"I was worried for you and Mother," I replied, trying to keep my emotions in check. "I couldn't just stay in the mansion."
His eyes softened, "I'm glad you're here," he said, his voice filled with warmth. "Things have been... complicated—"
I couldn't contain my emotion anymore so I cut him off, "What happened to you?"
He winced slightly, holding his arm gingerly. "Oh, it's nothing, just a little mishap"
I couldn't believe his nonchalant response.
"A little mishap? You look like you've been on a battlefield!"
My mother placed a comforting hand on my shoulder. "He got into a minor fight with some men," she explained reluctantly. "But he's alright now, just a few scratches."
"You should be more careful," I scolded, trying to keep my tone stern, but my concern leaked through. "You could have been seriously hurt."
He looked sheepish, avoiding my gaze. "I know, I know. I promise to be more cautious."
"And what about me? You had me worried sick! I was chased by dogs, for goodness sake!"
Thomas's eyes widened in surprise, and then he started to chuckle. "Chased by dogs? Really?"
I huffed, crossing my arms. "Yes! It's not funny, I tripped and stumbled, and the dogs just wouldn't stop following me."
My brother's laughter filled the room, and my mother with Sir James joined in, finding the humor in the situation.
"I'm sorry, Emily, I shouldn't laugh, but I can just imagine you running away from a pack of dogs." He said with a wide grin on his face.
"Well, it wasn't funny at the time," I retorted playfully, a smile tugging at the corners of my lips. "I was terrified."
"I bet you bought bread there didn't you?"
With a sigh, I wrapped my arms around my brother, giving him a tight hug, ignoring the fact he guessed right.
"Just promise me you'll be more careful," I said softly. "I don't want to go through that again. Being chased once by dogs was enough to add to my experiences"
"I promise," he replied, looking sincerely into my eyes.
I sighed and smiled. It's like I can do anything about it. I just have to trust his promise.
"As much as I want this reunion to not be intefered, I think it is for the best to continue this inside" Sir James suggested, gesturing to the door.
I grinned and teased, "You are certainly right, Sir James. I'm sorry for how dramatic my brother is"
"Are you pertaining to yourself, little sis?" Thomas countered, stepping aside and letting me and my mother enter first.
"Mom, are you hearing something?" I pretended to look around like my twin was invisible.
"Stop that Emily"
"I definitely hear someone, do you hear it as well Sir James?"
James chuckled but ride along with my joke, "Yes"
"Here she goes again" My brother grumbled, causing me to laugh.
When we entered the small house, my gaze instinctively scoured the interior. The main living area boasts a modest fireplace, its warm crackling flames providing heat. The furniture is handcrafted and simple in design. A worn yet looking comfortable couch invites weary occupants to rest, while a wooden dining table stands as a centerpiece. Large windows allow ample natural light to filter through, casting a soft glow on the hardwood floors. The kitchen, though compact, is well-equipped with the essentials needed for daily life. Countertops hold jars of preserved goods and fresh ingredients.
It was a relief that they have everything they need.
With that thought, I went to the couch and slumped my tired body. Heavy weariness settled on my muscles and came crashing down on me. I quietly hissed when my cloak graze the wounds in my knee. I pushed it aside to let my knees breathe.
However, it looks like it was a mistake when I heard the panicking voice of my mother.
"What happened to your knees?!" my mother exclaimed in distress, her hands fluttering around my wounded knees.
I glanced down at my knees, where the dirt and dried mud from my earlier tripping had left their mark.
"Oh, these? I accidentally scratched it. Nothing to worry about."
My mother narrowed her hazel eyes to me. Looking at her made me remember how she still thinks it's unfair that William and I didn't get the color of her eyes but our father's. The thought of my father brings a wave of grief to my chest. I quickly shake it away and gave her a sheepish smile, trying to downplay the minor injuries.
Of course, it was a dumb excuse. My mother was too smart to fall on that one. I doubt anyone would fall for that.
"Are you seriously lying to my face, Emily Saige Hamilton?"
I cringed at my full name, especially my second name. I mean I was honored that they think that I should be named as 'wise one' however whenever it was pronounced, it sounded more like I am a prophet or something.
Before I replied, I heard my twin brother snicker in the kitchen while he was preparing a drink. Definitely for me. I glared at him and faced my mother who was fuming at me.
"Okay, okay. I tripped while running away from the dogs" I confessed.
My mother shook her head, "You always did have a knack for getting into trouble and I cannot count anymore how many times I remind you to be careful of not scarring your skin!" she said, trying to hide a smile. "Come, let me clean those wounds for you."
I followed her to the small kitchen area, where she gently tended to my knees. As she cleaned and bandaged the wounds, I couldn't help but feel a rush of gratitude. It had not been 24 hours since my mother was away, but I missed her presence like she has been away for months. My mother has always been by my side wherever I go even though I am already an adult. I am her baby.
Once my knees were cleaned and bandaged, my mother looked at me, "You should be more careful, Emily" She looked away and stood up, "Very careful"
I can't help but notice the sudden edge of my mother's tone. I tried to reassure her as guilt gnawed at me "I will. I promise"
She smiled, her worry softened into affection.
"What if these wounds leave permanent marks on your skin? It would be a tragedy for a young lady of your stature"
I nodded, knowing that she was right in her own way. In our society, appearances mattered greatly, and the slightest imperfection could be magnified into a scandal.
"I promise to be more mindful of my surroundings," I said and hugged her tightly.