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Castle on the hill

One year ago, the two girls were strangers to each other. Madison had woken up on the train with no ticket and unsure how she got there, her entire family were gone.

By Jessica JoycePublished 2 years ago 15 min read
1

Isla sat up and looked around curiously. She looked over at Madison, a few strands of her long dark curly hair swept over her sleeping eyes. She wore a dress made of rags. Madison's sweet head lay on a hash bag, filled with grain. It wasn't the most comfortable thing, but it would do for the night. Isla looked around the barn, over against the back wall was hay stacked up to the roof with picks and rakes stacked against the left wall. Isla's gaze drifted to the cows and sheep in the pen, they had a soft bed of straw. Isla grabbed her own spot among the bags of grain and loose straw on the ground she tried to get warm as she shivered. Eventually Isla was fast asleep along with Madison.

… Of course, it was short lived as both girls awoke in a panic, to the screeching sound of an old man yelling " bloody kids ruining bloody everything... GET OUT!!" He bellowed as Madison stood quickly, leaning down to grab Isla's hand to pull her to her feet. The hairless farmer stared down his nose at them, with eyebrows fetched deep in an angry frown. He was wearing overalls and an old ripped looking shirt. He grabbed a large rake to chase them with. The young girls ran out into the sunrise, bare feet, hair loose. They ran, hand in hand into the cool wispy breeze. The girls looked at each other and laughed as they run as fast as they could. They knew the night wouldn't last but we're happy to have a cool dry place to sleep for the night, even if they were hoping it would last a tiny bit longer.

Now they just needed one thing... Food. The girls were starving, after not eating since breakfast yesterday- It’s time to find something for our bellies said Madison. Isla looked at Madison with concern in her face. Hopefully today we will find a decent meal she replied as she looked down, mouth crinkled at the side. Madison and Isla continued their journey down the dirt road, they found some red apples, fresh from the tree. Isla had a huge smile, and juice drizzled down her chin, as she took her first big juicy bite. They grabbed some extra apples and tied them in a hanky that Maddy had tucked in her dress. They had managed to have a good feed without someone chasing them away. The girls felt fulfilled and eager to continue their expedition to .

They were on a journey to find their Madison’s Aunt Jessie.

One year ago, the girls were strangers to each other. Madison had woken up on a train with no ticket and not sure how she got there, her entire family were gone. Her dad had tried to stand up to the soldiers and was killed along with her brother. Her mother had said she needed to hide in the large boxes at the train station and gave her a message to find her aunt, before she was found and taken. Despite being terrified and alone Madison did what her mum said. She fell asleep in the big wooden box and when she awoke, on the train she was. Madison didn’t know if her mum was alive or not, but she knew she had to find Aunt Jessie. It was on the train that Madison met Isla, and a couple of other kids, but they were separated once the conductor realized, they were all on the train with no ticket in sight. Isla often thought about the other kids and what might have happened to them. They had all shared their stories of separation from their families while spending the night together on that train.

Upon jumping off the train to avoid the angry wrath of the conductor. Madison and Isla had walked the 100 miles or so before reaching the first small township. Though they were exhausted, devastated about their family, and most of all- hungry they were both relived to have a friend. From that moment on they have been inseparable.

Present day-

Kicking pebbles across the ground Madison scoured “I don’t think we should continue to the next town, there’s food here and the bakery lady who's a good person- gives us bread. I don’t want to leave”

Isla looking frustrated “ I know it’s good here Maddy.. probably as good as we’ve had it so far, but we still need to try and find your aunty Jessie. What if it’s even better there and we get given hot meals every day?”

Madison looked down not knowing what to say

Isla pushed on “Why don’t you want to go Maddy? There must be something else going on were literally one town away. It’s only going to take us two days to get there !?”

Madison looked down again with a tear in her eye “Isla we’ve been together for a whole year. I don’t want to lose you”

Isla “You’re not going to lose me Madison, I love you”

Madison continued “What if my Aunty says that she will take me in but not you or wants to split us up”

Isla finally understood why Maddy was stalling and wanted to stay. “Oh” and Isla interrupted “Maddy you need to be with your family, you need fair meals and a bed every night, even if I’m not there. I’m going to be fine, no matter what happens. We’re going and there’s no more question”

Isla knew it was her mission to get her friend home to her Aunt and nothing was going to stop her.

It had never actually occurred to Madison that they would be separated once they found her aunt, but it had often been on Isla’s mind that once they were reunited, that she would probably be sent away. Obviously, this isn’t what Isla wanted. She loved her best friend; they had become closer than sisters, but she loved her so much that she couldn’t take her opportunity of safety, warmth, and a good life. In fact, she was mad at Madison for being prepared to give it up to stay on the streets, like a rat, with her. Isla knew she was never going to have the fairy-tale ending; she didn’t have extended family or an aunty to find. A tiny part of her gleamed with desire, but not enough to be begrudging to her friend. Sadly, Isla knew of the salty cracks of this world before the war began. Her mother wasn’t loving or attentive and Isla knew how to survive alone before her mum disappeared. She only assumed that her mum was taken by the men like many other women in their village were, but truth be told, she didn’t know. She had found warmth and comfort in Madison and that’s all that matters right now.

Regardless, they had to begin their journey once again. After relying on strangers’ generosity for the last few weeks Isla was a bit sad to leave. The lady who worked in the bakery had brought them bread at the end of each day, so they at least had something in their tummies. Every now and again she’s brought some left-over stew or soup from the night before. She was the nicest person they had come across. Most just ignored their dirty faces and shooed them away. It was a lot easier than finding something on the street every meal. After saying goodbye and thankyou to the bakery lady, she gave us both a hug and looked concerned. Handing us both a cloth with supplies for our journey and a large flask with water. Be safe you two, she said.

Isla turned to Madison and said, “last one to the path is a bad apple” and started to run. She knew Maddy was scared because she didn’t know what to expect when we finally found aunt Jessie and was trying to take her mind off things. Madison chased her town the path yelling you’re a rotten egg Isla! The girls walked all day down the railway line towards Cape Town. When they heard the train coming. Madison looked at Isla, lets catch the train. Eyes wide Isla said there’s no way. Madison said it will save us an entire day of walking, Isla. She was right, but what if it went wrong. Choooo Chooo went the stream train as it bellowed towards them. The girls looked at each other. Both excitement and fear crossed their faces. They met on a train, that they were never meant to be on. Maybe this could be their final rebellious act together as a way to say goodbye. Isla smirked, let’s go!

They started to run alongside the train. It was going fast but not fast enough that they couldn’t get on. Madison grabbed onto the handle and heaved herself up, she was safely on the carriage. She looked back and Isla was still running along but she was losing pace. “ISLA” she gasped. They had come to far she wasn’t losing her here. Madison runs backwards along the carriage and jumped onto the next one. She felt sick, it was so fast, and the ground looked like it was spinning. She jumped down onto the ladder and screamed out “Grab my hand Isla” she stretched out her arm as long as she could, while Isla run alongside the train, Madison could see the panic in her face. Isla stretched out her hand and Madison grabbed it as hard as she could. As soon as their hands were locked in together Madison gave one big pull and Isla was in the air. She grabbed onto the ladder and finally at least she was safely on the train with her friend. They both laid down in exhaustion, the realization that they could have been separated before their time was to much information for them to face at that moment. Both breathing heavy they gave each other a huge embrace and laid there, in their moment for a while. They needed to get to the next town to discover their fate. It was all coming to soon.

The train stopped about two hours later. The girls laid on top of the train looking up at the blue sky, before looking at each other and finally climbing down to flat earth. Isla said do you know how to find your aunt’s place? Madison shook her head, no. She has no idea how to find her aunt but knew her name and the town. They were here. Well, said Isla why don’t we ask the station master? Madison nodded in agreement.

Isla walked up to the friendly man in the window. His eyes hardened when he saw the little girl. – Hi I am looking for Jessie O’danald, do you know where I may find her. His quick reply was “sorry but I don’t know her.” followed by a shrug. Isla looked at Maddy, this was going to prove more difficult than we thought. Can you point us in the direction of the local store? The station master pointed down the way…

Madison was the first one to walk into the store, pushing the large green door open. It looked heavier than her. She walked up to the counter “excuse me sir, I am looking for jessie O’danald, do you know where I may find her? The man behind the counter looked slightly confused and said I’m sorry lassie but I don’t know her; when suddenly a man from behind her said “Do you mean Jessica O’donald? She lives up on the hill.

Madison’s eyes grew wide. This man knew who her aunt was? Y.. y.. Yess Sir, that’s her. She stuttered, that’s her. The man smiled. I can give you a lift up the hill if you want. It would be a long walk and by the looks of things, I don’t know if you girls would make it before dark. Isla stared in disbelief, well maybe not that hard after all. Her and Maddy looked at each other in agreement. This guy was going to take them to Aunty Jessie before dark.

Madison was filled with emotion, but she held it in. It had been a year since she’d seen any family or had any type of home. She didn’t know what was going to happen but wanted to find out. She looked at Isla with uncertain eyes. Isla said I will come with you to make sure you’re safe. I will be okay. They hugged a tight embrace knowing that everything was about to change. “What if she doesn’t want me” Madison said in a worried tone. Isla reassured her that everything was going to be ok.

Well let’s stop dawdling around said the man. I don’t have all day, jump in the back he said. They jumped into the carriage, pulled by a huge brown horse.

The girls were relieved that they didn’t have to walk the last part of the journey. It was still a long way and would have taken them hours. As they come around the big mountain, the girls seen a huge castle on top of the hill. Madison joked around ‘imagine if there’s where Aunt Jessie lived’ The man spoke gruffly “That’s where were going ladies” Madison gulped… Surely this guy was mad… Looking over at Isla who also shared excited apprehension.

They neared closer to the castle as they traveled up the bumpy dirt road. They drove past beautiful gardens with statues and water fountains scattered about. There were people maintaining the gardens with big shears, and rakes. Roses gleamed; daisies popped even the sun shone differently here. It was possibly the most beautiful garden either girl had ever seen. They continued up the dirt road until they reached a massive cast iron gate, open and welcoming. They drove through the gates then reached a huge driveway that turned into a path leading to the steps that lead into the castle. The man who has helped us out said do you want me to come with you? Madison shook her head, she was ok with isla by her side.

The two best friends held hands and knocked on the huge door. It was answered by a funny looking man. He looked confused about seeing two children on the doorstep. Can I help you? He asked in an uncertain tone. Madison tried to speak; she opened her mouth, but nothing come out. She was frozen to the floor unable to speak. Isla squeezed her hand and said in a soft-spoken tone “We are here to see Jessica O’brain”. The man stood staring for a moment – What business, could two little girls possibly have with Jessica, he scoffed. Isla spoke again, this time not so soft. She was tired and frustrated.

I am Isla, this is my friend Madison, we have traveled a long way. We just need to talk to Jessie, it’s important.

The man’s eyes narrowed. He didn’t look impressed with the attitude of the little girl but could sense her desperation. Have a seat over there, as he nodded in the direction of a big hard seat, just inside the passageway. I will just be a minute he said as he walked off.

Just as he started to walk off a tall woman with curly brown hair walked into the front foyer, she was dressed in the most beautiful dress I had ever seen. Isla noticed that a strand of her long curly hair fell in front of her eyes, and it looked exactly like Madison when Isla watched her sleeping in the barn. Isla gasped, it was Madison’s aunty Jessie and they looked exactly alike.

Madison looked straight at her and stared, she still couldn’t talk. Jessica starred at the two girls in shock.

Finally, she broke the silence when she shrieked … MADISON, Oh Maddy. You’re alive, her voice increased as she said it again almost trying to convince herself... YOU'RE ALIVE, oh my baby niece. She went straight to her and hugged her so tight. Picked her up from the seat and held her in the air, Madison wrapped her arms and legs around her aunty in a tight clutching embrace. They both have tears falling from their eyes. When I got word that your town had been invaded, I tried to find you Maddy, and your mum, but there was no word. The aunty and niece continued to embrace and talk, with tears running down her face. Jessie sat her down and started to ask questions.

Isla stood watching while backing towards the door. Her eyes filled with tears because her friend had finally found her home, her family, and her forever place. It dawned on her that she was going to be alone. Isla started to run; her face was hot with emotion. She reached the garden, fell to her knees, and started to sob, deep raw tears. She cried for lack of love from her own mother, she cried for the desperate pain she had been in before meeting Madison, she cried for the loving home she never got, she cried for the hot meal she desperately wanted, and she cried for the deep loneliness she was going to experience without her best friend on her new journey alone. Isla had possibly never loved anyone the way she loved Madison. She had finally done it; Madison was safe and had her aunt. It was now time to leave.

Isla started her journey down the path towards the long road back down the hill. Her heart was full of happiness and pain at the same time. She couldn’t say goodbye to her best friend and sister, it was too painful and was something she decided on long before they reached Jessie’s castle. It was her mission to get Madison her warm loving home, in the warm arms and heart of aunt Jessie, and now her job was complete….

Picture is of the basket Manor Adelaide hills, Australia. Taken on our get away together. Otherwise known as Jessie's castle.

Short Story
1

About the Creator

Jessica Joyce

Always happy for constructive criticism and advice. Please comment what you think :)

I'm new to writing and am enjoying the journey.

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