ONE THIRTY.MANSION. STUDY ROOM.

We went back to Elliot’s mansion. Had a delectable lunch that included flavored steamed salmon with cut vegetables on the side. John was right; Ashley is indeed an excellent cook. After lunch, John gave me a tour of the entire chateau, where to go and where not. They all live here; he and Ashley live in their separate rooms on the left side of the mansion; Elliot, on the other hand, has his own office and chamber, which NO ONE is allowed to go there. The only room that got my interest was the study room. An old-fashioned room with a giant wooden bookshelf glued on the wall with a variety of books surprisingly alphabetized; a small balcony with wavy white curtains; the floor was covered with Aubusson carpet, two antique chairs facing the fireplace and what looks like a small wooden tea table. This room looks like something from the early 19th century. “Boss comes here often,” John uttered. “Am I allowed to be here?” I asked; it was more of a request than a question. “You can come here if you want.” I took one of the many books off the shelf. A heavy, dark brown...Shakespeare? “He reads poetry?” John shrugged his shoulders. “Maybe; I don’t know his interests. Anyways. You can stay here as long as you want; you won’t be doing anything for the rest of the day; Boss will come back at nine.” “What about you?” “I have something to do, then I’m going to pick him up before nine.” he glanced at his watch. “All right, I’ll be going now.” “Okay.” After that, he left. I am alone now, with a book in my hands. ′he’s exactly as you described’ ‘sooo...did you get his number’ ‘NO!’

I gasped. What.Was.That. waitwaitwaitwait. That was my voice and someone else’s. A flashback? the book I was holding fell on the carpet; I touched my forehead, feeling dizzy for a moment before it disappeared. “My room. I have to come back to my room.”

I sat on the edge of my bed; my ears were ringing, and my heart was pounding. I went going back to the study room to pick up the book I left. Hours went by; I spent the rest of noon and afternoon reading while lying in bed, which was something I should not have done because I ended up falling asleep. When I checked the time, it was already 7:50 PM, almost one hour before he arrives. After a quick shower, I took a plain black t-shirt and sweatpants. One hour passed of me doing nothing except thinking about the flashback, suddenly I heard the sound of a car coming closer; I looked out the window; the same car John has was in front of the entrance gate waiting to be opened. “They are back.” before I closed the curtains, I could not help but look at the clear night sky, no clouds, just stars.

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9 PM. I went to the dining room; Elliot was already on his chair, wearing a white t-shirt and blue jeans; the T-shirt made his muscles look more visible to look at; his black hair was slightly wet- “Are you just going to stand there or what?” I got startled. I was too focused on his looks. I do not think I’ll ever get used to his voice; this is the second time I got startled by something, or maybe it is me who gets spooked easily. the smartphone that was in his hand was now on the table; I approached the same chair I sat on this morning; plates were already on the table; fork, knife, and a spoon; three beside the plate and a small glass of water. “Did you design this place?” I questioned without thinking. “Oh-” I put my hand on my mouth, but it was too late; I already embarrassed myself. “Yes, I did,” he said, smiling? Was it a smile? Ashely came holding two plates of Steak. Only two. “John is not coming?” “John is busy. He has a lot to do.” He said, taking his time chowing...Slowly. I took a piece into my mouth, then another. “You’ll start choking if you keep eating like that.” what. “Are you mocking me?” “Mocking you?” He smirked. His smile is something, but his smirk is something else. He folded both of his hands below his chin. ” I am stating a fact, not a mockery.” “Excuse me?” “Anyway.” He took a napkin whipping his lips before he stood up.“Get ready for tomorrow; I don’t think John would go easy on you. Good night.” I am sitting here. Not blinking. Frozen. Is this what I am going to deal with? every day?