Chapter 3 A New Beginning
Sabrina Luthferd
I have told myself that I am alone in this world. I will only have me and it will stay like that until the day that I die.
I never knew that I will meet my brother again. It was a blessing. And I could not have been any happier than I have ever been.
It has been two weeks since I have met my brother. I have hated the nobilities since I was a child but I never expected that brother and I are a part of it.
I have moved in my brother's residence which he would like me to call ours. I do not have the guts to sell the house I bought because it holds memories I would like to keep.
My brother, Ciel is such a caring brother. He tucks me in bed during the night. We are already old. We knew that. But we both know that we want to catch up with how the years have passed.
With that, I have made my choice. A choice that I hope I will not regret.
"Are you really sure, Sabrina?" The bartender, Allan, asked.
I am currently in Thornless Rose, in the bar. I was seated in one of the stools, chatting with my childhood friend.
I grinned, scratching my cheek softly.
"I think that this is for the best."
"I knew that you're a noble the first time I saw you! Your skin is flawless, your eyes are sparkling.." He chimed, grinning. "Man, that was like ten years ago and we only do errands."
I smiled. "That is true. You used to be an innocent boy and protected me. Now, you are a drunkard and a perverted young man."
He raised an eyebrow. "I resent that! I am innocent as an infant up until now. And I still protect you, you know?"
I laughed a little. "It was just a joke. Calm down. You have matured and have been successful. That is what I am trying to say."
"True, true. But not as successful as you. You became more and more unreachable, Sabrina. Before I know it, you are already a nobility." He said, brushing his long, chestnut hair away from his caramel orbs. "Time flew so fast. I could have stayed by your side for as long as I can back then."
I reached for him and ruffled his hair.
"It is not like I am gonna die, Ally." I said, using his pet name. "We will meet again, you see?"
He looked at me as I smile. He sighed. "Well that is true. I will mix you a drink. My treat."
"Bloody Mary it is then."
"Coming right up." He winked before turning to the liquors behind him.
He is such a nice person and I admit that I will miss his flirting nonsense.
"Sabrina?" I whipped my head towards the direction of the voice. It's Master.
"Good evening, Master."
"Your show will start in an hour, right?" He said, walking towards the bar and sitting on a stool beside me.
I nodded.
He has not changed a bit. His pale complexion compliments his emerald green eyes, together with his thin lips. The only difference right now is that he had earned some lines due to old age and his jet black hair is starting to turn white.
"I'll have the usual, Allan."
"Yes, Master!~"
"Are you sure about it?" He had repeated Allan's question.
I nodded. "I have decided this by myself, Master."
"Well, if that really is your choice then I will not stop you. But Thornless Rose will always be open for you."
I gave him a small hug, smiling. I will also miss him.
"One glass of Bloody Mary and Martini!~" Allan shouted, setting two fancy drinks in front of us.
"I need to finish this up before the customers walk in." I said, chuckling.
"Bummer." Allan said which made master and I laugh.
I drank all of the liquor and decided to get ready for my performance.
I wore my usual red tight dress and proceeded to practice with the remaining time.
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"This will be my last song for today." I glanced at my brother who was seated in front together with Sebastian.
I smiled at him in which he returned.
"I dedicate this song to my brother. I hope that we will make wonderful memories. And also... My dear friends, this will be my last performance. I will be quitting my job as a singer."
The crowd was shocked. Their mouth was wide open. They did not see that coming. They whined, pleaded. But my decision is final. I will not change my mind.
I laughed. "I am thankful that it seems like you will miss me. But my decision is irrevocable. That is all."
I started to sing a mellow song. It means how much I have yearned for a family and how I am happy now that I have my brother.
The song ended with thunderous claps and crying faces of drunk men and women who have not expected that I will quit my job.
I ran back to my dressing room to change. I will be going home with my brother... I like the sound of going home together with a family.
I did not know that I really wanted a family this bad. I am thankful that Ciel really came in my life.
I packed all the things I had in my dressing room and decided it was time to bid farewell to this room that had accompanied me for three years.
I will miss this oversized mirror and stool. I will miss the couch and everything else.
I do not have time to be sentimental. I picked up my luggage and walked out the door to hit a hard chest.
I looked up to spot Sebastian Michaelis, smiling with his eyes closed.
"Young mistress, I am here to pick up your luggage and escort you to the carriage. Your brother is waiting for you."
He is such a gentleman but I cannot hide the fact that his eyes shows a glint of mischief and hidden intents.
"It is fine. " I smiled back. "I can carry my own luggage. But I appreciate your help."
"Young mistress, it is my duty to do this." He gave me a wink. "And Young master will not allow you to carry that heavy luggage."
He took the luggage from my hands and ushered me to walk first.
I simply smiled and started to walk out Thornless Rose.
This is not goodbye. We will see each other again.
I rode the carriage followed by Sebastian and soon, we are moving.
"I never you have this wonderful voice, Julia." My brother commented.
My cheeks grew red for a moment before I dismissed my flustered thought.
No need to be flustered. He is my brother.
"Thank you. I just practiced I guess."
"Anyway. I am not rushing or anything beyond those lines but I am planning to hold a ball in celebration of our reconciliation."
I stopped for a while. Ball? I do not attend those things except if I will perform in it.
Ciel held my hands causing me to look at his sapphire orbs. "Trust me."
I smiled. "I do. Please do as you see fit."
He smiled back. "I will be holding this ball after three days, okay?"
I nodded before we submerged in silence.
Even though I am happy that I found him, I cannot help but feel awkward around him. I think that I look like a servant rather than a nobility. I know that my looks surpasses the features of a normal citizen and some nobles but when I am beside my brother, I cannot help but gawk at his looks.
With his long eyelashes, pink lips that looks soft, and a fine nose to boost his beautiful features.
....! My cheeks grew red as I realized that I was staring at him too much. I looked at the windows, noticing the street lights across the dark alley.
Feeling flustered because of my brother's features is something I should not even think about.
I need to think of some other things.
That ball.
Days have passed by in a blur with my schedules full of etiquette lessons such as proper way of eating and dancing waltz. I did not like how the instructor orders me around. I feel angry for some reason.
Dancing. I really hate it. Maybe if one person can sing, she will not do a great job dancing.
Ciel was busy during the past few days organizing the whole event. He also takes care of his work. He is the head of the Phantomhive manor after all.
For this ball, I was required to wear a dark red gown with accents of black and roses as a design. It has a great design. I did not think that I will have an opportunity to wear these types of gowns- not those tight short gowns I wear during my performances.
My hair stayed the same; curly and blonde. I applied make up which I use every time I perform. I took breaths because I am nervous just like the first time I have performed in front of a crowd.
"Julia?".. It's Ciel.
"Um, yes?" I asked.
"May I enter your room?"
"Um.. Yes, brother."
He entered my room, closing the door in the process. He stopped and stared at me.
I blushed with the attention his eyes are giving. He coughed a little before looking at me in the eyes.
"The guests have arrived. Are you ready?" He asked.
I nodded, smiling.
"Well then. Just be yourself. Do not hold back."
He lend his arms which I gladly took and we made our way to the ballroom.
The ballroom's big as the theaters I have been to. A large, crystal chandelier is hanging on the ceiling. An orchestra is playing pieces of Vivaldi, Montervedi, and such. All the guests are wearing flamboyant clothes. Some are dancing while some are chatting the night away.
My hands started to sweat as I feel myself trying to hide behind Ciel.
"Calm down, Julia."
I reluctantly nodded before, straightening my posture and mustering a straight face.
Before we descend the stairs, Ciel stopped and so is the orchestra playing. Everyone turned towards our direction.
"Good evening, dear guests. I am here to introduce to you all to my precious sister, Juliana Phantomhive" murmurs erupted from the nobles in front of me. "After years, we have finally meet again. I hope that you will help her adjust. That is all. Please have a good night."
We went down the stairs and Ciel started to socialize with other nobles and all I can do is stare at them.
"Your sister is stunning!"
"She looks like a porcelein doll!"
"isn't she the famous singer, Sabrina Luthferd?"
"Well, she was Sabrina Luthferd. We got separated when we were just kids. She had her reasons to change her name but now she is Juliana Phantomhive."
Questions regarding me bombarded us but my brother is the only who answered these questions. I am thankful for that.
"Ah! Sir Phantomhive! Your sister looks so beautiful, just like your mother! And do you mind? I would like to introduce her to my son."
I suddenly stiffened as I looked at Ciel.
"..." He was silent for a while. "Pardon me... But my sister already has a fiancé."
...what? I already have a fiancé? What nonsense is this? I am not aware of it! I tightened my grip on Ciel's arm and tugged it slightly.
He turned to me before whispering, "We will talk about this matter later. I promise."
I suddenly lose the remaining enthusiasm I have for this ball. I slid my arm off Ciel's arm.
"Please excuse me." I said, walking away without waiting for his reply.
I aimlessly walk around the hall, avoiding people as much as possible.
"AHHH!!!! JULLLLYYYY---" I twisted my head towards the directions of the noise to find a blonde young lady with pink frilly dress, running towards me with arms wide open.
Where is she headed? ...oh, towards me. TOWARDS ME!?? I tried to run away from her but it was too late. She hugged me tightly as she can.
...I.. Cannot... Breath.
"Hi Julllllyyy!! I haven't seen you for ten years and it turns out you are the famous Sabrina Luthferd!! You are so cute!!! waah!~ Hey, hey! My older brother definitely has his eyes on you!" She keeps on blabbering but I do not really want to hear it.
"Um- would you mind letting go of me?" I asked.
"Oh! I apologize!" She chirped.
"Stop running, Elizabeth! Goodness! You still act like a child!"
Yet another blonde young man ran towards me. He resembles this lady who is hugging me. They may be siblings.
"Eh!?? I am a grown up! An adult!!" Elizabeth let me go. "Meet your fiancé, July! Eddie!"
Fiancé? Oh my. This timing is something I do not favor.
I forced a smile, closing my eyes. "It is nice meeting both of you. I am Sab- Juliana Phantomhive. I apologize. I am still used with my other name." I greeted, bowing a little bit.
"Er.. It is nice meeting you too. I am Edward Midford and this is Elizabeth Midford."
I nodded. "My dear brother is over there, if you are looking for him. If you will excuse me."
I bowed once again before walking away from the crowd and towards the balcony. I need some air.
Chilly night wind greeted me as I enter the balcony. No one was there except for me. I walked towards the railings and let my hair flutter.
I do not like this. I do not like how I was being dictated. This is only the start and yet, I am not liking this.
Nobilities have their responsibilities. I can now see that.
Did I make the wrong choice to quit my job?... It is too soon to regret this. Maybe, Ciel will cancel the arrangements for me.
"Oh my. Such a fine, dazzling lady."
Hmm? Someone walked towards me. He has this light blonde hair and he is wearing a mask that hides his features well.
"Good evening." I greeted.
"Good evening!~" he chirped. "Why aren't you inside?"
"I do not seem to blend well with the nobilities in there."
He held his chest, looking down and shook his head. "Same. This place does not seem to be my thing either."
"I feel like everyone's eyes are on me. I am used to that but... This is different. They look at me just like a special jewelry inside an expensive box in which can be possessed by anyone with the right power."
Unlike the time whenever I perform where people look up to me just like the stars of the night- unreachable and cannot be touched by anyone that is why the only thing they can so is stare.
"Hmm. I see, I see."
I made a small conversation with this masked stranger. He would just make side comments while I voice out everything I had in my mind.
"JULIA!? JULIANA!??"
"Whoopsie! Your frowny brother is here." The stranger held out my hand and lightly kissed it. "I will meet you again!"
He jumped off the railings.. Jumped!??? He ran towards a direction, leaving a flying kiss.
"Julia!? You are here!"
I faked a smile before facing Ciel.
"Yes, brother?"
"You were missing so I was worried."
"It is fine. I just had some fresh air."
He sighed and walked towards me. "I apologize for not telling you about the engagement. I do not want to tell it to you yet. It was too sudden. I'm sorry."
"I.. Was just surprised, you see. I am not used to these types of responsibility. My responsibility when I was alone's just to feed my stomach thrice a day. It was fairly easy. But now.. Things have changed I guess. And I need to cope up with it..." I stopped. "I admire you, brother. You managed to face these responsibilities flawlessly. You have been so strong. I really should follow your example."
.... And also, I can face these consequences of being a noble if I have my brother by my side. If I have you by my side.
He looked at me in the eyes and I did the same... He looks gorgeous under the moonlight with his blue coat. My brother's looks is astounding and his eyes makes me feel dizzy.
What is this feeling?
Ciel Phantomhive
I have finally found her. My beloved sister, Julia. I am very much delighted with this fact.
But I am also sad that I will be leaving her side soon. My contract with Sebastian has been fulfilled and he will take my soul tonight, December 5, after the ball.
"Julia?" I asked, knocking at my sister's door.
"Um. Yes?"
"May I enter your room?"
She agreed so I entered the room and shut it in the process.
Who I saw standing in front of me is a goddess. Her sparkling hazel brown eyes, fine nose, red lips, and long majestic blonde curly hair makes her features look so astonishing.
My heart beat faster than usual. I can feel blood rush to my cheeks. I do not know what to do.
I coughed and tried to maintain my composure.
I assured her that everything will be alright and it did. Until that old hag asked for her hand. I cannot think of a proper reason that is why I managed to blurt out that she already has her fiancé.
Well, it is actually true. She is engaged with Edward Midford. Father made the arrangements and I cannot do anything about it.
She excused herself and she looked slightly angry with her fine eyebrows knit together to form a small frown.
I mentally groaned and let her be. I never knew that my sister can be such a brat. And I dislike brats.
I smoothed my hair and maintained my calm composure. I still need to greet my guests.
It was a just normal ball where drunkards meet and drink as they please.
"CIELL!!"
Oh dear.
I plastered a smile before facing Elizabeth.
"Good evening, Elizabeth." I greeted.
She embraced me tightly, knocking out all the air I have.
"GEE, IT'S LIZZY!~" she let go of me and held both of my hands. "Anyway, I saw Jully! So she is Sabrina!?? Uwah~ That is such a great turn of events!"
"Well, I do not even know the Sabrina Luthferd in the first place." I answered. "I just met her when I visited Undertaker. It seems that they are acquainted with each other."
"Hmmmpf." Elizabeth pouted. "You need to bring Jully and Eddie together!"
I frowned internally. Why should I do that? It leaves a bad taste in my mouth.
"I cannot dictate her much, Elizabeth. My sister has her sovereignty before we met again. She can earn just fine and live an extravagant life. To cut it short, she is an independent lady and is the type of person that does not want to be ordered around. I might lose her if I dare to order her around."
She stared at me with eyes wide and smile fading.
"Independent lady.." She mumbled.
"Hmm?" I asked.
"It's nothing!" She smiled a little, waving her hands around. "Hey, Ciel!~ About our wedding!"
Oh. My smile slowly faded. I am sorry, Elizabeth... I think that it will not happen. Because.. Sebastian will be taking my soul tonight.
I tried to smile once again. "It will happen this March, right?"
"That is right!! It will be the best wedding ever!" she grinned.
I nodded.
I kept Elizabeth accompanied but I really can't help but wonder where Julia had gone to. She might get kidnapped! Or worse..
I turned towards Sebastian who was stationed in the beverages.
I motioned him to kill some time. He smiled, nodding.
"Excuse me for a minute, Elizabeth."
She nodded, grinning.
I started to walk around the hall, searching for the familiar blonde hair of hers. But I cannot find her. Not even a strand.
"Young master, she is in the balcony, if you are looking for her." Oh, it is Bard.
"Thank you." I said, nodding.
I walked towards the balcony shouting, "JULIA!? JULIANA!??"
I saw his small body facing the sky.
"Julia!? You are here!"
"Yes, brother?" she faced me with a smile.
"You were missing so I was worried."
"It is fine. I just had some fresh air."
Well this is it. I must apologize or else.. I do not really want to think of what will happen. I held out a sigh.
"I apologize for not telling you about the engagement. I do not want to tell it to you yet. It was too sudden. I'm sorry."
"I.. Was just surprised, you see. I am not used to these types of responsibility. My responsibility when I was alone's just to feed my stomach thrice a day. It was fairly easy. But now.. Things have changed I guess.
I need to cope up with it... I admire you, brother. You managed to face these responsibilities flawlessly. You have been so strong. I really should follow your example."
I stared at her brown orbs.. Strong? This flattery is so much.. It made me feel uncomfortable in a nice way..
I dismissed my useless thoughts and led her back to the ballroom. We danced the night away and I urged her to talk to Edward even though I do not like the idea.
After the ball, we bid farewell to the guests especially to the Midford siblings.
And as usual, I tucked her in bed and I proceeded to my study room.
It is time..
I stared out the window, contemplating on what I shall do. or should I say, what I forgot to do.
I have already wrote my last will and testament. All of the Phantomhive property will go to Juliana Phantomhive also known as Sabrina Lutherferd. Certain amounts will be given to Finny, Meyrin, and Bard. Tanaka will be handling the Funtom Company until Juliana learns how the business works. Afterwards, Tanaka will own the townhouse in London.
That is pretty much it.
"Oh my, oh my. Young master, it is past your sleeping time."
"Stop acting clueless, Sebastian." I said, rolling my eyes. "It is due today."
He smiled- more like smirked - and walked towards me. He moved his face to my ear before whispering
"It seems like I will still be working for you a little bit longer."
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(Bakamono: Hiiiiiiiyaaa! Sorry for the long, draggy chapter :3)
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