**trigger warning mentions of child abused and neglect**
Ella and Alice had a long chat about the past, the present, and the future. Ella looked at her only friend and thought 'I hope you live long Alice, I hope you find your mother & I hope you lead a happy life. Dreams don't work unless you do dear friend.'
There was a soft knock on her door. Ella stood up to open the door. Ella's eye lit up like fireworks on New Year's Eve and she opened the door wider. In walked aunt Josie pushing an impressive cart of pastries, exotic fruits, cheese & cold meats. Ella salivated as she watched the trolley pass her. It was then that Ella felt like she hadn't eaten since the breakfast with Xavier. "Alice, it's been a long time" said Aunt Josie sweetly. Alice stood up half walked, half ran and threw herself at this woman who always gave her motherly love. At some point she even offered to adopt her. Alice remembered all the times she'd secretly come to the Palmer's home to seek Aunt Josie for parental matters because her father and step mother refused to be associated with her and they wouldn't give any of the house help leave to attend.
At least Alice thought she'd done it secretly, in fact not only did Ella know but it was why she'd let Alice keep her health insurance. She was aware of all the times Aunt Josie had to accompany Alice in hospital and clinics, because Aunt Josie always told Mrs Palmer as she needed to take leave. In order to not destroy her friend's safe space Ella never told anyone about it or brought it up with Alice. 'How wonderful would it be if Aunt Josie had adopted Alice or at least turned out to be her real mother.' Thought Ella. Aunt Josie lost her child in her younger years, this not only destroyed her emotionally but it also it destroyed her chances of ever having a child of her own.
Aunt Josie and Alice remained in that position for some time before Aunt Josie noticed Alice's body was trembling. It was then that both Ella and Aunt Josie realised that Alice was crying. "There, there now child. You're here now." Said Aunt Josie "they can't hurt you again". Aunt Josie was not good with words, but she knew how to show her feelings. Alice stepped back and wiped her eyes and nodded her head. The first time Aunt Josie had received the call from the hospital because of Alice to come sign for some treatment for her "niece" as her guardian. She had initially thought it was just a child had grazed herself, only to find out that Alice had burns on her thighs. She had raised a case about child abuse, and neglect; the Jamieson had paid their way out of the investigation. The doctors and police had turned a blind eye, Aunt Josie had been disgusted and told Alice to never go back to that hospital no matter what.
Alice had asked her not to interfere as she still believed she could soften her father's heart. Alice had believed that if she doesn't cause problems for her family they would eventually see her efforts and love her, she'd asked Aunt Josie to never speak of the abuse to anyone. Aunt Josie returned her thoughts to the present day and beckoned for the young women to follow her as she walked to Ella's balcony. She swore she'd find a way to make the Jamieson pay including that sergeant who took the the pay in exchange for the child's safety.
Aunt Josie set up the food and poured the women sweet tea. The little women sat down and began eating without being instructed. Aunt Josie quietly exited the room. 'May your blood guide you home sweet child.' Thought aunt Josie as she left Ella's room. The girls ate in silence. Ella's phone buzzed, but they did not hear it. They continued eating until they finished. "Ella, why don't you do a proper wedding with Xavier? That man has loved you and only you for as long I can remember." Said Alice. "What if I ask to postpone the wedding and he changes his mind and marries someone else? Alice, I can't lose him!" Exclaimed Ella.
Before the girls could continue there was an abrupt knock. Ella sighed heavily, looked at the time, it was 6 in the evening. She stood up and opened the door. There stood one of the younger maids. "Miss, there's a guest for you downstairs. Master says I should call you." Ella looked back at Alice puzzled but none the less she picked up her gown and threw it over her shoulders, following the maid.
As she descended to the formal lounge, Ella could hear her sister's irritating fake cry and sniffles. As she approached the lounge, she heard her mother's voice "Maria, you will have a headache from all this crying. You should go drink some water and get some rest." Mrs Palmer was so tired of the constant overflowing crocodile tears. Why does this daughter of hers think using tears will win her fights?! She sighed. "No mom, I can't sleep or eat until brother Xavier forgives me." Replied Maria. " I guess sister will starve to death at this rate. What does Xavier need to forgive you for?" Everyone heard Ella's voice before they saw her. Ella walked into the lounge did not stop walking as she spoke. She walked right in front of Xavier. Ella lifted her head and gently rubbed the side of his face. ' I wonder what's eating grumpy old man up' thought Ella as she could see Xavier's was not in a good mood.
The couple hugged, neither said anything else. Xavier lifted his right hand and brushed a strand of hair away from Ella's face. It was as if there was no one else in the room, Maria's face twisted. Mr and Mrs Palmer did not miss this. They looked at each other and shook their heads. Mrs Palmer was worried about her youngest daughter. She'd always been good at reading people. Maria got louder "sister, brother Xavier must be disappointed in me for what happened at the hospital. I want him to know, I know my mistake and I'm sorry. But…" Maria looked up and realised that the couple had long left the room. Maria was furious. 'Arrggg I'm going to kill that little whore. How dare she think she can just leave with my Xavier'.
"Maria that's enough, shows over, if not for your sake, then for ours. For the love of god, we beg you, let it rest." Said Mr Palmer as he stood up. He extended his hand out to assist his wife stand up and they walked out of the room. Mr Palmer had had a long day, and the result of the investigation he'd ran on his adopted daughter had left him feeling drained. He was yet to share them with his wife. He was worried that Sarah would have a breakdown upon reading the findings, but he couldn't not tell his wife. He always thought he'd done well to put distance between him and his father's second family, but it seems the enemies shall cross paths.
Xavier and Ella walked out the front of the Palmer residence. Xavier held Ella's hand so tight, one would think he was holding a wild child. Ella looked up at him. "What's the matter?" She asked sweetly. Xavier did not answer, but if one looked closely, they could see the fear in his eyes. 'What was it she said to her sister? She will not marry me. We'll see about that. She will be Mrs Xavier McCann if I have to kidnap her to the registry.' Thought Xavier. "If you do not tell me, how will I know how to fix it?" Coerced Ella softly. Xavier's eyes lit up 'she wants to fix it? How can she fix it when she's the one who wants to break it' he thought. Suddenly Xavier had a light bulb moment 'of course she can fix it, because all she has to do is marry me'. Xavier calmed his heart.
Without a word, he led Ella to his car. Xavier made sure that Ella was in the car, & that she was safely fastened. He got in the driver's seat and drove away without a word.