Strings Of Time

XIV: Part Two

The young lady handed her things to another person and instructed with some other things that was not on the clipboard. She then went ahead to catch up with Mr. Mathews. Henry suddenly turned around to face her as he smiled gently at Elise. He reached his hand to her, hoping for an acceptance. The young lady didn't realized that they were in the middle of the dance floor. A slow romantic music started playing. Already, Elise's eyes wondered around and saw judging eyes surrounding them.

"Take my hand. Never mind them..." he suddenly grabbed Elise by the waist and slowly led her to dance.

But the young lady felt really uncomfortable and she knew that people are going to open their mouths and add something to the circulating rumor about her and Mr. Mathews. Nevertheless, the young lady stayed graceful and calm in front of her superior. As the song came to an end, so did their dance. She bowed to Henry and applauded with other pairs who danced, "Mr. Mathews, I have to go back to my post now."

"Wait..."

The young lady looked back, "Yes, sir?"

"Your song... the one with asking the sun to send the moon. Was it for Alex?"

The young lady's eyes widen but was afraid that Alex's father might wonder of her reaction so she looked away, "Um, w-why w-would you ask a s-silly question, Mr. Mathews?"

"Would you like to sing it?"

"Pardon?"

Mr. Mathews pointed at his watch and tapped it with his finger, "It's almost time for the lanterns. Someone has to sing it..."

Elise blew breaths as she gather her strength to look brave and unaffected in front of Henry, "I think... Moira should sing it."

"Good choice. If Alex were here, she would be thrilled to hear Moira singing it. I saw how Moira liked my daughter. They would be a perfect piece... Don't you think so?" Mr. Mathews was once again peering at the young lady, as if he was testing her to get a reaction or a flinch from her. But the young lady stayed strong and kept quiet. He acknowledged the young lady's blank reaction as he walks towards her and held her hand, "That's all for today. Now, I want you to enjoy this festival and make your wish come true. Go and have fun." He smiled at the young lady and patted her hand. He then returned to the orchestra to conduct yet again another sweet gentle piece.

Moments later, Alex arrived.

She stepped down from the car and her blurry sight was on and off. It was giving her a headache and she almost wanted to go back to the mansion, but then, an announcement started.

"Ladies and Gentleman, it is now time light up our lanterns on hope. Go ahead and start writing your wishes on your lanterns and later on we will all light it up and send it up to the heavens."

Elise found a spot where she could write her wish not knowing the young master was near.

The young master on the other hand was left alone by the Russian housekeeper to buy a lantern for herself. She just stood there hoping that someone who knew her would find her. But the universe has its own way of giving a person strength to come up close and seal their fates forever.

The young master heard a lady talking to another lady. She can't help but hear the two ladies talking because they were being too loud.

"Have you seen how she flirted with Mr. Mathews on the dance floor? It's disgusting really..." said the first lady.

"Kids these days... I can't even imagine how a young lady would date an older guy like Henry Mathews. Said the second lady.

Then the ladies were joined by other women who likes to talk about other people's lives. Alex Mathews knew they were talking about Elise. However, their talks about the young lady was hurting the young master, although, she knew that the rumors wasn't true.

"Alright, people. It's time for us to light our lanterns." Said the announcer on the stage.

The young lady stood up and was wondering where she could get a light to fire up her lantern.

"You need a light?"

The young lady looked to her left and saw Christopher Carlisle holding up a vintage lighter. She gave him a friendly smile and nodded, "Yes, please."

"You okay there, Ely? You seem a bit glum..."

Elise just ignored the old man's question and just gazed her sight to her wish, "Do you believe in lies?" asked Elise in a melancholic voice.

The old man smiled as he returned his gaze at Elise, "I believe there's a reason for everything." The old man caught a glimpse of Elise's wish and felt sorry for her, "Someday, it will make sense, Ely..." the old man smiled warmly at the young lady as he lighted her lantern. He then walked towards his granddaughter not far from where Elise was standing. "My dear beloved child."

"Grandpa?"

"It seems to me that you are looking for somebody..." said the teasing grandpa as he eyed his granddaughter. He even jokingly looked around and laughed at himself for being such a silly old man. "If I pivoted you to a certain direction would you go for it?"

The young master raised her brow, "Yes... I guess..." answered Alex with uncertainty.

The old man chuckled as he held his granddaughter to assist her on where to walk ahead. Suddenly, a beautiful music started and in that moment, the old man knew, it was destiny. "Take ten steps forward. Stop at the last number."

"Are you sure?"

"Trust me... I'm a doctor and I'm your grandfather. I know things that you kids don't understand. Now of you go."

And now, the countdown begins as the young master walked towards her unknown fate. Some people recognized the young master and some just whispered her name. But Alex didn't care, all she knew was she was three steps closer to her destination.

Three.

Two.

One.

As Elise Summerhall lifted her lantern, Alex Mathews was already in front of her.

Not too long ago, there was a rumor or rather a whispered legend which states that it only takes three seconds to fall in love. And on that night, that night where whispered wishes lighted up the dark skies, two lost souls were once again reunited.

Elise smiled at the young master as her eyes was filled with tears, she took a step forward and caressed Alex's face, "You're late." she said in a trembling voice.

Alex reached both her hand to cup Elise's cheeks and smiled, "No, I'm just in time." the young lady's outline was almost visible to the young master, her eyes stayed at her lips, "Elise, I don't feel sorry for you. I never did. But one thing is for sure, when I'm not with you, I'm not myself. So please, let me be close to you once again. Let's end our distance..." the young master smiled as she tuck strands of Elise's hair at the back of her ear.

With a sudden embrace of longing, Alex Mathews sealed her promise with a kiss to the young lady with the golden hair.

As to the Elise Summerhall's wish, finally, some questions will be answered.

"I wish to know the reason why I was sent here."