CLARA | Teen Ink

CLARA

December 2, 2012
By saumyadeepa PLATINUM, kandy, Other
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saumyadeepa PLATINUM, Kandy, Other
36 articles 1 photo 13 comments

Favorite Quote:
A mother's love is like the ocean it's pure and wide.
Life is like a painting one wrong move and it's hard to bring it back to normal.
(I created these quotes)


Author's note: Enjoy,I had a hard time publishing it! :)

I'm Lady Clara of sirmonshire.
You may think that since I'm a lady,I'm very old and boring.
But I'm just a 16 year old girl who doesn't know a thing about being a proper lady.
Then again why should I?
I never asked to become a lady and I never told my mom to marry a lord did I?
Yesterday I was Clara the fun loving girl and now I'm Lady Clara of sirmonshire.
Two different names and places but it's the same me and I don't know how I can forget that.
My mother keeps on telling me to act more like a lady but somehow she forgot to give me lady lessons!
"Sweety,you really have to act more like a lady."says my mother
"I know mother but it's not easy for a city girl to turn into a lady."I say
"I know but I've been through so much since your father went to heaven and life is just starting to be better."
"I understand mother but I just need a little time to adjust."
"I know and you can take all the time you need if you're really trying to adjust."
I smiled and she hugged me.
"Oh baby.I just wish your father didn't have to go but Edward is a nice guy."
"I know."
My mother left my room and I am alone.
I think of all the days that I saw her crying when fathers company called and told that they had nothing left to do but take away the money that dad saved because they thought that dad had to pay them some damn debt. I hated every man in that company since.
My mom found a job but it's not enough to support a growing girl and herself in a country with high expenses.
She left her job and started to teach a nursery and then she met Edward when he came to pick up his niece.
So I get dressed in my big puffy cotton dress with a slik dress underneath,comb my hair,put on my necklace and I go down to where the party is.
Eventhough they call it a party, this is just a boring meeting type of party with no music and no dancing.
Lords from different places and their wives were busy talking about what happens in everybody else's lives and about how they can make it worse.
IT'S DISGUSTING! I HATE GOSSIP !
"Excuse me."says someone
I look behind me. OH MY GOSH ! THIS IS THE MOST CUTTEST GUY I HAVE EVER SEEN!
"Um,you're stepping on my shoe."said the guy
"I'm so sorry." I say " This is my first time in a boring party like this and I was so bored that I didn't see you."
Oh no,why is the guy looking down?
"No offense right?"I quickly ask
"No no. I totally agree."he says with a smile
I smile too.
We start to talk.
"Wanna dance?"asks Philip (That's the guy's name.)
"But no ones dancing and this music is so slow."I say
"Who cares ? We dance with our feet not theirs right?"
I nod
"So then what are we waiting for?Besides you don't need music to dance,just follow me." he says and he makes it look so easy.
"Okay then let's give it a try."I say
I go with him to the dance floor and I hold his hand and start to dance.
"This isn't so bad."I say after sometime
"I told you it will be alright.Look some others are starting to dance too ."
I look around me and it's true.
Almost everyone is dancing.
"Wow we really stole the party."I say
"I don't really know if we stole the party but we really got their attention." He says
"Yeah."I say with a smile "But can we stop dancing now?I feel like I've had enough."
The guy smiles. "Sure but you can go alone." he says
Uggh ! What? Where did all the mister nice guy stuff go,huh? Okay,I can go alone but I would of liked to go out together like we came in together.
So much for thinking he was nice.
"So how was the party?"asks Ben (the kitchen boy)when I went to the kitchen
"Not so great."I say with a sad baby face
Ben laughs. I smile
"Well we don't have to make the whole night bad because of it,do we?"asks Ben
"I guess so.But how better can this day get?"I ask sitting down on a chair and resting my head on hands.
"Well seems like you've been through a rough time."says Ben
It takes a little while before he asks me "Care to share it with me?"
I look at him as he comes close to me,I see for the first time how handsome he really is. For a kitchen boy,he looks like a prince.
"So what ya say?"he asks
He was sitting in front of me keeping his chair in the wrong way so that the front of the chair is facing away from me.
His keen eyes make me want to pour out everything,his lips grow into a beautiful smile and his attention is all mine.
"I don't know."I say
"Oh sure,I understand that you wouldn't want to talk to the kitchen boy about your problems.Would you?"he asks looking sad
I feel terrible that he misunderstood me.He's starting to get up from his seat.
"Please stay. It's not that I can't tell you,I'm just not used to talking to anyone about my problems before."I say and I stop him by lightly touching his hand.
He sits down slowly "Well you can trust me." he says
I tell him everything about the dance and what happened in the party. I even tell him about how hard it is for me to be a lady and how it all happened. Seriously ! No one except my mother knows about it !
"Wow it must be hard for you."he says and I think he really mean it.
"Yeah it is hard at times but I' ve learnt how to handle it."I say
"That's the way you should be."says Ben "Strong as a bull even if a thousand men are pushing you.Girl that's what you should be."
"A bull?"I ask "You compared me to a bull?"
"Oh no,Clara is getting angry. It's going to be a disastor and I should run."says Ben getting up and taking a few steps back
"Guess this is where I chase you right?"I ask and I walk towards him holding up my heavy dress by the tip.
"Guess so."says Ben taking some more spaces back
"Then here I comee."I shout running after him
Ben laughs and runs and I chase him. My dress pulls me down and I lift it lightlt by the tip and try to run.
Then I take off the big skirt of my dress so that there's only the silk dress is left. Now I can run and that's what I'm doing
"Gotta! "I say taking hold of Ben's hand
"Oh no,you didn't ."says Ben falling into the lake
It's shivering cold!
"Ben!"I shout
"What?You can't swim?"he asks
"Of course,I can! I just wanted to say that I caught you."I say with a smile
"How?"he asks
"I'm still holding your hand."I say with a smile
Ben laughs and we get on the grass near the pavilion
"You never lose.Do you?"asks Ben
I shake my head
"Never!" I shout
Ben laughs,I smile.
I shiver with the cold as we sit on the grass and Ben looks at me.
"You cold?"asks Ben
"It's okay,a small chill won't hurt."I say
"Come on,you can't stay out here cold."says Ben
"No,let's stay a bit longer.I like it here."I say
"Wait then."says Ben and he runs away
Ben comes back with a big thick blanket and he sits down.
"Here cover yourself with this."he says
"What about you?You're wet too."I say
"Nah,it's okay."says Ben
"We can share this."I say and I put the other end on Ben
"Gee,Thanks."says Ben with a smile
We stay there for a little while,suddenly the music from inside stops.
"Better go in now or everyone will start searching for us."I say
"Good Idea."says Ben getting up and we walk back into the kitchen.
I sit on the chair while Ben lights the fireplace so it gets warm and he makes me a nice hot cup of cocoa.
"What on earth are you doing here,Clara?"asks my mother coming into the kitchen while I drink my cocoa.
"Um,I got tired of dancing so I came to talk with Ben ."I say
"Why on earth are you wet?"asks my mother
"Um,she..."Ben starts but I stop him
"I fell into the lake."I say
"Lake?How did you get to the lake?"asks my mother
"I was walking in the garden with Ben and I suddenly slipped and fell."I say with a smile "A little accident."
"An little accident alright.It could of made you catch a cold."says my mother
"I'm alright now mother.Forget it,it's in the past now.Besides Ben pulled me out just in time."I say
"Yes,it's good that the young man was there otherwise you would have gotten into serious trouble because of your carelessness."says my mother frowning at me
"I know."I say putting my head down
"Thank you very much for helping Clara,Ben.You even made her cocoa. Wait I'll bring you a new suit to wear as a little gift."says my mother going out.
"But..."says Ben
"No buts now Ben.You're going to get the gift."I say
"You,you,Why did you do that?"asks Ben
"I can't possibilly let you get blamed for making me smile,could I ?"I ask
Ben smiles
"Now if I can,teach me how."I say
"Oh you....!"says Ben messing my hair.
"Now look what you did,you messed my hair!"I say pretending to be angry.
"I'm so sorry."says Ben
"Come here."I say
Ben comes to me.
"Kneel down."I say and he does so.
I mess his hair
"You know?I don't and can't get angry with you for messing my hair.Okay?But the next time I have a really nice and complicating hairstyle,don't mess it."I say with a smile
"Yes maam.For a moment I thought you were really angry."says Ben
"I know."I say "I saw it in your eyes."
"What did you see?"asks Ben
"Your fear."I say
Ben smiles.
"You read my eyes,my lady." he says
I smile and say "So I did."
I wake up very tired and feeling like I should have some rest but sleeping late is not a good habit.
"How's my darling?"asks my mother when she sees me at breakfast.
"Tired."I say
"well if you're so tired that you can't even make yourself smile,you can stay home until we come back from church."says my mother
I look at my mother and I force a smile.
"It's okay mother.I can go to church."I say
I don't want to miss church and feel guilty for sending my mother to church alone.Besides Ben is going to be there.
"Good then go and get dressed.We'll be leaving soon."says my mother
I quickly go up to my room and get dressed in my victorian dress.
"So did you manage to get any sleep last night?"asks Ben after the sermon
"Yes I did."I say
There's something in Ben's cheek.
"There's something on your cheek."I say
"Where?"asks Ben wiping his both his cheeks with his two hands.
"Don't wipe it like that.silly."I say giggling
"Then how do I do it?"asks Ben
I take the eyelash on his cheek with two of my fingers.
"That is how you take it."I say and I take his hand and place the eyelash on his palm.
"Make a wish."I say
Ben closed his eyes and blew the eyelash away.
"What did you wish for?"I ask
"If you tell the wish then what is there to find out?"asks Ben
"Oh you keep your wish then."I say walking away
Ben laughs "I wished that we'll always be happy together."says Ben coming near me
"You really want to see me happy don't you?"I ask him
"Yeah."he replies
I smile.
His eyes shine because of the bright sun,he combs his brown hair with his fingers,his face is brightened up with a smile.
"What?"asks Ben when he sees me looking at him
"Why do you want me to be happy so much?We only met about a week ago,I talked with you quite well only yesterday and you're already my best freind.Why is that?No body has ever been as nice to me as you are."I say
"I know it's quite strange how we two became freinds.I never liked anyone this much before.I have never had such a good freind like you." says Ben
His words relieve me and I know that I will have a freind to depend on.
We walk home without a word.
"So I'll meet you tonight,then."says Ben when we reach home
"Why tonight?"I ask
"Didn't I tell you ?"Ben asks with a smile
"No and you know you didn't.I can see that in your eyes.You're planning something aren't you?"I ask
"You understand me,don't you?"asks Ben
"You can't trick me easily."I say
"I'll wait for you at the pavilion.Come there at 7pm and tell your mother that you're having dinner with me today."Ben says
"Sure."I say and I go inside.
As I walk I look back and I see that Ben is watching me go.
I blushed.I didn't expect him to be watching me and I didn't want to get caught looking at him either.
I went to my room,had a shower and got into some fresh clothes.
I dress in a nice purple mesh long dress at around 6.30 and start to make my hair.
"Where are you going?"asks my mother
"Oh mother,I was going to tell you that I'm going out for dinner with Ben at the pavillion."I say
"Is this like some kind of date?"asks my mother
"I don't think so but maybe."I say
"Okay,you go and have fun."says my mother
I smile at her.She understands that I need to have freinds.
"Thanks mother."I say
"Now let's get you ready.We don't want you to ruin your first day out with a guy,do we?"asks my mother
"Mother,it's not a date remember?"I ask with a smile
"If you say so."says my mother combing my hair.
I finish getting ready and I go down to the garden. I walk slowly looking around with my arms crossed and moving my arms up and down as if I am cold.
I look at the lake and for a moment I seem to be lost in some kind of dream.A dream with no sounds just imagery,beautiful secenery.
"This place is beautiful at night,isn't it?"asks someone from behind me.
"It must be Ben."I think
I quickly turn around and I see Philip standing right in front of me.
"What are you doing here?"I ask
"Wasn't I told to join you in this nature watch?"asks Philip
"No and I don't know how you knew I was here."I say
"Simple.Edward told me you were here and since I came to meet him, I thought I'll see you and go as well."says Edward with a lousy smile
"It's Lord Edward not just Edward,Philip."I say correcting him
"Yes but I don't need to call my father,Lord.Do I?"asks Philip
"He's your father?"I ask
"Yes and you never thought you had such a handsome brother did you?"asks Philip
"How did you come into my life without me seeing you coming?"I ask
"Simple.When your mother married my father,I was in Paris and Edward had totally given up on me because I didn't do what he wanted.Then he married your mother and forgot all about me until I returned."says Philip
"Does my mother know?"I ask
"Edward just found out now,so he's probably told her already and you'll get the news either tommorow or tonight."says Philip
"So where are you going now?"I ask
"Um,to my hotel room.Guess I'll stay there till my father decides what's to be done about me."says Philip
I nod
"What are you doing here?"asks Philip after a little while
I look at him and after a while I say "I'm waiting for Ben."
"Who?That kitchen boy?"asks Philip
"Yes and he's not just the kitchen boy,he's my friend.You better treat him nice."I say with a warning tone
"Anything for my little sister."says Philip
"I'm not your little sister,I'm just as old as you."I say
"Really?What's your age?"asks Philip
"14."I say
"Well then bad luck,kiddo.I'm 17."says Philip
"That's not that much of an age difference."I say trying to win my point
"But I'm still elder to you,so your my little sister."says Philip winning the argument
"Yeah,sure.Elder brother."I say with a smile and I'm kind of glad to have an elder brother to look after me.
I like that very much.
"See you later then Clara."says Philip
I look at him and smile.
"What?No Hug?"asks Philip
"Well I don't know."I say looking at him
"Oh come on.Just give your big brother a hug.I really needed someone to understand and listen to me when I was in paris and when I found out that my father remarried and that I had a sister,I was overjoyed.My father never understood me and I was out of the family for a long time.I missed home.I just want to start fresh and I hope you can be my loving little sister. "says Philip
"Well you're back home now,Philip and I'm sure Edward will forgive you.He's so nice now. I'm so happy to have a big brother like you.I really am."I say hugging Philip and in seconds I'm crying.
"You're crying."says Philip
"Sorry,I just felt so sad.I'm a very sensitive character when it comes to family but I am strong as a bull when it comes to problems."I say letting go of him.
"No need to cry anymore little sister.I'm here for you and you're here for me."says Philip wiping my tears away
"Um,what's going on?"asks Ben coming towards us
"Ben this is Philip.Philip this is Ben."I say introducing them to eachother
"Nice to meet you,Ben."says Philip
"Likewise."says Ben
"I better be going now then.Good night Clara."says Philip with a smile
"Good night. Go home safely."I say returning his smile
Philip walks away and Ben looks at me.
"You're late."I say
"Yeah yeah,so what?You obviously had a nice time with Philip."says Ben
"Well he came and talked to me so I talked back.Are you telling me to keep quiet when someone talks to me?"I ask angrily
"You're angry aren't you?"asks Ben
"No."I say and it's true I'm not angry.
"The reason I told you to come here was because I wanted to show you something."says Ben
"Really?what?"I ask
"Just close your eyes and hold my hand ."says Ben
I do as he says and my heart beats fast since I don't know what is about to happen.
"Ok now open your eyes."says Ben
I open my eyes and the Pavilion is lit up with lights.All it's openings are covered with bricks and nicely adjusted and painted,it's door and two windows to look out were made out of plastic glass with beautiful engravings,it's floor was cushioned in light blue and it was like a small room. I go inside and look around.
I see a bookshelf filled with the kind of books that I like to read.There was even another room in the pavilion and that room was fillled with clothes to wear when I wanted to go swimming and four pairs of jeans,t-shirts,skirts,blouses,slippers and dresses.There was even a little table with a mirror and even a small bathroom and a small television.The walls were painted blue with big fluffy white clouds and I felt as if I was walking on the clouds.Everything was perfect.
It had everything that a small room should have and I loved it.
"You like it?"asks Ben
"I love it!Thank you so much."I say
"It's all yours."says Ben
"Did you make this all by yourself?"I ask
"Lord Edward helped too."says Ben "This is your new free time room and library.Lord Edward said that this was his little gift to you for being an angel and bringing light to his life.When I said I wanted to do this,he said it was a perfect idea."says Ben
"That means I can come here whenever I want?"I ask
"Yeah sure,Lord Edward said that from now on this is your room."says Ben
"But then I'll have to stay out of the house all alone."I say afraid that Edward was trying to push me out of the family
"Don't worry no one is going to push you out the family.Lord Edward said that he was going to enlarge your room and since this pavilion is close to your bedroom wall,he said that he would break the wall and make it one room.He said that he would bulid another pavilion in the middle of the lake with a bridge to get there.The smallest room was your room,so that needed enlarging."says Ben with a smile
"That's a good idea.For a moment,I thought that I would have to be stuck in that small room forever."I say with a smile
"Fear no more,my lady."says Ben with a laugh
"Where will you stay?"I ask
"You were with me all this time and now you want to know where I sleep at night?"asks Ben
"Yeah sorry for not asking before."I say
"I stay in the kitchen."says Ben
"Well you can stay in my room,you know the one inside the house.This Pavilion is big enough for me.Instead of breaking the house,you can go and stay in my room .Then we can make a small window that can be locked from both sides so I won't be lonely."I say with a smile
"I don't know,Clara.What would Lord Edward say?"asks Ben
That night I go to Edwards office and I tell him and my mother about my idea.
"It's a great idea! Then we don't need to break the wall and Ben will have a room as well."says my mother but Edward was still thinking.
"I like the idea but a window?A window,Janice ?(Janice is my mother's name) Ben is a boy and she is a girl and you understand what I mean don't you?I don't want them to do anything un-necessary."says Edward
"I understand but I trust my daughter.The only thing she would ever do with a boy is have him as a boyfreind and love him.Nothing beyond that.Since the window has locks on both sides,she can lock the window when she wants and she can even put thick curtains.She's never been outside the house in her own room before,she must be a little scared and I trust Ben.The only thing they would do is either be freinds or..."says my mother before she is cut-short
"Or what else,Janice?What else would they do?"asks Edward
"Or they would start loving eachother,become boyfreind and girlfreind and ask our approval and maybe even get married!You got a problem with that,Edward?"asks my mother angrily
"I never said that Janice.I trust Clara too.I was just being careful. I have no prolem with my step-daughter loving the kitchen boy."says Edward "I'm not like the other rich guys."
"I know.I know.Thank you so much."says my mother with a smiling
"So what about my question?"I ask softly kind of embarresed that my mother and Edward were discussing about me and Ben
"I'm not like the other rich guys." says Edward again
I looked at my mother.
"That means yes,darling."says my mother with a big smile
"Thank you Edward."I say giving him a big hug
I don't at what time I went to sleep after I finished my chat with Ben,Edward and my mother.

I get up at a time which I can no longer sleep and I get washed and wear some nice clothes.
What time is it? 7am! Wow seems like last night really tired me out!
Oh look a call from Philip! Wait a minute,how did he get my mobile number?
"Hi Clara how are you?"asks Philip
"Fine but how did you get my mobile number?"I ask
"I just went through my fathers phonebook and found your number and I wrote it down."
"Correction ,you looked at it without his permission."I said correcting him
"Yeah,yeah,so I sneaked into his drawer and looked at his phonebook.So what's the big deal?I didn't steal anything right?"asks Philip defending himself
"Well we can't be so sure can we?Besides you could of asked Edward for my number."I say
"Do you really think Edward would give me,the son he gave up on,his newest beloved daughters phone number?You must be joking.Edward may be your step-dad but he wouldn't do anything to hurt you."says Philip
"He loves me that much,huh?"I ask a little guilty cause I don't really love him like that.
"Yeah it's the first time after my mother died that I saw my father so much in love with a woman.He loves you like he loves me.My father may be a lord but he is very simple and understanding.He's someone you find out of a million."says Philip and I think he's crying. "I messed up,Clara and I don't want you to do the same."
"You're a good brother."I say
"Shall I come over to your house?"asks Philip
"Yeah sure."I say "Where are you now?"
"Right now,I'm in your garden."says Philip with a smile
"I'll be there in a minute."I say putting my mobile phone in my pocket and go out of my room.
"What's with the bags?"I ask giving Philip a big hug
"Whoa,so you're used to hugging me now,aren't you? Any girl would love to hug a handsome looking guy like me."says Philip with a big smile
"Just shut up! I hugged you because you're my brother."I say giving Philip a soft punch.
"Alright little sis.I know that you were just being a loving sister."says Philip patting my head.
"So what's with the bags?"I ask
"My father finally forgave me."says Philip
"That means you're staying?"I ask hugging him again
"Yes,yes,Whoa I didn't think you'd be so happy."says Philip with a smile
"Wouldn't I like it when my brother that I met comes to stay with me forever?"I ask
"Maybe you do darling,maybe you do."says Philip
"Come on let's go find your room."I say
"Lead the way little sister."says Philip keeping his hands on my shoulder and letting me lead the way.
Philip and I laugh while we go and he still holds on to my shoulders.
"Just stop making me laugh!"I say to him as we climb the steps.
"You look pretty when you laugh."says Philip
I turn back and smile at him. "Thank you."I say
"Where are you two going?"asks Ben
I turn around quickly.
"Oh,HI Ben ! Clara is just taking me to where my room is."says Philip with a smile
I look at Ben and I see that he's not happy but I didn't want to make matters worse by explaining things to him at that moment.
"Does that mean you're staying here?"asks Ben displeased
"Yeah."says Philip smiling with me
"This is going to be fun."says Ben leaving
"What's the matter with him?"asks Philip
"He thinks that we two are together."I say
"Really?I mean he's misunderstood everything.You should tell him the truth.But maybe a little later."says Philip
I look at him. Is he really my lost brother?Why didn't my mother tell me about it and why does Ben suspect us?
"What are you thinking about?"asks Philip
"It's just that my mother didn't tell me that Edward has a son yet."I say looking at Philip in the eyes.
"Lovely painting isn't it?"asks Philip going towards a painting avoiding my question.
"So why do you think she didn't tell me yet?"I ask
"Maybe she didn't get to know yet."says Philip
"Why?"I ask
"Let's just say that old Edward still doesn't know how to tell his new wife about the son he has from another marraige."says Philip
"I understand."I say
"You been through that?"asks Philip
"No but I understand what it feels like."I say
"You understand what others feel don't you?"asks Philip
"Yeah I guess it comes to me naturally."I say with a smile.
"Naturally indeed."says Philip
"Thanks Philip you make me feel better."I say
"I thought that was what big brothers are for.That's what they are for right?"asks Philip acting like a little boy who was unaware of anything that happens in the world.
"Seriously Philip,you're acting like a ten year old.I meant what I said."I say
"I know you did,kiddo,I know you did."says Philip giving me a big hug.
"You're nice."I say with a smile
Philip smiles back.
I let Philip get a rest and I go to the kitchen to see if Ben is alright.
"Can I have some mango juice?"I ask
Ben turns around. "Get it yourself,it's in the fridge."he says
I go to the fridge and I take out the mint tea.
"So you still angry with me?"I ask sitting down and drinking the mango juice.
"Any reason why I shouldn't?"asks Ben
"Well Philip and I are brother and sister."I say
"You're mother has a son?"asks Ben turning around and sitting in the chair in front of me.
"No,Edward has a son whom he hasn't spoken about since his son went to Paris."I say
"Then it's true."says Ben
"What's true?"I ask
"When I was small,my mother said that Lord Edward had a son and that he was the best lad she had ever seen.She would often tell me stories of his childhood until he went to Paris with his aunt to study and that Lord Edward didn't like him learning in Paris.My mother told that Lord Edward was so angry that he never mentioned his sons name ever again.It was always just a story to me. My mother told me that no matter what anyone said,Lord Philip would always do what he wanted to do."says Ben looking at me with fascination. "Lord Philip was always my idol."
"Why is that?"I ask
"Because he did what he wanted and nothing stopped him."says Ben
"Yeah he didn't even listen to his father."I say with a smile
"Now I'm right here with the stepsister of my idol.Oh no,I was so cruel to my own idol."says Ben dissapointed
"Don't worry.He said he totally forgives you."I say with a smile to make Ben feel better.
"I shouldn't of said what I said."says Ben more dissapointed than before.
"I understand you said that because you were angry but why were you so angry?"I ask
Ben gets up and I get up too.
"What is it,Ben?"I ask keeping my hand on his shoulder
"You don't understand."says Ben "I love someone."
"Who?And what does she have to do with this?"I ask
Ben turns around and faces me.
"She's the main character in this problem."says Ben looking at me
"Who?"I ask
"You."says Ben still looking at me
I smile "Really?Are you willing to run a bit to prove it?"I ask
"Maybe.Get ready cause I don't let go of what I caught easily."says Philip running after me.
I run and run and stop near the lake.
"Aghh!"I shout as I lose balance and fall into the water.
"CLARA!"shouts Ben as he jumps into the water after me.
"Where are you,Clara?"asks Ben searching for me in the water.
"Here my dear."I say as I cling onto Bens shoulders.
"Does this mean yes?"asks Ben turning his head to look at my face.
"Did you ask a question?"I ask climbing onto the bank and going into my room which used to be the pavilion.
"Maybe,yeah."says Ben
I smile at him.
"Get changed.Let's watcha movie."I say
I go into my washroom and get changed and Ben goes into his room and get's changed as well.
Then he comes to my room to watch a movie.It was kind of like a tradition between us.Since he didn't have a television in his room,he would come to my room to watch a good movie.My parents gave us permission.
"What harm is there in watching a movie together once a week?"asked my mother when I had asked her about that before.
Edward only nodded and I'm not angry with him cause I knew he wanted the best for me and I kind of liked him too.
"Nice movie,right?"asks Ben after the movie
"Yeah."I say
"I saw you crying.My shoulder is wet from your tears."says Ben
"It had such a sad part,and sad things make me cry."I say with a smile
"I know."says Ben "I know.But you still didn't answer my question."
"You never asked question."I say
"Well shall I ask now?"asks Ben
"Ask."I say
"Clara would you like to love me and let me love you?"asks Ben
"What do you mean?"I ask
"Oh come on,make it easy for me will ya?I'm trying to tell it without saying the word.I'm nervous."says Ben
"Well I want you to tell the word."I say "Otherwise how can I answer you?"
"Okay."says Ben and he faces me and holds my hand and looks into my eyes. "I love you Clara.What do you say?"
"Umm,You didn't really ask me anything."I say puzzled
"Ohhhh,Clara I love you,so will you be my girlfreind?"asks Ben a little annoyed
"Yes,sweety.You look so sweet when you're angry."I say messing Bens hair."
"Quit it!"says Ben laughing
I give Ben a big hug and I go out of my room and cross the bridge and go to the pavilion.
"What was that for?"asks Ben coming after me onto the pavilion
"Because I love you."I say looking at the water shyly
"Oh then you don't mind me returning it do you?"asks Ben hugging me and looking out at the water.
"It's a good idea that Edward put the pavilion in the middle of the lake.Isn't it? The view from here is beautiful."I say nestling in Ben's arms
"Not as beautiful as you."says Ben
"Really?"I ask shyly
"Mhhm."says Ben
"Let's go inside the house.I feel tired."I say
"From what?Watching a movie?"asks Ben
"No,from admiting my love,revealing yours and making you go red like a girl!"I say and I run towards the house
"Oh really?"asks Ben running after me
I run and stop near Philip who's turns around to the noise of my running.
"Whoa! What's the rush,sis?"He asks
"Nothing just running."I say with a smile
Ben stops near me and I look at him.
"I'll go to my room."I say "I bet you two have things to discuss."
I go to my room and I hear Ben apologizing to Philip and telling him about me and him.
"Really?You two together?GREAT!"says Philip
In Edwards office,I tell my mother and Edward everything about me liking Ben and him liking me.
You know what?
They said that they were happy for me and that they have no problem with it.
I GUESS COMING TO LIVE IN SIRMONSHIRE WASN'T A BAD IDEA AFTER ALL ! ANYWAY,HOW HARD CAN BEING A LADY BE?

"When I danced with you that day at the ball,I never thought that you were my sister."says Philip
"I never thought that you would be my brother when I was scolding you."I say
"You scolded me?"asks Philip
"Yeah."I say
"why?"he asks
"Because you told me to go out of the dance floor alone."I say
"But you said you wanted to."says Philip
"I wanted to go out with you cause we started to dance together and we should stop together."I say
"That's not such a good rule."says Philip
"Well then you should of told me to go in a different way."I say
"Silly girl."says Philip giving me a light push
"Ow!Hey,don't ruin my mood.This is the first day that I'm going home after college and after graduating and I want to be happy."I say sternly
"Ooh,cool down sis.Wanna cool drink?"asks Philip
"Yes please."I say
Philip looks worried.
"What is it?"I ask
"I forgot to put those drinks into the bus today."says Philip with a worried look and an innocent smile.
"PHILIP!"I shout
When we go home and talk with Ben about the new project that we were planning to show to the sponsors.
"So we're going tommorow?"I ask
"Yeah let's get up early.We should be there by 8:15 for the meeting."says Ben
"Okay so I'll set the alarm and go to sleep."I say
"Yeah you should do that or you'll sleep for a long time because of your tiredness."says Philip
"Yeah.So I think I'll go get some sleep now."I said yawning
I say goodnight to Philip and Ben and I go to my room.
I'm so tired that I fall asleep at once.
Oh why does my cell phone have to ring so early in the morning?
"Hello?"I say sleepily
"Hello sleepy head! Get up it's 8 in the morning!"says the voice
"What oh no! I'm late!"I say
"You're damn right! You are late!"says the other person
I keep my cell phone on it's holder.Then I pick it up again.
"Call me in ten minutes."I say
"Sure thing."says the other person who I think is Philip
I rush to the washroom,brush my teeth,wash my face and I wear my coat kit.
My phone rings
"Ready yet,sleepy head?"asks the person
"Yeah and don't call me sleepy-head,Philip."I say
"Oh so you know who I am?"asks Philip "Okay then I'll come out."
"Yeah. Sure"I say walking out of my room.
I meet Philip outside my room.
"The meeting starts at 8.15 and it's already 8.05 now!"says Philip
"Oh no we're late!" I say running beside Philip
"Correction,you're dead!"says Philip
"Thanks you make me feel better."I say
We run and run and at last we see the top of the building we were supposed to have the meeting.
I get a call.
"Yeah what's up?"I ask panting
"Where are you?I can't keep them here any longer."says Ben
"Okay try to hold them for 5 more minutes.We're coming in the express."I say
"Yeah right,the express on two feet."says Ben
I guess he heard me panting.
"Gentleman,My freinds are on their way to this room."says Ben just as we hang up
"Ben really knows how to lie."I say to Philip
Philip smiles "He is your boyfreind."
"I did teach him a few ways to keep people waiting."I say with an innocent smile
"That's shows where he got it from. The poor guy's even learnt how to lie bieng with you. I guess it's his bad luck."says Philip with a laugh while we get into the elevator
"Quit it,Philip!"I say pushing him a little
"Just a joke!"He says
We get out of the elevator and quickly walk to the meeting room.
"Gentleman your patience has not gone to waste,may I present Clara and Philip."says Ben as we walk into the room
"Good morning Gentleman,sorry we were late the traffic was tough."I say quickly going into the room and shaking hands with the men
Philip just follows me and I see that he was amazed by my quickness.
"And where do you come from?"ask a bald man
I see that he was trying to reveal my lie and he was very cunning,
But I'm much more cunning.
"From wherever the traffic is."I say
"What do you have to show us,Clara?"asked a tall man before the bald man could say anything else.
"Gentleman,I present to you 'THE EDUCATIONER' "I say showing a small laptop
"What does it do?"asks the tall man
"Just watch this,getleman and let it answer your questions."says Philip
PRESENTATION STARTS...................................
Tired of marking books? Tired of writing notes?Tired of a heavy bag?
Well then you should have 'THE EDUCATIONER' with you.
It corrects every assessment with the voice command of the teacher or user.
Memorizes and records notes and the notes can be played,rewritten and reused.
It even records a lesson that the teacher tells it and plays it anytime you want.
The lesson would sound as if it is being said live.
All a student has to do is study the notes and prepare for the exam.
Another good thing about the educationer is that it comes with it's own surveillence cameras.
A student can do the exam right at home and turn on the cameras before they start.
If they do not turn it on then the exam paper would not be accepted.
Once the candidate finishes the exam or the time period is finshed,the exam is sent to the email address of the prespective teacher.
The student gets the results and the child is either promoted to the next class,term or is detained.
The teachers recieve payment through mail or western union for submitting notes and for conducting lessons online.
Why spend money on buildings,desks,chairs and equipment when you can learn right at home?
THINK ABOUT IT! JOIN US!
PRESENTATION ENDS....................................
"Hmm,Catchy but is it possible?"asks the bald man
"Of course we can activate it in one month ."says Ben
"It does have it's disadvantages."says the tall man
"But don't we all?Have our faults I mean.Sure we do but do we let that ruin a thousand of good things in our life?NO! The disadvantages are small,sir but the good that this can do is enormous."says Philip
"Well if you look at it that way..........."says the bald man and he turns to look at the tall man "I believe you just won your point my boy.I say yes to this project.What about you peter?"
"Yes."says the tall man
"Thank you Gentleman.Then it's settled."I say shaking hands with the men and Ben leads them out.
"You did it !"says Ben coming into the room and looking at me
"No,we did it and we have to thank Philip for coming up with a great idea of how to vanquish the disadvantages otherwise it wouldn't have worked."I say
"Thanks Philip."says Ben patting Philip on the back
"You did it!"I say giving Philip a hug
"I did it?Really?Oh yeah I did.I just can't believe I did it.But I couldn't of done it without you two."says Philip
Alright if none of you want to take the credit then I might as well say that I did all the work and you two just stood there or shall we say that we did it together?"asks Ben
"Together."I say

Philip nods.
"who wants a nice cup of cooled mango juice?"asks Ben
"Mango juice sounds nice."I say with a smile
"Mmm."says Philip
"You two relax in the pavilion while I bring the mago juice."says Ben and he turns around to go
"Aren't you tired?"I ask
"Not as much as you two are from running and coming up with things to say at the meeting."says Ben with a smile and he goes to the kitchen
"He's so nice."I say with a smile
Ben comes to the pavilion with our mango juice.We take it and it tastes awesome!
"Let's go for a walk."I say
We get off the pavilion and go for a walk in the garden.
"So what are we going to do next?"asks Ben
"Dunno.We'll have to wait till those men give us a call and an appointment."I say
"I hope they call soon.I can't wait to see our product launched."says Philip
"Tell me why you two joined this."I say
"For the fame."says Philip "I need it to finally convince my father that I can be the son he wants me to be and maybe I might stirke luck with a girl as well,you know."
"Philip!"I say laughing
"What?Girls like famous guys don't they?"asks Philip
"Maybe but even if a girl does,you can't really tell if she loves you or your money so don't use fame for luck with girls."I say with a smile
"You're probably right.But I still want the fame."says Philip and he sounds like such a baby that I can't help laughing.
"Oh Philip."I say as I laugh
"And what about you Ben?"I ask
"I don't know.I'm doing this cause you wanted to."says Ben
"What?What am I then?Not an angel?"asks Philip
"Well you're in for the fame not for me."I say
"But I'm still in it.I can just as well do something else."says Philip "I'm in this for you too.You know."
"Really?I thought you were in it for the fame."I say with a smile
"You're my second reason.You are my sister and I do love you."says Philip
"Oh,I'm so sorry."I say
Then my mother came into the Garden.
"So how did your meeting go?"asks my mother
"Brilliant!They agreed!"I said
"OH I'm so happy for you."says my mother giving me a hug
"Care if we join?"asks Philip
We nod
"GROUP HUG!"shouts Philip as we hug eachother.
It was the most fun I had after coming home and I really enjoyed it.
"Good luck you three ."says my mother as we go out of the house.
"Thanks."we say waving to my mother
We went to the meeting and the men said that they were ready to activate 'THE EDUCATIONER' in three more months.We sign an agreement,get an advance,bank the advance and come home.
I don't know if this is all my imagination but I feel that Ben has changed after the agreement.
"Is there anything wrong,Ben?"I ask
"No just leave me alone.I need to think."he says
I'm shocked.How can Ben be so mean to me?
"What's up with him?"asks Philip as I join him
"Probably trying to think of a way to spend his money."I say but I don't think that's the real reason.
"Looks to me like he doesn't need you anymore."says Philip
"I don't know but you could be right.I mean,Ben has been acting very strangely these days."I say
"Keep an eye on him."says Philip
"Yup.So what are you going to do now?"I ask
"What's the difference now?"asks Philip
"Hello? We're going to be famous !"I say "I thought you wanted the girls to like you."
"Well I've let go of that idea now."says Philip
"Really?Why?"I ask
"Well I think I have other plans and there's so much on my mind these days that I don't have time to think about girls."says Philip
"Oh yeah?What do you have to think about so much?"I ask
"You probably shouldn't know."says Philip
"Why?"I ask
"You'll get tangled in a lot of questions and answers.You'll be very confused."says Philip
"Tangled into what?"I ask
"I spoke too much."says Philip and he quickly walks away
"Tangled into what?"I ask myself and I can't seem to find the answer
I look at Philip running towards the house. I turn back to look at Ben whose coming behind me very slowly. I don't know what to do.
Talk to Ben and maybe get scolded,talk to Ben and maybe get answered,talk to Edward or mother and get more entangled in whatever Philip meant,or just let time solve things on its own.
"What are you thinking so much about?"asks Ben coming close to me
"So have you cooled down?"I ask
"Sorry about before."says Ben
"It's okay."I say but I didn't feel okay. Not at all okay.
"So what were you thinking about?"asks Ben
"Well,I asked Philip what he was thinking so much about and he said that if he told me,I would get tangled in a lot of questions and answers.I don't understand what he meant.That's what I was trying to figure out."I say looking at Ben "You have any idea?"
"No,I have to go."says Ben quickly walking away just like Philip
I run after him but I don't let him notice me. There's something really big going on and I can smell it.(Okay not smell it,feel it,Okay?)
I know that I said I loved Ben but we never acted like we loved eachother.I wonder why I ever liked him.He seems to be after something.
Anyway that's how I see it and maybe not the way things really are.So let's just see.
I walk behind Ben and I see him going upstairs to Edwards office without even knocking. I slowly go to the door and listen.
Mothers not at home so there's nothing to fear.
"Why didn't you knock?"asks Edward
"Knock?How can I even think of knocking when there's so many things to think of?"asks Ben
He was shouting at Edward.The nerves of the guy!
"Why,what's happened?"asks Edward
"What's happened?Philip has told Clara something about us."says Ben'
"Did she tell you?"asks Edward
"She said that Philip told her that if she knew about the girl he loved she would be tangled in a lot of questions and answers."says Ben
"What in the world is happening?"asks Edward
"If I don't marry Clara,I will never be able to get your land.So do something and make this Philip guy shut up!"shouts Ben and he starts to come towards the door.
I quickly get inside the bathroom nearby and slowly close the door.I watch him leave.
Edward comes out of his office scratching his head.
Then who's Ben and why did he need Edwards land?
Edward sends a messege to Philip telling him to come to his office room.
Why?
"Philip.Have a seat."says Edward
"Why did you call me,Uncle Edward?"asks Philip
Uncle Edward?Why did Philip have to call his father,Uncle Edward?
"I hear you've told Clara about our plans."says Edward
"I swear I haven't Uncle."says Philip
"Well then let's keep it that way.Cause I brought you here to help me carry out this plan and make Clara fall in love with Ben. Not make her fall in love with you and ruin my plan."says Edward
"I know and I did not say anything to Clara."says Philip
"Very well Philip.You may go."says Edward
Philip turns towards the door and then turns to Edward again.
"Is it okay if I ask something, Uncle?"asks Philip
"Yes."says Edward
"Why do we have to listen to Ben?Can't we go against his orders?"asks Philip
"We could,my boy.But if we do,our entire Mansion,all our workers and everything we have will be taken away from us.Even our lives.Especially our lives."says Edward
"Our lives,Uncle?"asks Philip
"Yes,long ago Ben's father and I were best freinds.We did everything together but one day Ben's father went against my rules,we had an argument and Ben's father didn't talk to me since. I thought we could be freinds again and forget everything but Ben's father didn't forget anything."says Edward
"What happened,Uncle?"asks Philip
"Ben's father came to my house.strangled my house maid and said that he would tell everyone I did it if I did not sign a contract with him which stated that all my property will go to him when I die since I have no family."says Edward
"Didn't the maid have a family?"asks Philip
"No.Her parents had died when she was about 16 years old,she had no siblings and all her relatives were uncontactable.She came to work for me since her parents death."says Edward "Ben's father buried the body and I signed the contract."
"So you signed it,Uncle."says Philip
"Yes but when I married Clara's mother,the contract was no longer valid since now I have a daughter.But Ben's father sent his son to me,so that Ben could marry Clara and all the land would be his."says Edward "If I don't give Clara to Ben,they would tell the police about the murder and frame me for it."
"How can I help you Uncle ?"asks Philip
"You know everything now.So speak of this with no one and make sure Clara keeps on loving Ben."says Edward
I heard enough.I go down the stairs to my room and I lie down on my bed.
Everything I belived in,loved,and knew was all a big lie. Ben didn't love me . Philip wasn't my brother and their was a problem that I had to solve and save myself from.
There's a knock on my door.I wonder who it is.
"Clara?Can I come in?"asks Philip
"Yeah."I say
Here comes the other liar.
"What are you doing here all by yourself?"Philip asks me
"Thinking."I say
"About what?"asks Philip sitting down at the side of my bed. "Something you can't tell your brother?"
"Stop it,Please!"I say
"Stop what?"asks Philip
"Stop lying! Just stop.Don't you ever get tired of lying?"I ask
"Lying?When did I lie to you?"asks Philip
I can't stand it when people lie to me.
"You've lied to me since the day I met you!"I say and I guess I was shouting
"Quiten down,Clara."says Philip "Who says I've lied to you?"
"I heard everything you and Edward talked about."I say
Philip looks down. "You're not really Edwards son,are you?"I ask
"No,I'm Lord Shelton's son. When I went to Paris,my father gave up on me....." says Philip but I stop him.
"Because you didn't do what he wanted you to do. So that part was true?"I ask
"Yes,it was."says Philip "When my father gave up on me,I stayed in Paris and tried to work things out my way.But I was the son of a lord not someone who was used to working.I wasn't that good in art and there were no jobs for me in Paris.I decided to come back but before going to my father,I came to my father's best freind,Lord Edward."says Philip
"Then Edward told you to help him and you told me you were Edwards son and tried to make me fall in love with Ben."I say
"Yes and it worked.You said yes to Ben."says Philip
"Yes I did but I didn't love him. I guess I never felt liked I loved him.I don't know why I ever said yes to him."I say
"Really?You don't like him?"asks Philip "Then why did you tell him you liked him?"
"Maybe because he asked me and I liked him as a freind.I thought I was doing the right thing." I say
"Let's go out.The others might be looking for us."says Philip
I follow Philip
"Where have you two been?"asks Ben coming towards us while we're walking in the garden.
"Just walking around the garden."I say
"Alone?"asks Ben
"No,with my brother."I say
"Yeah right."says Ben "Let's go"
"Where?"I ask.
"Somewhere away from your brother."says Ben
"Wait a sec I need to go to the washroom."I say and I run to my room.
In my room,I send a message to Philip's phone saying "Philip,I don't know what this guy is up to but I have to be ready.Attach a voice recorder to your phone's speaker and when I call you keep the call on.Don't hang up if I don't talk cause everything will be recorded in the voice recorder."
"Sure,I'll do just that.You go with him and don't worry.I know I can't stop you once you've made up your mind to do something."says Philips message
I come out of my room and Philip's not there.
"Where's Philip?"I ask Ben
"He got an message and he went away.I guess it's from his girlfreind."says Ben
"We don't have to go anywhere now do we?I mean Philips gone right?"I ask
"Yes but I need to take you to a place where no one can hear you scream."says Ben
"BEN,WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT?"I shout
"Quiten down."says Ben
I struggle and try to break free but Ben drags me away and pushes me inside a big white car.
While Ben drives,I quickly take out my phone and give Philip a call and I put my phone in strap-pocket I have in the inside of my t-shirt.
(I have a hidden pocket in each of my t-shirts.Just in case.I can't belive it actually came handy!Good thinking huh?)
"What are you doing?"asks Ben looking back
"You wrinkled my t-shirt.I'm just adjusting it."I say
"You never change,Clara."says Ben laughing and he turns to the front again
Ben takes me to a very big house and an old man meets us there.
They go out of the room.

They speak something in a different language. I think the old man is Ben's father because they talk with eachother like a son and father.
"Clara meet my father,Lord Algonso."says Ben coming into the room with the old man.
"Pleased to meet you,Clara."says Algonso holding out his hand to me.
"Hm."I say with a smile.
I will have nothing to do with a murderer.
"When someone holds out there hand to you,you take it and shake hands."says Algonso grasping my hand and shaking it vigorusly.
"Yeah,Yeah,I know."I say
"I see. So you're ready to marry my son?"asks Algonso
"Listen Algonso."I start
"Lord Algonso."corrects Algonso
"Whatever,listen if your son didn't bring me here,I would never marry him!"I say
"Well I never! Why is that girl?"asks Algonso
"I will never marry a murderers son!"I say
"Oh so you know?"asks Algonso
"Yes,you killed Edwards maid and tried to frame him for it.But you told him that if he signed a contract that said all his property and belongings will be yours when he dies since he has no family,you wouldn't tell anyone.So he signed it.When Edward married my mother you knew that your contract will be of no use so you sent Ben to marry me.Then you told Edward that if what you want didn't happen,you would kill me and my mother and tell the police that Edward killed us and send him to jail and because of the contract you will be able to have all his property."I say staring at Algonso's eyes.
"Ooooh,smart girl.You've figured it all out haven't you?Not even Edward thought I would kill you and your mother."says Algonso
"So he doesn't know you were going to kill me and my mother?"I ask
"No he did all this to save himself and his property."says Algonso.
"Bastard!"I shout
I can't believe Edward was going to make me marry a murderers son just to save his life and property.
"But you'll kill us anyway,right?"I ask
"Wrong.There you're wrong.That is what we were going to do."says Algonso
"Why you're not going to do it now?"I ask
"Course not! Ben is going to marry you,take all Edwards property and live a happy life. My son says he actually likes you."says Algonso
I look at Ben. So he really loves me. Algonso gets a call and walks slowly out of the room.
"I thought you never loved me."I say looking at Ben
"I thought you thought I loved you when you said yes to me."says Ben
"I did think that but I when I got to know about this,I thought it was all a big lie."I say
"Who told you about this?"asks Ben "Philip right?"
"No,I listened to the conversation between you and Edward and Philip and Edward."I say
"That's a very bad habit.You've been a very naughty girl,Clara."says Ben "That's why I love you so much.You never give up till you know what you want to know and you would do anything to get what you want."
"You've learned a lot about me haven't you?"I ask
"Yes,I always search on people I love."says Ben
"Quit it,Ben.You never loved me and never will!"I say
"Nonsense!How can you know what I feel?"asks Ben
"If you really loved me,you would never try to kill me!"I shout
"Quiten down,Algonso will hear."says Ben
"Why do you call your father,Algonso?"I ask
"He isn't my father."says Ben

"What?Not more reavealing secrets!"I say tired of all the secrets
Ben laughs. "He's not my father.He's my step-father. When I my father died,my mother married Algonso.Same as your mother and both our step-fathers our lords.We lived a very happy life but when his freindship with your father ended,he grew angry all the time and
he told me to agree with plan and marry you.I never wanted to hurt you or your family."
"Well why did you listen to him then?"I ask "What about your mother?"
"Before I fell in love with you,I was angry with Edward as well,for making Algonso angry."says Ben "My mother doesn't know about these things,she's in the hospital.She is in a shock."
"Why what happened?"I ask
"One day when we were driving home,Algonso got a call from Edward and Algonso hung up with suh an anger that he didn't even drive correctly.He sped up,the carf slipped on the wet road and we dropped into the water.We almost drowned but Algonso and I managed to get ourselves and my mother out of the car.By the time we got out and onto the bridge,my mother didn't say a word and just stared into space.The cops came,took our car out of the water and sent us to the hospital for check-ups.The doctor there said that my mother was in a shock and that she would have to stay there till she recovered her senses.We tried everything,The doctors say that she needs special love and care.The doctor said he would take care of all that but we never had time to go there.Algonso was always busy with his businesses and he never took me to see her.Later we got the message that she had recovered but when she came home,things got worse.She had a lot of mood swings and soon she had an accident in the road and passed away."says Ben "Algonso loved my mother a lot and he's never been the same since her death.I'll try to save you."
"I'm so sorry."I say
"No worries,I saw you send Philip a call and put your cell-phone inside your t-shirt."Ben whispers in my ear.
"You saw what?"I ask "You looked at what I was doing?Gosh,I'm glad I didn't do anything you shouldn't see."
"You should of known that I'd be keeping an eye on you.Especially since I like you.I don't want you to get hurt."says Ben
I didn't know whether or not I could believe that Ben loved me,but I definitely couldn't give up my chance of escape.So I just talked about escaping.
"I know."I say and I raise my eyebrows to tell him that Algonso is coming.
"And don't try to escape for here."says Ben and I know he got my message.
"I see your teaching our little Lady,how she should behave here."says Algonso
"I tried my very best."says Ben "But she's very stubborn."
"Women,my boy,Women.That's what they're like,never listen."says Algonso "You did well,my boy,very well."
Ben smiled with Algonso.I rolled my eyes. Ben loved to be complimented.
I had to stay there for about an hour and it was damn boring. Algonso went on talking about all the things he was planning on doing and Ben kept on trying to impress me, which made me laugh(not out loud) and Alogonso didn't even see him.
"Are we going to stay like the this for the rest of the day?"I ask
"No dear,we are going to give your step father a call and tell him that you're here.Then we're going to get you two married."says Algonso
"He won't worry about it.He obviously agrees with your plan."I say
"Yes but he was showing no intrest in your marraige and that son of Shelton is a big threat."says Algonso
I had no problem in marrying Ben but marrying Algonso's step-son,Ben Frezo was not what I had in mind.
"Oh,so when are we taking this call?"I ask
"Why not right now?"asks Algonso and he takes his phone onto his lap and dials Edwards number.
I've always wanted to use one of those old phones but right now it was not such a good idea.
First Algonso talks with Edward and then he gives me the phone.
"Hello Clara?Are you alright dear?"asks Edward
"I'm alright Edward. I think I'll be able to come home soon."I say
Algonso grabs the phone from my hands and hangs up.
"Wrong turn,Clara."says Algonso "You won't get out of here no matter what happens."
"Absolutely right."says Ben with a wicked smile.
Is this really the guy who said he'll save me?
"What next?"I ask
"Next?Is this some kind of game to you?"asks Algonso
"Game?Life is not a game,Mr.Algonso.Life is a painting,one wrong move and its hard to bring the original image back."I say
"Nice words."says Algonso "But what we want now is not quotes,Miss Clara.What we want now is action.I want you to marry Ben."
"Well then why don't you do it?I'm here,Ben's here.You can get us married anytime."I say
"Wrong,for you two to get married.Edward has to be here and sign a new contract that states that he gives all his property to you and you should sign a contract that transfers all your property to Ben and then obviously to me."says Algonso
"Didn't you finish that off with the previous contract?"I ask
"That contract states that we get his property since he has no family.But now that he's married,all the property will either go to you or your mother and the contract is unvalid."says Algonso
"Well you can just tell Edward to write all his property to Ben and then Ben can give it to you.No need of any marraige."I say
"But my boy likes you and wants to marry you."says Algonso
"Maybe but you are the father.Why listen to your son?"I ask "Threaten Edward like you did before and get everything signed."
"How did you know about the threats?"asks Algonso
"By listening.You learn a lot from listening,Algonso."I say
"I see.We could work it your way and you are right.I am the father and why should I listen to my son?You are smart."says Algonso
"Father!Do you not want my happiness?"asks Ben
While father and son argue I slowly manage to drop the fruit knife on the chair to the floor and loosen the ropes that are keeping my hands tied to the pole I'm resting my back on.
"Hey you done with your fighting?When can I go home?Bring me something to eat."I say
"WHAT DID YOU SAY,YOU BRAT?DON'T YOU DARE ORDER US AROUND THAT EVER AGAIN!"shouts Ben
"Oh so what happened to all the talk about you loving me and wanting to help me escape?"I ask
I got him angry so now he'll probably speak the truth.
"YOU'RE VERY STUPID.YOU KNOW THAT?I NEVER LOVED YOU! I JUST TRIED TO GAIN YOUR TRUST."says Ben as he gets close to my face.

"OH YEAH?WELL I DON'T LIKE TO GET CHEATED!HERE'S A LITTLE GIFT."I say hitting him in his weakest and most important part when it comes to hitting a man and making him unconcious.
Ben howls in pain and falls down.
I quickly run to the left,while Algonso rushes to Ben from the door on the right.Luckily I was in a room which had doors in the left and right side.
I see a baseball bat and I take it.It'll come in handy.
I run to the door.Damn! It's locked. I run to the window.Locked.But wait!There's no drills! If I break the window,I can jump out,since the window is near to the floor.
I swing the baseball bat and hit the window as hard as I can.The glass shatters to pieces and I jump out.
"Come back!"shouts Algonso
"NO WAY!"I shout as I run
I had taken a wallet on the table near the baseball bat and I had enough money to catch a cab and go home.
Once I'm very far from where Algonso lives,I go to the street. I see a car coming but not a cab.I don't want more troube so I don't wave to stop it.
But it slows down.I look at it and then look to the left of the road waiting for a cab.
"Wanna a lift,maam?"asks the driver
I look at him. "PHILIP!"I shout
"Why,do I look like someone else?"asks Philip looking at himself in the side mirror.
"Oh,Philip."I say laughing
"Get in."says Philip "Not the back,the front.I don't want to look like your driver."
I smile.
"You go out somehow.Didn't you?"asks Philip while we drive home
"Used some of those charms we,women have."I say
"What?"asks Philip
"The power to make two men argue,the power to make a guy and angry and spill everything he knows and the power to make a guy get himself unknowingly hit by me."I say with a smile
"Who'd you hit?Ben or the old man?"asks Philip
"Ben."I say "He deserved it."
"Oh yeah.I had enough of his innocent boy-friend acts."says Philip
"You never liked him.Did you?"I ask
"Why should I?"asks Philip "I don't have to give him my loyalty and everything I love.Do I?"
"When did he ask for something you loved?"I ask
Philip smiles.
"Lets go"he says
"Hmm."I say as I let out a big sigh
We reach home and I see my mother and Edward waiting for us outside.
"Clara!"shouts my mother as she runs to me and hugs me.
"Nice to have you back."says Edward
"It feels great to be home,Dad."I say hugging Edward
Edward always wanted me to call him Dad and I guess he deserves it.
My mother and I go to my room and talk about the things that happened.
"So were you scared?"asks my mother
"No,I just told myself that if I'm scared then I can't do anything.So I was able to escape by using my brain."I say
"Yes,you're my clever little girl."says my mother
I smile. "Thanks mom."I say
"Clara,we're going to file a case against Algonso and Ben.We want you to testify."says Edward when my mother and I go down to Edwards office.
"Of course."I say "I'll do anything to see them behind bars."
"I thought you loved him."says Edward
"I thought I did but we never behaved liked lovers and Ben never made mem feel he loved me and I never felt I loved him either.I guess I said yes to him because he was the first to ask me whether I liked him."I say
"Well,I'm glad you understand."says Edward
"Shall I take Clara out?"asks Philip
"Yes sure."says my mother
"Shall we?"asks Philip holding his hand out to me.
"Only if you won't tell me to go home alone."I say
"I'll bring you back.I promise."says Philip laughing
"Let's go."I say with a smile
We go out into the garden and go near Philip's car.
"Where we going?"I ask
"I want to pay my father a little visit."says Philip
"I thought he never wanted to see you."I say
"I didn't say he never wanted to see me.You assumed he never wanted to see me."says Philip opening the car door for me.
"Yeah,you always get away with your words."I say
"Actually their Jackie chan's words from the movie rush hour 1."says Philip getting into the car.
"Just drive."I say laughing
"With joy."says Philip with a smile.
We drive all the way to Philips fathers mansion.
Philip and I go to the door and Philip rings the bell.
A short little man comes and opens the door.
"What may I do for you sir?"he asks as he opens the door.
Philip smiles. "Remember me?"he asks
"Little lord Philip! Oh this is wonderful! When Lord Shelton heard that you were here,he told us to always be prepared to greet you.I must tell him.Come in,my lord."says the little man overcome with happiness.
"That's Dinble.He's in charge of our kitchen,clothes,and pratically everything in the house.He's the only servent who is close to us and we treat him like family.He's such a nice little man."says Philip as we sit down.
Then an old man in a long purple robe came into the room.
Philip got up and I did the same. "This must be Philips father."I think to myself
"Father."says Philip
"Philip,my son.Come here."says Lord Shelton spreading out his hands.
Philip hugs his father. "I'm so sorry for not doing what you want father."says Philip crying
"No,I'm sorry for not listening to you."says Lord Shelton
"I really missed you,father."says Philip
"So did I,sit down and we'll have a nice talk."says Lord Shelton
"Who's this young lady?" asks Philip looking at me
"Clara Boomstorm,Lord Edwards step-daughter.Nice to meet you."I say holding out my hand to him
"Delighted to meet you too."says Lord Shelton shaking my hand.
We sit down and have a small chat.
"We have to go now,Father but we'll come again soon."says Philip after a while.
"Yes.I'll asked Dinble to prepare some sweets for you to take home.Please come home soon."says Shelton as leads us to the door.
"Lord Philip.Here's the sweets.Oh please do come again soon."says Dinble giving Philip a big box of sweets.
After saying farewell to Dinble and Lord Shelton,we get into the car and start to drive back home.
"So when are we going back?"I ask when we reach home.
"You like my Father don't you?"asks Philip
"Yes,he's very nice."I say
"I'm glad you like him."says Philip
"Any special reason?"I ask
"All in good time,Clara.All in good time."says Philip walking away
"What is the good time?"I ask running after him
Philip stops in Edwards office. We go to Edwards office very much these days.With the problems that are taking place,we have to meet eachother and disscuss things a lot.But what does Philip have to talk about now?
In Edwards room,I find Edward and my mother sitting on the big red sofa drinking mango juice that I made and bottled.
"Ah Philip,how was the visit?"asks my mother
"Great.My father forgave me and I can go home anytime but I can't go empty handed.I'll go to my room."says Philip as he walks out of the room.
"What does Philip mean by not going empty handed?"I ask

"Sit down darling."says Edward and I sit down in between Edward and my mother.
"So what happening?"I ask
"We were thinking about you.Tell us what your future plans are."says my mother
"Well,that's not exactly an answer to my question but I'll answer your question. I want to make 'the educationer' a success,I want to become a doctor in one of the hospitals here,make my own medication center,do some charity work,take care of you two and face life as it comes."I say
"Don't you have any intention of getting,um,married?"asks my mother
"Not after what happened with Ben."I say "I don't think I can trust anyone anymore."
"Not everyone is like Ben,darling"says Edward
"Ben,Darling?You're calling him 'DARLING'?"I ask and I was kind of angry for calling Ben a darling at least thats what I heard.
"No,I called you 'Darling'."says Edward patiently
"Oh."I say
"Anyway,we want you to think about it again.We asked Philip to talk to you about it."says my mother
"PHILIP!Why him,mom?It's okay.I'll try to think about what you said."I say
"Good girl,now go to your room and do what you like."says my mother
"Thanks.You two are the best."I say leaving the room
I don't get to stay in my room alone for long.Cause Philip or Ben always comes to meet me,since Ben isn't here,it must be Philip.
"Clara,open the door."says the person outside
I don't think it's Philip and it obviously isn't Edward or my mother but it does sound like BEN! Oh no is he back? How will I get out of my room?
I quickly get my toy gun and fill it with bicycle balls.
I open the door and go out.
"Don't you dare come near me,Ben.I'll shoot you."I say
"Oh really Clara,a toy gun?Is that all you have to defend yourself?"asks Ben and he comes closer
"I swear I'll shoot."I say
I aim for Bens leg and shoot. Ben howls in pain and rubs his leg.
"I'm not a silly little girl and this is no toy."I say running into the house.
No one is at home. I grab the phone and dial 911.
"Police here.How may we help you?"asks the reciever
"I'm about to be kidnapped,please come to 7/25 danstan road,Boomstorm Mansion. There's a kidnapper here!I say and I hang up
I run into livingroom,open a secret door behind the big sofa and hide in the small room.
Ben searches for me everywhere.
"I know you're here Clara.Come out."says Ben
I go more further into the little room.
"Oh come on Clara,you can't hide from me forever.I just want to say I'm sorry."says Ben
"I won't have to hide,you jerk! You'll soon be behind bars.Then I'll be free from you forever!"I say in my head but I don't dare say it out loud afraid that Ben would hear.
"Where oh where has my sweetheart gone?Oh where oh where can she be?With her stubborness strong and her lovely hair long.Oh where oh where can she be?"sings Ben looking for me.
Then I hear anoter voice calling out. "This is the police.Please open the door."
I don't think Ben heard cause he's still asking me to come out. There's only one way to get him caught and that's to get myself caught.
I qiuckly come out of the secret room and pretend to be running away from Ben. Ben sees me.(Just as I planned.)
"There you are.I've got you now."says Ben getting hold of me and putting me over his shoulder.
Ben is a very strong guy and his body is big enough to suit it.
"Let go of me you creep!"I say shouting and waving my feet.
"Shut up Clara."says Ben slapping me.
"I'll give that back."I think to myself "I never keep debts"
"Help!Someone Help me! Where's the police?"I shout
"What police?"asks Ben
The police surround us and I jump down from Bens shoulder.
"This poilce."I say
"This was all your plan?"asks Ben
"Hmm,can't believe it worked but yeah it's my plan."I say with a smile
The police take him to the police jeep.
"Let go of me."shouts Ben
"Wait there's a debt I have to pay."I say running to Ben and the policemen.
"May I?"I ask
"Sure."says the policeman.
"Shut up,Ben!"I say giving him a hard slap. "Debt paid.See ya."
"You're one brave and smart girl."says one policeman.
"Thanks."I say with a smile
When Philip and my parents arrive,the police have left,I've cooked dinner and everything was in tip-top shape.
"Wow,nice work."says my mother
"What happened while we were gone?"asks Edward
"Oh nothing,Ben came back.That's all."I say
"BEN!How did,um,what?"started Philip and I cut him short
"Don't worry he's in jail now."I say with a smile
"How?"asks Edward
"You did something didn't you?"asks my mother
"She always has a plan.Come on tell us the story."says Philip
"Maybe while we eat?I'm so hungry I can eat a bear !"I say with a baby face
"Oh alright."says my mother laughing "I'll go get a wash and come."
"I need a wash too."says Edward
"Me three."says Philip and they all go up to their rooms.
I'm glad every bedroom in our mansion has a bathroom cause if everyone wanted to take a bath at the sametime,we'd be able to see a fine argument.
"So they caught Ben and left."I say as I finish narrating everything that happened when Ben came as we had our dinner.
"Hmm.It would make a pretty good scene for a movie."says Philip
"I think so."I say
"Or maybe a book."says my mother
"I think so."I say again
"Or maybe a nice story for the reporters."says Edward
"I think so."I say
"She thinks so."says Philip with a laugh
I laugh too.It was nice to be back with my family.

"Have a rest,darling.It's been a rough day."says my mother coming into my room and stroking my head and I fall to sleep.
"Mom,is everything okay?"I ask
"Never better."says my mother going out.
I wake up when I get a call from Philip.
"Wake up sleeepy head.Time to launch 'the educationer'."says Philip
"Okay okay.I'm coming."I say and I hang up.
What shall I wear today? How about a long light yellow dress with steaks of orange outlined in gold?Perfect!
"Wow you look.."says Philip
"Amazing?"I ask
"No,Dull."says Philip
I pout,cross my arms and bend my left knee. (This is bound to make Philip laugh!) Philip laughs (YEAH !)
"Just kidding.You look amazingly dazzling gorgoeus."says Philip with a smile
"Nice phrase.Three words in one go."I say returning his smile.
"Thank you ,thank you."says Philip raising his hands
"I thought we had to go to the launch of 'the educationer'. "I say
"We do but that's in 1 more hour."says Philip
"1 more hour?"I ask
"Yes."says Philip
"And to think I got dressed in such a hurry."I say
"Sorry,just wanted to talk with you for a while."says Philip
"Really?What could be more important than my sleep?"I ask
"If sleeping is so important to you,just go back and sleep."says Philip angrily
"Aawww,my darling elder brother is angry."I say "Cool down Philip,I was just joking."
"Well that's okay but don't call me your elder brother.You know the truth now."says Philip
" Okay sorry that won't happen again but I have to say that you look so cute when you're angry."I say
"Okay,Let's talk."says Philip
"Sure."I say
We start to walk to the pavilion.
"I heard you going to move back home."I say
"I am but I'm not empty handed."says Philip
"Of course,you should take something."I say
"Yes and I'm planning to take it from this house."says Philip
"Huh?I mean what are you going to take?"I ask
"More like stealing."says Philip with a smile
" What are you going to steal this time?"I ask
"What else did I steal?"asks Philip
"My phone number."I say
"Oh,well I was wondering if I could steal your heart."says Philip
"My heart?"I ask
"Yes,you would help me won't you?"asks Philip
"I don't know what you mean."I say
"I mean I love you and I want to marry you."says Philip
"I don't understand Philip. I thought you liked me as a sister."I say
"I always knew the truth. How could you be a sister to me?I loved you,Clara."says Philip
"Well I never knew the truth so I treated you like a brother and loved you like a brother."I say
"Well can't you change it?"asks Philip
"You think I can?"I ask him
I never dreamed he would love me and I never dreamed he would ask me to marry him.
"I just can't Philip.Okay?This is just too much."I say
"Okay if that's how you feel then I'll leave you."says Philip starting to walk away.
"No stay.I said I don't love you as someone other than a brother but I do love you and I don't want you to be angry with me."I say taking hold of his hand.
"No Clara. I'm not angry.I just need to be alone to forget this."says Philip
"Sure."I say "As long as you're not angry with me."
"No,I'm not angry."says Philip and he walks away.
I know he's sad but I don't want to give hope of a good relationship and crash his heart into tiny pieces.I know how that feels.I don't want him to feel it too.
I don't see Philip for the rest of that day.
"Mum,Philip asked me to marry him."I say to my mother when my mother and I were drinking tea.
"So what did you say?"asks my mother "We were hoping this would happen."
I was surprised,my mother had known this?How could she not tell me and how could she think I could love someone who was like a brother to me?
"I said that he was like a brother to me and that I could not love him like that."I say looking at her.
"Why did you say that,Clara?"asks my mother "I thought you liked him."
"I don't like him like that."I say
"Then how do you like him?"asks Edward "Just for fun?"
"Edward! Stop thinking of me like that! I dont like him like that.I like him as a brother."I say
I can't believe my step-father thinks that I 'm a girl who likes people just for fun.
"I thought you loved him.I'm so sorry Clara,I never meant you were a bad girl."says Edward.
"Just forget it,Edward. I don't think you'll ever recognise who I am inside."I say and I walk out of the room.
I don't know what Edward thought of me when I walked out like that but that was the only I could stop myself from throwing a trantrum.
My mother comes to my room and knocks on my room door.

The author's comments:
This is my longest novel and I love it!

"Come in."I say
"Clara,Edward never meant to hurt your feelings."says my mother
"I know but why did he ever have to say that?"I ask
"He was hoping Philip would marry you and he always thought you loved him.He just wanted the best for you."says my mother
"How can I love someone who's like a brother,mom?"I ask
"I know darling,I know and Edward says he understands too."says my mother
"I'm sorry for coming out like that mom."I say almost crying
"Edward told me to tell you to forget it."says my mother
"He's so nice mom."I say
I fall asleep crying that night.I don't know why this happened and I'm not happy about it.
Philip finds me walking in the garden.I'm glad he finally decided he should talk with me.
"Clara can't you think about loving me,one more time?"asks Philip
"Oh Philip,from the moment I first laid eyes on you,I loved you but when I got to know that you were my brother,I kept those feelings deep inside.I tried to go on with life trying to find something else to think about. Then Ben came and asked me if I would like to be his girl-friend. I wanted a way out of loving you,and I said yes to him.I tried to love Ben,I really did but he was never around and he never showed me any love.I never loved him and him not showing me any love was making it harder for me to love him. So one day I told Ben the truth,I told him that I had loved you and said yes to him to forget that and make up my mind."I say
"What did he say then?"asks Philip
"He said that we should stay friends till I could love him and I thought it ws a good idea because I thought I'd be able to love him.But I couldn't. Ben reminded me that he loved me on the day he kidnapped me.I didn't know what to do. Did I love him?Not love him?Or was I just playing around with his feelings?
I felt very guilty.But when I found out the real reason for him trying to be my boy-friend and when he tricked me the second time,my guilt washed away and it turned into anger.Anger for being tricked."I say
"I never knew you went through so much."says Philip
"How could you know,Philip?You were too busy having fun to think about me and yet you say you love me."I say
"I couldn't stay with you,Clara.I wasn't having any fun.Seeing you with Ben made my heart break.But as a part of the things I had to do for Edward,I had to keep all my feelings inside."says Philip
"You were in my heart but when you became my brother,I pushed the memory of loving you to the farthest part of my heart and turned off the light,now you're telling me to turn it back on but that room is far away and I need time to turn that light on.You understand?"I ask looking at his beautiful eyes.
Philip nods.
"I know what you've been through.I feel it too but I need time."I say keeping my head on Philip's shoulder.
"You're not lying to me like you lied to Ben,are you?"asks Philip with a smile
"Stop it."I say pushing him aside.
I have something to do now and that is to try and love Philip.
SIX MONTHS LATER..............................................................................
I'm in a small gathering organised by Philip and his father for some reason that I don't know about.
"Mother what is going to happen here?"I ask my mother
"Something.Just watch and you'll see."she says walking away
'Watch what?And what is this something she talked about?'I ask myself
"Clara,I'm so glad you came."says Philip
"Oh,hmm.I can't stay at home when you're having a party can I?"I ask
"I guess not."says Philip
"So you're guessing things too,huh?"I ask
Philip's learnt to say 'I guess.' from me and that makes me laugh.
"I have a surprise for you."says Philip
"What is it?"I ask
"Will you come or not?"asks Philip
"Okay I'm coming."I say taking hold of Philip's hand.
Philip takes me to the middle of the room and ask everyone to stop talking.
"As you all know,I held this little gathering tonight to tell you all about the love of my life."says Philip
I look at him.Is he talking about me?
"She is a very different girl,she said she loved me a several times but not directly.I said I loved her too. She is very smart.She knows how to handle a problem......"Philip goes on telling how good the love of his life is and I'm begining to thinking it's not me.
I try to free my hand from his hand.
"Last of all I would like to tell you her name."says Philip "Ladies and Gentlemen meet the love of my life,Clara Boomstorm."
I look at Philip and for the first time in my life,I feel that I might cry.My heart seems to be flooding with love for Philip and tears of joy for his words.
Philip kneels in front of me and opens a small red box and inside it,there's a gorgeous diamond ring.
"Clara will you marry me?"he asks
Tears come down my cheeks and drop to the floor wetting the carpet.
I don't think I can say no to him.
"Is this real diamond?"I ask
"No,not really."says Philip standing up a little dissapointed.
Philip tries to free his hand from my grip.
"When's the wedding then?"I ask
"That means yes?"asks Philip
"YES!"I shout "Of course."
Philip lifts me up and twirls me around the room.
"I thought you wouldn't like me because the ring isn't diamond."says Philip
"I'm marrying you not the ring,right?"I ask
"I guess so."says Philip
EVERYONE LAUGHS.
THE END FOR NOW.
DEAR READER.

I DON'T KNOW WHAT WILL HAPPEN LATER IN MY LIFE BUT I'LL STOP HERE FOR NOW.

JUST REMEMBER THAT IN LIFE YOU WILL MEET THE PERFECT ONE FOR YOU AND EVENTHOUGH OTHERS MAY SEEM BETTER,REMEMBER THAT ONLY REAL LOVE CAN KEEP YOU HAPPY.

SOMETIMES LOVE MAY HURT BUT NEVER LET GO CAUSE YOU CAN WIN IN LOVE.

NOT EVEN ALL THE RICHES IN THE WORLD CAN GIVE YOU THE LOVE,YOUR TRUE LOVE CAN GIVE.
SO WHEN HE/SHE COMES TO YOUR LIFE,TRY TO RECONGNISE THEM AND MAKE YOUR LIFE AMAZING WITH THE HELP OF THEIR LOVE AND THEM.

LOVE IS THE WONDER OF LIFE.

THANK YOU,
YOURS WITH LOVE
Clara Boomstorm.
Lots of love. :)



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