Chapter 5

-

• Alyssa's POV

As I entered the room, I was immediately struck by the beautiful sight before me. The paintings on the wall seemed to blink at me, as if greeting me. The room was painted white with stunning murals hand-painted on the burnt orange and red walls. The furniture was rustic and dark, complemented by vibrant cushions. I had never seen a room with so much furniture and so many hues. The white velvet curtains hid the long windows across the room, leaving only a shy peek. The floor was polished wood, dark and free of clutter. The room looked amazing; it was designed not just to be a room, but to feel like home. I could stay here forever.

After a long journey, I sluggishly made my way to the en suite bathroom. The bathroom was also beautiful, although not as large as the bedroom. The walls were tiled with large format white travertine, while the floor was made of dull brown tiles. The enamel was chipped in the sink, and the vanities were made of dark wood with peeling formica. However, the counters were a brilliant white quartz, and the granite countertops and walnut-framed mirrors were gleaming. The glass-walled shower had an oversized showerhead, and the fluffy towels were neatly arranged on a thrift store chair in the corner, along with a fluffy bath mat and a laundry center. It was absolutely beautiful! I undressed and stepped into the shower. It had been a long day, and the fragrant, fluffy towel felt like a welcome luxury. I emerged from the bathroom wearing a comfy dress for the evening, and sank into the couch. It felt like I was melting into the cushions. Suddenly, there was a knock on the door.

“Come in,” I said, responding to the knock.

One of the maids that I had seen earlier came in.

“Sorry to disturb you, ma'am,” she said, bowing her head apologetically.

The "ma'am" stuff was making me feel old.

“No problem at all, please don't call me ma'am,” I said with a smile.

She raised her eyebrows quizzically. "Ma'am, are you referring to me?" she asked, pointing to herself.

"Well, I don't see anyone else here, so yes, ma'am," I replied, nodding my head.

“Please don't call me that, ma'am,” she pleaded.

“Don't call me ma'am either, it makes me feel old. Or do I look old to you?” I teased.

“Well, no, you don't. You look beautiful,” she replied, making me blush.

“I'm sorry, I can't stop calling you ma'am. I am obliged to do so, ma'am,” she said.

“I'm sorry, too. I won't stop calling you ma'am,” I said with a cheeky smile.

She shook her head, fighting a smile that was trying to find its way to her lips. She seemed unsure of what to say to convince me otherwise.

“Anyway, just tell me why you're here,” I said.

“I almost forgot,” she exclaimed, hitting her forehead. “I came to inform you that lunch is ready, and Master seeks your presence. I'm here to lead you there, ma'am.”

“Master?” I asked, confused.

“Your grandfather, ma'am,” she explained, smiling sweetly.

“Oh, okay. Let's go, ma'am,” I said, and she shook her head before leading me out of the room.

***

We arrived at the dining room, which boasted a long table and a chandelier dangling from the ceiling like a disco ball in a posh nightclub. My mind raced, contemplating how many people had enjoyed meals in this grandiose room. As we entered, I spotted my grandparents sitting at the table with their plates covered, waiting for me.

Nana perked up as soon as she saw me. "Alyssa, come sit down. I prepared your favourite," she exclaimed.

I took my seat and opened the dish before me. Spicy Basque chicken and rice. My taste buds danced with joy as I savoured the first bite. "Oh my god, this is amazing! Grandma, you're a culinary genius. I need to learn from you," I said as I gave her a thumbs up.

She beamed with pride.

A young man walked into the dining room, and without missing a beat, he bowed and said, "Greetings to you all."

I couldn't help but wonder if Nana and Grandpops were used to this kind of thing.

"What brings you here?" Grandpa asked.

"I came to inform you that the package has been delivered," the man replied.

"Okay, you can go," Grandpa said, dismissing the man.

Grandpa then stood up, grabbing a napkin to wipe his mouth. "Please excuse me," he said.

Nana looked at him with a hint of sadness. "Won't you finish your food?" she asked.

"I'm stuffed. I've eaten enough," he replied before walking away.

She sighed as she watched him leave. "He never finishes his food," she said, sounding dejected.

"Don't worry, grandma. I'm here, and I have an extra stomach, so I'll eat it all," I said, scooping some of Grandpa's leftovers onto my plate.

She giggled, and we finished our meal in peace. Afterward, I offered to tidy up, but she refused, so I made my way up to my room.

As I entered my bedroom, I couldn't help but admire the luxurious furnishings. I ran my hands over the silky sheets, and my cheeks caressed the cool velvet pillows. The comforter was thick and soft, like a fluffy cloud. As I lay down on the bed, I felt enveloped in warmth and darkness, and soon I was sound asleep.

~~

I woke up to the pitch-black darkness of the night. Checking the time, I saw that it was 1:05 am. Walking over to the window, I opened the curtains and gazed out, searching for the stars. The stars were twinkling above me, and a warm breeze rustled the leaves of the nearby trees. It was the kind of night that made you want to explore.

And then I saw it - a glowing object in the distance. It was like a beacon, calling out to me. I couldn't resist. I knew I had to investigate.

I crept down the stairs, trying not to make a sound. Of course, the creaky old house betrayed me with a loud groan. I winced, expecting someone to come running, but the only response was the chirping of crickets outside.

Heart racing, I made my way to the gate, only to find it locked tight. Now what? I spotted a light flickering in the distance, and my curiosity got the better of me. I followed it, not really sure where I was going.

Eventually, the light stopped moving, and I found myself standing in a garden. It was so dark that I couldn't make out much, but the sound of rustling leaves and the sweet scent of flowers told me I was in a peaceful place.

Then I noticed the firefly. It was hovering around a wall that was covered in vines, thorns, and beautiful flowers. It seemed to be showing me something, and before I knew it, I found myself twisting the doorknob that the firefly was hovering around.

The door creaked open, and I stepped through, only to find myself outside. It was like stepping into another world. I turned to the firefly and whispered, "Thank you, my little guide."

As I gazed up at the stars, I felt a sense of wonder and excitement. What other secrets did the night hold? I couldn't wait to find out.