Raziel and her family walked into the mansion with all smiles. They were finally back in this place. Everything looks the same except that it has been modernized a little. Who would have thought the king would send someone to clean and change some old things?
"Oh my goodness, this place looks so beautiful than I remember," Jaria exclaimed, staring around the living room in awe.
"I can't believe we're here again after so many years. I just can't wait to meet my friends," May added. Raziel walked to the corner of the living room and picked a portrait that was resting on the wall. She ran her fingers over the portrait, reminiscing how it ended up there. She had painted this herself and it was a picture of her grandmother. It looked as if it was taken by a camera, whereas, she had painted it. She was sure the talent of painting was gone. She hasn't held a painting brush for the past years. Maybe she should try it again.
"Raziel, start arranging some things, our neighbors would be here soon," Rachel ordered with a hint of distaste in her voice. Her distaste was justified though, after all, it was the same neighbors who reported them to the country's council and sent them to the forest.
Raziel climbed the stairs and opened the door of her room. Everything was the same. It was just how she left it. Her toys, her teddy bears, everything was placed exactly where she left them. She stared around the yellow room and tears dripped from her eyes. Saying she missed this place was an understatement. It seem it was cleaned because there wasn't any trace of dust in the room. She slumped on the bed and her lips curved into a wide smile. It was so soft and comfy unlike the wooden bed back in the forest which always make her back and waist hurt after waking up on it.
Raziel got up from the bed, opened her closet, and started taking out the clothes. Back then when they were sent to the forest, the Vampires didn't let them take any of their belongings. Every year, her aunt without informing anyone takes the risk and comes to the forest to give them the necessary things and clothes which they sew to their sizes, but for the past three years, they haven't seen nor heard from her. She hopes her aunt is safe wherever she is.
She spotted a small yellow gown and took it out, running her hands over it. This was her last birthday gown here in this mansion, gifted by her father.
"Raziel," Jaria called in excitement and Raziel's eyes almost popped out from what she saw. Omg. Her sister has transformed into a beautiful princess. She was wearing a beautiful pink gown and was turning around, showing Raziel the full look of the gown.
"Oh my, Jaria. This gown is so beautiful, how do you have this?"
"The king is so generous, he sent us new clothes. Just look at me right now, I look like a beautiful princess, right?"
"You don't look like a princess, you look like a queen. I can't believe this is you," Raziel answered, only for Jaria to blush and smile.
"I wish I am. Not only that, but he also sent back our maids. You know Rani, right? Your maid and best friend. She's here and she's all grown up too," Jaria informed, causing Raziel to scream in excitement. Jaria was talking about her best friend. They had all grown up together and Rani's mother was her mother's maid, not until they were sent to the forest. She couldn't believe she would see her friend again and that she was all grown up like her.
"Rani would be here soon, mother gave her the maid's uniform so she's putting it on. I'll go join mum to see our neighbors that are here. Get ready and come downstairs. What have you been doing? You haven't removed your old clothes from the closet yet? Do that quickly," Jaria said before walking out of the room and Raziel quickly resumed removing the old clothes from her closet.
After some minutes, a knock came in and someone walked in. Raziel turned her head to look at the person who just walked and she screamed, "Raniiiiii." She abandoned the clothes and ran into the hands of her friend. She hugged her tightly as they jump around until Rani started coughing.
"Hmm, milady, I can't breath," she said and Raziel pulled off from the hug.
"I can't believe this is you, Rani, you're so beautiful and grown now. I miss you so much. You know, anytime I'm sad or bored, I used to think about all the naughty things we've done together and I always smile after reminiscing about them," Raziel informed
"I miss you too milady, look at you. You're so pretty, just look at how long your hair has become."
"What's with that 'milady' title you're calling me? You didn't call me that years ago. I haven't changed, I'm still Raziel, or have you forgotten my name?" She asked, pouting her mouth and folding her hands under her breast.
"Of course not, how could I forget your name? I also think of you and all the naughty things we've done together. I couldn't make any friends when you left, and at the place I and my mum used to work, the superiors were not nice at all. They always order me around like do this, do that, I don't even rest," Rani complained and Raziel pulled her into a hug and patted her back.
"Enough about me, come on, I brought your new clothes. You should get dressed," Rani said rolling a cart that Raziel just noticed was behind her. "Oh, my new clothes? Pass them over, I'll dress up quickly."
"No, it's my job and that's why I'm here. I'll help you take your bath, come on let's go," Rani persuaded.
"You really don't need to. I've been doing all of these for the past years."
"Raziel, come on, I'll help you. It's my job," she said and they both entered the bathroom.