought you love fashion? Why do you want to change workshops now?"
Ever since I was young, I amused myself by joining workshops that entails fashion. For my 28 years here on earth, all I did was design and style clothes. My whole life consisted of clothes, designing, and fashion.
"I just thought I'll try something new," I told him which was somehow true.
"Good morning Daddy. Good morning sis"
I dropped my spoon and a loud clang resounded throughout the dining hall. My heart was beating furiously like it just went on a rollercoaster ride.
My insides twitch and I felt my whole body was trembling. I tried hiding my shaking hands under the table as I heard Dad called me but I kept silent trying to calm myself.
"Rose? Are you okay?" Dad asked me in a worried tone.
"Y..yes. I...I'm okay. I have just been feeling sick ever since this morning." I stuttered
"Are you sure Rose? You're turning pale" I heard the honey-sweet poison-like voice of Sophia and I so badly want to puke and punch her in the gut.
"Mmhm" I nodded feeling weak. I couldn't look her in the eye, scared I might have a breakdown.
"Dad, I think I need to rest more. I feel so sick" He looked disappointed and worried that I wanted to take my words back but seeing and eating with Sophia might not be the best course of action right now.
I quickly rushed to my room and as I closed the door, I crouched down feeling so helpless and weak.
"It's okay Rose. You're not going to experience that again. It'll all be alright. You're alright." I muttered under my breath trying to calm the chaos inside me.
How can I attain revenge if every time Sophia's there, I quickly turn away, like a cat tucking its tail between its legs? How can I change my future, if from the start I'm already showing weakness?
'It won't happen again. I swear it won't. I'll be strong and crush them all. I'll be wicked enough to bring about their own downfall. I won't experience that again."
After breakfast, I didn't take one step out of my room. Honestly speaking I couldn't muster up the courage to face others.
Pshh. After all those encouraging words I told myself...I just spent my time lying down on my bed, staring at the ceilings thinking of random things.
"Rose, your father's going out for a business trip" Sena informed me outside my door.
I was contemplating if I should go and see him off but the thought of seeing Sophia makes my stomach churn.
I coughed loudly hoping Sena would hear it.
"Nanny, I'm feeling a lot worse," I said in a croaky voice. I'm still in with my sickness act and although I want to stop and get the hell out of this room, I felt weak every time the thought of facing Sophia invades my mind.
It was also fortunate that I ordered the maids to not let anyone disturb me, except for meals. I also locked my room in case, someone would barge in and check on me, so they wouldn't notice I'm just faking my sickness.
"Rose, open the door. I'll check up on you" I heard Sena say and worry was evident on her voice.
"No. I'm fine. I just need some rest." I was hoping she would buy my act but knowing Sena she wouldn't let me off.
"Rose, open the door" her voice was demanding and I've got no other choice but to open the door.
She checked up on me and when she knew I was alright. She left me reluctantly to let me rest.
I heard nanny's footsteps going away and I sighed, I wished I could have bid farewell to father but I know Sophia will be there.
I decided to stay in my room and laze off, quite dejected that my father's going on a business trip because I want to fix our relationship early, but there's no need to hurry, there are more chances to come. I've got 13 years to spare.