CHAPTER 448: A SPECIAL DAY

The day started out just normally. Well, as normal as it could be considering the happenings around them.

As it had become their usual those recent mornings, Silas was already long gone before her awakening.

The second thing that greeted her after the warm rays of the sun was that blue velour gown that took a lot more space than it should have.

Under normal circumstances, it wouldn’t have bothered Arabella, but in those specific ones, it was just cumbersome to walk around or even look at it.

What was a little different though was that knock that came along on the door a few minutes after the young woman was done getting ready for the day.

"Yes?"

"’Tis us, my Lady," came Abigail’s voice.

"May we come in?" and that one was Ada’s.

"Yes, of course," she rushed through the curtains to greet them, "Did something happen?"

Hand over her heart, Arabella wasted no time with pleasantries. As sad as that may have been, with everything going on in their lives, tragedies became no strangers. They would come knocking at their door and go as they pleased.

"Nothing much, but you should change into your outing clothes," Ada smiled, "Lord Silas awaits you at the entrance,"

"Wh... Why? What happened?" her brows knitted together further.

"Let us make this quick," the beam on Ada did not falter.

The one on Abigail did not either.

"Why should I wear my outing clothes? Does he want me to participate in the search?" Arabella’s eyes followed Ada as she walked over to her closet and started looking for the needed garments, "Because if so, I am not sure it is a very good idea. I am not used to long outings, and I would just become a liability and-"

"Oh! Here they are!" Ada appeared to have listened to not a word out of Arabella’s mouth and simply handed the clothes over to Abigail.

It was not surreal per se, but being ignored in her own room while her friends rummaged through her closet was certainly something to... Consider.

"Are any of you going to answer my questions?" hands on her hips, Arabella repeatedly tapped one foot against the floor with a glare on her face.

"Please, Arabella, just trust us, will you?"

That was the ultimate response. The one that would get her anytime. Ada pushed the right buttons and consequently deflated the harsh facade that Arabella had put up.

The glare melted, her shoulders slumped and her hands just dropped to her sides.

"I do trust you, of course," she mumbled under her breath, "But I would still like to understand what is going on,"

She kept on pouting and grumbling like a five-year-old all the while changing into her outing garment with the help of her friends.

"Did you two already have your breakfast?" she asked as Ada knelt down to zip her boots.

"Yes, we have, my Lady,"

Arabella still grimaced at the honorific Abigail used but made no comment on it, "Then I suppose I will take mine in the gardens today if that’s al-"

"No, you won’t!"

Without a warning, Ada took and pulled Arabella up to her feet by the hands.

"What?" wide open her eyes were, "What do you mean?"

"You will see soon enough,"

Ada and Abigail both giggled and chuckled while dragging Arabella out of the room, each wrapping one of her arms.

The tugging continued until they brought Arabella to the main entrance where Silas stood tall, hands behind his back, looking up at the stairs as the women descended them.

"Our job is done here," Ada squeaked with the biggest grin ever.

"We will see you later," Abigail chirped with a similar little smirtle.

As per his nature, Silas showed no emotion when they weren’t alone or outside of closed spaces like their room or office.

But in his eyes, there was a discernible glint that persisted and insisted on being seen.

"Where are we going?" Arabella hesitated almost at every word.

"Please, follow me,"

He extended an open hand which she took, and outside Silas guided her. Unlike Abigail and Ada, there was no need to haul her along.

Behind the main entrance door, down the steps leading to the front yard, stood Chance.

Silas’ beloved horse waited for nothing other than their arrival, his reins and riding gear glistening under the golden light bestowed by nature.

"Will I be participating in the search?" she murmured while descending the steps behind his figure.

Silas said nothing and simply turned her around before taking her by the waist to lift her along with himself onto the saddle.

Very close he held her back to his chest before nuzzling his face into her neck.

The vampire took a long whiff of her hair then straightened back up, "We are not leaving the property today," he whispered.

"But...," she trailed off, but never got to finish her sentence.

"Today of all days, I will be doing no searching," his lips grazed her ear, making her squirm in his hold.

"Why? What’s today?"

As soon as those words left her mouth, the realization struck her then and there.

"Is it for my birthday?" she looked up at him in a sudden manner.

Looking at her upside-down, little face again seemed to take over Silas’ actions as he instantly bent forward to steal a quick kiss from her tender lips.

"But... Allegra is...,"

"Saying this does not delight me, but I am afraid I am no closer to finding Allegra today than I was yesterday," he shook his head slowly.

Silas’ hand remained under Arabella’s chin, keeping her in that position so that he could stare into her bright eyes.

Surely, it wouldn’t hurt to thieve a few hours away to themselves. It was her birthday after all! Nobody had celebrated it with her since the death of her mother...

Surely, it would be alright to enjoy one day. Just one day!

In the end, Arabella released her grip, to let go of that thread that tied and dragged a tuft of guilt along and just breathe for that one, special day.