My Words Are Law

Inevitable (3)

Amaryllis rapidly blinked in succession, and soon recognized the intricate details of a white ceiling.  

Where is Ivor..?

Groaning, she struggled to raise her torso using her arms to support the movement, but was immediately welcomed with excruciating pain. A hiss involuntarily escaped her lips as she looked down at her right arm being supported by an arm sling.

Is it that bad..?

She was still a little absent-minded when the curtains drew back and a small girl emerged.

"You're awake!" It was Rosemary, Ivor's seatmate.

Despite the residual bewilderment of seeing her current state, she smiled at the child. "Were you looking after me..? Thank you."

"Y-you're welcome-Oh, Aunt Rosa, Ivor, Lucas and his mother are currently in the Headmaster's office..."

"...I see." She uttered rather calmly, but she was actually very worried about what might happen to Ivor after this.

"Aunt Rosa told me to tell you so... But don't worry! I already told the headmaster it wasn't Ivor who started trouble! I saw the whole thing, and I only spoke of the truth."

"Is that so..? I'm glad. Thank you for your help, Rosemary." She couldn't help but pat the kid on the head. Her determination to reassure her despite being a child was adorable.

"But... why were they fighting in the first place..?" She asked.

"Ah... Lucas said Aunt Rosa was a thief and then he started saying Ivor must be, too, so we shouldn't get too close with him..."

"Lucas said that..?" Was it out of jealousy, perhaps..? Kids their age are prone to insecurity, after all.

"Yes... he said his dad told him so."

Amaryllis grew quiet for a moment at the unexpected information.

"A-anyway, I don't believe a word he says, so rest assured!"

Amaryllis gingerly returned her gaze to the child and smiled, grateful for her comfort."Thank you for being such a nice friend to my brother-"

The sound of a door knob turning, followed by a weary voice interrupted their conversation.

"Excuse me young Miss, but we should really leave now... Your parents have called to ask why you're still not home at this time..." It must be Rosemary's chauffeur.

"...I'm sorry for keeping the child with me." Amaryllis talked to the person hidden by the curtain before looking at Rosemary's puffed cheeks. "It's okay now, Rosemary. Your parents must be worried, so go home safely... Thank you."

Amaryllis did her best to persuade Rosemary until she eventually nodded. And the chauffeur who soon revealed himself looked so relieved he directed a tearful gaze of appreciation to Amaryllis. They must have waited for her to wake up for a long time... It made her a bit guilty so she apologized again.

"She'd never been so willful before, I didn't know what to do. Thank you very much, Miss. I wish you a speedy recovery."

She nodded with a smile. "Have a safe trip."

Once they left and she was alone in silence, she couldn't help but think about what Rosemary said. Most of the students in Ivor's school come from very influential families. How could they have the free time to do an extensive background check on an average family like theirs..?

Amaryllis doesn't completely know the circumstances around her aunt regarding the accusation, but she had heard of some people calling her a thief in the past.