Your Guise Is Slipping, Miss Pearl

Right as they were talking about her, Esther's loud voice filled the room from the entrance. "Sabrina, we're back!"

"Awesome. Did you get the mangosteen I've been craving?"

Esther showed Sabrina a big bunch of fruits. She was all smiles. "Yes, I got every fruit you love. Can you believe it? James remembered them all!"

Sabrina's smile faded for a moment, but she quickly recovered. "I'm glad. We've known each other forever. I'd be upset if he forgot."

She looked over at James, relieved to see he was okay.

"I'll treat you to lunch tomorrow to make up for everything after you leave the hospital." Esther grabbed Sabrina's hand, their connection obvious. They had similar personalities, so they got along really well, always finding something to chat about.

Pearl, feeling a bit left out, coughed to make her presence known. Esther finally noticed her.

"Pearl! You're here!"

Esther looked excited to see Pearl, who stopped her with a finger. "Easy there. Watch it." Esther sat down beside Pearl and started eating a peach. "When did you get here, Pearl?"Text property © Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org.

"I've been around for about ten minutes."

Esther clicked her tongue. "Strange that Claude didn't show up today. He's usually around." "Ugh, does Claude come here often?"

Esther stopped eating her peach.

"Yeah, Claude never gives up. Even though he often fails, he keeps coming back, more determined each time."

"He was here."

Esther was stunned. She looked around, then realized. "Oh, that explains the mess. I thought Sabrina had an accident. No biggie. It clean it up later."

"What's going on between Sabrina and that man?" Pearl had been watching everyone and sensed something complicated. "It's a long story..."

Esther was about to start when Sabrina chimed in, "Hey, shouldn't I be the one to tell it? It's about me, after all."

Embarrassed, Esther gave her a sheepish grin. "Sure, go ahead."

Sabrina took a deep breath.

"It's like this..."

Pearl listened, finding the tale oddly familiar, as if she could picture it perfectly.

Sabrina left Enswood to study abroad four years ago, her first time being so far from home. Despite the distance, it was the right move for her dreams.

She bade goodbye to her parents and James, her neighbor, then left for her adventure.

Naturally, the Watson family, powerful and well-connected, ensured she wouldn't face hardships abroad.

But...