Chapter 5. I Liked The Place

* Julliane *

During my first few days at Magnolia Manor, I truly believed my life had taken a turn for the better, even if just a little. The air was fresher, the surroundings were quieter, and the view of the sea stretching endlessly from the backyard offered a kind of peace I had never known in the city. The manor itself was grand, almost intimidatingly so, with its sprawling architecture and towering windows that welcomed the golden light of day like a fairytale palace. For the first time in a long while, I felt like I could breathe.

Every morning, I would wander along the seaside path, letting the cool ocean breeze kiss my cheeks and tangle my hair. The rhythmic crashing of the waves was like music to my ears. It made me feel calm, even safe. Darren often joined me. In the short time since my arrival, he had become a close friend, like the brother I never had. There was something easy about being around him. No judgment, no expectations. Just comfort.

One warm afternoon, while we were relaxing by the beach, Darren turned to me, eyeing my outfit curiously.

"Don't you have any swimming suits, Julliane?" he asked, tilting his head. I was wearing the same old cotton T-shirt and shorts I always wore to the beach, nothing special, just what I had.

I gave a small laugh, trying to play it off.

"Oh, no. I didn't really get the chance to go swimming back in the city, so I never bought one."

But that wasn't the full truth. The real reason one I couldn't bring myself to say aloud, was that my mother never allowed such indulgences. She wouldn't have taken me to the beach, and she definitely wouldn't spend money on swimsuits or anything she considered "unnecessary." Her world revolved around herself, and I had long accepted that I wasn't a part of her priorities.

I sighed and turned my gaze back to the horizon. The sea never judged. It was just... there, offering solace in its steady movements.

"You know what, Julliane?" Darren said after a moment of silence, "I really like you. You're kind. You treat me like a real friend more than that, really. Sometimes I wish you were my actual sister. It feels like we've known each other forever."

He chuckled, and I could see the glimmer of mischief in his eyes. "Funny thing is, my last girlfriend? She was super jealous of you. Saw us hanging out once and went off like a volcano."

I burst out laughing. "Oh! I think I saw her once. You never told me she was your girlfriend. If I'd known, I would've cleared things up with her. Maybe saved you some drama."

He shrugged, a trace of bitterness flashing across his face. "Didn't seem worth it. She was way too insecure. Always accusing me of stuff. Honestly, I'm kind of relieved it's over. Besides, there's this new girl at school who caught my eye."

His voice brightened at the mention. Then, as if remembering something important, he glanced at me. "By the way, why haven't you enrolled yet? You could still transfer this year. If your mom would just take care of it..."

I looked away, my smile fading. "I don't think she would," I murmured, barely loud enough for him to hear. "She's... busy. She's moved on with her new life. I'm not really a part of it anymore."

I pressed my palm into the sand, trying to distract myself. That's when I felt it a sudden sting. "Ouch!" I yanked my hand back and saw blood welling up on my finger.

"What happened?" Darren leaned over, his eyes narrowing with concern. "Let me see."

I showed him the tiny wound. "I think I pricked it on a broken shell."

"Wait, hold on. Let me help." He gently took my hand and, without hesitation, put my finger to his mouth, sucking on the wound and spitting out the blood. He did it twice, carefully, until the bleeding stopped.

"Better now?" he asked.

I nodded, still surprised by the gentleness of his gesture. "Thank you, Darren."

"I just didn't want it to get infected," he said, inspecting my finger again with a seriousness that made me smile. "You'll be alright."

Before I could respond, the sound of galloping hooves made us both turn. Lance appeared on horseback, the muscles of the horse rippling under his strong grip on the reins. His expression was stormy, brows drawn together, eyes sharp and accusing as they landed on us.

"Darren," he barked, "you've been gone for two hours. I told you to wait for the buyer and let me know how it went! And now I find you here, with her?"

"I—I'm sorry, big brother," Darren stammered. "It slipped my mind."

"Of course it did," Lance snapped, his eyes now locked on me. "Because you've been here with Julliane all morning. You're always with her. What's going on with you two?"

The accusation in his voice stung. I stood up quickly, brushing the sand off my clothes. I saw his gaze flicker to my damp T-shirt, which clung to my body from the sea mist. Suddenly, I felt exposed and awkward.

"Go, Darren," Lance said harshly. "Let me talk to her."

"But."

"Go!"

Darren hesitated, then obeyed, casting me one last worried glance before walking away. I looked up at Lance as he remained on his horse, towering above me like some brooding, handsome hero from a novel. His eyes were cold, and his words came sharp. But I still find him more attractive than all the boys I've seen.

"Look at yourself, Julliane! Don't you realize how inappropriate you look? That wet T-shirt, have you no shame?"

I looked down at myself. I hadn't noticed before. It was the beach, after all. Even Darren hadn't said anything. Why was Lance making an issue out of this?

"I—I'm sorry," I whispered, unsure why I was even apologizing. I reached for the towel beside me, wrapped it around myself, and looked away.

He wasn't finished.

"Stop flirting with my brother! Darren is just sixteen. My father took you in, treats you like his own. And this is how you repay us?"

"Flirting?" I repeated, stunned. "You think I'm flirting with Darren? We're just friends!"

"I saw how close you were. Don't lie to me. Maybe that's normal for you, growing up in the city, but Darren isn't like the boys you're used to. And my family isn't like yours."

He turned sharply and rode off, leaving me standing there, humiliated and confused.

His words echoed in my head long after I walked back to the manor. By the time I reached my room, tears were already falling. I threw myself on the bed, burying my face in the pillow, letting it all out.

A knock sounded on the door, and when I looked up, Mister Dankworth was standing there with a look of concern on his face.

"Why are you crying, dear?" he asked gently.

I wiped my eyes and sat up. "No, Uncle. It's nothing."

He didn't look convinced. "Did you and Darren have a fight?"

I shook my head quickly. "No... it's not that."

"Then what is it, Jullie? Tell me."

I couldn't. I couldn't tell him what Lance had said. I didn't want to risk making things worse. So I lied.

"I just miss my grandpa. I didn't get to say goodbye."

Mister Dankworth's expression softened. "Ah, I see. That's understandable. Being away from someone you love is always hard. Why don't you give him a call? You can use the phone in the library. Or... don't you have a mobile?"

I nodded faintly. "I do, but it's really old. I haven't even charged it since I got here."

"Well, we'll fix that," he said, smiling kindly. "You need to stay connected. I'll speak with your mother, we'll get you a new one. But for now, dry those tears and try to get some rest, alright?"

I was about to thank him when, just behind him, my mother appeared in the doorway. Her eyes were narrowed, her mouth tight with disapproval. I already knew the storm was coming.