WE MEET AGAIN

I looked at my lovely face in the mirror and moaned in dissatisfaction as I thought about my parting with my family. Although it wasn't quite what I had hoped for, this seemed far better than yesterday when I went without saying anything. Zeke deserves credit for this; he granted me a few extra minutes to complete that task, and I have never felt more appreciative in my whole life.

"Rub your lips together, honey," the lovely makeup artist instructed after applying peach-colored lipstick to my lips, and I did as she said. Even after I had already smacked my lips together, she continued to brush her fingertip on my lips to enhance the appearance.

She finalized the makeup she applied to my face with the lipstick, stood to her feet, and then grinned as she admired her masterpiece. After catching a glimpse of her triumphant expression, I turned my attention back to the mirror.

When I wear makeup, I always appear to be a different person, and today was no exception. My gorgeous blue-green eyes were enhanced by the makeup, which made them shimmer and complements my stunning diamond earrings and necklace flawlessly. I had the same appearance as those spoiled princesses from affluent backgrounds.

My enthusiasm was fleeting, though, as Zeke soon entered the room and gave the order to begin departing. Now, in contrast to yesterday, he seemed impatient, and I restrained myself from commenting on it as I rose to my feet. He moved aside to allow me to leave the room, and then he came after.

The four bodyguards who had been waiting for me in the corridor followed us to the elevator on the left end, where we all entered.

The elevator decelerates at a free fall to the ground floor and with a ding sound, the door slides open.

We all exited the building with the bodyguards leading the way to a black Chevrolet waiting outside, but only Zeke accompanied me inside the car. The others got into the vehicle directly behind the one I was sitting in, and the two vehicles started moving.

My journey to the Anderson's residence was about thirty minutes drive, according to Zeke's estimation, and during that time, I was distracted by the lovely sceneries from the avenue.

Country X is extremely lovely, especially in the morning when it isn't as congested, but it won't be long before it is crowded. The view got more interesting as we drove through a lonely road amidst two creatively grown forests that seemed to be unending.

It took at least twenty minutes to get to a golden gate which happened to be the pathway to the Anderson's mansion. I could tell from how Zeke suddenly sat upright when we drew near to it.

When we got even closer, I turned my head away from the gate since the men guarding it were armed.

Since I was six years old and unintentionally viewed a horrible movie, I have always been horrified by the sight of guns.

It happened years back, but I still couldn't let go of the fear as well as the image stuck in my head. I could remember vividly everything that happened that day, including the fright from the nightmare that woke me up during the early hours of the morning.

Leaving my room for my parents required all of my courage at the time, so when I couldn't find them because it was their movie night and they were at the theater, I decided to go there.

As I arrived, I saw everything - the horrible shooting that tore the victims' flesh to bits with just a bullet, the sardonic laughter from the man who shot at him.

I covered my ears and eyes while I screamed in terror, but it had no effect because the theater was noisy and my parents were engrossed in the film. I leaned into the wall when I saw no one coming to help me, squatting to the floor and burying my face in my folded kneel.

My parents found me by the door on their departure after the movie was over, trembling nonstop. They took me to therapy for the next six months.

The sight still gave me the chills, even though my therapist claimed I was well after six months of regular sessions.

The driver's window rolled down when we arrived at the gate, and when one of the armed men inquired about our presence, the driver pulled out a seal with the well-crafted initial 'A' imprinted on it.

The armed man lowered his guard when he saw it and took it from him, before signaling for the gate to be opened.

He stepped away from the car after the gates were open wide, and said, "enjoy your stay," before the driver rolled up the glass, and we drove inside the place.

The new magnificent world which we drove through was extraordinary without reasonable doubt. I even held my open mouth from astonishment with my left palm.

It was nothing like I had ever seen or could even imagine - from the extremely splendid surrounding to the 16-footed fountain at the center of the surrounding just before the mansion, and the at least 200 feet mansion. It felt like I was in those fairy tales where the main character is filthy rich. I would never have guessed that something this wonderful existed in country X.

A chauffeur who was waiting outside the mansion opened the door for me as the vehicle pulled up in front of the structure.

I couldn't help but look around as I left the car, with Zeke following after me, even as I made my way to the door where a butler and maids were waiting. They must have been expecting me since they smiled and bowed when they spotted me.

"Good morning, Miss Roosevelt," the average-looking butler greeted with a potent British accent, stunning me.

I could never have guessed he's a British folk with his facial features. He looked more like the French folks with his impeccable pale skin.

I smiled even if it sounded odd to be addressed with that last name.

Miss Khloe had informed me that the last name, Roosevelt, belonged to Miss Monica's family and I'm supposed to use it for the duration of my job.

He added curtly, "You can address me as Wadsworth. I'm the butter of this mansion and at your service." "The lady has been awaiting your arrival. Please, this way," he gestured with his hand for me to go in.

I looked back at Zeke who was now entering the car before nodding, "of course," and followed him. I guess his job was over for today as well.

Once more, my imagination was crushed when Wadsworth took me into the stunning mansion that I had been yearning to see ever since I had laid eyes on it. Although the edifice was constructed in the style of those old British castles, the texture was created using modern technology. I could never have imagined that such a superb combination could produce something so lovely and delightful.

Even when we paused at a tastefully decorated room as we continued to move through the mansion, I couldn't stop my shocked eyes from studying the explicit sight it held.

Wadsworth escorted me inside, made sure I was relaxed on a couch, then excused himself and left.

After exploring the little I could while sitting for a few minutes, my inquisitiveness got the best of me and I occupied myself with the beautiful artwork hung on the wall. I kept staring until I heard a familiar voice call out my name from behind and I turned to face the person.

"We meet again, Abigail."