YOU DESERVE IT!

VIOLET

I open the thick floral curtains of the glass windows of my huge room.

The lake sparkles from the moon, and the reflection of the fireflies roaming around the trees that lined up on its edges, and few small boats being parked, ready for a sailing adventure.

Cliveden speaks of beautiful nature meeting luxury lifestyle and it amazed me.

The darkness outside is the opposite of Smithson Village, a place where darkness is minimal.

And everything is a huge adjustment for me.

I scanned my room. It has floral walls the same as outside, a huge dresser with a mirror, a king-size wooden bed with the softest mattress that never had I experienced in my existence.

It has two rose-colored armchairs side by side near the bed's footboard. Then a glass table with fresh flowers and welcome treats and a chair matching the armchair's color, facing the glass windows.

Seating just like this and watching the nature outside calms my anxieties with the major change that I couldn't even believe that is happening right now.

I guess everything has its purpose. This will be a great opportunity for me, an opportunity that will not pass again if I missed it.

Then, my phone vibrated telling me that someone is calling.

"Lady Violet Rose!!!!" Niki's shouting on the phone is like a bombshell that makes my 25,000 nerve endings on my ear complained.

"Hey, Niki! Please come down... What's the problem? What happened to you?" I could hear her restless breathing on the phone.

"Why? Why did you leave Smithson without even giving me a call? You even forgot that your only best friend is waiting for your explanation! I just found out about it coz mom told me an hour ago!" She is talking like she's about to cry.

[Darn. Why did I forget about it? Oh, Gawd! Sure, this will be a long talk on the phone.]

I sighed.

"Uhm.. so sorry Niki! I do. It's just that everything is quite so fast. I couldn't even think properly. All I know is that I need to go to England to find my long-lost aunt and Margaret called me that I will have a job in England and she's taking me. And I couldn't say no, it's an opportunity for me to find my mom's aunt and my real family."

"Wait...what did you say? Do you mean Amanda is not a real family?!? Oh, my! That's a shocking revelation! Since when did you know about it?" Her shaky voice is telling me that she's getting emotional.

"Do you remember the letter that mom has given me? That's the time I have known about it. I do not know how to tell you or explain the situation coz I'm not sure if I could find my real family. Uncertainties flooded my head every time I'm thinking about it. I took this chance of living in Smithson for a job in England as the doorway to find them. I'm hoping that they are still alive."

"Oh, Vi! I'm pretty sure that it's very difficult for you to accept everything. Though I understand that we both know how Amanda has treated you inconsiderately for 19 years. Guess, that answered everything!" She sighed.

"Yes, I know. Leaving Smithson is the hardest thing to do. Everything is like a dream."

"But, if leaving Smithson will give you a better life and a great family, then it's not bad at all!" She giggled.

"You always knew Niki, how I always prayed that my dad will come and take me, right?"

"And this is the answers to your prayer Vi! You deserve to have the best of everything. You are the sweetest, hard-working, and smartest of all the people that I have known!"

"Aw... Thank you, Niki! And you are the most supportive, loving Bestie in the whole world!"

"Oof! I wanna cry!" And we ended laughing to ourselves.

"So... where are you right now?" Her curiosity starts to kicks in.

"We are at Cliveden spring cottage! It's a beautiful place and it speaks of luxury! Never in my wildest dream to experience this Niki! I'm like dreaming. Oh, I do not want to be awake!" I exclaimed in delight then slouched on the chair.

"Really? Wait give me a minute! Let searched it..." *Silence.

Then, I heard her scream in the background "Omaygad! Omaygad! That's a very expensive hotel Vi!!!! "

Then, there is a scratch sound on the phone like it was taken from being left on the bed.

"You sure about Cliveden spring cottage? I have always dreamed to visit England and that hotel always flashes every time I have searched! And I promised myself to stay there. Oh, you are so lucky, Vi! You deserve it!" Her excitement makes me feel comfortable.

Then she continued. "Are you staying there for free?"

"Yes, that's what Margaret told me that we will be staying here temporarily while my new home is being prepared. Well, I'm very happy about everything but anxious at the same time. I'm afraid that this will not last for a long time."

"Oh, Vi! Don't be hard on yourself, okay? You deserved everything! You deserved to be happy! If everything goes bad. You can always come to Alabama and pursue your college with me! I'll help you find a job here. But, right now, just enjoy the moment okay? I know you are strong and you can manage to do any task of your new job. I just wished that you will find your family soon before enrollment starts. So, you could pursue your dream to complete your University! I think the offer for your scholarship is still open for you. You can always accept it if you failed to find your family. You have a bright future ahead of you Vi! I know you do, with your smart ass!" I could hear her hearty laugh.

"I know Niki... I just wanted to take my chances to find them while I have a job offer here in England. If I will be successful and settled in England, you can come and visit me for free!"

"Oh, my! I sure will pray harder that everything will be fine with you Vi!" Then I heard someone calling in the background and she responded, "Yes, I'm coming!" then she's back on the phone, "Oh, I'm sorry about that Vi! Grandma will take me to a salon today and she's waiting. Wish I could talk more but, I'll call you again soon okay?"

"It's alright Niki. Enjoy your day with grandma! It's already 10 in the evening in here. Talk to you again soon. Love you...Mwah!" Then the beeping sound.

Then, I saw a notification on my screen.

A message from... "Vaughn?

Vaughn: Hey, Violet! How are things going in Smithson? Hope everything is fine with you. I have heard about Darcy's behavior and your encounter lately. How I wish I was there to protect you. I have tried to call you but your lines are busy? Hope to hear from you soon.

Then, I typed in as quickly as I can.

Me: Hey, Vaughn! I'm fine. I am on the phone with Niki earlier. Do not worry about me and Darcy, I'm at peace now, away from Smithson.

Vaughn: Away from Smithson? Why? Where are you?

Me: I just left Smithson earlier to accept a job offer somewhere in England.

Vaughn: Really? Where in England?

Me: I do not know the location of my new job yet but I'm in Cliveden right now. Tomorrow will be my first day! Yay!

Vaughn: What a coincidence! Cliveden is just a few hours from our home!

Me: Are you sure? I never knew that you are in England!

Vaughn: Oh, I'm sorry... I guess, I forgot to tell you about it. I hope, maybe we could meet sometime soon? In your free time?

Me: Maybe, you could help me in searching for my family here in England.

Vaughn: Family? I'm so sorry but I do not understand.

Me: Uhm... my mom Amanda left me a letter telling me about finding my aunt and search for my real family.

Vaughn: Oh, I'm so sorry about that. But, I will surely find ways to help you find your family. Just send me a message ahead of time. So that I could schedule my time.

Me: Thank you, Vaughn! You are appreciated.

Then my phone flashing the red battery and shut off. The battery drained.

[Darn! I forgot to charge it before leaving the house.]

I quickly stood up and look for my backpack, searching for my phone charger.

Then found it and hook it up to my phone immediately then look around the walls for a socket.

After 10 minutes, I found the socket beside the dresser and connect it.

Then, I decided to get in the restroom to wash my face and brush my teeth for bed.

I haven't eaten much from our dinner earlier since my brain is distracted from shock and fatigue.

But, I'm still glad that I have eaten enough to satiate myself.

I took some facial tissue provided in the sink then tap them on my face.

There are other things lined up on the sink, body soap, shampoo, lotion, and liquid hand soap.

The logo of Cliveden is everywhere in the containers, on the floor tiles, dresser, and the bed headboard.

The restroom is huge with a tub and shower.

I'm sure they have some hot water in the shower that I do not need to bother about the electricity bill!

I giggled. I appreciate these things are happening to me. I could relax with the worries on my bill payments.

Speaking of which! I need to call Dawson about it.

I took my luggage, took my pajamas, and change.

Then get my backpack to search for my journal, I need to note it down.

I seated on my bed and open my journal notebook.

Then started to write.

March 28, 2018

Reminders:

1. Ask Margaret: What's my job?

2.Message Vaughn for an apology for no response.

3. Contact Dawson about the bill payment on electricity.

4. Call back Niki for any updates.

Then, I put a bookmark on the page and closed it.

I return the journal notebook inside my backpack, took out the camera, and turned it on.

[Guess, it is best to make use of it. I could record new memories for me, saving each moment of my journey in England.]

I have seen many videos uploaded on the net that helped them earn money.

That could be another way to earn, save some and enjoy the moment while I'm here.

If I failed, I could always accept the scholarship and use my savings.

Then I turned the camera off, my eyes become heavy and I drift off.

"Lady Violet Rose...."

"Mom? Where are you?" I look around.

The changes from darkness to a sunny sky... I'm back in the woods.

"Lady Violet Rose... Do not trust the devil! Do not trust him. Trust your intuition. Do not trust people right away. They will cause you harm." I tried to follow her voice while searching for her.

"Mom, where are you? I do not understand."

"Do not trust him! Do not trust him! Please find Aunt Amelia..find her!" I could hear her words.

She is telling me a warning, that's how she's talking when she wanted me to follow her.

Then a blurry image of a guy, flashing in front of me.

[Who is he? Is he the devil that mom is talking about?]

And a loud knock on the door awakened me.

I slowly opened my eyes, stretched my arms, and rise from bed.

"Violet? Are you awake? You have to get ready, we do not have enough time. The chauffeur will pick us up by 8 am. We only have 30 minutes left and we need to take our breakfast!"

"Yes, I'm coming Margaret! Just give me 10 minutes to freshen up, okay?"

I'm walking like a zombie towards the restroom for a quick shower.

I quickly undressed and stepped inside the shower room then turned on the heater.

I could feel the cold tiles on my feet.

The room has a centralized air condition, it makes me shiver last night.

After my 10minutes of shower and change.

I head out towards the dining area, Margaret is already seated with the food ready on the table.

She tilted her head up and look at me sternly.

"Why are you wearing those jeans? You will be meeting your new boss today, you should have worn some formal dress or pants or skirts?"

"I'm so sorry Margaret but I haven't thought about that. I do not wear skirts."

"Don't worry, I give you something to wear. You better sit down and eat breakfast!"

And we have silently eaten our eggs, vegetable salad, toast, and sausage.

"Margaret, why do I need to be very formal? Can you tell me what's my job?"

Then her phone rings, "Hello, Mr. Evans? Yes, Sir! Will do. We will be there on time. Yes, Mr. Evans!"