We landed in one piece, not that I was hoping the plane would crash. Kylee and Josef were the only ones with positive facial expression. They were both smiling at each other like newly weds. I wanted to smile at their happiness, I wish I could smile at them.
They were beautiful together. Regalia had been eyeing Josef for an eternity, it was not her fault, he was a good looking man. Jeandre was following Regalia like a shadow, hoping to keep her out of harm’s way. His facial expression was bland, his sister’s were desperate and pleading.
My mother’s facial expression was grim, while Marcellino was looking troubled, constantly glancing behind his shoulders, expecting danger.
We reached a castle, a real life castle. My mother whistled softly, Kylee did look impressed, Josef was busy surveying the landscape instead of the actual house, regalia was just realising that we’ve actually gotten to the house and too many expressions were on her face, Jeandre was eyeing something far away, Marcellino looked agitated… Me on the other hand, I was watching all of them.
I was the last to walk.
“No, you don’t stay out of my sight” Kylee said and she pushed me in front of her.
“Stop babying her” Josef said and Kylee acted as if she didn’t hear him.
I was thinking the exterior was the impressive part, everybody’s mouth dropped when we got inside.
“This house is massive, grandpa and grandma are loaded… This is heaven” Regalia said and she did some twirls.
“To correct you Regalia, this house was a gift to my mum from Christian” Marcellino said.
Reaglia halted and her eyes were wide as saucers.
“Gi-gift?”
I looked around. I was taken aback, such massive structure, it’s rich beauty was a testament of it’s owner’s wealth and I was getting married to him.
No wonder he was always told me I could do anything I wanted with his money, anything. I began recalling his words, “Baby, you can bathe with it, fill your tub with it, cook with it, stuff it in your pillow if you like. I want you to spend my money, why else do I have money if it’s not for you to spend?” I shudder at the memory, I should start taking him seriously.
Maybe for my birthday next week, I’ll do something reckless, to celebrate turning twenty two. The fragrance the house carried we so intoxicating, the chandeliers that hung from the high ceiling were countless and it casted a golden luxurious glow to the entire living room.
The furniture were exotic, rich materials were here and there.
“Oh my, welcome!” A soft voice sounded I was certain I was the first to turn to the direction. “Gosh, where is Merritt?” The woman muttered.
Who was she, who is Merritt.
“Mum” Marcellino said and he went towards her outstretched arm. They laughed, she kissed his cheek, her movements were delicate, she was a white swam.
She turned to the rest of us.
“My grandkids” she said.
Reaglia and Jeandre went forward as if they were summoned.
“Jenna!” My mother said very sharply, it sounds like an alarm.
I turned her.
She jerked her chin.
“Go and say hello to your grandma” she said.
I turned to the woman standing many feets away from me. Her eyes met mine, it roamed my face and then it dropped to my belly. I felt myself recoil.
There was something in her eyes, something wistful. The rest of the people in the room faded and she was staring at me as if we were the only people in the entire world, it was as if she was telling me I SEE YOU.
She broke eye contact first.
“Elisa” she said softly.
My mother practically ran towards where Mrs Alexander was standing. Mrs Alexander hugged my mother and kissed her cheek.
She beckoned on Josef and Kylee, I was the only that remained in the same spot.
“Ma’am, I’m sorry. Was fetching some wine from the cellar” Merritt said.
She was wearing a house staff uniform with a wave of her hand, she dismissed Merritt.
We all settled. The other house staff carried our luggages in.
“We’ll show you to your rooms when the time comes” Mrs Alexander said to regalia who was saying that she wanted to see her bedroom already.
“Where is dad?” Marcellino asked.
“He’s out playing tennis, he’ll be home so__” before she could complete her statement, Mr Alexander graced us with his entrance.
I was the first to turn to the door when I heard the soft creak of the hinges. I saw the man, he was nothing like Christian, nothing. He was everything like Marcellino. He had silvery grey hair, his eyes were light, he looked cunning, that same prying eyes that he had given his son and that same eyes that Jeandre, his grandson had inherited.
“Grandpa!” Regalia squealed and she ran to him.
“It’s been ages Gigi” he said laughed her with the same energy she had given him. A big charming smile was on his face as he looked at very one of us.
“This must be a dream, all my family gathered in one place.. Where ia Christian?” He asked.
“He’s occupied, I’m representing him, Mr Alexander” Kylee said.
His eyes narrowed.
“I’ve seen you with him, who are you, his girlfriend?”
Kaylee laughed.
“No, sir. I’m his.. friend ”
“Are you sure?” Mr Alexander asked her with a play boy smile.
“Yes sir, this is my boyfriend ” she gestured towards Josef with her hands.
He smiled warmly at Josef, then he turned to Elisa, he saw her bruises but said nothing, he turned to Jeandre.
“Grandson..”
“Grandpa…”
Their greeting was short of emotions, it was bland and just like an acknowledgment. What is wrong with this family?
“Are you Elisa’s daughter?”
I was taken by surprise, I didn’t expect him to speak to me at all and I was lost in thoughts. I blinked.
“Sorry?” I asked him and his eyes crinkled at the sides with a smile.
“You must be Jenna.. My god, such a beauty”
“Thank you, sir ” I blurted out.
His eyes lingered on me in way that made me feel uncomfortable and he turned to my mother.
“She really is your daughter?”
“She looks more like her dad than me” my mother said.
She’s a sight to behold, isn’t be?”
“She is” some murmured.
I didn’t know why he was asking but the entire house was quiet, I could hear the clock ticking and the door of far away room closing.
Mrs Alexander clearer her throat and Mr Alexander broke out of his trance.