Busted II

"If you don't want me to tell your brother of what you did last night, you have to promise me never to try this nonsense anymore," her mother said in a soft tone. "What were you thinking, Lucy, you knew no guards were around to protect you, what if—"

"But I don't want this engagement, Mummy. Tell father to call it off."

"No one will call anything off." Her mother dropped the hairdryer and placed both palms on her shoulders. She stared at her through the mirror and said," Can't you see that we are only trying to help you. I'm so lucky that I haven't gotten a heart attack despite all those scandals you've caused in your four years at university."

"Those were not my fault, it's just that—"

"I know, those guys were too nice and you couldn't turn them down." Her mother looked at her helplessly. "Lucy, that is not how things work. Just because they buy you snacks and even give you several gifts, it doesn't me you had to date every guy that proposes to you. And we even gave you chance to fall in love, but your childishness keeps increasing."

"Mummy!?" Lucy sprang up from the chair with a pout. She walked inside her closet and wore a pair of tank top with shorts.

"You can't wear that, Lucy!" Her mother exclaimed and sighed helplessly.

The woman looked at the tiny shorts that only covered half of her hips then the tank top which has a large cartoon print. She walked inside the closet and then came out with a white silk dress.

"Now, wear this and stop acting like a baby." She gave her the cloth and pushed her back inside the closet.

When Lucy stepped out of the closet now wearing the white dress that even covered her knees, she grimaced as she met her mother still inside the room.

"Come here." Her mother patted the space beside her on the bed and Lucy sat down with pursed lips.

"When Cedric comes later, act like a good girl, okay?" The woman started. "His father is your father's cousin, and he came here himself to ask for your hand. You know this is a great opportunity as your father is desperate to reunite with his relatives."

"But Mum–"

"No buts, Lucy. Apart from that, Cedric has also shown his deep interest in you. Can't you see how he pampers you a lot?" She paused with a sigh then continued. "You know we won't force you to do something you dislike. But your case is hopeless, Lucy. Even at this age, you've shown no sign of falling in love. And remember the psychologist's words."

Lucy lowered her head and bit her lips. Thinking back to the psychologist who had said that it might be due to the endless pampering she got since she was little that she couldn't fall in love.

Her brain would recognize any other act of love as the ones she was used to, and also her mind would play along in most cases.

"So you see..." Her mother continued. "Even if you can't fall for him, Cedric will take very good care of you, and he also regards you as his little sister... Promise me you'll be good and won't try anything stupid."

Lucy bit her lower lip and sighed inside. But she did not want to be engaged now. She still wanted to enjoy life to its fullest before being caged to a man.

"You will be a good girl and do as I said, right?" Her mother patted her on the shoulder and she slowly nodded with a pout.

"Good." The woman stood up with a soft smile then her gaze darted to the pillow and she narrowed her eyes.

"Mummy!?" Lucy cried out as her mother grabbed a snack box from under the pillow.

The woman glared at her then let out a helpless sigh and left the room as a maid walked in.

"You look great, Young Miss," The maid said as she replaced the bed sheet. "I'm sure Master Cedric is going to love it when he comes."

Lucy looked down at the white dress and sighed. It really was beautiful. She was only afraid that she'll stain it later.

"Would you like me to make your hair?" The maid finished making the bed and walked to her.

"Sure, thanks, Ara." Lucy nodded frantically and jumped from the couch then skipped toward the vanity mirror.

She sat down on the chair and the maid followed her and then took a brush.

"I want you to plait two braids. Or wait, make it into pigtails. I love pigtails."

"Huh?" The maid's hand stopped mid-air and she shook her head with a chuckle. "No, Young Miss." she gently said, "Those are hairstyles for children. Why don't we try something a little more pretty? Uhm... How about a ponytail —"

"No, I want the pigtails," Lucy whined and stomped her feet on the floor.

Ara sighed in defeat. "But if I make you pigtails, Madam's going to be mad. We both don't want to get scolded, right?" She gave her a sweet smile through the mirror. "I know what to do. How about I curl it at the ends. You have great hair, it will look so beautiful... And I'm sure Master Cedric's going to love it."

Lucy pursed her lips, contemplating, and after some seconds, she nodded in hesitation. "Alright, do whatever you want," she muttered in defeat and let out a helpless sigh.

"Good." The maid beamed. She combed her hair then took out more devices from the mirror's drawers. After applying various products all over her hair, she plucked the machines in an electric socket nearby and started.

Lucy sat obediently while playing with the small crystals on her dress as the whooshing sounds of the machines started.

"So, Young Miss," The maid said suddenly. "Is it true that Master Cedric is the Master's nephew?"

"Uh uh." Lucy nodded.