Anyone who knew how Miss Iris was as a person would have a major shock at how well kept the house was. The interiors were in white and light brown color with a dark brown wall surrounding it. All the windows were covered with light white curtains and every corner was adorned with fresh flowers which most likely came from the front yard garden.

The fact that a place where she lived could be any better than a pigsty was a miracle on its own. I stared at her in disbelieve and soon enough she took noticed and asked, "What?"

"Nothing, I just can't comprehend if you have actually lived here for so many years" I stated, surprise showing through my voice.

A smirk played on her lips as she replied playfully warning me, "Don't speak too soon. You haven't seen my room yet"

"Oh my God, don't tell me-" I asked, my eyes widening imagining it in my head.

"Yep, it's worse than a horse shed" she said, giving a victorious smile.

-"Oh dear God, save this poor soul"

"Oh shut up, it's a work of art on its own!" she laughed

"And you're proud of it?" I accused.

"Of course I am! I can guarantee you Leah, just let there be a competition for messiness! I'll bring this country glory" she said confidently as she trudged to the stairs. I snorted and followed her lead.

I walked up the stairs while my eyes roamed around the small photo frames hung up on the wall. Most of them were of my mother when she was in her younger days. I held back a laugh when my eyes fell on a picture of my parents in their teenage years. It seemed like it was taken during a carnival. My dad had a paper crown with the word "dunce" written on it and my mother was trying her hardest to stop laughing and look at the camera.

I looked at the photo beside it and the smile didn't leave my face. The photo was of Miss Iris. She looked like she was around the age of 10 and she sat on my mother's lap, smiling ever so brightly, holding a seashell.

I was taken back from my trance as I heard Miss Iris call my name from upstairs. I turned around to hurry upstairs when my eyes stopped on the last photo on the furthest corner. I immediately recognized it, as I had a exact copy of it myself,

My mom held me in her arms with the warmest smile and my dad looked like he was the happiest person in the world. The afternoon sun placed a gentle light on the Crystalwood estate behind them. It was the first and last photo my parents had taken with me in this place.

I turned around taking my eyes off the picture and climbed up the stairs. Sometimes I really wish some things could always stay the same.

The 2nd floor consisted of a wide corridor. On it's right, it led the way to an open balcony. I walked a bit close and spotted a wooden armchair. The balcony overlooked the forest surrounding the house. There was no doubt that it would make an excellent place for afternoon tea. Taking one glance at the gorgeous scenery the balcony offered I turned around and walked over to the opposite direction, where Miss Iris was standing.

She stood near three rooms in the corner and guided me to the one which had a faded sign on it. She opened the door and a fresh wooden smell immediately hit my nostrils. I was greeted by a light crème colored room. Before I walked in I glanced back the sign on the on the door. The sign was faded and old but I was still able to scope out the word "Linnea" from it.

"Was this my mother's name room?" I inquired turning to Miss Iris as she put my bags on the floor.

"Ah, yes. I thought you'd like to stay in her room" she explained standing up. "Do you need anything else?"

I shook my head and she turned to the door ready to leave.

"If you need something, I'll be in my room downstairs by the kitchen" she added before she closed the door. I plopped on the bed and took a good look at the room I'd be staying in.

The bed was at the furthest corner beside a side cabinet adorned by a violet flower vase that held fresh flowers like I had seen downstairs. The room had beautiful wooden furniture and a big mirror beside the wardrobe stood out the most. But I immediately found my favorite spot in the room as soon as my eyes fell on the window side sofa. It was a wide window from which a small crystal wind charm hung. It was made of small glass stars that danced around as the afternoon breeze blew through them and filled the room with a soft tinkling sound.

As I was making my way to the sofa, my phone rang from my back pocket causing me to jump. I took it out and Zinnia's name flashed across the screen. I picked up the call and sat on the sofa.

"Hello dearest. How kind of you to call me through this very well used technology called mobile phone, on this very fine afternoon" I said, looking out window which overlooked the backyard and the distant hills behind the house.

-"Cut the crap Leah"

"How bold of you to think I am associated with this crap you speak off, let alone cutting it. I only associate myself with trash bins. Premium quality at that"

"You're not funny Leah", she answered bitterly, annoyance  showing through her voice. I swear I could feel her rolling her eyes.

"You hurt my feelings young lady!" I teased leaning back on the sofa. "Funny is what I live for!"

"Well I guess I have some bad news for you" she replied with a dead serious voice and shortly fell into a roll of laughter.

"Now that laughter is also something I live for. Daily quota of making Miss Cortez complete!" I said matching her snickering on the other side.

"But hey, I told you to call me as soon as you arrived in Merryview. I was waiting around my phone like you did when you participated in that radio quiz competition in hope for a message saying you won"

"Hey I'm sorry ok? I just got into my room when you called. Otherwise I wouldn't dare to upset the princess of 'grumpytopia'"

"Well now that you have done it peasant, you are now sentenced to call me everyday." She ordered and I grinned

"If that's my punishment, I'd be more than happy to take a life sentence of it"
She laughed but it quickly went down.

"How am I going to survive for 2 months without you?"

"Oxygen and food, dear. Otherwise I'm sure you'll do just fine" I said playing around with the cover of the sofa.

And you have other friends too

"Hey.."'

"Hmm?"

"Has Aaron called you yet?" 

My hands clutched the fabric of the cover the moment I heard that name. I managed to speak out a no in response. 

Out of all the people to be reminded of

"He hasn't and I hope he won't either" I said taking a deep breath.

calm down leah

"You don't have to pick up his call Leah. You owe him nothing. You need to understand that" she tried to assure but my eyes were already threatening start flowing.

"I know, I just.." I tried to speak but my head already started going blank. "I'll call you later" I mumbled before hastily cutting the call

I buried my head in my hands and the tears escaped again. I hated how weak I was. I hated myself for being hurt over the same thing over and over and again. I hated myself for blaming everything on me.
But nothing else felt right. The words thrown at me about how everything was my fault felt like as if it made sense. Even if that was true, how long would I have to be punished for me to forgiven? Was it true I didn't deserve happiness? I knew I was being selfish. But all I wanted was to be ok again. I buried my face between my knees sobbing.

I didn't want happiness

I didn't want to feel fulfilled

I just want to feel ok.

I only wish to be forgiven.

"I'm so sorry Amelia" I sniffled.

I'm sorry.

A/N

Hello there beautiful reader. Sorry for not updating for so long. i had my midterms going from the 22nd of last month and i was quite occupied with stuff myself. Being miserable takes some time. originally i didn't want to make this one a separate part as not much happens in it. But it was too long to be put together with the previous as well so i had no choice. Anyways, i hope you enjoyed it. Fill colour into the small star if you wish.

till the next update                          Toodles   
Love all of you
Colour~