Chapter 5

Days drifted to weeks. Serena felt relieved living with her friend matilda, working with her father Mr. Tully, and getting paid weekly. but the thought of being left alone without matilda made her sad. when alone, she cries. when working, she recalls moments of happiness and joy she experienced with her family.

Madam Melissa, Matilda's mother would ask Serena to go fetch some wood from the woods. but this time, she dressed quickly, wore her gray worn-out gown her friend gave her, and went to the woods.

walking alone allows her to ponder about her future. Holding a brown basket in her left hand, she sang slowly as she goes. she especially likes the hot tomato soup her mother cooks when she was alive so she often sings about it.

"hot tomatoes soup,

hot tomatoes...

my mama makes it sweet.

taste it once, and you'll never let it go".

As she sings she smiles. twirling throughout.

A neighing sound made her stop. she looked around searching for where the sound came from.

she gasped and fainted as a neighing brown horse knocked her down.

*********************

Prince Philip groaned in annoyance as he fought to control the wild horse. what was wrong with it anyway? he wondered. glancing at the beautiful redhead lady and jumping down from the stubborn horse, he summoned his men.

"Is everything alright your highness!" knight Rufus shouted running towards them.

Philip stared at Serena. his heart flipped in his chest. he knew this lady.

"celot!"

knight celot ran towards him." yes my lord?" he said glancing at Serena in alarm.

Philip bent down and scooped her to his chest." bring along this basket" he instructed.

"My lord.." Rufus said and smiled."should I do well by helping you carry her?".

" not necessary." he snarled at him." do you have a problem with this young lady?"

"no my Lord...was just trying to help"

"you keep your little helping hands to yourself, ".he said and walked towards the horse.

" let's head back to Isle".