That night, I dreamed I was on a boat. We were searching for land yet I knew we would never find it. Violent storms rocked the ship and the waves started to splash over the side of the ship. We were sailing into a storm and he sailor’s cries of concern arose over the loud waves of the sea. A wave crashed over the side of the boat and I bolted awake. Bandit was leaning over me, his tail wagging excitedly. He turned after he saw me up and trotted to the door. He sat down and waited for me to follow him.

I swung my legs over the side of the bed and pulled a cloak over my shoulders. I followed him to the door and opened it. He bolted out, running down the hallway and darting down the old servant stairs that no one really uses anymore. The stairs creak with every step and my mother would kill me if she found me on the ‘dangerous’ steps. I pushed on an old door at the end of the winding staircase which opened up to our large, vast, lawn and colorful garden. Bandit burst out and immediately saw a squirrel, sprinting into a full out chase. I shook my head, smiling. I knew from experience that I would be out here for a while. I started walking into the garden. I tend to walk here a lot. It never fails to help me think and right now, I needed to think about what I was going to do. Mother expected me to save the family and marry someone with money. Then, my family would get some of the money and I would bring our family out of poverty. But, why wouldn’t mother talk to me about this? Why did she send Sophia? I don’t know why, but this really bothered me. I guess was because Sophia knew. Since father died, my mother had been in mourning. She refused to go anywhere and she didn’t talk much. So, that left me to take care of Sophia. I was like her mother now. And so, it just bothers me that Sophia would have to worry about something like this.

I was so deep in thought, that I hardly knew where I was going. I tripped over something, but I caught myself. I heard a chuckle. “You should really watch where you are going.” The voice said from behind me.
I turned to see one of my best friends in the world, James. He had dark hair, almost black and sea blue eyes. He was taller than me, but not by that much because I was tall for my age. “James.” I said, “What are you doing?”
“I work here.” He said smiling widely, “Elizabeth.”
I smiled and shake my head, “I meant in the garden.” I said, “I thought you were a stable hand.”
He shakes his head, loosing the smile, “I need more money for my family. Mom is expecting again, her fourth child.”
“So now you are working two jobs?” I asked, “James, you could just ask for a raise.”
I mentally scold myself. Your family is going into poverty, Elizabeth. This is not a good time for a raise. No matter whom it is.
James shrugged, “No. It’s okay. I will just get home later.”
“But you already get home very late!” I exclaimed
“I know.” James said, “But it doesn’t matter. Don’t worry about it, Elizabeth.”
I give him a pitiful smile. “So what’s your new job?”
“I’m a blacksmith. In town.” James said, “I have to get to work. I just finished here.”
I smiled. “Well have fun.” I said, “And I will stop by your house tonight. I want to talk to you.”
He nodded, turned, and walked out of the garden and out of sight. He was one of my best and oldest friends. I met him was I was three and I still was his friend. We tell each other everything and we listen to each other’s problems. But, James’ family was never wealthy like mine. So, he works as our stable hand and now, a blacksmith. He was eighteen. One year older than me yet he had so much more responsibility.
I whistled one, sharp whistle and Bandit came running. His tongue was hanging out and his tail was wagging fast. “Come on, Bandit. Everyone else will be up and it’s time for breakfast.”
We walked back inside and to the parlor. Sophia was sitting one of the chairs, reading. Her cat, Binx, a grey tabby, sat on her shoulder. Binx was looking at the book she was reading with curiosity. Binx, like any other cat was curious. That’s probably why he and Bandit got together so well. Binx and Sophia looked up as we walked in. “Hi Lizzy.” Sophia said.
I smiled. “Hello Sophia. What’s for breakfast?”
She shrugged, “I don’t know. Food?”
I smiled. People said that she was becoming more like me, looks and attitude. I was always sarcastic, a little rude and clever. She was coming into my face shape and build, slim, yet she still had my mother’s eyes and hair. Right when I was going to respond, a maid came in. “Breakfast is ready.”

We followed her to the kitchen and to a large round table where we ate our meals. It was able to fit six people yet it was usually only Sophia and I but sometimes, James joined.
The table was set. We each had a plate, filled with eggs, ham, and bread. And a cup of tea, of course. A maid was just about to leave with my mother’s food to bring it to her room, but I stopped her. “Wait.” I call, “Let me bring it. I need to talk to her anyway.”
The maid hesitated but she gave it to me eventually. I smiled as I took it and then, turned and walked to my mother’s room. I stopped outside the large bedroom doors. Do I really want to talk to her? We haven’t talked much and I guess I was just nervous. I took a deep breath and entered the room. It was bright in the room. All the curtains were open and my mother sat at her small desk, reading. “Mother?” I asked.
She looked up from her writing. “Yes?” She asked
“I brought you your breakfast.” I said walking over and setting the tray on the desktop. “Is that it?” She asked, “Usually a maid brings my food not one of my daughters.”

A part of me is thinking, I should just leave now. She doesn’t want to talk to me. But, another part is saying, just talk to her. She is your mother.
I swallowed, “Yes. But,” I paused, “I need to talk to you.”
She cast a look at me that I can’t quite describe and she sent down the paper she was reading. “Sophia told me about the money problem.” I said.
She nodded, “Yes. I told her to. What is the problem?”
“It’s just… “What do you want me to do about it?”
“I thought she told you. Marry someone for money.” My mother said, a little harsh.
I nodded, “She did. But who?”
“Scott. Scott Labortis.” She said

My mouth dropped. Scott was one of my best friends in the world. I thought as him as just a friend. Not, my husband.