Chapter 1| Dulwich

In the early April spring was just another time to enjoy the magnificent colors from the meadows far away from the south London. Dulwich, Greater London borough of southwark was built far from the main road, near the Belair Park, many of the houses were surrounded by orchards and pine trees. The house at Dulwich looked well cared, sturdy, a little bit old but manage to keep it classical and elegant. Its affluent villagelike neighbourhood embroidered by row of indie boitiques and chic restaurants are something to be lived for. There wasn’t a stray stick or stone to be found in the yard. But the house certainly is lovely. But today, was something else. It was dark, fog-covered streets, with no sun peeking behind the bushy clouds. 

However, it is never a big deal for a young girl named Diana, people often called her Dee

. She is average, not too tall or short, fair pale skin, dark brown hair, and a gorgeous moss-green eyes. She tends to seek adventure, she likes to have fun, and aren’t afraid to take risks to secure glory. She always full of joy, laugh, and perseverance. She had often heard people say that she’s beautiful and gorgeous, Diana always thought that she wasn’t beautiful at all. 

‘I’m the skinniest, ugliest girl in the world, everyone is such a big storyteller’. 

At the moment, she was sitting in the backyard, reading under the big old oak tree, she heard someone whistling and humming, a young boy. She closed her book and jumped right where the sound was. Giving the boy a warm greeting.

“Good Morning Sawyer! How’s my best friend doing today?” She peeks through the wooden fence, struggle to see the black locks.

“I’m surprisingly alive and well, what’s wrong?” 

The boy named Sawyer McAllister said with a firm smile while holding a spade getting ready to dig a hole. He is around fifteen, tall, straight-face rarely smile or grin, blackish hair, sun-burnt skin, his shirt and face are covered with dirt due to his harsh job. He oftens to be seen roaming around with his peaky hat and overall trousers, sometimes looking a bit too conceited.

Diana had been really close with Sawyer ever since she met him in the garden planting a tree and taking care of horses. Whatever she saw that day took her breath away. Eventually, Sawyer had been working as a gardener in her residence, Diana grew up in a wealthy family and one of the richest in her land, but she never consider herself a missus or princesses, she never been spoiled although can be very stubborn about her opinion.

She just wants to be like someone else, normal, going to school, having fun, and free without any significant rule applied to her, to do anything without being told to do so. But her step-father never really agreed Diana being such an ignorant and snarky young girl it could give him a bad notoriety for the family.

In matter to do so, her step-father decides to give Diana a confined amount of time to go out exploring, and doing stuffs like normal people does maybe two times a day so she will have less conversation with Sawyer, but still, Diana broke the rule every day at any time.

“It’s funny how our friendship is being controlled by time and days frankly,  I would love to help you plant a tree or do things with hand but they won’t let me, I barely see you and it’s not fair for me not to see you every day, Sawyer” Diana exclaimed and sniffed.

He frozed a while and stared deeply with his brown hazel eyes at Diana. His eyes are intimidating yet enticing in ways she could never tell. 

She gripped tightly to the wooden fence, making her knuckles visible. As if his stare can cause a mass calamity or summon a doomsday. Somehow it is very unsettling but very convincing.

He glanced away to his own small house. His eyes unable to meet hers. 

“This isn’t so bad after what had happened two months ago”. He declared while plucking the wild grass. He shovels the weeds out of the lawn.

“When I sneaked you into my room to play snake and ladder?”

“Worst”.

“When we stole all the pastries from the pantry?” Her eyes widen, nodding.

“Fair enough, I had a delicious lunch, Di”.

She smiled playfully at Sawyer, sneering. “You know that I couldn’t live without being in trouble, right?” 

He shook his head disbelievingly. 

Diana couldn’t stop staring at Sawyer, looking deeply into his eyes, once again those dazzling eyes, the tiny specks of colors that could be seen from miles away and how wondrous if those eyes staring back at her, she would’ve faltered and rolled severly down the hill.

But she knows what might forbid her from doing that. 

Her father, irritable, stubborn, and malicious, none of the good things. 

“Hey, are you okay? You look weird today, not as usual, annoying.” He complimented while looking unsurprised.

“So, you’re telling me you like me better annoying? Well I’m impressed by your blatant honesty, McAllister.” She gave a smug, but then suddenly her eyes turn into a ball fear, she began stuttering.

“Oh no, I-I have to go, it’s the bell, I’m late.” 

She looked frantically at her pocket watch; her eyes are shaking. 

“You just got here, Diana.” 

“No Sawyer, I can’t run away again, I’ve been into a serious trouble. Maybe, I’ll see you soon.” She run through the big lawn of her own house, a very exuberant house.

Sawyer just confusingly watch her slipped away, gazing at her small vision knowing that he isn’t worthy, his filthy hand and dirty job will never be paid off to be standing in front of those regal door not even a slightest glance to look at her. Ravenna, her role as a princess and his role as a hole digger, useless gardener. Someday, she will find someone better than an odd-looking boy. He sighs continuing his job.

“And maybe someday I’ll bury myself here, where I used to dig a hole.”

He continues his job.

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