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MillionNovel > The Accounts of An Ordinary Bookstore… > Chapter 10: My OverSELLous Cousin

Chapter 10: My OverSELLous Cousin

    (<b>Her View)</b>


    <i>Thump! </i>The door shut swiftly behind her as if blocking out all the events of the day, but the truth was that everything was still swirling around in her head like claws sinking into her skin begging to be released. She was silent throughout Elodi’s usual droning and thus the one-sided conversation fizzled out quickly.


    She waited until the real young lady was asleep before robotically throwing on Constance''s thick coat and hesitatingly taking her notebook to the school garden. In the inky black night, the moon was engulfed in a puff of pearl gray clouds, and the girl curled up into a ball on an old wooden bench, her gaze fixed on the world above.


    Even as the sparse stars in the sky became blurred puddles of silver in her view, her eyes stayed intently glued upwards. The tears streamed like gentle rivers lightly gracing a landscape. The feeling was warm and comforting until the tears dropped past her nose creating cold, stinging channels in their wake. Even as her teeth chattered and her hands chilled to uncomfortable temperatures she remained stuck in her place.


    She had been able to curb her feelings with the distraction of her partner but in his absence, she couldn’t help but succumb to the discomfort. She felt guilty for Neil’s reaction and for him finding out the death of someone who meant something to him. His question, “My- No that woman she isn’t really dead, is she?” and his desperate grasp on her arm was made worse by the fact that she couldn’t even look him in the eye or muster up anything but a slight nod. It wouldn’t have mattered whether the gesture indicated yes or no because his wild eyes and quivering lips must’ve already known the answer.


    The situation also reminded her of herself. While she may have become a nameless prodigy for Grandpa Ed, forgetting the majority of any information about her parents and life, she distinctly remembered the emotion when she was swept up by a stranger and taken to the SHOP and helplessness of having her mother’s death confirmed by Grandpa Ed a few days later.


    She wiped her face with the thin cotton of her sleeve. A chill traveled up her arm from the damp cloth nightgown. The girl took a deep breath, a little cloud escaping from her mouth in the frigid air.


    So far all their missions had been fairly quick and successful with minimal involvement. Not only were they deeply immersed in this situation, but now it was clear Neil was too.


    <i>Although it would be boring, a clerk wouldn’t have such convoluted situations at a bookstore, cafe, or other buildings owned by SELLERS. Of course, that’s what I thought when I was younger, but now... I suppose I’d rather have the ability to do something other than sit in loneliness and helplessness all day.</i>


    The girl pulled out her deep red book and sniffed again, gaining some composure.


    <i>Since I have the ability, there’s even more reason for me to solve Constance Winthrop’s death. It was an unexpected development, but in the grand scheme of things, an added connection could prove favorable for both her and Neil. Of course, his emotional reaction did not absolve him from suspicion.</i>


    She made notes of Neil''s words and expressions. She also cross-checked her previous notes on Belladonna Winthrop with what she’d collected from the records room.


    She analyzed for another few minutes before her tiredness finally set in.


    <i>The chance to meet Belladonna is a few hours away, I should at least get some prior rest.</i>


    Hopping off the bench, she started back, towards the dorm just in time to see a scarcely visible figure darting out from the library. If not for his distinct braided hair she might’ve not recognized him.


    <i>Aslow D… why is he out so late? Where is he coming from? That’s the back door of the main hall. The only places accessible would be the library, lunchroom, music hall, and auditorium. </i>


    She crouched behind a nearby statue as she watched him slinking further into the shadows of the opposite <i>direction. </i>


    <i>How did he manage to slip out of his room without being noticed? Is Aslow D. exceptionally skilled or has my dear colleague let his guard down completely?</i>


    Frowning at this added concern she swiftly shrunk away from the hiding place. Then she was back to her roommate, who she confirmed was still peacefully dreaming.


    Setting everything in its original place she erased her outing with the stars and the sky. Climbing into the warm blankets she couldn’t help but loosen up and at long last she succumbed to exhaustion.


    Her slumber only lasted a few hours, and she figured it was a good thing her altered appearance wouldn’t reveal evidence of tears or her tiredness.


    Although she was still curious to discover what the meaning of Aslow D.''s midnight run was, she had decided to stay far away from any interaction or situation that might include her partner. She didn’t want his less-than-approving feelings towards her joining the club meeting to affect her plans.


    “Alright, it’s just about time, Constance, are you ready?” Elodi and Constance stood just outside the student council door, a satchel across her roommate''s body while her other arm linked the two girls.


    “I suppose so…”


    “Just remember, you have to let me know if you aren’t feeling well or need anything. We can leave anytime you need so don’t be shy. Also, don’t stress yourself out, most of the student council members are exceptionally good-natured and-“Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.


    Constance put a gentle hand on the arm linked with hers.


    “I understand, I’ll be sure to inform you if I feel unwell. Since I’m just going to be observing as your assistant there’s no need to worry about me.”


    She offered her gentle signature Constance smile and Elodi looked relieved as they opened the door.


    The student council room was fairly average for a club room. Large meeting table in one corner, a set of sofas and armchairs in the other. If it weren’t for the looming banner with the club insignia, the room could have belonged to any other group on campus.


    A boy with copper brown hair walked up with a friendly and most likely rehearsed smile.


    “Greetings Lady Beatrice, I was unaware you’d be bringing another guest along for your interview. May I ask for your name?”


    <i>Arthur Damien, you were of great help to me.</i>


    “Nice to meet you, Secretary Damien. I am Constance Winthrop.”


    With the help of Elodi, she curtsied politely, which she could tell fed the boy''s ego enough for his smile to become more genuine. Then she saw the gears in his head finally turning.


    “Perchance, are you related to Bellado-?”


    He was interrupted by a blonde girl sharing the same emblem as she practically pushed him out of the spotlight.


    “Constance?!”  The girl stared with wide bulging eyes. Her mouth and hands quivered slightly and her eyes almost looked to be watery. Then she was pulling Constance into a tight hug.


    <i>Finally.</i>


    “Cousin Belladonna?”


    At long last “Constance” was now reunited with the person who could be regarded as her closest confidant and family member and ultimately the person who could help the girl solve her death.


    Brushing off his shoulder, clearly annoyed that his presence was not being appreciated anymore, Arthur brushed off the shoulder Belladonna had bumped and then cleared his throat.


    “…Well it seems you two certainly are related, however, such theatrical reactions aren’t necessary-“


    Belladonna seemed to pay him no mind. She stepped out of the embrace still holding Constance''s shoulders as her eyes traced her cousin from head to toe.


    “How are you? No wait, this isn’t the place to talk, we should go find a quieter spot.”


    Belladonna seemed especially eager to talk so Constance looked over at Elodi with a worried expression.


    Elodi had also been abruptly moved away from Constance and she looked a bit surprised by the overall situation.


    “You two should go ahead, I’m fine to interview on my own, make sure you stay safe though. I don’t want Oswald to claim I didn’t take care of you well.”


    Constance smiled first at Elodi to tahnk her and then at Belladonna. Belladonna narrowed her eyes into a questioning look, muttering something under her breath. “Oswald…?”


    Then the two of them headed out beside one of the fountains in the front of the school. Belladonna laid out her handkerchief for Constance and helped her sit.


    <i>She’s rather attentive, they must have been close.</i>


    Belladonna grabbed Constance''s hands and started speaking again with what seemed to be pure enthusiasm.


    “Uncle said he would be sending you to school but I assumed he was just being unreliable again! I can’t believe you’ve been at school. You should’ve written to me about this! Then again, you probably were taken aback trying to see if  Uncle’s promises were true, after all, he’s practically been hiding you away all this time.”


    <i>Has he now? Anyway, I’d better not make her suspicious.</i>


    “Yes, well... it took me a while to get adjusted, and I thought it might be odd to send you a letter when we attend the same school.” She watched Belladonna’s reaction hoping to catch any discrepancies.


    “That’s your problem, Connie, you think an awful lot. It’s probably because of all that time you spent alone inside. “


    <i>Was Constance a prisoner in her own home, or was it honestly only because of her illness as the employer claimed?</i>


    “Oh well, at least the two of us can spend time together in person now.”


    <i>Yes… hopefully, we’ll spend a whole LOT of time together</i>


    “That would be nice… Bella.” The signature smile was offered to Belladonna and the two continued about trivial matters.


    She was essentially tested on how well she had adjusted to the school. Belladonna didn’t mention much about their family after her initial comments, other than how her father and mother were or what their great-uncle had done and so on.


    As the sun began to set Elodi ran out towards the two of them.


    She stood in front of them just catching her breath for a few minutes.


    “Constance I’m all done and if I don’t hurry back for supper, I’ll develop indigestion from the glare of your devoted Oswald.”


    Belladonna frowned at Elodi and stood up brushing herself off.


    “Lady Beatrice, one should watch their words in public to prevent fallacious claims from spreading. You’ve failed to consider how you may have negatively affected Constance.”


    <i>Rather protective, aren’t we? I suppose if she’s always this careful, she and “my devoted Oswald” would get along quite well.</i>


    Elodi shifted uncomfortably, her gaze shifting toward the ground.


    “My apologies, I should’ve taken that into consideration.”


    Constance kept her cheerfulness unaffected as she took hold of Elodi’s arm as her aide again.


    “You didn’t offend me in any way, and you were simply trying to help me eat on time.”


    Belladonna looked between the two girls and sighed before her face softened slightly.


    “I apologize as well. My comments were a bit harsh. I’m simply a bit worried for my cousin as she’s never been in this sort of environment before and I’d hoped she wouldn’t encounter anything too unwelcoming. However, as for this Oswald boy…”


    She paused her face tensing up when she continued.


    “… I’d rather enjoy meeting him.”


    <i>That’s not a good idea in the slightest, especially as he''d be unprepared, that attitude of his would certainly cause trouble if she met him now.</i> <i>Rejecting her would not be good either…</i>


    “Seriously, you’ve been out here all this while! I understand you haven’t seen your cousin in a while but you do know we have business to go over, right? That charity event isn’t far off and today we need to decide which orphanages to include.”


    “Well I’d love to help with that after-“


    “ Besides that, everyone was so busy with those two boys that we’re all having to stay after the meeting to finish up”


    “Pardon, what two boys?”


    “Now come along, assistant Winthrop.“ Arthur grabbed Belladonna by her sleeve cuff and began back the way he came.


    “I’ll be sure to visit you more often Constance!” the cousin warmly shouted.


    “Wow, your cousin sure has a lot of sides to her.”


    <i>Right?</i>


    They watched the two as the secretary was still, rattling off about how busy they were, and Belladonna remained waving.


    Eventually, it was quiet as Elodi and Constance were left thoroughly surprised and confused.


    “Did you catch any of what sir Damien just said? I suppose it was good I interviewed the president in a separate room because he certainly made it sound hectic in the club room.”


    <i>Yes, I would say that’s a positive for her, but I’m a bit curious about what went on.</i>


    “It was a good choice. I’m glad you were not in that room when whatever he was speaking about happened.”


    With their respective interviews over, the two headed to the dining hall.
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