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Chapter 2 - A Happy Childhood

Harper Johnson

There was a time when I was happy.

I lively remember the estate where I lived with my parents, Gregor and Karen Johnson, during my childhood. It was a big house with a rural atmosphere, far away from the downtown, free from pollution and free from annoying noises.

"Harper, hurry up! Take a shower and get dressed. It is almost time for dinner!" My mother would say it out loud, but she would always give me a kiss on the forehead when I went to my bedroom.

My room was vibrant and full of life, with a large area dedicated to my toys and another for my numerous dresses and shoes. Exiting my room led into a long corridor that connected the bedrooms, and at its end, it unveiled a spacious ballroom. The corridor boasted an elegant decor, with soft carpets underfoot and paintings adorning the walls, each telling a different story. As I walked through the corridor, the bedroom doors lined up like chapters of a book, each with its own unique identity.

At that time, I would never have imagined that my story would turn into a Grimm romance, with a fake marriage in the middle of it.

Upon reaching the ballroom, the grandeur was impressive. The golden chandeliers hung majestically from the ceiling, casting a soft light that highlighted the beauty of the space. At night, some of them would illuminate, projecting a shimmering light that seemed to reflect little stars all over the room. The atmosphere was magical, inviting, and immersive, transporting anyone who entered a universe of enchantment and sophistication. Every detail, from the arrangement of furniture to the richly ornamented curtains, contributed to creating a unique atmosphere that made this ballroom a truly special place.

"Little Harper, it's time for bed!" My nanny, Christina, used to say to me because I wanted to stay up late at night while she told me stories and I stared at those lights.

My family often played host to a multitude of friends and notable personalities, ranging from politicians and actors to music and sports stars. The atmosphere of our grand gatherings was always electric, filled with lively conversations and the clinking of glasses. Our home became a hub for social events, where the walls echoed with laughter and the air buzzed with the excitement of diverse conversations.

The extravagant birthday celebrations held within those walls are etched in my memory. One unforgettable moment was a surprise birthday party my father orchestrated for my mother. He went above and beyond by arranging for her favorite singer to deliver a private chapel performance, a spectacle that garnered widespread coverage in high society magazines. The night was an enchanting blend of music, glamour, and heartfelt moments, leaving an indelible mark on all who attended.

As for my own birthdays, they were grand affairs that rivaled those of royalty. The guest list was extensive, including not only my elementary school classmates but also the children of my parents' friends and business associates. The house would transform into a realm of festivities, adorned with decorations that reflected the theme of the year. The laughter of children and the lively chatter of adults intermingled, creating a vibrant tapestry of celebration.

Each party was a testament to my family's commitment to creating unforgettable experiences. The mingling of diverse guests added a touch of glamour, turning our home into a haven for celebration and connection. These events were not just gatherings; they were immersive experiences that left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to be part of the festivities.

But that wasn't what I loved most, even though I enjoyed the delicious food at the parties. What I really valued was the lake and a road lined with palm trees where we could go horseback riding. The surrounding area of the house was vast, and we had many animals. My mother was always against the cruelty of large farms, so she made sure to have well cared for and loved cows and goats to supply the milk necessary to make cheese and butter. We also had various poultries that supplied us with fresh eggs. After I grew up and began to speak out against killing animals, my mother sought medical advice and we became a vegetarian family.

I remember my little pony, Lilly. It was on Lilly that my father taught me to ride horses when I was very young. When I was ten years old, I got a horse of my own and named him Edward, after a character in a movie who had a pair of scissors instead of hands.

"Harper, you need to straighten up more! You can't let the horses see that you're afraid of them, Harper! You're the one in control! It's all about behavior, not strength. The horse is physically much stronger than you, so you must show an unshakable determination to handle it!" My father's words may have been meant for horseback riding, but they were a lesson for life. Perhaps the only relevant and valuable one he ever taught me.

I loved animals so much that when I was growing up, I thought about becoming an "animal doctor". It was only when I got older that I learned the correct term was veterinarian. However, that childhood dream began to fade away as I became an adult.

My mother always insisted that I be dressed flawlessly. She used to tell me that before she married my father, she was a poor woman and that she suffered a lot of prejudice because of the simple clothes she wore. She didn't want to let me go through the same thing. We used to go shopping in the most expensive stores in the city or even abroad when going on vacation. Maybe that's the reason why I became interested in studying fashion.

"I promise, Mommy, that when I grow up, I will study hard and create a clothing brand so that people as poor as you used to be can dress nicely!" And I can say that I still have that promise in my heart, and I will fulfill it once I graduate from college.

That was the happiest time of my life.

When I was a teenager, I can also say that I was a happy one. Since my parents' estate was far from the downtown area, I spent more time at my aunt and uncle's house, Leonard and Dorothy Johnson. It was close to the school where my cousin Sarah, who was my best friend, and I were going to study.

I didn't miss my parents because they were always busy working and left me in the care of the staff. Despite their love and concern for my well-being, the only time I spent with my parents was on Sundays. I grew up that way, so I felt better living with my aunt and cousin, who always kept me company.

Sarah and I were always close. But we were very different. She was the extroverted one, who loved to present at school and get involved in all the clubs. She loved drama, did community work in retirement homes, was excellent at sports, and made new friends easily. She didn't wait for introductions; when she was in a new place, she would take the initiative and introduce herself without hesitation.

Meanwhile, I was the shy one of the pair. I enjoyed the book club because we only met once a week to discuss books. I liked to study alone or spend time with animals. I was always surrounded by them. Sarah liked cats and dogs as well, but not as much as I did. To me, they were just as important as people.

We used to play together, then flirt, and we used to talk about everything! Since she was two years older than me, she was the one who taught me about girly stuff: menstruation, dating, how to stop dressing like a brat, and how to use makeup. Yet we each still kept our own personalities. Maybe that was what I liked most about Sarah -- she never asked me to be like her or insisted that I be like her. It was as if we complemented each other.

I have no complaints about my aunt and uncle either. Uncle Leonard, my father's brother, was also a busy man, but he traveled much less than my father and always had dinner with us. He made sure to drop Sarah and me off at school, even though we had a chauffeur at our disposal. Aunt Dorothy, despite being a woman who, according to my uncle, "spent more money on jewelry than she should," had a big heart and always gave me her affection and advice. She managed my uncle's schedule and made important phone calls, but always worked from home because she didn't like leaving us alone with the staff.

Thus, I can say that I had a happy childhood and a happy youth. However, there were two tragedies that had an impact on the rest of my life.

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