WHEN WE FIRST MET

ALEXANDER'S POV

The room had been quiet after Andrea left allowing me to get absorbed in my own mind. By the passing moment I started sinking into the abyss of memories, for the nth time I once again thought of my old life that occurred so long ago that seems so surreal it feels as if it never happened. Then I had the usual what ifs, what if did that, what if I didn't do that?

Then finally my mind brought me to a snowing night of 1515 it several days before Christmas, the night was dark, the forest was foggy and due to the cold, my breath vaporizes as soon as it leaves my mouth. I was on my way back to the mansion however the torch I was carrying died down due to the cold wind, finding my way in the dark was harder than I thought even after using the same path for as long as I remember. Being lost in the dark for a while, my irritation grew but all of a sudden out in the corner of my eye I saw a flickering light. I wasn't a torch or a lamp it was a ball of blue-colored fire floating in the wind. Curious I approached the ball of light…only for it to disappear then reappear in the distance however my curiosity wouldn't give up that easily. Vexed I ran after the light only for the same thing to happen but despite this, I didn't give up nonetheless. After some time I ended up in front of the mansion, the light is now floating right beside me. Looking at the light I reached out for it but before I could touch it, the light turned into a ghostly figure of a girl. With her pale skin and long black hair, she looks like a doll especially with her big round black eyes and thin lips.

Smiling she bowed "Hello my name is Andrea and I'm pleased to make your acquaintance" she said her voice seems to be echoing for a far.

I returned the gesture by taking my hat off and bowing a little "I'm Alexander and I am very grateful for your guidance" I said smiling back.

That was our first exchange of words and that became the key which opened a friendship that lasted for more than a century…

My thought shipped to a different scenario, it was another dark night while the starlight twinkled in the night sky. This night is chilly and each breeze was colder than the last due to the previous season. And just like the last time I don't have a torch to guide me, however, I have Andrea this time accompanying me through the dark. On our way to the greenhouse to fetch a book that I forgot, a ghostly figure ran in front of me. In a quick moment, the flash of light disappeared and was followed by a bloodcurdling scream. Petrified I didn't move but Andrea knew better she followed the light, leaving me behind in the dark with only the stars as my light.

Moments after she returned with another wisp in toe…

She's gentle and timid.

Jumpy and cheery, but she became a good friend after years of being a silent company.

Her name is Hannah…

And we met on the night of spring, 1586.

My thought consumed me even further into a memory that happened quite recently, the warm summer breeze swept through my face as sat on the veranda. The night is warm and the sound of cicadas resonates in my ears as I drink my tea, its steam bringing a nice scent of the brewed herb in my nostrils providing a sense of relaxation. As I drink my tea the moonlit my surroundings, its silver rays bringing life in the dead forest of the night. Observing the environment I saw a girl walk through the edge of the woods, her skin is pale and glowing as if the moon had blessed her. Her blond hair flowing right behind her as she walks by, under normal circumstances a person would either ignore the girl or run away. But after living a life for more than two centuries and spending most of my time with two wisps, I've learned better.

Standing up I hopped over the railing of the veranda not wanting to bother using the front door. I speed walked to the girl before she gets too far. But as reach her, she was no longer walking. She was seating by the tree, hugging her knees she had her head down as sobs emit from her.

"Are you alright?" I asked her as I stepped closer.

Looking up… her round eyes are flowing with tears, running down her pale cheeks. She remained silent.

"If you have nowhere to go, you can stay with me. I have friends just like you" I said

"You don't have to be alone anymore" I continued as I extend a hand for her to take.

She took my hand and I helped her stand.

"Come my house is just outside the woods" I told as I led the way.

"The mansion with two other wisps?" she asked her voice if soft but hoarse.

"Yes," I answered shortly.

Reaching home we were greeted by two light in the front door, it was Andrea and Hannah.

Looking over to the girl, I said "welcome home" while smiling at her.

She cried once more.

But something is telling me this time it's not from sadness but due to happiness, her name is Sofia.

And she had always been a crybaby ever since we met her on that night of 1612.

We were lonely.

We were alone.

We were lost in the dark.

We were abandoned.

But one faithful night we found each other in that darkness of the night.

And suddenly we have what we can call…

HOME

My thoughts were interrupted by a knock on the door, finally how long has it been?

"Come in" I quickly stated, not wanting them to wait any longer.

The three went in each are keeping their hands in front, clasped together right in front of their abdomen. Silently they line up in front of us all the while keeping their heads low.

"I called you here to formally introduce you three to our guest, as you may already know she will be staying here for some time. Therefore it would be beneficial for both sides to finally introduce each other" I started.

"Why don't you start Andrea" I said as I look at her.

Stepping forward Andrea "Greetings Miss, my name is Andrea and I'm the housekeeper" she said then proceeded on stepping down.

The next one to speak was Hannah "G-good day, my name is Hannah and I'm housemaid" her voice was trembling. She was definitely nervous but due to the emotionless features of the dolls, it wasn't visible.

And lastly "Hello…I'm Sofia and I'm the cook, I've been working for Master Alexander since 1612" she said.

I was taken aback, did she just.

"Wait, what?" I heard Rachelle say.

"Ah! She's just kidding is all" I said waving my hands franticly hoping she'll let it go.

Rachelle looked at me with confused eyes her brows are furrowed.

Please just let it go, I wished deep inside.

"Okay…" she said her brows are still furrowed.

She just gave me the benefit of the doubt, but she's not stupid.

I don't wish to let her know

But if push comes to shove, maybe I'll have no choice.

For the time being, however I'll keep the secret between my closest friends and myself.