Invisible Strings

Prologue

Prologue

Beatrice

Eight years ago

"Beatrice! Beatrice!" Mother called out, "Beatrice, it's time for dinner. We have something to discuss with you."

I wondered what Mother was talking about, so I hurriedly folded my clothes and piled them in my closet. Though I had a maid to do it, I didn't like others touching my clothes. Call it hygiene issues.

As I made my way down the familiar grand stairs, I was greeted by my mother and father's solemn expressions and the smell of food. Mother motioned me to sit down.

"Mother, Father, what's going on? Is something wrong?" I asked while a maid placed a plate in front of me.

"Beatrice, we know all about your boy in the local market," Father said, sounding disappointed. "Beatrice, you should know better than to be caught up in a boy's arms. Need I remind you of our business's reputation?"

Ah, yes, Father's pride and joy - Solace. How could I forget?

"We can't have you ruining it for a boy. A poor one at that. We're sending you to Paris, where you'll learn about the business and soon inherit the company," Father said.

"What?! No! I'm not leaving! New Jersey is my home!" I tried to plead with Father, tears rolling down my face, but his mind didn't change. Instead, he said:

"Pack your bags now. You're leaving in four days' time. You'll have a concierge to escort you to the airport, and another one waiting for you in Paris to ensure you get to your apartment safely. Say your goodbyes to your friends soon."

Begrudgingly, I stormed out of the dining room, not sparing a glance at the food served to me.

As I reached the doors of my room, I said to myself, "I need to tell Matt."

I rummaged through my clothes and bags, quickly packing as fast as possible. As I finished, I thought of running away, but where would I go? My feet wouldn't take me far from here without Father catching me first. Nothing's going to change his mind.

As bad as I want to stay, I cant, so I'll spend the rest of my days here with Matt.

~~~~~~ 3 days later ~~~~~~

The morning sun beats down on my face as I get up. I breathe in the fresh morning air, taking my time to stretch my body, only to be startled by the memory of Paris... Matt. I forgot all about Paris, I'm so caught up in my thoughts that I forgot to tell Matt..

I have no time. So I hurriedly get dressed, putting on the first clothes my hands land on - jeans and a yellow top with short flaring sleeves. I put on a golden yellow bandana to cover my face, as I race for the back door until I catch a glimpse of my hair. I might have shrieked - I forgot to comb it!

I sufficed my fingers for a hairbrush, feeling all the knots in my hair and forcefully brushing through the strands. I reach the door, being greeted by a maid:

"Good morning, Miss Beatrice."

But I couldn't say my regards back, as I was already sprinting away from her.

Whew! I'm sweating so much, but at least I made it. I take in the exterior of Mrs. Claytons shop, how so very familiar.
I always thought their shop looked a little like a small shack, their doors made out of glass with sage green outlines and wooden crates of farm goods.

I knock on the door, and Mrs. Clayton answers:

"May I borrow Matthew for a moment, Ms. Clayton?" I ask, before she has the time to ask why I'm here.

"Er... yes, dearie, you can. MATTHEW! COME DOWN HERE!" Ms. Clayton bellows.

"IN A MINUTE!" Matt bellows back.

Matt's relationship with his family was always something I wished I had. Instead, I have controlling, perfectionist, and cold parents. They have always supported Matt's love for making jewelry, he made me a crown made of flowers when we were 15.

And compared to my parents, my hobbies were never the sort of things they would consider. They already planned my life, sending me to paris even if it was against my will. If only they weren't so-

My thoughts were interrupted by Matt.

His inky black hair flows just right above his brow, his blue eyes recognizing who he might be talking to.

"Hey, beautiful. I wasn't expecting you so early today," Matt says, his eyes shining with amusement while craning his neck as though he's nervous.

"Well, about that... I need to talk to you, alone," I say, while throwing a glance behind him, catching Mrs. Clayton eavesdropping, listening carefully.

"Uh, let's go outside," Matt says.

I nod as he pulls me outside their shop.

"Alright, Bea, what happened?" Matt asks, studying my face as if I'm something he never wants to lose.

"I'm leaving, im going to Paris, im leaving five hours. Im so sorry to leave you like this Matt." I say, the words barely escaping my lips. I hated the thought of leaving him just like this. But then again, I dont know how he feels about me. If he feels the same. I love him, more than he thinks.

I love you, I'm sorry.

As soon as the words come out of my mouth, Matt's face pales. His eyes shift from desire to horror. His smile falls.

There. This is exactly why i don't ever want to leave him.

"What? What did you say? Are you going? Please, please-" I cut him off before he continues begging me to stay, he might've said something else but the world around me seems to be moving upside down.

"Please, Matt, I need to go-" Before I could finish my sentence, Matt drops to the floor. I crouched down beside him, my arms wrapping him in a bitter farewell.

"Matt, goodbye" i hug him one last time as i rose to my knees and Mrs. Clayton came running to Matt, saying something i couldn't here.

One step.. the world seem to pale as I stride away from Matt.

Three hours later

"Beatrice, i need you to be careful. Promise me that." Said mother while holding on my shoulder as though she'll miss me.
"I will mother, i promise" i say as i get inside fathers car, "Goodbye, mother and father." I close the car window and watch as their bodies blur into thin outlines, into nothing.