Chapter 21- Trinket of Happiness

Cecilia Scarlette Locke’s Point of View

I always wake up before the blaring sound of my alarm clock, but today is yet to be different. I’ve been hitting snooze since the age of dawn, and I know that I am only prolonging my agony. I need to go and face my grandfather, but simply imagining the look on his disapproving face is just enough to make my stomach churn. But the worst part is yet to come, I am not sure what would be the consequences of my incapability. 

Would he simply strip me off from being a Locke? Much worse would surely befall me.

Count on my grandfather to think of gruesome and strict punishments, that gets me to be way too surprised than before. 

I sat up before taking a look around. Most of my things are all ready to be picked up. But then again, it’s not like I carried many here. I was under the impression that I won’t be staying long, and that held to be the case here too. My eyes flickered outside. The sun is already up, showcasing the glistened of the balcony where I mourn the first night I came here. 

It’s not like I was feeling nostalgic. I was just taking my time before moving my feet off of my bed. I am gathering the courage to get on with this decision I’ve made. The white walls aren’t helping with my thoughts at all. There’s no streak of color mixed with it, but I feel like it’s screaming back at me to finally move. Every second wasted highers the risk of danger- an unknown danger I could not even imagine well.

I eventually let out a sigh in defeat. I was overthinking this more than I am supposed to do. Might as well try to think of something else while I am here. 

I checked my phone, and there was nothing. It’s not like I was expecting anything… but maybe a take care from Kinsey? Else, why would he want my number?

Huh, I’ve forgotten already that I was the one who asked.

But I saw it. He wanted it too. He was just too shy to admit, and I was doing him a favor.

Trying to beat myself with these mind games is impossible. I am aware of it all too well that unconsciously my body started moving to the comfort room as I debated about this concern with myself. Way to start the day. 

…

Upon arrival over the breakfast table, Emily greeted me as usual before serving me my breakfast. I wasn’t expecting anything from her since it’s a normal day as usual, and I am basically a task she needs to cater for the day. But still, I knew I should thank her for her assistance. I do not think I’ll be able to see her again too. 

“Enjoy your meal, miss.”

“Emily” I called out as I looked up at her.

We didn’t really know anything about each other nor really had anything in common, but I think we vibed. Can I invite you to hang out in the future?

Did I really just say hang out? Very unlike me. 

“Yes, miss?”

“Uhhh… Give me french bread on the wraps. I would be eating them at transportation.” I said, blatantly. How was I supposed to say what I wanted to say? I do not think she would like it. To go with me? She would be too skeptical, I reckon. 

“Yes.” She gave me one of her nervous smiles yet again before leaving me to sit on my breakfast all alone. 

Nothing that grand was served in front of me, but the aroma was enough to make my mouth water. Must’ve been the effect of not being able to eat after a long day. And with that line of thought, I remembered Kinsey. I hadn’t really seen eating alone so agonizing until now yet again. 

It has been two days most, and yet here I am thinking as if I’ve been with him for a long time now. But it’s true, eating while conversing with someone lets me have a better appetite. That guy, if only he did not oppose so much and gotten sick then I would’ve been able to drag him all the way home. 

After the third bite of my egg benedict, I can’t seem to swallow my food anymore. I pushed my plate and placed my utensils down. After small gulps of water, I stood up and decided to finally carry on with my day. All these thoughts could wait inside the car. I should not hold myself back even more. 

“Am I too late? Is Cecilia still in?” I heard a faint fuss over the hallway, but I still can’t make out any of it. I frown to myself. They’re ruining my supposed sentimental moment about the place. 

I stood up and picked up my bag before seeing to myself what’s the commotion about only to be led face to face with no other than Kinsey. Somehow, I knew he is bound to make an appearance but not to the extent that he graces me with his presence with bed hair while wearing pajamas. 

Still, in my eyes, he looks fascinating. 

“Good morning.” I smile warmly. Nevertheless, I felt undeniably comforted right now. I’m not sure how, but maybe a familiar face made me a little bit less skeptical. How ironic, the first time I came here, I didn’t even recognize him, and now it felt as if we never really had gone in separate paths. 

“G-good morning. I’m glad you’re still here.” He replied as he tried to catch his breath. He even makes an effort to smooth his hair. 

“Was about to, but someone has to appear without notice.” I replied as I smiled wider. “You know, if you’re going to miss me that much then maybe you should’ve just come with.” I suggested. 

Kinsey gave me a look.

“What? It was simply a suggestion.” I waved off with my hand. “Anyway, why are you here? I’d rather you be resting than dragging yourself here.” I stated. 

“I want to see you off. Plus, I feel better now. The best nurse took care of me yesterday.” He chuckled as he bluffed. I rolled my eyes towards his goofy grin. We both know what really broke out yesterday. 

I really appreciate it, Kinsey. Everything that you did for me these past few days. I’ve been more than happy than stressed.

“Ah. If that’s all then I will be going now.” 

I took a step forward, and I was halted back once again. “Wait! Wait, Cece. I didn’t come here just for that.” 

I faced Kinsey again as I straightened my blouse. “Also how many times do I have to tell you that I go by Scarlette now?” I asked as I watched him rummage through his bag.

Did he make me a snack to munch on? The idea suddenly got me excited. Kinsey is really thoughtful. I’ll make sure to send him something after I arrive home. 

“Oi! You already let me call you Cecilia. I’m a childhood friend. This lets me get away with it. I’m more used to calling you Cecilia.” Kinsey gave me a pout, returning his gaze at me. 

Our eyes met.

“W-why are you making that face? You look like an idiot.” I commented before I looked to the other side, tucking my arms against my chest. “Drop the Cece then. I can’t have anyone else hear that.” I huffed, feeling my cheeks heat up at a faster rate than I’d anticipated. 

“But you liked it whenever I call you that. I like it too for you get all cuddly and pouty. You-” I was quick to tackle him and cover his mouth as soon as those words rolled out of his tongue. How dare he slander me like this?! 

“S-shush. Don’t speak anymore. If anyone known, I’ll kill you.” I frown. 

Kinsey grins as if everything fits his amusement. I felt his arms wrap around my hips before humming. “I won’t say it again… At least not out loud.” He chuckles. 

“Kinsey…” I gave him the most threatening look despite my embarrassment growing larger than me as a person. 

“Haha. Take care of yourself there, Cecilia. If you feel like it’s too much, you could always chill here with me.” He winks. “I’ll take you out and have fun.” 

I hit his chest lightly before pulling myself away from him. “You should. You owe me a lot for not taking you with me.” I replied. “And the same goes for you. Cut yourself some slack. Whatever it is you’re doing, health comes first.” I said sternly. “If Emily reported to me that you’re pushing yourself too hard then I’ll make sure to drag you back to the city life.” 

Kinsey grins bigger. “Emily? How could she even report to you when I don’t live here?” 

“I- I have my ways.” 

“Mhmm. And what else will you do if I’ve been bad?” He chuckles. At this point, I know that he is only teasing me now. 

“I am glad to be the center of your amusement, but I really have to go now.” I huffed before taking two steps away from him. “Goodbye, Kinsey.” 

“I’ll see you soon, Cece.” He said as I continued to walk out of the building. I took my steps smaller than I usually do, waiting for him to tell me that I should call when I get home… or text like last time, but it never came. 

I stepped into the car and watched as the Kinsey watches me watch him shrink into a distance until he was out of sight, the summerhouse was out of sight, and I was finally headed back to reality. 

To think of it, I never really received what he was meant to be looking for in his bag earlier.