Try and Catch Me

Secrets and Lies (1)
“I think,” Lia said carefully, “I’m going to find Tamara.”

“Are you being stupid, girly!?” Yolly half-rose from her seat, her hands shook in anger as she clutched at the chair’s arms. “If you are, now’s not the time for that. Haven’t you read it? Your mother wants you safe and protected because someone might come after you! Don’t you want an easy life? Then don’t poke your head on unnecessary things!”

The words stung but Lia did not let it affect her. Or at least show in her face that she was hurt. She drove the bitterness away from her voice when she spoke. “I want an easy life. But I don’t want to be an ignorant fool. I’m worried about her.” Lia insisted. She knew she can never win an argument with Yolly but she had to try and solve the mystery that was her mother.

“Aren’t we all?” Yolly left her and assisted another patron.

That was that. Lia rubbed a hand over her face. What should she do? What were they expecting her to do? She stared at the ceiling, hoping to find the answer. It was a futile attempt, she knew. Once again, she was reminded that she was an outsider to this world.

***

Three days had passed. Three days of mulling over the words written on the note. Three days of not knowing and understanding what was happening around her. Lia laid on her bed every night, recalling Yolly’s words. Tamara was in danger. And so was Lia. She formed a fist, gripping her blanket. Why didn’t the author focus on these important plot points instead of who the protagonist lured in his bed!?

Lia glared at the ray of light peeking through the gaps of her window. It was morning again and she barely had a wink. With a huff, she tossed her blanket off her and decided to start her day early by gathering fresh ingredients near the riverbed.

Both Yolly and Frankie were not early risers. This meant having the entire house to herself, to have quiet mornings. This was just one of the things she loved. But after having sleepless nights, mornings were like her enemy, the morning light seeping in her eyes. Work was the only thing that kept her mind engage in things unrelated to the mysteries of this world.

The streets were starting to stir but otherwise remained empty for the most part. Lia was no longer afraid walking in these streets, no longer wearing her disguise, and no longer worrying that someone might start up a fight. Some townsfolk greeted her as she passed by their house.

The cool breeze welcomed her as she arrived at the riverbed. It was all thanks to the maidservant who attended to her needs when she was in the manor and told her where to gather the freshest plants. The riverbed provided not just ingredients but new discoveries. It was a trove for herbs that were not available in the forest.

Lia immediately set to her work once she arrived. She hummed a tune as she picked up her things, checking her list if she forgot to take something, and noting down any new information she noticed. She was absorbed in her work that she almost missed the hushed voices coming from the thicket.