●18●

The next morning I woke alone in my old bedroom. I was meant to return to the castle this afternoon, and whilst I wanted to see my family more, I needed to see Alex again. I quickly dressed in a cream jumpsuit, the thick straps complimenting the simple pearl earrings i wore.

"Amee" my mum spoke as she knocked on the door.

"come in" I replied, admiring myself in the mirror.

"you going soon?" she asked. I nodded.

She produced her a small black box, it was weathered and old, I remembered it... I'd often seen it on her dressing table and wondered what's inside. She watched me intently as she opened the box. I instantly recognised it, it was a simple gold necklace, with a small knotted heart at the end.

"wait what?" I stuttered.

She delicately took the necklace from the box before motioning for me to turn around "this was your great grandmother's... she passed it to Nanna, and then Nanna gave it to me... now I want you to have it" she placed it around my neck before securing it. I look