Chapter 6

A dull, pale moonlight. Shadows have ridden me more into sadness through a cold night. Standing here, holding her coat tight. This huge veranda of the mansion has five big white porches in front. The cold evening breeze ate my soul as I held her coat placed on my shoulder to keep me warmer. I stood still, smelling the freshness of the air in the night; it feels different. A chilly wind, mixed with excitement, asking what's in there. My curious mind starts to ignite as I peek around, seeking if there are people in the place. Looking for someone at least that I could relate to, my high expectations lead me to frustration. It seems that housemaids and several staff are living in this house.

Stepping nearer, a costumed man made white cement railings. I was looking down. A vintage fountain structure placed in front of the mansion draws my attention. On each side, a cement angel sculpture forms holding jars; others were pouring water from the jar that continues to flow, a portrayal of angels playing with the water on the vintage fountain. I stood there, observing the scenery, the deafening silence that I almost heard my heartbeat every pulse. Still the questions in my mind creep in again: Why am I here? , why they kidnapped? What do they want from me?. A simple office staff, like everyone else. Living paycheck to paycheck, dealing with life struggles as an individual. I tried to gather my thoughts on these questions in my mind like a loop played every single day.

This luxurious mansion made me feel how powerful these people are; I can't do anything compared to myself. Am I a hostage in my whole life? a kidnapped victim of my entire life?. Right from the start, these questions always accompanied me when I started to feel lonely, with no assurance when I could be safe. I don't have any idea who these people are counting days passed; are they going to kill me, or have they sold me to a man?

These questions have always been played repeatedly on my mind, feeling nerve-wracking in every inch of me. But somehow these strangers have been good to me; her daughter is like kryptonite; she drains my energy when she's near, or only a distance makes me weak.

Her sweet, fragrant scent, like poison, teasing my nostrils, makes me weak. I admit she is a very gorgeous woman that anybody could fall for easily, as a goddess comes above. Those stares—it feels like I am naked in front of her—those kisses—like she sucked my whole energy from my body—I couldn't even resist at all. Heard several footsteps approaching, coming from behind.

"Dinner will be ready in ten minutes," said one of the chambermaids behind me. I turn around, holding her coat, our gaze locked up.

"Don't tell me you are fantasizing about me again, Camilla," she said, earning me again before I stunned in front of her by breaking the silence between us. She was staring at me, but the way she says my name, it's a melody to my ears.

I like the way she delivered the sound of my name and her accent. As she loosens her long sleeves, removing her vest, in front of me. Pulling her sleeves up high on her wrist, "I looked away yet still had my body facing her.

"You can leave now," she spoke to one of the chambermaids, handing over her vest and a thinly fashioned red necktie. "Thank you very much," she said of the two chambermaids who followed her.

I've noticed she is a soft-spoken woman; sometimes she sounds so mean to me. I can't blame her; my mind floats, and sometimes my body weakens when she's near. Nerves in my muscles start shaking. I tried to be strong and compose myself in front of her, but my knees are giving up on me. I can't help it. The way she affects me with simple gestures.

"Do I have a crush on her?" Staring at her that way, she stretches her arms and picks up something in the side pocket of her trousers. "Open it." I looked at the long, thin, rectangular box that she placed in my hand. Our gazes meet, but as much as I can, I want to avoid it. I open its thin glasses. I felt happy, and I can see better again.

"But how did you?" looking confused at her smiling.

"One of the guards picked up your old one; have a few people check the broken glass for me. I hope they did their job well if it still fits the same as your old one.

"She stepped closer, sliding her hands on her trouser pocket. I wear my eyeglasses immediately.

I started studying those calm faces and her hazel eyes, turned into the dark; it blends perfectly through the evening, but it intimidates me. I felt conscious at the moment. I tucked my hair behind my ears.

"Will have your lens on the next day so you wouldn't have your hot librarian lady look," I smiled at her.

"Thank you," she said, her gorgeous eyes, transformed through the darkness of the night, shining.

Part of her face, exposed from the light coming from the inside, wherever angle I turn to look at her, still very gorgeous but more gorgeous by the night.

A dominant, strong personality liked her yet looked so perfectly stunning all the time.

"God, this doll, this creature. Every time I lay my eyes on her, I always imagined things beyond.

"You looked beautiful tonight," she said, which caught me off guard. All of a sudden, I felt a rush of warmth on my cheeks.

"Her forefinger brushed gently on my cheeks, stepping closer towards me. I only looked down, not staring back at her.

"Excuse me, Camilla... I have to change." I only stared at her back.

She leaves me at the veranda, but I won't lower my guard for her. A sudden breeze swirled in on a cold evening, and I brushed my hair. In a few moments, she showed up wearing new sets of clothes.

"We're having dinner." Taking my elbow guide and leading me to the dining area.