~ 27 ~

                                    

                                          

Eloise took a deep breath, her hand gripping Valerie's tightly for reassurance. They were both standing in front of her family in the main hall, all eyes on them.
"I have something to tell you all," Eloise began, her voice shaky. "Something important."
All eyes were on Eloise as she spoke. Her siblings looked at her with curiosity, wondering what this sudden announcement could be about. Anthony looked a little concerned, while Colin and Daphne simply looked bewildered.
Benedict was the only one who didn't seem surprised. His expression was neutral as he glanced at Valerie stand next to Eloise. franchesca only kept a straight face wondering what was all the fuss about. hyacinth and Gregory were younger so they didn't really know of these things or cared.
Eloise took another deep breath, feeling Valerie's hand squeeze hers gently. She looked around the room, taking in the expressions of her siblings. Their curiosity and concern were evident in their eyes, awaiting her next words.
She swallowed, gathering her courage.
"Valerie and I are, well... we are courting each other."
There was a moment of stunned silence as the siblings processed Eloise's confession. Then...
Anthony looked at Eloise in shock. "Wait... what?!"
Colin is just quite confused "You and Valerie? As in, you're courting each other?"
Hyacinth is wondering all kinds of things about loving the same gender because she is still a kid and does not know much about it. "But... she's a girl.."
Daphne and Gregory exchanged glances, then turned their attention back to Eloise and Valerie. They were both trying to process this unexpected revelation.
Daphne looks at Eloise with widened eyes. "Are you serious, Eloise? You and Valerie, you're.. courting each other?"  
Gregory thinking they were just friends looks just as confused as Colin. He's also a child so he doesn't understand Eloise's feelings for Valerie. "But... how did this happen? I thought you two were just friends."
Benedict, who had already been privy to the secret, leaned back in his chair, a small smirk playing at the corners of his lips. His eyes flickered between Eloise and Valerie.
"Ah, I see you've finally decided to spill the beans, little sister."
Anthony, ever the protective older brother, turned his attention to Benedict. There was a note of disbelief in his voice.
"You knew about this, Benedict? so you were just hiding it from the rest of us?"
Benedict chuckled lightly, holding up his hands in a gesture of mock surrender.
"Well, you can hardly blame me. It wasn't my secret to tell. Besides, it was quite entertaining watching you all squirm in confusion." Ben laughs.
Eloise looked at her siblings and sighed. She did not even get to say anything. She folded her arms and looked at them. There were so many questions by her siblings. 
A little bit of regret hit her. 'Why did I tell them?  So many questions all at once..!' Which had overwhelmed her a bit. Though she tried to explain everything to her siblings. 
"Yes me and Valerie are courting and yes I know she is a girl, and that things are quite different but we love each other and that is all that should matter, I also plan on marrying her..I do not know when but you shall all know of it when it happens and to answer you're question Gregory we were just friends but we fell deeply in love as mother always says true love firstly starts with friendship..and yes finally spilled the beans." Eloise said feeling a sense of relief. 
Anthony sighed, "how come brother..you are always the one to know first!" Anthony crossed his arms glaring at Benedict playfully. 
"Because I am the favorite brother of course." Benedict replied laughing at them. 
"Well it is very different but we are quite happy for you Eloise..you finally know what love feels like." Daphne replied. 
"If you are happy then so are we." Colin also said. 
"I guess anyone can love one another if they try..! That is quite beautiful and romantic sister!" Hyacinth said. 
"Well I don't know much about love but congratulations to you sis!" Gregory told Eloise smiling and giving a thumbs up. 
Her siblings were so welcoming and it was just as her mother had said. 
Lady Violet was happy that Eloise had finally found herself and her siblings were also there for her. What a beautiful journey.