The Ambush

On the twenty-third of August, 2004; I became the queen of misfortunes.

My aunt Hilda won in the court and she became my official guardian.

The manor was given under her care for I am still a minor.

Oh, sweet heavens, my haven, the library was demolished and was changed into a playroom for my cousin, Patricia.

I did not even have a voice to oppose for my aunt made up a story that the library was a bad influence to a child like me, that I deserve to be normal and to be free to play my heart out.

Which, I do not believe for she only wants to make a customized playroom for her child. I was not even allowed to go there.

Good thing, I was able to save few of my favorite books before it was thrown out.

They held an exquisite grand party fronting it as a celebration for my birthday today.

Fools, I know what they are plotting. It was for the exposure of their family name, and their ambitious debut to the elite social circle. They want everyone to know that they will become one of the richest families soon in the upper-class society after adopting the young heiress of Emerson. Hah! They wish.

A series of misfortunate events seems too overwhelming for a mere child like me that I do not even feel celebrating my birthday.

The only thing that I was able to hold onto was that my father cleared out on his will that everything will be given to me on my eighteenth birthday so basically, no one will be able to touch his resources for as long as I have not yet reached the legal age, not without my permission.

"My darling, Lily! Where have you been? I've been looking for you everywhere. Happy seventh birthday!" Aunt Hilda fakely gushed as she kissed my cheeks and hugged me in front of the visitors while I can't hide rolling my eyes in disgust of her two facades.

"My dear sister, happy birthday. Mom and I bought a scarf for you. I hope you will like it," she faked a smile and extended her arms to give me the gift.

"As far as I can remember, I am an only child, Pat. So basically, I don't have a sister. Thanks anyway, for the gift," I sneered in reply.

Her fake smile faded to her chagrin and was replaced by a frown. Embarrassment was written all over her face.

I almost snickered upon seeing my aunt looking flushed and her face cannot be painted as I heard the susurrus sounds from the people that circulated the whole hall.

"Pardon me, but I need to excuse myself. Thank you for coming and enjoy the rest of your evening."

I smiled triumphantly as I walked out of the scene.

What can I say? I'm no ordinary kid.

A few more visitors greeted me as I passed the corridors of the manor but I just smiled weakly. My fragile body was so tired, I just want to call it a day and take a rest.

It's been a tough day.

...

I woke up the next day, with Aunt Hilda's exasperating voice yelling at me.

"Wake up, you insolent child! How dare you embarrass us yesterday! You must be taught a lesson."

So much for a nice greeting to start my day.

I sat groggily as I rubbed my eyes to open. Seeing aunt with her hands akimbo and beside her was Patricia crossing her arms.

I just shrugged my shoulders, I chose not to waste my time on insignificant people. I have an important place to visit today, my mom's grave.

Today is her death anniversary and my nanny will accompany me to the cemetery. I may not remember that much for she died when I was just an infant but I knew for sure that she loved me very much.

I took my fountain recorder pen from my drawer and slid it into my hidden pocket. I will play my recorded message to my mom. I wonder if she will be able to hear it on the other side?

I read a book saying that it was a more effective instrument to use for sending a message for the deceased than our voice. So maybe it will work. There is no harm in trying.

She and dad were a lovely couple. We were almost a perfect family if she did not die in a plane crash. I kind of have a thought that maybe things would be different now if she was here.

"Be careful, my dear Lily. I wish I could accompany you but important meetings forbid me to. Nanny Wilsa, you better take care of her," aunt Hilda said with fake concern.

"Yes, madam," my nanny replied.

Can't people tell that Aunt Hilda was so overdramatic? Her acting was so poor, it gives me a cringe feeling as if she will be sending a mouse in a lion's den. I rolled my eyes with that thought.

Julian, my family's driver, greeted me as he opened the door. He is one of the trusted drivers of daddy and he has been working with us even before dad got married.

"Young miss, would you like to go first to the mall or we will be heading already to your mom?"

"To my mom, please," I said with a weak smile.

We were on our way home when suddenly the car broke down.

"I wonder what's wrong," Julian said with his forehead creased and his brows furrowed.

"Did something happen, Julian?" I kind of having a bad feeling about this. It couldn't be an ambush, isn't it?

"Don't worry, young miss. I will fix it right away," He said apologetically.

I saw a bunch of men heading towards us and they don't look friendly.

"Julian, wait-"