CHAPTER 4

I finally woke up once I got tired of the birds that sang near the small circular window over my head. A yawn escaped my lips and I stretched before I stood up.

"Ow, fucking attic."

I shouted as my head hit the beams that converged atop my head. The attic/my room was sort of a large space but it was not high enough to walk in comfortably. Cobwebs covered the corners of the room and once in a while I'd see a rat or two scurry by. The only light I had was from the small window, the space in here was limited due to all the stuff stored up here. There was also a smell that seem to linger at one spot.

It was about 5:40am telling by my watch. That meant I had to get to the helps bath to wash up before the whole mansion came alive. They normally did by 7:00am.

I grabbed the towel I snagged from the service quarters one night and hung it on my shoulder. As I went down the stairs I stayed quiet to avoid waking up one of the help and getting caught.

After a few minutes I finally got downstairs through the foldable door with a comb in one hand and a toothbrush in the other.

Normally it would be hard to move around this house from my secret spot but there were tons of secret tunnels due to how old the building was. I found them four days ago when I snuck around at night and I just happened to touch the right place. I'm not done exploring it all though and I'm sure that most of the people in this mansion do not know that these tunnels are here except me and maybe a mystery person. I haven't seen anyone wandering these tunnels since I got here so I'm kind of safe to walk around freely.

Once I put the stairs back up I made my way down the long hallway and stopped at a corner. I touched the wall and felt for the false brick that was placed there. It was always hard to find it in this darkness but I couldn't risk bringing my phone. Lord knew I almost got caught last time because of my stupid alarm. After a minute or so I felt the loose brick and pressed it. I heard the satisfying click and that made me smile.

"Bingo."

I passed through the entryway connecting the hallway to the tunnels and made my way into the dimly lit secret passage. Then I pressed another brick to close the make shift door. The tunnels were exactly like the secret passages that you would see in medieval movies that almost always led to the dungeon.

"Straight down, two rights and a left."

I whispered to myself the directions so I wouldn't forget again. I'd only been staying her for two weeks so I should have gotten this down by now but there was only so much I could do. The walls all looked the same and I also had to remember all the passages to the other parts of the house without my phone just in case something ever went wrong.

I know, I know. Why don't I put things in the passageway to remind me like a flag for directions?. That would be a great idea except for the fact that the lamps in these corridors were always lit.

I'd never seen them off so that meant someone also used these tunnels. I just hadn't seen them yet. For the fact that I haven't been seen either meant that I had been really lucky lately.

I made all the right turns and ended up at a dead end. A sigh escaped my lips.

"Once again. That fucking brick."

I literally stayed here stranded for an hour trying to find the right brick yesterday. Worst hour of my life. Spiders were everywhere and I could swear that I heard moans.

After I mentally prepared myself that I had important things to do today, I placed my hands on the wall. Immediately I did that a click sound filled my ears signaling that I pressed the right brick. A grin appeared on my face and I did a little happy dance before moving on.

White colored floors await me. There's was a door at the end of the hallway and I walked towards it. I opened it and walked through to the bathroom when I got there. I set my things down, stripped down and turned the shower on. The hot water did wonders for my already tired body as it rippled down my dark skin. My hair was already tangled from my sleep but with my comb I was able to straighten it out. Well mostly.

It took me about 5 minutes to have a bath before I got out and went back to my shabby living quarters, all without anyone seeing me.

Once I got in I checked my phone. 6:15am

"Shit."

15 minutes later than usual. I quickly dried up and wore a helps uniform that I also stole(and yes they wear uniforms like in the old movies too. Head wraps and all. I slinked back down the stairs as I heard footsteps nearby. Some of the help were finally awake. Thank God, I needed that noise to escape.

I ran towards the sound which led me to the kitchen. My hand reached for an apple on the counter before I heard a voice that stopped me dead in my tracks.

"Morning. Grab me the milk that's being delivered outside."

I took a look at him and by his attire I knew he was one of the cooks. I didn't allow him see my face though.

"Yes sir."

I left with the apple still in my hand. I tried to be as quick as possible as I dodged other people and got outside. I ran to a bush and the bag I stashed a day before is still hidden. I noticed the milk man was still there and dashed for the back of the van. I heard footsteps at the back door, after I made sure that I was out of sight and the doors were closed. The engine rumbled.

"Oh thank God."

I exclaimed when I realized I was scot free.

My spare clothes from the bag were sprawled before me on the van floor and I changed into black jeans, a white t shirt and black converse. I ate my apple while the van moved and after 35 minutes it stopped. My phone dinged. 6:55am.

Like clockwork the milk man went into his shop leaving the van unattended, leaving me free to run. I silently opened the door like I had done a couple of times before and sneak out. Then I run. As I run I heard my alarm go off, I didn't need to check my phone this time to know I was really screwed.

I burst through the doors of "Jenny dines", a restaurant breathing like I just ran 10k.

"Hmm, 3 minutes Alex, like always."

I looked up and smiled as much as I could to look innocent.

"Morning Mr. Jacob. Have a nice night?"

My boss and kind of an uncle, Mr. Jacob looked down to me and folded his arms.

"Alex."

I raised my hands in self defense while I walked behind the counter.

"Sorry boss, won't happen again."

I flashed my signature smirk and went to the next room to change into my work uniform. I swear I heard that man chuckle.