My name is Halley Fulheart Lemaitre. I'm nine years old and the sole daughter of Marquess and Marchioness Lemaitre. My parents only bought their noble titles. I have a brother named Elliot. Even though we were not born with a noble bloodline, Brother Elliot was gifted in Magic Potion. However, I'm not like my brother. I didn't possess any talent, intelligence, or even beauty. My brother has everything— looks, intelligence, and even social skills and I'm proud of that.
When I was seven years old, my mother began to bring me to social gatherings. It was so much fun. I became friends with Lady Ailsa, daughter of the Baron, and Lady Joseline, daughter of the Earl. Every time we play and dress three together, I am the happiest. But everything turned out to be a lie when I heard Ailsa and Josephine talking behind me.
"Ugh! Another boring day with Halley again," complained Ailsa.
"Stop complaining, Ailsa. Do you not want another free dress from their boutique?" asked Josephine.
"I do! It's just annoying whenever Halley gets the prettiest dresses. It doesn't even suit her face! Her face looks like it is covered with mud," groaned Ailsa.
"Sometimes I wonder if she is adopted. The Marquess and Marchioness' faces are not bad. And especially Lord Elliot! He is so handsome," said Josephine. "I wonder if Lord Elliot will come again with Halley."
I couldn't speak any words. I didn't believe it. I thought they were my friends but it was a lie.
I ran away and went home and locked myself in my bedroom. Father and mother were worried sick of me but I wanted to keep it to myself. I wanted to be alone.
Evening came. Still, I didn't leave the room.
Click.
The windows opened.
"Hey, there! "Brother Elliot said, entering my room. "Why did my little sister lock herself in her room?"
"Why did you enter through the window?! I'll tell you to father."
"The door is locked so my only choice is the window. Besides, I got permission from my father," he replied. Brother Elliot sat beside me and asked, "Is there a problem? You know you can always tell me about it."
"...I was tricked."
Brother was confused by my reply. "By whom?"
"...I thought everything was going well...I was foolish to believe that they considered me as their friend."
Tears fell down my cheeks. Disappointment, anger, sadness—all the emotions that piled up inside of me were bursting.
Brother Elliot hugged me and patted me on my back. "My sister is the kindest, warmest, most beautiful, caring, and funny person I know. Who wouldn't want to be friends with you? To be part of their lives? Perhaps they are some idiots who wouldn't want a diamond. But, Halley, always remember that even though you met such persons that don't mean you should close your heart. I know, though I'm not a prophet, that someday you'll meet the people who will treasure you as much as you do. They will laugh, cry, get angry, and do silly things along with you. So, my little sister Halley, don't be tired of waiting for them."
I nodded. That was the only response I could say because I couldn't utter any words. The emotions, the heavy crying, the warm words— all of that took my words away. I wonder on what day and place I will meet them. I hope they will come sooner.
***
Two years had passed. I'm now nine years old. In those two years, the only things that kept me busy were reading romance books and drawing the characters out of them. I had a good time reading, especially when the story was all about a knight or a mature man that was handsome and had a good personality to the female lead character. I often imagined myself as the lady in the book!
In the middle of reading, my mother called me and said we need to go to the Imperial Palace for the preparation of the birthday banquet of the first prince. Our family owned the largest and most well-known boutique in the empire so no wonder we were tasked to create the clothes of the Imperial family. Well, it was not my first time going to the Imperial Palace because we often visit the Empress.
Upon arriving at the Imperial Palace, we were escorted by the servants. Everyone was busy as they prepared for the banquet.
"Marchioness Lemaitre, the Imperial Highnesses are waiting at the Imperial Chamber," informed the servant.
Mother looked at me and said, "Wait here. I'll come back in an hour."
"Okay, mother," I replied.
"If you want something just ask the servants. Don't wander around," mother added.
"Yes, mother," I answered.
After mother proceeded to her business, I sneaked to the garden. I couldn't miss this opportunity to sight the Imperial knights! I was dying to see them, especially the Commander of the Knights—Helden Rustiello.
Clang! Clang! Clang!
The sound of the swords clashing led me to where they were. I hid behind the bush and started at the knights.
Gasp.
Oh my! This must be heaven! I could see all the handsome knights training—dripping with sweat, and their muscles that could be seen in their uniform. I SHOULD DRAW THIS SCENE! IT'S A NATIONAL TREASURE!
While I was busy drawing the knights, suddenly I heard the bushes move. Oh no! Someone saw me. What should I do now?
"Shhh, act like you don't see me," I whispered. It would be a disgrace to my family if anyone knew what I was doing.
"Do you like old men?" the little girl asked.
I froze. WHAT THE?! I AM DOOMED! SHOULD I RUN AWAY OR ACT INNOCENT? ARGHH...I DON'T KNOW!
"Wh-what? Tha-that's ridi-ridiculous!" I lied. Yeah, the act of an innocent one was the one I picked. The safest way.
"All right," she answered. "Do you want to meet them?"
MEET THE IMPERIAL KNIGHTS?!! UP CLOSE!!! AM I GOING TO DIE? WHY AM I BLESSED! I LOVE YOU, GODDESS?
"REALLY?" I blurted. Oh my! I speak out of excitement. I should look innocent. Don't be obvious. Act like a noble. "Ahem, forgive me for my late introduction. I'm Halley Fulhert Lemaitre, the daughter of Marquess Lemaitre. It's a pleasure to meet you."
"I'm Brielle. It's nice to meet you."
That was how I met Brielle.
Since I met Brielle, I felt more alive. I was able to go outside and have fun. It was like I'm not alone anymore but the anxiety of being betrayed still haunts me. Even though Brielle, Max, and Sir Atlas were too kind to me, I still get suspicious if those actions were real or not. I feel bad having these thoughts but I can't help it. I guess I should be with them for a while because I am also having fun. Yeah, I will not be attached so I will not get hurt in the end. Just for a little longer, I will be with them.
It was spring—Brielle, Max, and I were having a quiet time at the palace garden not until I heard the familiar voices that I had avoided in years. Lady Ailsa and Lady Josephine were in front of me smirking. I knew they were making fun of me. The trauma that I felt when they betrayed me get coming back. I stuttered when I spoke. I trembled every time they snickered.
" Halley said that she doesn't want you to be there at her tea party," Brielle interrupted.
It was the first time that someone stood up for me aside from my family. Why did you do that? If this was all an act, stop it. I don't want to invest my feelings in someone again to break it.
Brielle kept on standing up for me. It was visible that Lady Oriana was annoyed with Brielle. The whole conversation was so serious not until Max began to speak up.
"Maybe they didn't clean their ears," Max blurted.
I laughed. Seriously?! How could you say that to a noble lady Max! It was so funny that my whole body was trembling. After what Max said, Lady Oriana and the two ladies decided to leave. They must have been so annoyed at how the conversation went.
I was about to laugh about what happened with those two when I saw Brielle's face."Max, I think there's something wrong with Brielle."
She was too pale. I was worried about death. Then, suddenly she fainted. Luckily, the Head Priest was there to help us. Head Priest Drystan hurriedly carried Brielle to the room at the palace and treated her. It was my first time to see the Head Priest look so worried. Maybe, he was affectionate to children. When the treatment was almost done, an unexpected event happened. Brielle's legs turned into a tail. A beautiful tail like in fairy tale books. I looked at Max and to my surprise, he was not shocked. So, it was like that. He knew it from the beginning. After the incident, I became more anxious. Though Brielle explained why they needed to hide it from me, I couldn't stop myself from making assumptions that perhaps I'm excluded from their friendship. What if they just spend their time with me because they feel obligated? There were so many what-ifs that kept raining down on my head. Hah! I said to myself that I would never get attached but here I am getting nervous about being left aside.
***
Lemaitre Boutique
The boutique was having so many customers these days so I decided to help my mother in managing the store. There were still customers inside and my mother assisted them. We have workers in our business however mother still wanted to do the job since when they were still a commoner, they started to do the job. It was a normal thing to do for them.
Ring!
Another customer came in.
"Halley!"
I looked at the entrance door and saw Brielle together with Sir Atlas, and an unfamiliar face.
"What brought you here?" I asked as I went to them.
"We just finished buying bed sheets, curtains, and other materials for the house so we're here to buy some clothes for Gus," Brielle replied. She glanced at the boy and introduced him. "Gus, this is my friend Halley. And, Halley, this is Augustus, the owner of the palace we will be living in."
I smiled at him however he never smiled back. Ugh, so awkward. I called a worker in the boutique and instructed him to assist Augustus. "My mother is still busy with other customers so he will be the one who will assist Augustus in the fitting."
"Papa, accompany Gus when fitting some clothes," said Brielle.
"You're not coming with us?" Augustus asked.
"No! Brielle will not come with you," I interjected. You cannot stain the innocent eyes of this child! YOU CAN'T!!! "You can't show your naked body to Brielle."
His face blushed. "WHAT?! I did not have that kind of thought."
Heh, so you could make that facial expression. To think that the expressionless face like a stone became as red as a tomato.
Sir Atlas grabbed the collar of Augustus and went toward the fitting room. "Let's go before you make that kind of thought to my daughter."
After they left, Brielle and I sat down in the boutique lounge and waited for them to finish.
"Did you design all of that?" asked Brielle, looking at the sketches that I made.
"Yeah. It's my hobby. I will design the dress and my mother will make it," I answered.
"OH! look at this, Brielle. I made this dress for you."
I showed it to her and she genuinely liked it. "It's pretty! I can't wait to see when it's done."
Does it really look pretty? I'm flustered. I should ask my mother to get it done early. There are just a few adjustments I needed to revise...the hem color—
"This is a nice dress. How come you didn't bother to make it for us when we're still hanging out?" Lady Ailsa snatched the sketchbook. Even after I broke ties with them, they still dared to visit the boutique to buy dresses since I did not disclose what I heard to father and mother. And, what a bad timing to see her when I visit the shop.
"Give it back to Halley," Brielle spoke.
"Why should I? You already saw her creations so it's unfair for me to not see." Ailsa turned the pages and saw what she shouldn't have. "What are these? I can't believe that Lady Halley has an indecent hobby towards the Imperial knights. "
"It's not what you th-think," I said, trembling.
"What do you mean it's not what it is? I saw clearly that the Marquess' daughter drew indecent images of the knight," Ailsa exclaimed.
She made it louder so it could attract more attention. The other customers who were at the store glanced in our direction and started murmuring. "You're Brielle, right? I guess you enjoy getting anything from the Marquess boutique and hanging out with Lord Elliot. You could attend social parties if you just stick with her . Well, based on my experience it was quite fun. You just need to endure listening to her silly stories and you know...quite a special face..."
Stop it. I don't want to hear any words from you. Don't bother me. I'm scared. But I'm more scared of what Brielle will say. I closed my eyes and covered my ears. I don't want to hear any insults about me again.
"Ughhh!!!" There was a sudden loud noise inside the boutique.
When I opened my eyes, I was so shocked. Ailsa fell on the floor and there was Brielle stuffing a crumpled paper in her mouth. Brielle angrily said, "When I said shut up, you should shut that mouth of yours. "Ailsa was resisting but Brielle kept stuffing the crumpled paper in her mouth. "Don't compare me to yourself—You trash! Remember don't ever come near Halley or else you will end up like this paper."
"Brielle that's enough. Let Lady Ailsa go, "I begged as we attracted more attention from the customers. It would be a problem if it reaches high society.
As soon as Brielle let go of her, Ailsa, crying, ran off, outside and there we could see her calling her knights. It seemed that she would not let this one goes. "Brielle, I will resolve this problem. I will call mo—"
"What is happening? "Sir Atlas asked.
"Uhmm...well. We just fought so there must be a commotion any minute," I answered.
"Did you lose your temper again?" Sir Atlas inquired, looking at Brielle.
What? Again?
"She kept on talking bad things to Halley so I shut her mouth, "Brielle replied.
I was shocked. So, the sweet-looking looking Brielle that I knew actually has a scary personality. THIS IS INSANE!!!
"What is the commotion here, Halley? Does anyone get hurt?" mother asked, walking toward us.
"No, mother. It was just a friendly argument," I answered.
"You don't need to worry, Marchioness. We will resolve this matter. We will take our leave and talk with them," Sir Atlas stated, smiling.
Talk my ass! Those faces seemed to have hidden motives. They would surely beat the ass of them!
"Halley, are you sure there's nothing wrong? You know you can talk to your mother, right?"
I bit my lips.
Mother must have been worried since the day I came home depressed. I should tell her the truth.
"Mother the truth is ….uhmm…. Lady Ailsa and Lady Josephine didn't like me to be their friend." My voice trembled. "They talked behind me...made fun of me...And it hurts till today."
Mother was frozen. Tears were leaking through her eyes. There were no mothers who wanted their child to be hurt or sad or experience difficulty.
I continued to speak. "Whenever I saw someone laugh, I would assume they were laughing at me. I became anxious about what people would say about me. It was depressing." My tears dropped as I spoke. "I'm sorry for taking this long to tell you, mother. I'm sorry."
Mother suddenly hugged me with her trembling arms. "You did great, Halley. You are such a brave girl. But always remember, you don't need to seek a friend. They will naturally find you. And if you become tired of waiting, I can be your best friend, your mother, your companion, your keeper of secrets. You're still young so don't stress yourself. Go enjoy life with your mother. Alright?"
"Yes, mother."
***
Mother's and my eyes were puffy from crying. It was fortunate that my father was not here because if he was, he would cry a million times more than us. He was a crybaby baby. And I could imagine my brother calming us.
Ring!
Sir Atlas and Brielle came back. They didn't look injured at all but seemed like they were fresher than ever. All smiling and relieved. WHAT DID YOU DO?!
"The problem was resolved. You could rest assured that Lady Ailsa will not bother Halley anymore."
Because of what Halley said, mother was relieved. She even wanted to give the two a prize for it. Mother, you didn't even know if Lady Ailsa and her knights were alive or not!
"Halley this is your sketchbook. I'm sorry if it's a little bit crumpled," Brielle said, handing it to me.
"Thank you," I shyly replied.
"Halley, you don't need to worry." Brielle smiled at me."I promise to be your real friend even if the sky falls apart. And it's the same for Max. We value you so much."
All the time that I doubted myself, the people around me, and you, Brielle—I was ashamed.
"Woah, Gus that suits you well! Did Papa choose that?"
You were too direct on your feelings.
"No, I chose it for myself."
"Liar. I picked it, Brielle."
"Stop arguing. What matters the most is that it looks good to Gus! You became more handsome."
You solved the problem easily.
"You can take all you want here at the boutique, Brielle."
"It's okay, Marchioness."
I wanted to be like you. The reassurance that I have been seeking.
"This looks good at Brielle."
"Papa! Halley helps me stop Papa!"
Before I met you, I was like a sailboat sailing in a stormy sea—resisting to sink in an endless sea. But now the storm has passed. I'm a sailboat in a calm sea—sailing gently on the serene waters.