The rain was falling in a drizzle.
Everyone stood with umbrellas in front of what was about to become Kathrine's new home. It was a beautiful spot, with rose bushes surrounding it. Her mother would have loved it. Her father went all out for the funeral.
Somber violin music played.....
"Dearly beloved, we are gathered to send off our friend, a wife and a mother."
Ellie stood next to her father, their free hands joined as the preacher gave his sermon.
When it was almost time to lower the coffin, Ellie placed a magnolia flower on it.
"Goodbye, Mom."
Her father also said a few words.
It was a beautiful ceremony. A lot of familiar faces were present. Mrs. Peter and some other nurses from the hospital, their next-door neighbors, regular customers of the cafe, and almost everyone she and her mother knew were here to say their goodbyes.
"Hi Ellie," Her homeroom teacher, Ms. Joy, was here too."I'm sorry for your loss. Your mom was an amazing woman."
"Yes, she was," her father replied
"We would take good care of all the paintings she did for the school," Ms. Joy assured. "I brought your lesson notes, all your classmates said hi, when would you be coming back to school?"
School, she hadn't thought about that yet, could she still go to school here without her mom?
Ellie looked at her father for help.
"We have not discussed it yet. I will inform you when we have arrived at a conclusion."He reached into his coat. "This is my business card."
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"Would you like to go to England with me?"
Ellie turned to face her father, who was adjusting his glasses.
"I've arranged for someone to manage the cafe if that's what you're worried about," He continued, "It would always be here for you."
England. She would have to say goodbye to everyone and everything.
But it would be a new beginning, a new home, and a new school.
"Alright," Ellie nodded, offering a small smile.
Her father squeezed her hand in his.
"You could attend my old school," he continued. "Westwood is one of the finest institutions in the country. You would be in good hands."
He hesitated before adding, "Of course, if there's another school you'd prefer, we can explore that as well, as long as you are happy."
"I trust your choice," Ellie replied, holding her pendant. "When do we leave?"
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The following days passed in a blur, packing and organizing.
Ellie had so many things she wanted to take to England with her. If she could, she'd have taken the whole house.
"We can ship anything you need." Her father assured her as she longingly held the giant teddy bear that wouldn't fit into her box. "Everything Kathrine used when she was in England is in her room, too."
The day they were leaving dawned bright and sunny.
Ellie walked through the departure terminal, pausing to take one last look at the city she had lived in all her life. A sigh left her lips as she continued forward.
Their seats were in first class. A flight attendant offered refreshments that looked like they belonged in a restaurant. Ellie settled into her seat, staring out the window as the plane taxied down the runway.
She had never flown first class before. This was her first time flying. Train rides and road trips with her mother every summer, but never a plane.
She accepted a glass of orange juice, watching as her father settled beside her, holding a book. He glanced up, catching her gaze.
"You'll enjoy England," he said, his voice soft, as if assuring himself as much as her.
Ellie hummed in response, opening a game on her phone.
The hum of the plane was steady, almost lulling her to sleep.
"Try to get some sleep," Her father said, helping her recline her chair into its bed form.
A voice crackled over the intercom, stirring her awake.
"Ladies and gentlemen, this is your captain speaking. We are now beginning our descent into London Heathrow Airport. Please ensure that your seatbelt is securely fastened, and your seatback and tray table are in their full upright and locked positions. We will be landing in approximately twenty minutes. The local time is 7:42 AM, and the weather in London is cloudy with light rain. Cabin crew, please prepare the cabin for landing. On behalf of British Airways, we thank you for flying with us today."
Ellie blinked, slightly disoriented.
"Sir, your seat needs to be upright for landing." The Air hostess from earlier was talking to another passenger a few rows ahead.
She sat up and readjusted her seat, nervousness filling her.
The clouds outside thinned, revealing the city below.
A river came into view.
"That is the Buckingham Palace, Royal Albert Hall…."Her father pointed out buildings as the plane landed.
She recognized most, only ever seeing them on TV or online. Now this was her home.
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The sky was cloudy and gray as if it was about to rain.
They made their way through customs. As they finished their clearance. Two men in suits walked toward them.
"This is my secretary, Jonathan, and my driver, William," her father introduced, gesturing to the younger man with sleek glasses and the middle-aged one with neatly combed hair.
"This is my secretary, Jonathan, and my driver, William." Her father gestured at the younger man with long brown hair in a bun and the middle-aged one who was wearing a hat.
"Hello," Ellie murmured, tugging at her necklace.
"Hi." Jonathan greeted with a wink. "Oui!" William hit his head.
"Don't scare the young miss." William took her suitcases with practiced ease. "Welcome to England"
The car waiting for them was sleek, black, and expensive-looking. She didn't recognize the brand. It seems her father's business is quite successful.
As they drove away from the city, the modern buildings gave way to lush countryside, cows grazing and horses galloping in the wind, and sunlight peeked behind a cloud. The road stretched ahead, lined with lush green trees on both sides. Ellie leaned against the window, watching the scenery blur past.
Soon, the car slowed, turning onto a long, cobblestone driveway.
Magnificent gates soon came into view, wrought iron and adorned with intricate gold detailing. A pair of lions on top
"Welcome home, Ellie," her father said as the car drove in.
The car rolled forward, revealing an estate that looked straight out of a Regency drama.
A mansion or was it a castle, came into view, its brick walls grand and imposing. Neatly trimmed flower bushes framed the vast courtyard, and a massive fountain stood in the center, water trickling out of the marble horses' mouths.
Lined up in front of the entrance was a row of staff, all dressed in crisp uniforms, black and white like she had seen at hotels. At the head stood an older gentleman with neatly combed gray hair and a composed expression.
As Ellie got out of the car, the staff bowed slightly in unison.
"Welcome home, young miss," they greeted in perfect harmony.
Ellie barely managed to keep her jaw from dropping.
Her dad wasn't just rich.
He was rich, rich.