* Ding dong

- Please come in. Oh my goodness! It's you, Miss Scott!

- Yeah it's me. How are you doing, Doctor Norman?

- I am not a doctor, I am a 'Therapist' . *Nevermind, life always goes on like nothing ever happened.

- Life.... surely goes on.

The chill autumn breeze made me shiver a little. I sat down on the sofa. There was a old classical music playing somewhere, must be Mr. Norman. Margreta was brewing her special tea. I took a quick look at her book shelves. Filled with psychology and stuff, nothing new. She was hell of a student. Heard that she was the topper of her University.

- Should I add a little lemon juice to your tea, Miss Scott?

- Uh...Yes please. And don't call me miss Scott, just Lucy is better.

- Hmm, I can consider. But in exchange you have to call me Greta.

Margreta handed me the tea cup. I took a sip.

- Isn't that a little bit unprofessional? Letting your client call you... informally?

- If calling you Lucy ain't informal, nor calling me Greta is. You're like my own daughter , don't hesitate to me.

I looked outside. It was a foggy weather, still I spotted some people. Some of them were children playing, some old folks walking down the alley, and some.......Couples. They looked very young, hardly twenty. They might not be the most beautiful man or woman, but they were looking beautiful together.

- Ahhh.... youngsters these days. Can't even wait till they get a job. Must be first love. By the way, it's been so long since I've seen such pleasant autumn.

Sure it has been.

I looked at the bookshelf again. This time I noticed something different.

- Is that ' Just one heartbreak away' I see in your shelf? That's unexpected.

- Sure it is. Wasn't really meant to be in my dry knowledge shelf. A colleague suggested it for a better look on teenage problems, depression, anxiety etc. And guess what? I'm hooked! Too bad the writer used a pen name, 'Cici' is it? Or else I would personally interview her.

- There's more to your surprise, Greta. Believe it or not, I am that 'Cici'.

Greta burst into laughter.

- What a good one! You almost had me in the first half!

- I am not joking, Greta.

Greta became serious. Her grey eyes were straight staring at mine.

- I still have the softcopy of the book in my mobile. Wait a minute.... look, here it is.

She was still looking at me. Then suddenly, she chuckled.

- I don't need to look at that softcopy, sweety. All I need is to look at you and I will know if you are lying or not. And congratulations, 'Cici'. You have passed the test a long ago.

- .....A long ago?

- Yes dear. Remember about the ' realistic' dream you told me about? That day I went through the book again and I found the narrations awfully similar. So I guessed it.

- But what if I am just someone who also read it and came to you bluffing and for increasing my popularity?

- Then have to take my 3rd year psychology exam again! -Greta smiled, - But for now, my brain is telling me to trust you.

There was a moment of silence. I looked at the window. The alley was showered with dry leaves. I'm sure everyone here in this town felt a nip in the air like me.

It was Greta who broke the silence.

-So, Miss 'Cici' , ready for the interview?

Out of the blue, Margreta comes up with notebook and pen. I immediately knew, this would not just be a therapy session, but a serious interview.

But is there anything else to say except the story of my book? My readers mixed the genres and they called it a mixture of school life, fantasy and Sci-fi. But the truth is they do not know is those writings are true. I visited that world and also was forced to return. But no one believes it! Nor would Greta!

- Hey! Hello! where are you lost, Lucy?

- In thoughts?

- Most probably. It's a good thing to visit your brain in a daily basis. Anyways, I wanna hear the a to z of that story again. But first, tell me, why did you feel it was necessary to add a pinchfull of science fiction in an emotional book?

I knew this question would come up first.

- I did not just mix anything I liked Greta. I saw it in my own eyes.

- This time there is no way you are telling the truth . It can not be possible.

- When it started, my reaction was the same.

- But....but...

- Shall we move onto your next question?

- Yes, but..... Answer this Lucy. Have you ever been diagnosed with schizophrenia?

(* Schizophrenia is a mental illness commonly found in children, makes the brain hallucinate people or things that does not exist in real life. If you see someone with these symptoms, please consult a psychiatrist.)

I knew it. Now she thinks I am insane.

- Never within my consciousness.

- Ohh.... my.... God!

Greta facepalmed. She was shaking in surprise.

- I think we should end the interview here, Greta. You do not feel okay.

- No no, I am completely okay. So it is true.

- Sure it is.

There was pindrop silence again. Greta got herself a glass of water. I know, she found it hard to believe, but it is exactly what happened!

- "The past is infectiously fragile."

- .... Infectiously fragile?

- "Yup! The more fragile it is, the weaker your present gets, and the future becomes more vulnerable."

He was right. My fragile past infected me . It made me what I am today. I achieved everything I wanted, but... I am still sorry. I am pathetic.

Ugh.... I am breaking my vow...I promised myself not to become depressed again. I promised... I would not think of him again. But it can not be helped. He is still here in my heart. I can not forgive him yet....I can never forget him....

And...my friends...my real friends...the only friends I ever had...

Where are you girls , now? I am still there, standing alone in the dark tunnel. Would not you two come running, and say, "Cici, we are here. We are always beside you. Look closely, we are more closer than you think."

Where are you now?

Can not you two see I am back to square one?

Can not we.... can not we just... restart everything? Can not we...meet again...at the end of the tunnel?

Tell me....why are you silent now?!

- Lucy ! Lucy! My child , why are you crying?

I felt a warm touch. It was Greta. She hugged me tightly. Without my realisation, teardrops came out of my eyes.

- I know sweetie, you have gone through enough of this cruel world. Do not hold back. Let the tear wash away all your sadnesses. You will feel better.

- Oh...Greta....I am lost....I can not go on like this.....

- Hushh....You always can. Stand up my tigress! You have a long way to go as 'Cici' !

I sobbed Like a child. It's been so long since I found a comforting embrace like this.....only if momma was here....

- Lucy?

- ..... Yes?

- Your uncle and I was planning a trip to South Korea. Wanna tag along?

~🥀💔🥀~

Author's note: I'm sorry for the confusion. 😅 This episode got deleted! Anyways, this is the first one. Hope you enjoyed it. Don't forget to like and subscribe! Stay tuned for more updates! Gracias!

Time flies fast. Soon here I am, at the airport with my luggage. Most of them are, obviously, story books, snacks and dresses. I had to beg to my editor for this break though. I won't be honest if I say I was not looking forward to this trip, but part of my intuition is telling me there will be more incidents than a little journey to South Korea.

As expected, the airport is packed with bunch of people. They were all overjoyed. Some was going on a trip like me, some going to work, others returning home. It was filled with din and bustle.

I reserved my ticket online ( I'm very shy, or you can say, introvert. And I find it quite shameful. What's the point of being famous when you can't face public?) Greta insisted to pay for my tickets, but I resisted her. She already did enough for me. I can't just continue to ask her for things when I have the efficiency to do it myself. I don't lack of money, at least after my book became bestseller.

- LUCYYYYY!

I was shocked as hell! Who wouldn't be when you hear a sudden crying of your name then someone just jumps on you?

- Oh God! It's just you, Vivie.

- Just me? Have I become any Tom, **** or Harry?

Vivian sulked. Even though, I found it quite cute. Couldn't help myself but grin a little.

- Oh my my, what have I done? Please forgive me, Princess Vivian. I will make sure this mistake never happens in future. My heartfelt thanks to you, Princess, for giving me such warm welcome.

- Hmm, that's better. I see you haven't forgotten the royal etiquettes.

I noticed even though they were standing far away, Greta and Mister Norman was cracking up.

- Vivian, Bring her with you to us. It's about time to board the plane.

- Coming mama! Vivian shouted back.

- You heard the Queen, Lady Lucine Scott. Now it's time to prepare oneself for the worst....no, it doesn't suit, For the best trip ever!

Currently we are taking off. Mr. Norman convinced me I should call him Edward. He is neither more nor less than Greta.

- I dunno how you keep up with Vivi. We easily get so tired of her kingdom games.

- It's easy Greta. I just imagine once I was in her age too, and everything becomes simple.

- No no Lucy. Don't compare your childhood to her. At least you weren't spoiled like her. Vivi isn't a needy child. We are giving her a proper shelter and education, EVEN a healthy family ! She doesn't lack anything!

I was dumbfounded for a moment. Then, just to conceal my feelings and racing heartbeats, I laughed, forcefully.

- Why bringing the past in this happy journey? Let's focus on present!

Meanwhile, we were served some kind of instant noodles, but the airhostesses called it ramen. Vivian looked thrilled, as she has never rode on a plane before. Edward was looking at some magazine. Greta concentrated on knitting her scarf. So I focused on the plot of my next book.

I don't know how long I faced out, but a small jerk made me come back to my senses. Then I realised somehow Vivian and Edward managed to switch rows and they were right beside me.

- Lady, I need you right now! Please help me!

- What happened Princess?

- Mama said, you will tell us the story of your first book within this trip. She never let me touch it or read it, always said I should grow up to fully understand this book. I am big now, so I want to hear the story . Please?

Ed smiled. - She is not alone. I wanna hear it too from you.

I sighed. I can't say no to Vivian.

- Okay, I bought my book with me. Vivian, don't tell mama that you are here listening to my story, okay?

- Pinky promise, Lady!

~🥀💔🥀*~

Author's note: We are approaching the main story. Stay tuned! I strongly need your support. Don't forget to like and subscribe. If you like it, please share my novel, cause I am planning to turn it into Comic and I need audience! Have a great day! Gracias!

I opened my book, but I hesitated for a moment.

- But really, Vivian. I don't really think you should listen to my story now.

- Why?

- Cause you are really, really young to get it. I'm sorry, Vivi. I promise, when we reach the hotel, I will tell you the story after making it easy for you. Till then-

I opened my small bag and pulled out a book.

- Fairy Tales of Europe!

Vivian exclaimed in joy.

- Yup, it is. I know you are craving for it for a long time. So, I bought it before coming to airport.

- I love it! Thanks Lady!

Vivi returned to her seat overjoyed.

- But....Lucy .....

- Oh come on Ed, Vivi is like my sister! I can gift her as many books as I want! Don't hesitate.

- Erm...okay then. Guess it's just me who will be reading your book. You don't have to read it aloud for me.

I gave the book to Edward. Soon , he immersed in the chapters. and I.... I just spend time recollecting my old memories ....when I first started writing it........ it was a dark start........

- "Hello to everyone who is reading my book . I am Cici, and currently seventeen. That's all about me.

I have been comatosed for almost past six months. And I am writing this to let you all know about my life.

I am no celebrity or a professional writer. But I feel like I should write autobiography in order to protect my memories to cherish until I perish.

My mother, Ela Scott married a man who failed to make her happy. I remember my childhood days, filled with broken vases, bloodshed, fights.....

I was scared. I felt insecure in such hell. I....was losing the motivation to keep going.

It was the same everyday all of my life.

- Give me money, Ela. Damn it, listen to me, hand over the damn money!

- No I won't! Have you ever thought for us? Everyday, every single day you will come home drunk, and torture us! Have you ever Looked at your own daughter's face, Arthur? She is scared of you! For god's sake, please stop this hell! I can't take it! Just..Ahhhh!

- Mum!

- Die, goddamned woman! Who told you to give me lecture! You all are insufferable! This house is a rotten place...I will not stay here! Let's see how can you two survive! Hmph!

***Shattered pieces of broken glass was everywhere on the floor. Blood was rushing out from mum's forehead. That day, he left us for good. He could earn for himself, but....my mum was unemployed***.

- "Anything would be fine, Anne. Just one job, please."

-" No no Sir, I swear I won't back off in the middle. Please help me to get a job.

- " Iris, please-"

- "Please....."

One by one , I watched everyone, turn away from us....

- Mum please! It's the only thing you have in your possession!

- We have to live! These are nothing but mere jewelleries! They can't feed us!

- But, but grandfather gave you those... Mum, wait.... Don't go....

That time, I realised the exact value of money.

- Oh... it's you, Lucine. How come a mediocre student like you is here at my office?

- Mam.....I want to apply for a student scholarship!

- But you don't meet the requirements. As you can see, it's only for the top three.

- So, if I stand between third to first, I would be selected?

-Uh huh. Best of luck then.

- You're just a child... You can't get a job!

- Please sir. I promise I won't create any trouble...just a part time job sir....

- Okay, okay. But if any customers ask your age?

- I will tell them I am older.

Thus I got my first ever job at a grocery shop, without mum knowing.

~🥀💔🥀***~

Author's note: Sorry for the delay. I was stuck between online classes. Meanwhile, you can check out my chat story for extra information about the characters! Don't forget to like and subscribe. Stay tuned for more updates. Have a nice day! Gracias!