The girl with the broach

The Girl with the Broach

“It all started when a baby girl named Mia was brought to an orphanage in the middle of the night. She was found near the beach in a basket, wet and crying. The nuns at the orphanage raised her lovingly, and when she was 16, she departed in search for work.

Mia was a small girl, thin, with black hair of medium length. She always kept it tied back in a ponytail. Her eyes were brightly green, and she was always with a smile on her face.

Mia found work in an aristocratic family's house as a maid. The pay was low, and there was always work to do, but she received food and shelter, things that made her contented. Sometimes she even donated a part of her pay to the orphanage.

One day, while the maids were doing a thorough cleaning of the house, she was sent in the attic, to carry up there some old curtains. Mia suddenly gasped in surprise, dropping the curtain on the dusty floor of the attic. In front of her stood the same portrait at which she gazed with love and curiosity, for so many years at the orphanage. It was the same woman engraved on her broach. When she was only four years old, she was given the broach by the nuns. They said she was carrying with her, the broach, when she was first brought to the orphanage. She grasped the broach with all her might, in her little hand, not wanting to be separated from it. She always thought that woman was her mother, and whenever she was out in town, she would always search for her, in the crowd. But she never found her. She kept the broach on her at all time.

A couple of days later, she asked the older maids if they knew who the woman was.

“It’s Mrs. Raymond.” they told her.

“Poor soul, she died with her daughter on that damn ship. And her son remained all alone at only six years old, good thing that his grandma took charge of him.”

“Where is the son now?” Asked with impatience, trying to control herself. Feelings of joy were swelling up inside her. She was ready to burst with laughter, at the pleasant thought that she had a brother, and that she was not all alone anymore.

“I don’t know for sure, I’m pretty sure they moved away, but I don’t know where exactly.” one maid answered.

“I see…” Mia answered a little disappointed.

The next weeks, she tried searching for her brother, but nobody knew where he was. All that she had found out was that he was named Tomas, their grandma had died, and that he was 22 years old.

One day, while she was out shopping for ingredients, some kids bumped into her and while falling, she clanged to the nearest support, which was a young man. Unfortunately, he was caught by surprise, and they both fell on the ground. When she came around, the man, who looked a little puzzled, was holding her.

“I’m so sorry…”Mia started to apologize vehemently, while her checks burned red. The man started laughing. Mia looked at him in surprise. What was so funny? She thought. 

“It’s no problem, but do you think maybe you could get up from on top of me?” the man asked still laughing. The man asked still laughing. Mia then realized, she was still standing on him and people were looking strangely at them. She quickly got up and arranged her skirt, looking into the ground, while her ears turned red.

“I’m sorry.” She mumbled again, after the man got up.

“Like I said, it’s okay.” The man answered, while looking at her, still with a smile on his face.

“Are you okay or did you get hurt?” he then asked, while the smile was slowly vanishing.

“I’m okay, thank you!” she said, while lifting her head, and looking at the man in front of her.



He was a handsome man, although young, his eyes sparkled with intelligence. He had black hair, and equally black eyes. He was also tall, and beneath the clothes, you could tell he was not very slim, but had a slightly muscular build.

“I’m sorry, I have to go now.” Mia said, remembering, that she still had to finish shopping.

“Wait a minute!” The man said, with a light panic in his voice. “Can you tell me your name?”

“My name? It’s Mia.” She said, looking a bit surprised.

“Ah, I see. I’m sorry; I didn’t mean to startle you.” He said, his tone shaking a little. “It’s just that for a minute…I thought you resembled someone I once knew.” 

Mia smiled softly. “No problem. Can I know your name now too?” She asked, with an indecisive tone.

He smiled. “It’s Frederick, but you can call me Fred, I like it more.”

“Fred it is then. Pleased to meet you.” Mia said, holding her hand out.

“My pleasure.” He said, while gently grabbing her hand, and laying a kiss on it. At that very moment, Mia felt a tremor, traveling down her spine, waking up all her senses. It was a feeling of happiness and excitement, feelings, which were threatening to overflow, from each of her pores. She gave a gibbering excuse, and rushed home. The feelings she had just experienced, were totally new to her. She did not know what it was, until later that week, when fate brought them back together.

There was a party that day, the only daughter of the family, was getting engaged. Servants were preparing fervently for the party, under the strict surveillance of the head servant. Mia was sent to get the rooms ready, for some of the guests, and to check if there is anything missing, that would inconvenience them.

She was at the second floor, arranging flowers in a vase, when she heard the door open.

“Excuse me…” a deep voice started to say, but when she turned, he stopped, while hesitating. “Mia…right? Why are you here?”The man asked with a surprised voice.

“Mm, well…I work here.” She said, while giving an awkward smile. She was so happy to see him again, and at the same time embarrassed. All the time, since the first time they meet, she could not get him out of her mind. She than knew on the spot, that she had fallen in love. And although the realization made her happy, she was also afraid, afraid of the unknown feelings, rising deep inside her, making her tremble. It was a ride, on an emotional roller coaster, of both joy and terror, at the realization of her sentiment.

“Are you a guest here?” She asked shyly.

“Yes…” he answered, still staring at her.

“That must be nice.” She said dreamily. “I will be one too, if I ever find him.” She mumbled to herself.

“You will be what?” Fred asked, as if woken up from a dream. “Who do you need to find?”

“I was just talking about my brother…” She said, with a mellow voice. “He’s an aristocrat.”

“Really?” Fred asked, with a genuine curiosity.”Can I ask what his name is?”

“It’s not that important…” She said. “I don’t even know where he is, right now.” She continued with a sad tone, while lowering her head. She felt like crying. Mia realized she forgot all about her brother, after she had met Fred. Seeing her, tremble slightly, he approached her slowly.

“What’s the matter?” He asked when he was near her. They were sitting so close, that he could see her tears, falling one by one, as she was trying to stop herself, from crying out loud.

“It’s nothing, I’m sorry…” She could barely reply. She turned, and wanted to walk away. They were to close, she could even feel his breath, and smell his cologne, and it was an intoxicating emotion. But before she could even take a step away from him, Fred grabbed her arm, and without realizing it, he pulled her to him, binding her in his embrace. They stood like that, without saying anything. They were enveloped, in the darkness of the night, while live, classical music, was heard from the party, downstairs. Mia was happy, more than ever before. She knew, they could not stay like this forever, but she did not want to be the one, to break the silence. She could feel him now; he had his arms around her, holding her tight, refusing to let go. His breath was rhythmic, and she felt his chest moving beside her, synchronizing itself, with the hard beating of his heart. She felt she could die happy now, and that greater joy, was not possible in this world. The music stopped. Her heart started beating, faster and faster, all her senses were sharpened. She felt one of his hand, moving slightly, from the back of her waist, while the band, started another song. He transferred the hand, over her tense back, then on the shoulder, touching it delicately. The hand then stopped at her face, caressing her cheeks. He slowly, raised her face with his hand, until their eyes met.

The next moment, was like magic. She let out, a light gasp of surprise, before she was engulfed by the pleasure, of feeling his lips closing down on hers, at first shyly, then with hunger for her, with a passion she had never seen, or felt before. While the hand next to her face, was caressing her hair, the other hand, was pulling her closer to him; as if he was afraid, she would escape him. It was heaven. She abandoned herself, to the fire she was feeling in her heart. She put her hands around him, and returned his kisses, with all the warmth, and courage, she could muster.

They stayed in this embrace, for an unknown period of time, neither wanted to let the other go, or to ruin the magic of the moment. After a while, voices were heard, in the hallway, they suddenly remembered where they were. They had to return, to reality. Fred then looked at her, closely, trying to engrave in his memory, every little detail of her being. She just stood there, still a little muzzy, trying to figure out, her feelings and thoughts.

“I should go.” Fred whispered, but it was enough to sober her up. It would have been the same, if he would have shouted. She did not move, just replied.

“I understand.” Her reply was also a whisper, but it weighted heavily on both of them.

“Can I…” Fred started. 

“No!..Yes!..I don’t know! Yes!” she said, in the end, with slight panic in her voice.

“I’m glad, thank you!” He replied, while smiling gently at her. She looked at him, and smiled.

“You, have a beautiful smile.” He said, while finally he let go of her. She then blushed violently. He started laughing.

“I bet, I could never get bored of you.” He said, still laughing. After, they said goodbye. 

The party was almost over, and the guests were scattered through the halls, some of them even went up to the rooms, they were staying in. Mia hurried back, to the kitchen, to help out, but her mind, was still in the room, where it all just happened, the room where she had, her very first kiss.

The next day, as they were cleaning, after the party, Mia heard some of the servants whispering. She then approached, to hear the conversation.

“So that was him right? Mr. Raymond.” As she heard the name, Mia’s heart skipped a beat.

“Yeah, I hear he’s called Frederick Thomas, after his grandfather. 

Who would have guessed, he was the fiancé. Few people knew him; he’s been secluded all these last years. Good thing he found a wife now. 

I wonder why, did he arrived so late last night? He came almost, at the end of the party.

And Miss Evelyn is such a beauty too.” The girls giggled. 

“But he’s handsome too, and he has all that wealth now, as a single child, after the accident.

And…” But Mia was not listening anymore; it was him, Fred. Frederick Thomas Raymond. She could not believe it. The happiness from a few moments ago, turned into fright and terror. She was in love, with her own brother? How could that be? And he was marrying Evelyn. She staggered on her feet, for a moment, and then ran into the attic, as fast as she could.

There it was, the painting, placed among some desks and curtains, powdery, from years of neglect. She examined it carefully. Even if she did not want to admit it, it was true, he resembled her. The same black hair, and black eyes, even her mouth, looked similar to his. Why, why was it so painful? She always wanted to meet her brother, why did it have to be like this? And the kiss, the soft, loving kiss, now felt like a curse, a chain binding her to her sin. How can she face him, now, after she knew the truth? Day after day, she struggled by herself, thinking what to do, how to tell him. Everything was dark around her, only misery and sadness remained, for the once, extremely happy girl. She could not even smile anymore.

One day, she was called out by a servant. When she walked, out the door, into the backyard, she froze. It was Fred, smiling at her, unaware of what she has been going through. Sheltering the secret, all by herself, having nightmares, her conscience consuming her as time passed. Before he could even say anything, she made her decision. She could not go on like this, she had to disappear.

“Don’t say anything!” Mia said, with a trembling, forced voice. “Just listen! Meet me, in the central park, the day after tomorrow. I have something important to say, but right now, I can’t. Now, please leave.” And she turned around, and walked back into the kitchen, past the hall, and entered her room. There, she took a piece of paper, and started scribbling furiously on it. First she made some accounts, to all the money she had, and a list of things she will need. After she finished with them, she placed them in the counter, at her desk. The next piece of paper, and the next, and the next, not one was good enough. How could she, explain to Fred, that his own sister, was deeply and hopelessly, in love with him, and that she could not stay by his side, because he was getting married. She did not have suiting words, to tell him, how much he means for her. Finally she took another piece of paper, and wrote, while silently crying:

“Dear Fred,

By the time you will read this letter, I would be long gone. I do not know where, I just need to go away, away from you. I need to tell you so many things, so may painful things.

The most important, and the most painful thing, is the fact that I love you! I love you more, than you could ever imagine, and that’s exactly why I’m leaving. I know you don’t understand, why I would be saddened by my love, but until the end of this letter, I hope you will, and that you will agree, that this was the best way, we could have handled things.

These last few days, I tried to forget about you, I could not. I tried to hate you, I could not do that either. In the end, I was left only to feel love, and sadness, in place of anger, and hatred. I blame the whole situation on you, but you were not at fault. You did not know. It was I, who should have figured it out, before everything that had happened. Unfortunately, all is in the past now, and it cannot be undone. It just happened all too quick, for me to even try to resist. So, I’m doing it now.

And yes, I know you are getting married, and I am sad you did not told me, but back then, I did not wanted to know, and I probably would have preferred it, if I would not have ever found out. But it was inevitable; fate seems to bring me only misfortune and suffering. But I cannot do anything about this, and it’s just too big of a problem, to be ignored.

I told you, I was searching for my brother, that day, in the room. Well, I must confess, I found him. Unfortunately, here too, I would have liked to remain ignorant, to the person who is my brother. Because, the same person who is my brother, my own flesh and blood, is the same person I shared my first kiss with. Yes Fred, it’s you. How do I know? Because I have our mother’s portrait with me, I always did, from when I was little. I will leave it with this letter, since it will only remind me of you now. I came to love you, painfully much. But, even if you are my brother, I cannot stay with you. I realized it today, when you came to see me. It’s too painful, to love somebody, and not be able to touch him, and see him marry someone else. I’m not that strong. That is why, I’m running away. You can blame me, for being foolish, and a coward, but please never doubt, my love for you, now and forever.

With love,

Mia “

One day past, and Mia started her journey. She knew where to go. The nuns, at the orphanage, once told her, that there was always a place for her, where she was going. It was far away from Fred, and that is all she wanted for now. She left the letter at a friend, who was also working at that house, and instructed her to deliver it to Fred.

While walking down the road, she took out a little pouch, and felt it through her finders. It was empty now; the emptiness that she felt in her heart was the same as that pouch. It was there, where she kept the broach, with the portrait of their mother, always close to her heart.

After a few days, of traveling through various cities, she finally arrived. It was a small town, with little white houses, spread along the road, and fences that surrounded carefully attended gardens, and dogs barking, at some of them, announcing the rival of the owners, back home.

When she arrived, at the end of the town, she saw a small church, and near it a gray building, which seemed like a dormitory, with windows spread, at even distances one from another. Before she could even reach the door, a big black dog, which contrasted greatly, with the white church, came to greet her. And after him, an old priest, and a young girl, greeted her, and invited her inside. 

She was a teacher there, to all the orphaned children, and she enjoyed spending time with them. She often, spent time in the church, praying ardently, for the happiness of Fred. Even if she was miles away, from him, she could still clearly remember the touch of his hands, and the sound of his voice. Even the taste of his lips, was deeply engraved into her memory. She did not try to forget him anymore, she just accepted her sin, and prayed to God. Sometimes she would even dream of him, calling her name, from the middle, of a sea of mist. But she could not see him, and when the mist cleared, all that was left, was the broach, lying on the ground. When she had these dreams, she would always wake up screaming, and drenched in sweat.

A couple of weeks have passed, and Mia, was getting used to life, in the little town. She was busy all the time, until nightfall, but it helped her get her mind of things, for a while. One day, while she was walking on the narrow street, among trees abloom, she had the peculiar feeling, that someone was watching her. So she turned around, as to see who it was. She thought it was some of the kids, playing a prank on her, but to her surprise, behind her, about ten feet away, there was a man, looking at her, without averting his eyes. He wore a large hat, on which the brims covered his eyes, so she could not see who it was. Mia had this strange sensation, of pain in her hearth. She took it as fear, and acted accordingly.

“Are you looking for me, by any chance?” She said, while trying to keep her voice, firm. The man did not say anything, he just nodded. She looked at him again, but she still could not see who it was.

“What can I help you with?” She asked, now intrigued, by the man in front of her.

“You should hug your brother when you see him!” A deep voice said. Mia froze, on the spot. It couldn’t be, he was far away, it must have been her imagination. Then the voice spoke again: 

“And here I thought, you would be happy, to see your dear brother.”

Hearing this, she realized that it was not the man in front of her that spoke. The voice came from behind her. She then, felt a sharp pain, in her chest.

“How is that possible?” She mumbled, while slowly, turning around. There he was, handsome as ever. He had a few dark circles, around his eyes, and he looked like he traveled a lot, but he was still as charming, as when she first met him. Of course, he did travel a lot, he’s here. She thought to herself. She could not believe it. She was happy, and hurt, at the same time.

“So, you leave me, just one measly letter, with an insane explanation, and a broach, and you expect me to stay put?”

“Insane?” She asked. “I told you the truth! Why have you come here? I have already said what I had to say and…” But he interrupted her.

“Yes, you did, and then left, without even waiting for me to answer, and you left me, dumbfounded and sick. Did you know, how I felt, when I read your letter?” He was approaching her, slowly, but steadily. She did not move. She knew that, deep inside, she wanted to be embraced by him, and called by her name, and even if her logic said no, her heart still longed for him. And now, as he was approaching, she realized it painfully well, how much she had missed him, and that her love, grew even stronger, the time they were apart. 

“Let me tell you, how I felt.” He continued. “I was upset, and angry, but most of all sad. I thought you loved me, as a man, and then you tell me, I’m your brother. What kind of excuse was that? I felt hurt, especially, by your running away. Did you ever thought, about confronting me on the subject? Asking me, what my family name was? Or why, I was at the engagement party, that night?”

“It doesn’t matter!” She shouted, and covered her ears, while closing her eyes. Her senses were going crazy. He was too close to her, and she could barely support herself, from falling down. Her legs were giving in, and the world was spinning, at an alarming rate. The next thing she knew was that she was felling light as a feather, blown by the wind. When she opened her eyes, he was there, leaning with his back, on her bed. She got up, and took her dressing gown, from the chair it was placed on, and went into the kitchen. She was terribly thirsty. On the kitchen table, there was fresh coffee made. She first, took a cup of water and gulped it down, and then she seated herself, at the table.

“I see you’re up. Good morning!” She heard a horse voice saying. Mia turned around, to see a tall man, standing at the entrance. He was the man, with the large hat, that she did not recognize. But still, he felt familiar. “Come on, drink up your coffee, I made it for us all.” The man said, taking a seat, at the end of the table. “Is Fred still sleeping?” She nodded. “I’m not surprised; he didn’t sleep that much, this last few weeks.” “Why?” Mia asked, her curiosity, winning over her shyness, and caution.

“Why do you think? He was sick of worry.” He said, while fixing his gaze on her. She blushed, and wanted to retort, but he did not gave her the chance.

“So you love me?” 

“Excuse me?” She said, outraged at the familiarity, this man, was using on her.

“Well, I’m flattered and all, but I’m afraid I’m married already.” He said, with a mischievous smirk, on his face.

“What are you talking about? I never said I love you!” She said more and more enraged.

“Yes you did. Although, I don’t know what you meant by, the room where we kissed, since I don’t remember ever, laying a hand, on my little sister.” She was ready to reply, when she froze.

“Sister, what are you talking about?” She asked, more confused than ever.

“Well, I am you brother, and you did, send me that letter through Fred.” She gasped.

“That, wasn’t for you, it was addressed to Fred.”

“Yes. Frederick Thomas Raymond. Last time I checked, it was my name. I’m glad to see you again little sis.” He said now with a gentle smile on his face.

“Wait a minute, if you are my brother, then who is Fred?”

“He’s Fred, but people usually call him Mr. More.” Mia remained unmoved for a couple more minutes. “But he looks, just like the woman, in the painting, and the broach.” He started laughing.

“Of course he does, he’s her son.”

“Fred is her son? How? Isn’t that, our mother?”

“No.” Said Fred, with a sleepy voice, from the other room. Then Fred, stepped into the kitchen, and took a seat at the table, in front of Mia. “She’s my mother, definitely.” 

“But, the maids said…” She started, but was interrupted by Fred.

“Oh, the maids, is it? They obviously, don’t know who they were talking about.”

“But, I had the broach, from when I was a little baby.”

“That’s because she was there, my mother, and you mother, were best friends. They both died in that accident.”

“So, you’re not my real brother? And, she’s not my mother?” Mia asked, in a serene tone.

“Yes, that’s how it is.” Fred said, with his eyes, fixed on Mia. Thomas, got up from the table, and stepped outside. Meantime, Mia was trying to put everything in order. Her thoughts, and her feelings, which were jumbled up together, started to make sense. And then, she suddenly asked Fred, who was sitting quietly, drinking his coffee.

“So I can love you?” And while she said that, she gave the sweetest and most sincere smile. Fred choked and asked: 

“What?” 

“What you heard.” She replied, still smiling. It was so easy to smile now, as if she was just an innocent child again.

“Well, it all depends.” He said, with a grave voice.

“Depends on what?” Mia asked, with a light tremble of worry, in her voice.

“Depends, on whether you will run off again, leaving me behind. It wasn’t pleasant at all, you know?” He said with an upset expression on his face, looking at a corner of the kitchen, as if there was something, extremely interesting there. When she did not say anything in return, he turned his eyes on her. She was staying, with her head bowed, trembling, while her hands were clenched, on her dressing gown. She was saying something, with a voice so low, that he could not hear it. He then, got up, and went around the table, until he was near her.

“I can’t hear, what you’re saying. Say it louder!” She then stopped talking, and after a few moments, and a deep breath, she said: “I said I’m sorry! And…” Talking was harder now, because of the tears, which were falling unstoppable. “…and, I LOVE YOU! I WANT TO STAY WITH YOU! PLEASE LET ME STAY WITH YOU!” She shouted it all, in one breath. She felt the need, to say everything, she head on her heart, to share her feelings. All she had been through, over the last few months, all the suffering, she could now let go of it. After she shouted, her feet could not support her anymore, so she almost fell. But Fred was paying attention, and he grabbed her, by the waist, before falling, holding her closely to him. 

“I’m sorry too.” He told her, with a soft tone. “I should have known it was hard for you too. It was mean for me to tease you. I’m sorry!” He said while clearing away her tears with his hand.

“So, so…I can… love you?” She barely said that, between her sobbing, with her head leaned against his chest.

“Always!” Fred replied, and took her head in his hands, and kissed her tenderly. Even her tears stopped falling, as they stayed, embraced, for a long time to come, lost in their own little world.

“This is a story, about how people can be affected by gossip, and how choosing to run away from a confrontation, can lead to sadness and misery,” an old lady was telling a small group of young women. They were seated around her, eager for her to begin relating.

“But it’s just fiction, right?” I asked without hesitating.

“Maybe it is, maybe it isn’t, you will have to decide whether to believe in it or not,” the old woman replied with a calm, monotone voice.