-an apparent misfortune that eventually has good results.

13

The main character is here!

"Sherlock!" I called his name.

Susulpot talaga ang bida kapag may pangyayari sa storya- but then it hit me. Why he's really here.

This Jerk! He's still following me!

Sinimulan niyang pigilan ang lalaking umaatake. Hindi nalalayo ang tangkad nila, mas matangkad nang kaunti si Sherlock. Pero mas malaki naman ang katawan ng lalaki.

"Lady Harlotte, please check the madam!" While fighting, Sherlock still managed to talk back. Agad akong natauhan sa sinabi niya at nawala kaagad sa kanila ang atensyon ko.

Nalipat ang tingin ko sa babaeng katapat ko lang at nakahilata sa lapag. I immediately went towards her. I'm breathing heavily, my heart is beating so fast. I'm panicking.

My thoughts are fighting, trying to think while having a panic attack at the same time.

Harlotte! Harlotte! Fix yourself!

"O-Okay, okay, madam, please stay with me!" I held her down.

"What's taking you so long?-"

Agad na naagaw ang atensyon ko nang may sumulpot na babae papalapit sa amin. Another actress, I think. She's wearing a costume. Even with her face full of make up, I can fully see how her face became pale and her expression change.

The look of horror on her face as soon as she saw me and the woman lying down on her own blood.

"AHHHH!!!" Her voice filled the small hallway we're in.

"Madam!"

"W-WHAT ARE YOU-" She looks so frighten and about to run when I raised my voice.

"MADAM!" She stopped, eyes widened, looking at me.

"PLEASE! CALL A DOCTOR AND THE AUTHORITIES! NOW!"

She looks like she still can't comprehend what's happening at the moment, but she still slowly nodded. 

"PLEASE! HURRY UP! SHE NEEDS HELP IMMEDIATELY!" 

She's still panicking, but she quickly followed me. Muling bumalik ang atensyon ko sa babaeng tinutulungan ko.

Okay, relax. Think, think about what you've learned during your college days. I'm still breathing heavily, but my mind is starting to clear up.

"Okay, madam, breathe in, breathe out. Breathe with me." I gently took her hands away from her stomach where the blood is coming out. Madalian kong tinanggal ang suot-suot kong coat at pinatong ito sa saksak.

Gently apply pressure to the wound. . .

Binalik ko ang dalawang kamay niya sa taas ng coat. "Please hold this for a second," I said.

Nagmamadali kong sunod na tinanggal ang dalawang sapatos ko. Mabilis ko ring kinuha ang sapatos na suot-suot ng babae, pinagpatong-patong ko itong apat at inangat ang paa niya rito. 

Lift their legs higher than their heart to increase blood flow. . .

Maigi kong inalala ang mga first aid na natutuhan ko para sa mga sitwasyon na ganito. I really didn't expect that this will happen to me in real life, but I hope what I'm doing is right.

After raising her legs, I went back to putting pressure on her stomach. "Please stay with me, madam! Help is coming! Don't lose your consciousness! Help is on the way!"

I reassured her in every possible way. I didn't notice that tears are already coming out from my eyes.

"P-Please, stay with me! You will be okay! Help is coming! You will be fine!"

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It wasn't long before the help came. Nahinto ang play sa teatro. With Sherlock's help, the authorities caught the criminal. And thankfully, the lady I'm helping was taken to the hospital.

I'm full of blood, my clothes and skin. Sabog-sabog ang buhok ko, walang suot na mga sapatos. Nakatayo ako habang kinakausap ng mga awtoridad si Sherlock. 

I'm still in shock. But still, I remained standing still. 

"What happened? I couldn't believe he could do that! He was a great and good man!" I heard someone said from the crowd.

While listening to them, I didn't notice the man who's already standing in front of me. Umangat ang tingin ko para makita ang lalaking tapos ng makipag-usap sa mga awtoridad.

I couldn't answer nor say anything when he went down. My eyes followed him as he quietly put some shoes on my feet. I bit my lower lip, preventing myself to cry.

No matter what I see myself, as an independent lady. At the end, Harlotte is still just a teenager, she's just 18. In my world, she's still seen as a kid. Not even a young adult. . .

"Lottie!" 

Namilog ang mga mata ko nang makarinig ng pamilyar na pagtawag sa 'kin. Agad na umangat ang tingin ko.

I was taken aback to see a familiar face. I was so lost in thought that I forgot that I'm trying to hide myself. I'm at the middle of the crowd now, at the center of the attention.

Of course. . . Felix will see me. . .

Kapwa ko ay nabigla rin siya nang makita ako, ang kalagayan ko. Mas lalong bumagsak ang ekspresyon niya nang makita niyang nalipat ang tingin ko sa kasama niya, kay Cordelia. 

He tried to approach me. "L-Lottie-"

"Young Lord of Byron, with all due respect." Humarang si Sherlock. "Lady Harlotte needs to take a rest now, she's still in shock because the accident. You can visit her in the Adelaide's mansion instead."

Hindi nakasagot kaagad si Felix, pero hindi siya umangal. He just slowly nodded, before glancing at me. I can see the guilt and sadness in his eyes. 

"We'll be going now," Sherlock said before leading me the way.

I didn't say anything, he didn't talk too until we reached the carriage. Pinagbuksan niya 'ko at inalalayang umakyat bago sumunod sa pagpasok.

It was when the carriage started moving, his mouth opened.

"They will need to ask you about the accident, but I told them to come another day." His voice is deep, as always. But for some reason, hearing him now is intimidating me more than normal.

"I don't understand you. You don't want to stay still and let me, the detective, do the job because you're worried for you and your sister's safety— but what you're doing now will get yourself killed," Sherlock said in a monotone voice. "Maybe I was wrong, mali ang pagkakahusga ko sa 'yo."

"The governor will hear about this. It's time for you to step back, Lady Harlotte."

I secretly clenched my fist. Nakababa ang noo ko at hindi ako makapagsalita.

I messed up. . . so bad.

It wasn't long before we reached the manor. Mula sa kalesa, hanggang sa tapat ng pintuan, nakababa ang ulo ko at tingin.

Pero kahit gano'n, alam ko kung sino ang nag-aabang sa 'kin sa pagpasok ko sa loob.

"Governor Howard." Sherlock took off his hat to show respect to my father.

"Detective Holmes," my father greeted back.

Nagmamadaling may lumapit sa 'kin at marahan akong hinawakan. "Harlotte!" punong-puno ng emosyong ani ina ko. "W-What happened to you, my child? Are you hurt?! Are you alright, darling?!" sunod-sunod na tanong niya.

Inisa-isa niyang hinawakan ang braso, kamay, pisngi, at iba pang parte ng katawan ko.

Hindi ko siya magawang tignan nang deretso. "I'm alright. . ." mahinang sagot ko.

"I'm here to bring back Lady Harlotte," ani Sherlock.

"Thank you detective, and I apologize for taking too much of your time and for the trouble."

"Not at all, governor. Then, I will be going now." He bowed again before turning his back, without looking at me, and leaving our manor.

Sherlock left an intimidating and heavy atmosphere. 

My father went towards me, I still can't look at them in the eye. I was expecting a scolding, shouting, or even some hits on the face. As an Adelaide, and as a lady, what I did is not forgivable. 

But for reason, what I received is more hurtful than I thought. . .

"Father, I-"

"I believe you," pagputol sa 'kin ng ama ko na kinatigil ko. "I believe you, Harlotte. I always believe my daughters no matter what. But what you're doing, will get you in trouble. I might lose you too. So please, please. . . stop now, my child."

Nagtubig ang mga mata ko. Hearing those words is more hurtful since its words that I didn't expect to hear.

It feels like I broke his trust. I broke my father's trust.

"Sir Druce," malalim ang boses ng ama ko nang magsalita. "Please keep an eye on Lady Harlotte, she can't be without a maid or a butler with her. She can't leave the manor until I say so."

"Understood, Lord," Sir Druce, our butler, answered and bowed. He looked at me, telling me with his eyes that he can't do anything since it's the Lord's order.

"Go to your room, Harlotte. Take a rest and think of what you've done."

The maids came to assist me upstairs, my mother gave me a worried look and father didn't look at me as I go upstairs.

"My lady. . . " Narinig ko ang nag-aalalang boses ni Melissa na isa sa mga maid na lumapit sa 'kin. I gave her a forced smile as we walk.

Now this. . . this is the dead end.

After the maids helped me bathe and dress, I'm sitting on my bed now while hugging my knees. I'm wearing a simple white dress and my hair is in half braid. I'm pouting, staring at nowhere until I heard a knock.

"Lady Harlotte, you have a visitor." I heard Sir Druce's voice. "Young Lord of Byron is waiting for you."

I stared at the door, dumbfounded. I can see myself literally frozen on my place with wide eyes.

Felix?!

Mabilis akong napaayos ng upo.

What is he doing here?!

I get up and opened the door to be greeted by our butler who was startled with all of the sudden voice.

"I'm coming!" I said as soon as I opened the door.

We nodded at each other, both surprised with my action.

Bumaba ako papunta sa salas para puntahan ang taong naghihintay sa 'kin. There I saw the man I'm following just hours ago in front of me, sitting on the couch.

Ngayong kaharap ko siya, muling bumalik sa alaala ko ang nangyari kanina. The feeling of betrayal is eating me up. 

As soon as Felix noticed me, he stood up and his face brightened. "Lottie!" He took a step forward towards me and I took a step backward away from him.

His expression changed in a second seeing my reaction. "Lottie. . ."

"What are you doing here, Felix?" I asked, alarmed.

"L-Lottie, I was worried about you."

I glared at him. "Worried about me? Or because I saw something I shouldn't?"

"Lottie. . . it's just a misunderstanding-"

"Then, explain yourself!" Felix was taken aback when I raised my voice. Maybe this is the first time he saw Harlotte— me, like this.

Tell me, Felix. Tell me I'm mistaken. I'm not stupid, I won't come into conclusions without enough evidence. Tell me. . . tell me the truth.

"If it's just a misunderstanding, then tell me the truth! Why are you with Cordelia, a woman who's in love with you when my sister, your fiancée, is missing!" ani ko. "I know that you know that she loves you! Don't give lies such as you're just friends!" Friends don't act like that. Knowing that she loves you, yet you let her cling to you.

Namumuo na ang mga luha sa mga mata ko. I really feel betrayed. If you betrayed my sister, you betrayed me too! You betrayed my trust!

"A-Ah. It's not like what you think, Lottie. Please, just trust me. I-It's-"

"A misunderstanding without an explanation will remain as a misunderstanding. I trusted your words once, show me that I wasn't wrong." I stared at him. 

I was answered by silence. I slowly lowered my shoulders, dismayed. I gave you a chance to explain yourself, Felix. I did my part.

I turned my back without making an eye contact, without saying anything.

"L-Lottie-"

"Don't show your face in front of me again, Young Lord Felix." I side glance, looking at the floor but I can see him at the corner of my eye. "I will take my leave now, the maid will assist you. Goodbye."

I didn't wait for his answer as I leave the room, closing the two doors behind me without losing my composure. As soon as I heard the doors closed, I took a deep sighed. 

Masikip ang dibdib ko, sobra akong nakararamdam ng lungkot.

"Lady Harlotte." I heard Sir Druce call me. Napunta ang tingin ko sa kaniya. As always, his eyes feels like they're talking to me, trying to comfort me. "Shall I assist you to your room?"

I slowly nodded before walking upstairs, him following me. I can't help but to think as I walk.

Felix. . . just what are you hiding?

Nang nasa pangalawang palapag na kami ay balak ko na sanang dumeretso sa silid ko nang may naisip ako. Nilibot ko ang tingin ko sa pasilyo nang may naitanong ako sa kasama ko.

"Sir Druce, do you know where Hilian's room is?" I asked. "I can't remember."

He was surprised with my question, still he answered it.

"Of course, Lady Harlotte. Would you like to go there?"

I nodded. Ngayon ko lang naisip 'to dahil hindi ako makalabas. Hindi pa 'ko nakapupunta sa kwarto ni Hilian mula nang makarating ako rito.

It wasn't my concern at first, but now I think I should still check it.

Sir Druce took me to my sister's room. It's not that far away from mine. As we walk, I can't help but to ask a question.

"Sir Druce?" I called him.

"Yes, my lady?" he asked without looking back at me.

"Can you tell me about me and my twin?" I tried to fake a chuckle. "Well, my memories are still hazy. . ."

I saw him gave me a side glance, maybe surprised.

"Of course. I was with you the moment you two were born. I've seen you two grow into fine and respectable ladies. If I would be frank, I think only Lady Hilian became a fine lady." He gave me a teasing look that made me pout.

He chuckled. "I'm just teasing you, Lady Harlotte. You became a fine and respectable lady as well, far exceeded everyone's expectations. You two have different personalities, I would say, you're two kinds of waves— fierce and calm. However. . ."

He paused midway that caught my attention.

"There are times that it felt like you're in one sea. You two compliments one another, like you're one, like you have your own world. You have an incredible bond. Sometimes, it makes me confuse who's who." He laughed.

Hindi ako nakasagot, malalim na napaisip. Hilian. . . 

"We're here, Lady Harlotte," ani Sir Druce nang makarating kami sa tapat ng isang pinto, napaangat ang tingin ko rito. "Please call me if you need something," dagdag niya bago ako pagbuksan ng pinto. 

"Thank you," sagot ko bago pumasok sa loob. Nginitian niya 'ko bago ito isara nang makapasok ako.

I was greeted by a cottage core interior. A room very different compared to mine. Naglakad-lakad ako sa loob. Napalilibutan ng mga halaman at mga bulaklak ang kwarto ni Hilian.

It's not that obvious that she likes plants, huh?

Inikot ko ang tingin ko sa kwarto niya. Nothing really stands out too much, it's just a normal room full of plants. 

"Oh, she reads books too," I mumbled when I saw her shelves full of books. I didn't notice that I was smiling. I went closer to the shelves.

It looks like other than our faces, we have more similarities-

My mind became blank for a second the moment I touched one of the books in Hilian's shelves.

"Be extra careful," she gave me the book she's holding. "They're watching me."

A woman with the same face as me leaned closer to me. "I'm starting to feel like. . . something bad might happen soon."

Habol-habol ko ang hininga ko nang bumalik ako sa realidad. Nahulog ko ang librong binalak kong kunin.

What. . . was that?

Namimilog ang mga mata ko nang mapunta ang tingin ko sa librong nahulog. 

The woman that I just saw. . . was that Hilian? Was that. . . a memory of Harlotte?

That. . . it was psychometry. It's Harlotte's ability.

Kinuha ko ang libro. Ito ang librong nakita ko sa alaala ko. It's the same thing that she gave me-

I stared at it for a couple of seconds when I realized something after I read the title. Wala sa sariling napatingin din ako sa ibang libro para makita ang mga title nila.

These. . . are. . . all familiar!

"These books. . ." Parang nalulula ako sa mga nakikita kong libro. Pumasok sa kokote ko ang mga nabasa ko no'ng nakaraan lang.

"These are all the books that Harlotte borrowed from the library. . ."

Lahat ng mga pamagat na nababasa ko ngayon ay nabasa ko sa listahan na binigay sa 'kin ng librarian. Ang mga librong hiniram ko na hindi ko pa na babalik.

Why are they all in Hilian's room?

Questions came one after another. It feels like there are dozens of words flowing in my head as I can hear my own thoughts.

Melissa said Hilian always go outside, and it became more frequent four weeks ago. Harlotte, on the other hand, always go to the local library every wednesday. 

That means. . . one of those days, we've met. 

But why? Why in the library?

What's with the books?

I bit my lower lip. Akala ko mapapalapit ako sa kaso kapag nakakakuha ako ng impormasyon, pero dumarami lang ang mga katanungan sa isip ko.

No one can answer my questions unless it's Hilian. . . or someone who knows that we meet.

The maids doesn't know where she goes, neither the butler. I don't have any memories of Harlotte.

There's only one who knows that other than Hilian herself. . . it's the person who took her there—the coachman.

"Lady Harlotte?"

I was startled when I heard Sir Druce's voice followed by a knock.

"Do you need help with anything?"

Huminga ako nang malalim at inayos ang sarili ko. Agad kong pinagbuksan ng pinto ang butler namin at pili akong ngumiti. "No, I'm just trying to reminisce," pagsisinungaling ko.

"Oh, then-"

"It's okay now, I'm done. Just a little tired."

He looks worried. "You shouldn't force yourself too hard, my lady."

"Yes, I know. I'll go to my room now. Can you call Melissa for me? I want her to massage me."

"Certainly, my lady. I will call her for you."

Pilit na ngiti ang pinakita ko kay Sir Druce hanggang makarating at makapasok ako sa kwarto ko. Pagkapasok na pagkapasok ko at pagkasara ng pinto ay agad akong nag-ayos.

I changed my clothes to a basic sage dress, and put on some pair of boots. Hindi nagtagal ay narinig ko ang pagkatok ni Melissa sa pinto.

"Lady Harlotte-"

"Come in!" pagtawag ko sa kaniya.

She came in with a tray full of ointments and was surprised to see me changing.

"L-Lady, what are you doing?"

I looked at her with a serious expression. "Ask Homer to prepare a carriage and meet me behind the manor."

"But my lady, you're not allowed to leave-"

From a serious expression to an emotional one. I held both of her shoulders as our eyes meet.

"Please Melissa, this will be the last time. I just really need to go out. Please. Please help me escape."

Nagkatinginan kaming dalawa ng ilang segundo. Mukha na siyang paiyak na hirap na hirap sa sitwasyon naming dalawa. Hindi rin nagtagal, mariin siyang napakagat sa ibabang labi.

"You're going to get me kick out because of this, my lady." She sobbed. My expression lightened. "I'll give you enough money to live on your own, I promise!" She doesn't look happy with my joke, but still chuckled with me as she wipe her tears.

"I can help you escape, my lady," pag-iiba ni Melissa na nakakuha ng atensyon ko. "You might have also forgotten about it, but you use to remember it all!"

I looked at her, confused, trying to remember what she's trying to say. She look determined before nodding.

"I might not know it all, but I know a few of them!" she exclaimed. "The hidden doors of the manor!"

𓉞✎🕊