Chapter 24: Left Alone

Maryanne tries to force her shoulders to relax. Jessica saved the day by asking for a tour of the mansion. This way they are all split up and intrusive questions can be forgotten.

She is lagging behind Jessica and Veronica who are arm-in-arm swaying along together. They both continue to look up at the walls and ceilings with awe.

Maryanne can understand their reaction. It is the same as hers when she first arrived. This house is much more than any of them could have ever imagined themselves living in. The front door is surrounded by columns, and the staircases themselves are grand, swooping around in the air with golden inlaid bannisters. The steps are made out of marble similar to the main floor, but at the top of each landing are large red carpets contrasting the golden hue of the railings.

Walls are covered with beautiful, serene wallpaper of flowers and it causes a sense of home to fall over Maryanne.