"Well, I'm not stupid. If it's not you, then I guess... Julie, is it?"
"Miss?" The girl named Julie seemed to be shocked by my actions as I made my way to her before conducting a body search.
"What do you think you are doing, Abbey?" Alice looked at me with confusion and horror. Mostly horror.
A wave of fear struck me as I failed to find any filming devices. Could she really be telling the truth? No. There is no such thing as time travel. I must be out of my mind to even imagine the possibility of it. Contrary, no matter how hard I tried to trick myself into thinking that this was a prank, I knew that there was something funky going on.
"Alice. Please tell me where am I. All I can remember was me meeting a ghostly woman in a park which appeared human in my dreams. That's all!"
Sighing, Alice went over to the table and took a tub of water, which I guessed was for me. "My dearest sister, my name isn't Alice, it is Agnes," She said, while squeezing the water from the cloth, "you fell down a flight of stairs and hit your head pretty hard against the floor." She said, while dabbing the damp cloth on my forehead.
"I know what I saw!" I pushed her hand away from me. Alice sighed in defeat, stood up, and placed the cloth back into the tub before leaving the room.
"Take care of Abbey, Julie. I think it's best if you bring her to town for a walk. Maybe it would help bring back some memories, but do not be too late. We would not want to miss Queen Victoria's ball." With that, she was gone.
Wait. Queen Victoria? Then that would mean ...
"Well Miss, I think it be best for you to have your breakfast." Julie said, interrupting my thoughts. I simply nodded in return as I was indeed famished. As soon as she left, I rushed to the window, only to be appalled by the sight before me.
Carriages.
Horses.
People bustling about in Victorian costumes.
What is happening?
My breath grew increasingly heavy. Within a few minutes, a sheen of sweat covered my back, accumulating to form larger droplets before trailing downwards, dampening the white-colored night gown that was now stuck closely to my body.
"Miss! Why are you out of bed?" Julie quickly placed the tray on the bedside table before escorting me back to bed.
"Are you feeling alright, Miss?" Julie asked, with concern clearly written all over.
"I'm okay I guess," I took deeper breaths, trying to calm my throbbing heart before it decides to burst out on its own.
"Are you sure?"
"Y... yeah. I'm okay."
"Alright then. But if you are feeling unwell, please do not hesitate to let me know." Not trusting my voice, I simply nodded in return.
"Well then, eat up, Miss Wellesley. It would not be good to go on an empty stomach for a whole day." She smiled, placing the tray on my lap before sitting down on the chair beside me. I reached for the bread on the dish and took a small bite before gobbling it down whole.
"Slow down Miss! You might choke!" She cautioned.
It didn't take long for me to grow a liking towards Julie. Despite the little-oversized uniform that hung on her petite figure, it is obvious that Julie is pretty She is like a hummingbird, cheerful and lively. In fact, given her casual manner of speaking, I reckon that she was close to the Abbey before me.
"Do you know what date it is, Julie?" I asked out of hesitation. Her eyes popped open, as wide as goldfish.
"Do you not remember, Miss?"
"How can I? I have lost all my memories," I answered. Even though I was a step away from bursting in panic, I tried to sound as calm as possible.
"Oh right... Well, today is 24 May 1855! Today is the day where Queen Victoria will be hosting an annual ball to celebrate the eighteenth year of her reign!" She exclaimed.
Wait a minute, 1855?! Queen Victoria? That means I am in the Victorian era! How the heck did I get here?!
What am I gonna do? Am I gonna be stuck here forever?
Could all these have something to do with her? The woman that night?
So many questions, yet so little answers. I was terrified. There was nobody that I could rely on; I was on my own.
I must find her! I must go back! But what if I can't?
"Miss... Abbey? Hello? Abbey!" I snapped out of my thoughts.
"Have you been hearing what I just said?" I looked at Julie, with worry flash across her eyes.
"Sorry Jul... I was just thinking."
"Jul?"
"What?"
"You called me Jul."
"Oh. It's a nickname. Like a short form," this only earned more confusion from her.
"Ummm, it's like a term of affection. You use it for someone you consider a close friend or a dear one."
"Thank you, Miss," her smile shone brightly as she took my hand.
"Come on, no time to waste. I have to take you to town before the ball."
A trip to town during the Victorian era wasn't that different as compared to what we have in the 21st century. The only difference was the mode of transportation. Instead of cars, you get to see horses and carriages on the roads, which I naturally assumed was only for the wealthy people.
"Hey Jul, how often do you come to town?" I offered her help to carry the bags of groceries while she bought the goods from various shops.
"Quite often. Mostly to stock up food every now and then." she answered while grabbing a bunch of apples before handing them to the shopkeeper, along with a few coins.
"Isn't it boring to see the same things every day? The same streets and the same people?"
"Hmm, not for me. I find it quite interesting. It is kind of a way to put my mind at ease knowing that there will be nothing out of the ordinary." She laughed, before continuing, "Miss, I think it's best if you wait out here while I rush into the store to get a few more groceries."
"No problem Jul. And please, call me Av-Abbey." I smiled at her, which she returned instantly.
I guess it's really bye bye to Ava and hello to Abbey.
Boring. Marketing isn't exactly my kind of thing, but shopping is. Unknowingly, my gaze fell upon an apparel shop prompting a smirk to plaster on my face.
Julie wouldn't mind me being away for a while, right? After all, it would be an experience of a lifetime to go shopping in 1855.
Excited, I started to make my way across road before I heard someone shout," Watch out!"
Turning around, I saw a jet-black horse advance towards me.
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Back In time
Romance"Well then, there must be a reason why you aren't able to keep your eyes off me in the market today, Miss Wellesley." He whispered in my ear, sending shivers down my back. "Don't flatter yourself," I took a step back, "it's just that you're the firs...
