Chapter 3

Chapter 3

The sun rays woke me from my deep slumber. That’s strange. I don't remember opening my windows last night or did I? I was too afraid about the wild wolves to actually dare open them. Maybe my Aunt did it. She knew I'm not a morning person and sunlight is my kryptonite. I let out a deep breath before I buried my face to the pillow and gave myself a little motivation before I decided to stand up. I closed my eyes as the breeze passed through my face. Fresh air in the morning is a good thing to start this good day going. I closed the window and made my way down to the kitchen.

I suddenly stopped when I heard Aunt Beth sharing stories to my Grandma and they are both laughing. I was too embarrassed to even show up. I hate this topic. It’s prom night! Ugh, I hate it when my Aunt shares that story with everyone. It was the most embarrassing day of my life. That day I remember it well, I am embarrassed because no one asked me to dance plus I look like a total weirdo with the dress.

“And then she came home with her make up messed up and one pair of her shoes is missing.” Aunt blurted out and I immediately went to shut her up.

“Enough Auntie. I think grandma heard enough of those.” I said and covered her mouth.

“Alright, alright!” she surrendered. Geez why is she so happy to tease me. She even laughed at me before asking why I came home looking like trash.

"Good morning Honey." Grandma greeted. "I hope you slept well" I immediately sat down and calmed myself. I forgot that grandma is here. She is usually strict when I move so carelessly because it’s not lady-like.

"Yes, I had a great sleep”. The rich smell of pancakes relaxed my senses. Grandma prepared me a cup of hot chocolate and a plate of cookies. I have a thin figure but I eat a lot. I was told I have fast metabolism that’s why I am not easily gaining weight. When I was younger I used to care about it so I tried to eat double my meal but I get tired of it because it’s not working.

“Eat up.” Grandma said and I did. We had a great conversation. Our morning conversation is all about catching up with each other. Grandma said that living here is not that hard because the neighbors are all kind.

"So, where are we going later? You mention we are invited by your friend." I asked Grandma and she looked at me. Her cheeks stretched into a smile.

“We are going to the Castle that you are always curious about. Are you excited?” she asked and I suddenly feel like going now. That castle? There are actually people who live there? I want to go. I want to experience this once in a lifetime opportunity!

“Of course.” I answered and they looked at each other meaningfully. Should I get nervous after seeing that? Are they planning something behind my back?

“We will go after this.” Grandma said.

During my college days, I barely went out due to my paperwork and reports. I studied at Juliano University, majoring in psychology. Yes, that's a lot of work. I studied quite ahead of my classmates because I took subjects during summer. To be exact I am studying nonstop without any reason. I just couldn’t do anything else. I have least friends and I don’t really know how to fit in. I am the youngest of the class, sometimes the victim of bullies, but that's alright. I just focused on making myself busy so I don’t have to think about other things that can ruin my mind. While working hard I also found some close friends that I can rely on. They are nice to me even though you can count them on your fingers, especially Shane. She is a reliable friend. After this trip I will go back to the city and start working at a small hospital nearby.

We prepared to set off when I suddenly remembered something. Beside that castle there is a mansion where I used to sneak in. I was careful not to get caught by the owner so I can take a look whenever I want. That place is majestic. I used to stare from the window and look at the artifacts there. I remembered a little boy that I used to play with. His face is blurry on my memory now, it was a decade ago, and it’s hard to remember.

That ball that is made from gold, he stole it for me. He said that I can have it and no one will know of it. I asked him if he lives there but he said that he doesn’t. As a little child, even if that gift is stolen I accepted it. We both watched that gleaming ball of gold under the sun together. We met a couple of times and it all ended when the vacation ended and I have to go back with my father. I wonder if he’s still here.

"Grandma, remember the boy I used to play with in the mansion nearby? How" I asked and she paused for a second and glanced at my Aunt. “I was just wondering if he’s still around.”

"You remembered him?" Auntie Beth asked.

"Yes but not much. He's my punching bag when I was a kid." I joked. I hall meant it. He never resisted whatever I did with him. He’s very gentle but also very protective too. Since the day we met he has always chased me around and I will get angry at him. I had some attitude when I was a child.

“He’s still around. I hope we can get to meet him soon if he is not busy.” She scoffed.

“Why? Is he a busy man now?” I asked and they both laughed.

“That’s funny but yes. That man doesn’t know how to hold back.” Auntie added before going upstairs to change and get ready. Did he know that child more than I do?

“You better get ready too Audrey. Make it quick so we can go.” She said and I nodded. I quickly head upstairs to get things done.

I decided to wear typical attire, I'm not a fan of dresses, but I would like to try them sometime. I wore my white long sleeves top and my navy blue shorts. I just figured that it would be more comfortable moving around like this. I put on some lip balm and perfume to add to it. I like make-up, but maybe just not today. The air is too humid and I know it will just get greasy later.

I was told to bring some clothes and important things. Maybe they are planning to have a sleepover on that Castle. If that is the case they I am even more excited. That mansion is huge! I wonder what I would find inside. I’m interested with people who reside there. Are they nice? I never experienced sleeping on a large place like that.

"Honey, don't forget to bring your things and close your room!" Auntie reminded me. Why is she always reminding me about things? I'm eighteen for Pete's sake and turning nineteen! Not an eight-year-old clumsy girl.

"Yes ma'am," I shouted and closed my room. I guess it will be a little longer so stay in this room again.

I saw grandma talking to a guy. By the looks of it he’s a little older than me. His muscles are well taken care of. Not to mention his hair and brown eyes. I’m not going to lie but he’s attractive. Our eyes met unexpectedly. He looks more surprised than I am. He was scanning me? What is wrong with him? He looks surprised to see me. By any chance, do I know him?