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C H A P T E R   T H R E E

"It is strange, but true, that the most important turning-points of life often come at the most unexpected times and in the most unexpected ways."

- Napoleon Hill

I lifted the covers of my bed and pushed aside the hair in my face. The sun shone brightly through the clear glass window, temporarily blinding me. I shaded my eyes and straightened my nightgown.

Wait a minute, I didn't own a nightgown.

I looked around me, and sure enough, this wasn't my room, though you couldn't call it a room at all, it was larger than our house. On one side were two large wardrobes and a large closet at the corner. On the otherside was a bookshelf and a Desk the size of a dining table.

The room was draped in carpets and curtains. All white in colour.

"Your Highness, you're awake!" An old man walked through the open door of the room, he hardly had any hair on his head and was formally dressed up in a suit. "Your maids are waiting for your orders, would you like to send them in and get you dressed in youryoru chamber?" But he didn't wait to let me answer his question, instead all quickly glanced at his watch. "Breakfast starts in an hour or so, plenty of time, so tell me, would you like me to ask them in?"

He was an Ivory, and my Amber instincts kicked in, I had to talk with respect. This was most probably their castle.

I shook my head. "Maids? I'm afraid I don't have those, and neither is this my room, or chamber, or whatever this is."

He looked at me quizzically. "If you do not like your accommodation, I can request the staff to shift you to one of your preference, we can gladly help."

"There are more rooms? I dont think I'm allowed here, you see I'm banned and it would be horrible if you were to get fired because of letting me stay here, uh-" I stopped mid-sentence, I didn't know his name.

"How terribly rude of me, I am Henri, Henri Johann. And I am going to be working as the personal butler for the future Queen, that is, until you become the Queen, then you have the free right to choose another one if you are not satisfied with my services till then."

Future Queen? Then only did last night's recollections flood back to me.

"Wait a minute! How did I end up here? I specifically remember saying "'No' to the proposition!"

At this Henri smiled sheepishly, "You are as stubborn as the ex-Queen herself, it's a wonder how you flew under the radar. To answer your question, you did decline the offer, but you see, it wasn't really an offer, so we may or may not have asked our officers to momentarily hit a pressure point."

I shook my head. "This is all wrong, I am no Queen, I am a scandal to the castle, I'm not even allowed here!"

Henri let out an exasperated sigh. "All those things rule out now that you're going to be Queen. All records of your crimes, pickpocketing, stealing, temper-tantrums- They're all erased."

I was going to argue that the scene I caused at the seller's block was not a temper tantrum but I decided to keep silent. "So all this." I pointed to the chambers and to the views outside the window. "Are mine?"

I gaped at the luxury of the room. I, an Amber, was staying at the Castle. This would be every girl's dream, to be told that they were going to be a Queen, and rule their superiors. But this wasn't my dream. As much as the thought of being 'a Queen' delighted me, I knew that this had to be some cruel joke, a public humiliation maybe? Crowning me Queen and then throwing me off, as if to say 'how could an Amber ever be Queen' Somehow, though, Henri sounded sincere, and in all my years growing up as an Amber, I knew how to read people well enough to know their true intentions.

And what Henri said was his true intention.

He nodded. "It all all be explained at breakfast, so I urge you to hurry up and let your maids fix you."

I was going to need answers, but for the time being, I didn't mind being treated like a Queen. I straightened my back and sat higher. "Ok, let them in."

●・○・●・○・●

My maids were oddly quiet, they did my hair and put on my dresses wordlessly. There were about five of them, one to do my hair, one to make my bath, two to put on my rather expensive dress and another one for my makeup. I didn't know why I needed all these for just breakfast, but I kept hushed and simply watched them work on me.

And when they were done, they stood in a line, curtsied and waited for me to say something, apparently to dismiss them.

"Uh, you may leave?" and with those simple words they slipped off quietly. I didn't understand them, they didn't talk or show any expressions, it was kind of hard to believe I wanted to work as one of them.

But at least they can eat till their stomachs fill.

I was lost, a criminal in forbidden territory, an Amber among the Ivories.

"Ah, your Highness, I see you're ready, breakfast with the Royal council awaits." I took a last glance at my mirror, I was overly done, the satin laces were layered over each other, the silky fabric was a bit too smooth and the laces were rough against my skin, but I didn't question it. I was going to get answers anyway, why not embrace my looks till they realise I really am not their future Queen, or any relative term close to royalty.

I nodded my head at Henri and followed him down the stairs. "This way, Your Highness." he called out to me, standing in front of the stairs while I was lost at the wonder of all the silver and gold ornaments they placed in the hallway. "Breakfast can't begin without the Queen."

I rolled my eyes, I was not their Queen, not even remotely close.

●・○・●・○・●

Henri opened two large doors to a room, the room was twice as large as my chamber, two chandeliers hung on the sides and everything was draped in white, curtains, rugs, tablecloths.The minute I stepped foot in the hall, everyone seated on the large dining table stood up in respect to me, I suppose.

"Your Majesty." The man, I recognized as Patrik, welcomed while the men at the table bowed and the women and maids curtsied. It was quiet, very quiet. If you focused hard enough, you could even hear the clanging of the chandelier swaying because of the open windows.

Henri nudged me. "You have to curtsy," he whispered. I shook out of my dazed expression and did a haste courtesy. At once the maids took a few steps back at the corners of the room and all the men and women at the table sat down. Henri led the way to the vacant seat at the head of the table and pulled the chair back for me. I nodded in gratitude and sat down.

This was all new to me, I never realised people had to bow down just to eat their breakfast in peace.

Patrik cleared his throat. "Your Highness," he began. "On behalf of the council, we'd like to apologise for our unconventional method of bringing you here."

I snorted, which was an unladylike thing to do. "unconventional is an understatement." I muttered, but all the council members' faces turned beet red in embarrassment. It didn't matter, I wouldn't be here for long, they'd realise who I was and throw me out, or use me until their public stunt and then throw me out.

Patrik cleared his throat again. "We are extremely sorry, you see we had to bring you here, one way or another, you are one of the kingdom's greatest assets, inheriting the King's will, the throne and the kingdom, we couldn't afford to lose you."

The woman beside him, Padgette, nodded. "It may seem unreal, but pinch yourself how many ever times you want, because you are going to be a Queen and you are going to rule the kingdom, one way or another, this is your fate, and no one can escape what is made for them."

Patrik was about to interrupt but Padgette went on. "The kingdom doesnt know of the King's death, and if we do announce it, all our citizens would rage against us if we do not have a proper heir, and you are the only person in this entire kingdom having first-born royal blood."

"I have parents." I blurted. "And my mother isn't the ex-Queen." She wasn't my mother, a voice at the back of my head nagged me, but I didn't listen.

Padgette continued, "We realise that you were brought up in an Amber environment, but you are not biologically their daughter, they may have raised you one of theirs, but the fact remains that you are not."

I know. But instead I said, "So you're telling me that my parents... arent my parents?" Where had I come from? Just last week I was too afraid to show my real face to the Ivories and today I'm already lying and embarrassing the Royal Council of Mithalore.

Padgette nodded and looked at Patrik, signalling him to continue what he had begun. "It seems true, we have seen the ex-Queen's blood records and compared it to all the blood tests taken in the kingdom, you're the only one with a 73.4% match."

My head was fizzing. "But... this can't be possible! I never heard of any Ex-Queen!"

"And she shouldn't be heard of at all, no one can know that you're her daughter or that you are an Amber. To the kingdom, you are the long lost daughter of Alexandro IV before he was crowned King."

"Why is there so much secrecy? Why can't people know about Georgia Wa-"

"Do not mention her name! She will always be termed as 'Ex-Queen' when in castle grounds, do you understand?"

I was shocked at Patriks outburst and nodded my head hesitantly. He cleared his throat for the third time, "To answer your first question, the kingdom is weak, especially with the segregation of Ivories and Ambers, with no ruler, both social groups will start arguments and the constant rebel attacks will not benefit the cause. They must be fooled into thinking you are their ruler, and until they accept you fully, you will be subjected to what we say and do, you may be the Queen soon but you don't hold all the power."

I looked around, the maids had disappeared, and it was just the council and I. "Well why can't you tell me about the Ex-Queen? She is my unknown mother." I didn't believe any of this, but I had to keep up my act if I wanted to leave this place, but the same voice at the back of my head beckoned me... what if my birth mother was actually the Queen? What they are saying does make perfect sense, except for the Queen part.

The table remained silent. Katricia, who I didn't notice was on the table, gestured at one of the maids. "Breakfast please."

It was suspiciously odd, no one made any hints of answering my question. "The Ex-Queen? Who is she?"

But I was only met with silence, until the clattering of plates arrived and was set in front of us. Mouth-watering pancakes, egg and bacon were out in front of me, along with a small bowl of fruit custard and orange juice. Ambers would die for just the splendour of the silver plates, they would kill for the food.

But I didn't even touch them. "Who is the ex-Queen? I think I have the right to know who my mother is! I'm inheriting her fortune, for god's sake! You can't hide it from me!"

Patrik looked anywhere but me, Padgette stared at her pancakes and the rest of the council ate their breakfast in silence.

Henri stood close beside my chair. "I think it's best to leave it there, your Highness."

But I was adamant, How can they possibly believe me to rule if I cant even know who my mother was? Even if this was just a play, they might as well play their cards right.

"As your future Queen I demand to know!"

Katricia spoke, I believe it was only the head, assistant of head and secretary of the Royal council who were allowed to answer questions. "It's confidential. All we can tell you is that she gave up the crown and that you are her daughter." she went back to her fruit custard.

I stabbed my delicious pancakes and ate without a word, mimicking the entire table. I took the time to notice the layout of the room in detail. It was quite empty, with only a large table and a few stands at the corner with vases on them. But the number of maids crowding us filled the vacant gaps. The tablecloth was a shade of pearl white and most of the food was served in pure silver plates, coated with a white layer.

I still felt foreign. Henri said I would get answers, but I ended up getting none.

Once I was done, the entire table blatantly stared at me. Henri subtly nudged me again, "They are waiting for your dismissal."

"But I haven't gotten all the answers I needed!" I whispered furiously. "You said they'd answer my questions!" He simply shook his head.

"Another day, maybe."

"You are dismissed." I said sullenly and left the room, attempting to contain my frustration, Henri followed, close behind.

●・○・●・○・●

"Your Highness, I know this is a lot for one day, but I assure you, once you start settling in, it'll all seem like a new experience-"

"Of course this is a lot! I just found out I have a mother, who was an ex-Queen. The people who I thought were my parents, arent, and on top of all that, they expect me to Be Queen! I'm an Amber in the forbidden territory of the Ivories, do you know how misconceived this is?" I was fuming with irritation. I always knew that Mother and Father were not my parents, but somehow I had made up my mind that my real parents were dead or coast workers and they gave me up for a better life, not that they were the Ex-rulers of the kingdom!

Henri sighed, "If I were in your place, then yes, this all sounds too unreal,but all we can do right now is settle in, and try not to think about who your parents are right now."

My parents. How could I have forgotten them! Mother must be worried sick at home, finding her, well, her not daughter, missing. And Father. Oh God, he must think I have given up and ran away.

"You have to tell my parents." I exclaimed. "They need to know."

Henri stared at me, perplexed. "I'm afraid we can't, no-one except for the castle staff and Royal council can know that you are Queen until your coronation."

"But-But they deserve to know, I left home without telling them, they could be searching for me at this very moment."

Henri shook his head dejectedly. "It's the rules given to us by the council, we swore to an oath that you were to be kept a secret to the kingdom, no one can know that you are a Queen, especially since you were brought up in an Amber society."

I stopped waking. "Brought up in an Amber society? Does that mean..."

"...That you are an Ivory? Yes, by birth you are one. But then again, ebery Ivory is an Amber until they get their powers."

Suddenly the hall felt suffocating. I was an Ivory, the people I despise the most, I was going to Rule them and betray the Ambers. I can't. I can't do this to them, my family, even if I was born an Ivory.

"I need space." I muttered and dashed to the nearest door, thankfully Henri didn't follow this time.

●・○・●・○・●

To say the Castle gardens are big is a discernment. It was like a maze, filled with lush green life, done by the Terra's no doubt. Moonflower vines climbed up against the pillars and white rosebeds were planted in every corner. Cherry blossoms fell from the trees and a lot of wonderfully designed Topiary stood in the middle of every block in the garden, accompanied by three statue fountains. For a second I felt all my worries disappear, the calming and serene view rid me of all my stressed thoughts, and for once, I was blissful. But when that second ended, somebody bumped into me.

"I am so sorry, My Lady, I wasn't-'' He stopped short when he got a full view of my face. He stumbled with his armoire, his sword hilt almost slipping. "Your Highness! My sincerest apologies! I was given a new post here since I wasn't doing a good job in my previous one. The maids can be quite distracting- Oh bother, I shouldn't be telling you all this! So sorry. I'll just keep my mouth shut and quietly walk away-"

My giggle cut his rant short. "It's quite alright." I gave him a warm smile. My blood may be Ivory, but I was brought up as an Amber, and Ambers are kind souls. "Call me Willow. Your Highness is a bit overused."

He let out a sigh of relief. "Am I going to be executed for bumping into you?" he asked.

I giggled again. "I'm not even Queen yet, I've only been here for an hour, I probably wouldn't know how to execute you anyway." Being told I was going to be Queen, injected a surge of confidence in me. I wasn't even wearing my cloak.

This earned a smile from him, a small dimple was noticeable on his left cheek. He didn't look older than me, his sandy blonde hair was a bit tousled up and his green eyes reminded me of Bree. "I'm Stephen Conroy, but most people call me Conroy, since my fathers's name is Stephen too, it gets confusing sometimes." It didn't occur to me that he was talking about Colonel Stephen.

"Willow Moore- er - Vaclare. But you probably already knew that."

"I did. It's my first day here too, I was lucky enough to snag a job here even though I'm not eighteen."

"How old are you? Not to pry or anything."

He shrugged. "No worries, I'm seventeen from last month." I smiled, he must be the only person in this castle close to my age.

"Want to walk with me?" I offered, I'm in need of some friends, but Conroy frowned.

"I wish I could, but I can't risk losing this post. It's the third time I've changed today, I think it means I'm doing a bad job, and I can't afford that."

My smile faded a bit. "Oh, well that's alright. I hope to see you again, Conroy." He nodded and watched me leave.

I continued my way through the garden. A couple of maids passed by here and there, trimming bushes, or watering the plants. They all curtsied while I was passing them, I felt a slight blush forming at their respect, but then it turned to sadness. They were Ambers, all of them. I felt so disheartened, watching them bow down to me when I should be one of them.

I was even more disheartened to know that they knew about my being Queen, yet my own parents didn't.

My mother was the Ex-Queen. A royal. An Ivory. How could I have not known this before? I don't want to be a Queen, I don't want a kingdom or the power, but what I do want is a change. Maybe becoming Queen could lead me there.

A cause. Find your cause.

Mother and father may have had their own reasons for not telling me I was the daughter of an Ex-Queen, or maybe they didn't know, but even though I wasn't their daughter, they loved and treated me like one, which is the most anyone could possibly offer.

I walked till the end of the gardens, I peeked through the gates and realised where I was, the sellers block. Preparations were still going on. I saw Mrs Quinn examining the decorations, I saw the little kids hanging up streamers, and all the Ivory Officers Patrolling around, pulling out mischief-makers and the falsely accused.

That's when I saw him, the boy I saw getting suspended a week ago, he was thrashing against the grip of the officers, and I was close enough to hear everything going on.

"We told you, no ID, no entry! It's the law kid! Scram!" The ferocious voice of a Terra officer yelled at the kid.

"No-no! My mother she-"

"We don't care. Just do yourself a favour and leave, trust us, if you want something worse to happen to you poor mother, you better get lost now." The officer growled at him.

He looked helplessly at the on-lookers for some help, and that's when his gaze landed on me, through the gate of the castle.

I saw it in his eyes, hope. His spirits were lifted at the sight of me, he saw me amongst the crowd that day, now that I was wearing expensive gowns and jewellery, he must have thought I could help save him, after all, I was going to be Queen, not that he knew.

I frowned and shook my head sadly. "Sorry." I mouthed as he was pulled away by the officers and thrown out of the grounds.

"Bree." I murmured searching for her among the crowd, but it would be useless, this was only the one of many sellers' block, there couldn't be a chance she would be here. I searched one last time and headed back into the castle.

'Find your cause' Father's words echoed in my head.

My cause... The reason I want to live; To lead the Ambers to freedom. For the Ambers and Ivories to live in harmony and without fear of being executed.

To save that little boy and his mother, and all the other suffering Ambers.

I was going to be a Queen, I was going to rule the kingdom, this could be my chance to change our status. This is an opportunity, one I won't get again, and I intend on using it to the maximum.

This was fate, giving me another chance, a new chapter, with a new story to be written and retold.

I am Willow Vaclare. And I am going to free the Ambers.

●・○・●・○・●

It took a few trips and wrong turns but I finally made it to my room.

"Your Highness." Henri bowed down and the maids in my chamber curtsied. "The maids just finished cleaning up." He waved his hand as a sign for them to leave. I frown a bit at how casual he is being towards those maids, they work so hard and yet are still being bossed around.

"Thanks Henri." I muttered. He was an Ivory, even if he was subjected to me, he still was one of the many reasons for the Ambers misery.

"We have an introduction scheduled."

"Introduction?"

He nodded. "I am going to introduce you to some of the staff in the castle who you will be seeing often once you become Queen, that is, if your settled about it, because if you're still inan unsure state I can ask for more time and-"

"No, No. None of that. I'm going to be Queen, no matter how much I protest, I might as well get accustomed."

He smiled proudly. "Well then, we better hurry down to the great hall." It felt odd, an Ivory, smiling at an Amber? The Royal Council, bowing down to a lowly Amber, and the entire Kingdom, belonging to the same Amber.

Henri led the way to the great hall, it was only then did I notice how big the castle really was, each hall looked identical to each other, the same drapes, same vases, same flower bouquets. I wondered how people managed to get through without getting lost.

"We're here." Henri announced, suddenly. I almost bumped into his lean figure.

The great hall was much larger than the dining hall, a huge chandelier hung on the top, it looked much grander than the ones in the dining hall. The rooms were, yet again, draped in white, sofas and cushions were aligned at the corners with a single fountain in the middle. A couple portraits hung on the walls, no doubt of the king.

"Your Highness." Patriks familiar voice greeted. There were a few curtsies, but I was too busy wanderstruck at the beauty of the great hall to notice who they were. Henri went ahead and stood beside some maids.

"I hope you had a lovely walk in the gardens."

I nodded. "It's really well kept, very serene." I was here for a reason now, I knew my plan. All I needed was to keep that plan going and respect the Ivories and their decisions for me.

Patrik smiled. "It's one of the main attractions in the castle. Along with the ballroom and the terrace diners."

I raised my eyebrows, what did this castle not have?

"I'd like to introduce you to your personal staff, I'm sure you're aware of Katricia and Padgette."

I nodded my head at both of them and smiled.

"This is your butler Herni Johann, if you already didn't know, and these are your maids." I gave them a soft smile, they simply smiled back but it didn't quite reach their eyes.

"This is the captain of the royal Guards, Colonel Stephen Richett Wallace."

My hurried gaze froze. Colonel? The same Colonel who, just yesterday, burnt my dreams and future and abashed me in front of everyone.

It seems he realised that too.

"We are aware of what had taken place yesterday. Of course, what he did was intolerable. Kicking out the future Queen out of her own grounds, but in light of the situation, he was simply doing his job, and we also advise you not to throw any more of such temper tantrums in the castle anymore."

I was a beet shade of red, of course, they'd embarrass me even more. But I was mortified at how they could just keep him after he forcefully and physically dragged me out of the grounds. "No." I folded my arms. "I won't have it! He took away my job and my family's only source of Income, he humiliated me in front of all the sellers AND burnt my ID! I demand he be fired!"

Patrik looked like he was sitting on a hot seat, so his sister took over, it came to me that she was usually the person who'd neutralise fights and arguments.

"We completely understand, and he is paying his price by coastal service during the weekends, i suggest that once you've been crowned Queen, we can help you revamp all the staff members and replace them with better ones that suit your preference."

I was still pissed, he was just training the war soldiers of the coast, not actually training with them, it wasn't enough of a punishment, but I knew that I was definitely removing him once I became Queen. It was funny at how upset I was, that I even resorted to using my Powers as a royal against the people I hated.

"And this is your personal Guard, Stephen Conroy Wallace." And out came Conroy, he looked happy to see me, but his expression was solemn, and his eyes were filled with nothing but regret. He must have not known about what his father had done yesterday, and suddenly, I wasn't so keen on becoming friends with him either.

"Pleasure." he said simply, and took a step back.

Patrik inched closer to me and whispered. "We thought it would be nice to have someone closer to your age range to talk to, trust me, it gets very lonely in the castle." His words said something deeper than what he meant, but I chose to ignore it.

"His father, Stephen Richett will also be your night guard." I nodded, biting back my insults.

"This is Beatrix Quinn, Head of the party planning committee, she'll be asking for your preferences of layouts and designs." My smile faltered, Mrs. Quinn. She'd know who I am in a split second, my secret won't be much of a secret anymore.

Patrik seemed to notice this. "Don't worry, like I said, the staff has taken an oath to keep silent, Beatrix included."

I let out a sigh. "Mrs. Quinn." I greeted, she looked pleased to see me.

"Nice shoes." she subtly commented. Instinctively I looked down at my heels, they were nice but not as comfortable as my sandals. I shrugged.

"This is Lady Sienna and Sir Jeoffrey, your tutors. Lady Sienna will be taking Royal etiquette and mannerism, and Sir Jeoffrey will be taking your Politics, History, and Geography." I didn't like the fact that I was going to be schooled, but then again, Queens can't be illiterate.

Lady Sienna was quite chubby and round, like a little rubber ball, while Sir Jeoffrey was incredibly tall and lean with very bony arms. Both bowed and so did I.

"Henri will also be your personal assistant and butler till the coronation, he'll be handing you your schedules, classes and tasks. Your classes will be taken in the study room."

I nodded my head after every statement. "Is that all?" I asked once he was done.

Patrik nodded. "Henri and Conroy will escort you back into your room, you have the choice to have your lunch there or at the dining hall, just request Henri on whatever you need." He smiled. "You don't know how much of a service you are doing to Mithalore by accepting the throne, it would be in ruins without a ruler. So, Thank you."

I wanted to say there wasn't much to thank for, but then, I should probably be grateful for a second chance after the fiasco yesterday. "You're welcome."

●・○・●・○・●

Henri led the way back to my chamber, with Conroy beside me, not saying a word during our trip. I tried making a note of the turns and stairs we climbed in the castle in case I needed it.

"I'll be in the kitchens, your Highness." Henri informed. Conroy froze while Henri passed by him, and when he left, Conroy displayed his dimple smile.

"I'm so sorry about my dad, Your Highness! I always knew he was a bit illiberal and austere, but I didn't know he would be hurting girls!"

"Girls or boys, it doesn't matter if we're Ambers." I sighed. "And I asked you to call me Willow, remember?" Conroy didn't seem to be anything like his father, which I was glad about.

"Your Highness." He mocked. This reminded me of Bree, she would have never stopped teasing me. 'The Queen? Willow Moore? Why, she can't even handle playing the part of the peasant muchless the Queen!' my frown deepened. The last thing she said was that she was going to give me some space, what I didn't realise then was that this was going to be a very large space.

Conroy seemed to catch that he said something wrong and rushed to apologise. "I'm so sorry your high-Willow! I just thought-"

I shook my head. "It's alright, you just remind me of my friend, another person I left behind with no explanation."

His dimple grin lowered. "It's just until the coronation, plus, I get it, I thought I was going to get posted in the guard when I turned eighteen. It was a bit sudden when they wanted me at seventeen and I had to leave my family. Dad kept touch through letters when he left, now the only thing keeping my poor mom sane is both our letters. Her two boys leaving has seriously taken a toll on Ma's health, so we write whenever we can."

I smiled bitterly, "At least she knew you were leaving."

Conroy took this as his first hint to leave. "I'll be outside your door, you know... guarding and stuff. Happy Birthday, by the way." He scratched the back of his neck and awkwardly left. My eighteenth birthday, today. How could I have forgotten? It's the year I've anticipated the most in my life, yet, it's turning out to be the year I have to get accustomed to many changes.

I shut my eyes and cringed. How could I have been so blunt? He was just trying to make the situation better.

I sighed and looked at myself in the mirror, maybe I could send letters to my parents too. I missed mother and the times we sewed together. I missed Father and the fatherly advice he gave. I miss Bree for always trying to lift up my spirits and our gossip every Sunday afternoon.

I opened a drawer of my wardrobe and saw my aquamarine peeking out of it. It reminded me of my life at home, a life I wont be getting back any time soon. A life I'll be trying to save and bring to a new one.

Who is that one person you think of when things go unplanned?

For me, its my parents