Exchange Of Hearts

Chapter Four: Not An Ordinary World

After eating lunch, Elisia and Mrs.Montana are now in the huge and spacious living room inside the mansion. The woman is now telling Elisia all the things that happened decades ago.

Elisia listened intently as Mrs.Montana shared stories of her relationship with her mother. The two of them grew up together at an orphanage, best friends from an early age. However, Mrs.Montana was the first of the two friends to be adopted by a well-off couple, leaving Elisia's mother behind to start a new life without her closest companion.

As Elisia listened to the whole story, she could tell that the old woman was reliving a painful memory, and she felt a pang of sympathy in her heart.

"I can only imagine how hard it must have been for you to lose touch with your friend."

Mrs.Montana nodded, wiping away a tear.

"It was difficult. I always hoped that I would be able to find her someday, but my search never yielded any results. I've looked for the orphanage, but it was demolished years ago. I couldn't even imagine where to start looking." Mrs.Montana said, her voice growing shaky.

Elisia's heart sank as she listened to Mrs.Montana's story. She felt a mix of compassion and sadness for the old woman, who had been searching for her best friend for so long.

"I never thought I would see her again. That's why this letter and photo are so precious to me." Mrs. Montana said, her voice choked with emotion.

Elisia listened as Mrs. Montana continued to speak, her voice growing quieter with each word. She could tell that the old woman was deeply moved by their chance meeting, and she felt grateful to be able to play a small part in the story.

As Mrs. Montana finished her story, Elisia could see the emotion brewing in her eyes, and she reached out to comfort her.

"I'm sure my mother is so glad that you were able to reconnect. Your friendship is incredibly moving, and I'm grateful to be a part of it." Elisia said softly.

Mrs. Montana smiled through her tears, a sense of peace settling over her.

"Thank you. This means more to me than you could ever know." she said, her voice choked with emotion.

Despite the sadness of the story, Elisia couldn't help but feel a sense of comfort in knowing that her mother had such a strong bond with someone who cared for her so deeply. She had never heard any of these stories before, and it was nice to learn more about her mother's past.

"I can't even imagine how hard that must have been for her." Elisia said softly, imagining the pain her mother must have felt being left behind at the orphanage.

"Your mother was a strong woman. She never let her circumstances define her. She was always so determined to make the best of what she had." Mrs. Montana replied, a wistful look in her eyes.

Elisia nodded, admiring her mother's strength. She knew that her mother had gone through a lot in her life, and it was inspiring to hear that she had always managed to keep her head up despite the challenges she faced.

"I wish I could have done more for her. I always wanted to be there for her in the same way she was always there for me. But life had other plans." Mrs. Montana continued, her voice growing quieter.

Elisia took Mrs. Montana's hand, wanting to offer some words of comfort.

"I'm sure she knew how much you cared for her, Mrs. Montana. And I'm sure she would have wanted you to know that she always cared for you as well."

Mrs. Montana gave Elisia a small smile, her eyes shining with unshed tears.

"Thank you, Elisia. That means a lot to me. I just wish I could have done more for her when she was still around."

Elisia squeezed Mrs. Montana's hand, wanting to offer her support in any way she could.

"She would have been proud of you, Mrs. Montana. I know it." she said in return.

"But I am so glad you are here. But I will fulfill your mother's request. You belong to our family now, Elisia. You're going to be safe here and you're going to be loved. You're going to start a new life here with us." Mrs. Montana wiped away all her tears, and she let out a bright, big smile toward Elisia.

"I really don't know what to say, but thank you very much, Mrs. Montana. I am forever in your debt." Elisia thankfully said, as she is getting teary-eyed again.

"You are now my daughter now. Alrighty then, let me just ask the maids to get your luggage and I will show you into your own room---!" Mrs. Montana wasn't able to finish what she was going to say when Elisia politely interrupted her.

Elisia took a deep breath before speaking to Mrs. Montana.

"Mrs. Montana, I know this is a strange request, but I was wondering if it would be possible for me to stay here in the house and go back to school in exchange for working as a household help. I've always been a hard worker, and I'm more than willing to learn new things. I can do housework, run errands, and help out with whatever tasks you need done."

Mrs. Montana seemed a little taken aback by the request at first, but after hearing Elisia's explanation, she seemed more open about it.

"I understand what you're trying to say, Elisia," she said.

Elisia leaned forward, eager to convey her gratitude.

"Thank you so much for considering my request, Mrs. Montana. It means a lot to me."

Mrs. Montana smiled at Elisia's earnestness.

"I can see that you're determined, dear. And I'm pretty sure that your mother is very proud of you right now."

With the agreement in place, Elisia felt a sense of relief wash over her. She had been worried about where she would stay and how she would earn a living after her mother's passing, but now she had a roof over her head and a job lined up. She looked forward to proving herself to Mrs. Montana and finally finding a sense of stability in her life...