CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

"Mum, dad. I'm about to leave. Dora phoned and she's almost here". Violet said as she came down the stairs to meet her parents who were lounged on the living room sofa, cuddled up, her mother's head on her father's shoulder

They both turned their attention to her before Philip's face scrunched up a bit "why are you wearing that?". He asked noticing her outfit

"Why? What's wrong?". She raised a brow at his comment. Her father wasn't one to complain about her outfit, nor her mother. And she's pretty sure there's nothing wrong with her outfit. She had chosen to wear a blue skinny jeans -her usual wear these years- along with a mid-thigh length pink and blue long-sleeved shirt which had a ruffle be behind and something written on the front and finally she paired it up with a kickass sneaker which she got as a birthday gift from Daniel last year. Yup Daniel!!!. The thought made her smile a bit

"What about the dress we left on your bed? The pink and blue one which has a small tiara". Philip asked with a raised brow

"Ohh that was you guys"

"No one else leaves here". He retorted, making her resist the urge to roll her eyes and she noticed her mother slightly shake her head at him. Her father was really sarcastic

"Obviously dad. Did you both buy it as my birthday present?".

"Yes honey we did. But why didn't you wear it though". Annabelle answered instead cutting Philip shut

"Oh thank you so much. It's really pretty. I love it". She said with a genuine smile her parents returned "but I just thought it wasn't suitable for the park since it was kinda a bit shorter than knee length. And well I wouldn't feel really comfortable with the knowledge that the wind could anytime blow it up to show my panties or that I'd show it instead when I tried to sit". She explained with a sad smile

"Ohh that makes sense. I guess we should have picked something of your interested". Anabelle sighed

"No mum, it is my preference. I really love it and I promise to wear it someday, okay? Tomorrow even". Violet rushed to say

"Hey, got an idea. How about you wear some leggings or tight under, even your current jeans could go on it. I mean all you need to do is change the top". Philip suggested. Violet almost raised her brow at him. Her father seemed really intent on her changing her outfit, which hadn't happened except once, which was a long time back

"Philip, don't force her. Besides, she still looks cool and beautiful with this on". Anabelle Slightly nudged him

"Of course she does!". He exclaimed "she's my daughter after all, got my genes". He added grinning

"Are u calling me ugly?". Anabelle narrowed her eyes

"What of course not. You are the most beautiful woman I've set my eyes on, I mean I married you right, that enough prove". He pecked her cheeks with a cheeky grin making her blush

"This is all cute and all but I really need to get going". Violet cut in

Philip turned to her and sighed "I really wished to see you in the dress. You know the moment I saw the dress, I knew it was made for you. The first thought that came to mind was 'Violet would look so nice in this, like a princess she is'. But I guess your point is fair. You can wear whatever you feel you want to". He said, giving her a small sigh. Violet sighed and was about to answer when a sudden sound made them all turn their attention to the door

"Ding dong". The door bell sounded again

"She's here". Violet grinned

"You really won't change?". Philip sighed

"Philip". Anabelle chided him with a shake of her head along with Violet who went to open the door

"Wow! That's some vulgar announcement right there bestie". Dora chuckled at the words written on Violet's shirt which said ' I'm bitchy, but it's excused 'cause it's my birthday. So suck it up'.

"Gotta announce it. Make the world know". Violet grinned squealing and Dora returned her enthusiasm as she hugged her screaming

"We're fucking 20 bestie. I can't believe it". Dora said

"No swearing Dora". Came Philip's voice which earned him a chuckle from both girls

"Yes Sir Philip". She answered back smiling.

"So are you ready?". Dora asked

"I was". Violet sighed earning her a raised confused brow "turns out dad and mum bought a dress from me, and they feel really bad because I didn't wear it. So I'll just change and come back in time, come in and enjoy yourself". She added giving her space to let her in

"You bet I will. It's been a really long while since I last saw your parents"

"Yh, last week was totally a really long while". Violet rolled her eyes but Dora only stuck out her tongue

"Hello Sir Philip, Mrs Annabelle. Good morning to you both". Dora grinned walking to said persons to give them a group hug

"Dora, it's been a while since I saw you". Annabelle returned her enthusiasm after they cut the hug

"That's what I told Violet. Right Violet?". Dora winked at her

Rolling her eyes at her friend's antics with a small smile on her face she muttered "whatever" under her breath

"You look beautiful in the dress Dora. If only Violet would wear hers to". Philip sulked making Violet roll her eyes

"Why thank you Sir Philip". Dora smiled, making a small curtsey which made them all chuckle. She had the ability to do that, make others smile at the smallest thing without trying

"And what's this news I'm hearing Violeta. Being a naughty girl again? I taught you better young lady". Dora imitated the governess of a young noble lady chastising her.

"Oh governesses, my sincere apologies. It's just I couldn't help but follow your actions since you know, you say one thing and do the other. I remember you saying not to fall in love yet I caught you with one of the guards, deeply professing your love. It's a shame he refused it, but then it's for the best Governess Dora. You shouldn't feel bad, at least he escaped boredom". Violet played along innocently. Dora's eyes widened at her while the parents tried to hide their laughter

"Violeta Anastasia Archakos! Are you calling me boring?". Dora's eyes narrowed

"Oh dear! I would never. That's like calling a rat sneaky". Violet said oh so innocently

Dora gasped hands on her chest giving the dramatic effect " you young lady are trespassing. I'm still your governess and you answer to me you you you".

Blinking innocently at her, Violet asked with a pout "me what governess Dora? Me brat?"

"Oh goodness". Dora said in a high pitched overly dramatic tone then turned to the parents

"Your majesties". She said to them, making them stiffen a bit though they hid it well "I'm sorry but it seems the princess has gone overly outrageous. I can no longer work as her governess, I'll be resigning".

"Oh no governess, you can't do that. What about the guard you love". Violet exclaimed

Getting all red in the face, acting her part well Dora shrieked "there is no guard"

"Are you accusing me of lying?". Violet's eyes widened as if she's about crying

"Yes governess are you accusing my daughter, the princess of lying?". Philip spoke up in a stern manner shocking all three ladies who thought he was serious but after noticing his twinkling eyes of mischief, they understood he was playing along and they all tried to hide their smile

"Of course not your majesty, I would never. The princess is but like a daughter to me"

"Are you saying I'm inadequate as a mother". Annabelle joined in though she couldn't hide her smile from her stern face

"Of course not your majesty. I'm just saying that I-I l-love the princess like my own daughter. I'm like a father and mother to her, I-I would never a-accuse her. You could confirm it from her." Dora said, acting her part, stuttering a bit. Though honestly she needn't try to be scared, the expressions and aura emitting from Philip and Annabelle were quite strong and compelling especially from Philip, he seemed like a real king. She could almost feel herself sweating

"Governess, that's indirectly implying my queen and I aren't fit to be her parents. Are you trying to turn her against us?". Philip said sternly narrowing his eyes

"I would never, your majesty!". Dora cried in fear compelled by his voice "all I meant was that...that.. I feel light-headed sire…. I can't.." and she dramatically fainted on the sofa beside the parents. Everyone thought it was real and shouted her name about to rush to her still she suddenly sat up looking drained

"God! That acting was intense. I almost thought I'd poop on myself". She groaned, making them all sigh "tell me Sir Philip and Mrs Annabelle, were you by any chance an actor and actress?. Because honestly you acted it out so well, I almost believed you were an actual king and queen". She added looking intently at them who looked uncomfortable while Violet rolled her eyes

"What nonsense are you spouting now Dora. You know what, I'd just go upstairs to change. And yh you're right, that was pretty intense mum and dad. But honestly if you weren't my parents I'd have thought the same as Dora". Violet said

"Now look who's spouting nonsense". Dora smirked while Violet only rolled her eyes

"Well we weren't actors, but we do love acting". Annabelle said staring at them both before giving a glance to Philip

"Yes, we usually act things like this out with Violet when she was much younger. Guess it just stuck to us". Philip completed

"Oh really? Well I can't remember. Must have been really young then". Violet said scrunching her face as she tried to remember

"Yes, you were pretty young then. And you girls were both great too. Almost had us believing it was real ''. Anabelle added making both girls grin before high fiving

"Bestie goals". They both squealed making the parents chuckle in relief

"I'll go get changed now". Violet said after a while

"Really?". Her father's eyes gleamed in joy

"Yes dad, now don't look so happy else I change my mind. It's so suspicious how you look very happy". She accused narrowing her eyes

"I have no right to be happy?". He raised a brow

Rolling her eyes with a slight shake if her head she said "stop twisting my words" to her dad then turned to Dora who sat there along with Annabelle enjoying the show "I'll be back" and skidded up the stairs

Philio smiled at her retreating self and sneaked a wink at Annabelle which didn't go unnoticed by Dora. Something is definitely going on and it seems even her family are in it. Because they kept hinting at her to go out. And her brother, no more bothering to hide it had said "just when are you planning to leave already. I'm bored" to with she just raised a brow and gave a sarcastic remark causing him to roll his eyes and walk off

"So what would you like to drink?". Annabelle asked Dora with a smile

"Its okay. I'm good, thank you". She smiled back

"How's Monica and Eric". Philip asked

"They are good, though acting weird". Dora shrugged and they kept a small talk as they waited for Violet to come back down