Chapter 1
My life was about to change forever. I was told my parents were killed on their way home because of a storm. I don’t remember hearing a storm while laying in my bed for my parents to come home. Only my nanny crying when she entered my room. She sat on my bed and took me in her arms. Sobbing as she tried to tell me what had happened. I could not believe what I was hearing, I pushed her away and ran out the door as I heard the front door open. Tears were flowing down my cheeks while I was looking for my parents. A stranger was now standing inside our house looking at me saying I am so sorry dear. I still did not understand why the stranger and my nanny were telling me my parents died. I was only 15 years old and needed my parents. Then I was told that I would have to go live with my aunt.
My mother never spoke much of her sister though I knew she lived a distance away. After packing my belongs in bags I was hustled outside to a car. That was when I noticed that it was raining. I was told the trip would take awhile and that I should try and sleep. I watched out the window seeing us move along the streets and thenwe were on another road going through trees. I could see the rain falling on the leaves making them twist and turn catching light from somewhere making them look like stars. I just kept watching until I drifted off to sleep. I heard someone call my name and say we are nearly there if you would like to be awake to meet your aunt before going to bed. I sat up to look out the window again, the rain had stopped and the moon was shining brightly so I could see a far way. I could see a gate getting closer, I guess this was my aunts home. Though it was in the middle of the forrest.
I looked around but never saw another house nearby. We stopped at the gate and a voice asked who we were before the gate opened. A long road was ahead leading to a huge house, almost like a castle to me. I started thinking of what fun it would be to go exploring this new place. Then I remembered that I would never see my parents again and started to cry that I wanted to go back home. As we got closer to the house the lights turned on and I could see the large wooden door opening and people hurrying about outside. They were getting ready to get my belongs and to greet us. So now I have arrived to meet my aunt finally.
We were ushered inside and asked to wait. My nanny Tamarra sat on a cosy chair near the fire and asked me to come sit on the footstool beside her. I could see her eyes were watery from crying still. Though she tried to smile I knew she was sad, she took my face in hers and told me to always remember my manners and smile. Once again she started to cry and said that she was going miss me very much. I asked why she would miss me and she said that my aunt has ther own staff that would be looking after me from now on. If you ever need me you can always call me. With that she rose up from the chair and headed towards the door. I ran and hugged her asking her to stay. In her soft voice she said I would live in her heart forever. With that said she left through the door.
An elderly large lady came rushing into the room and asked me to follow her. She was quiet tall with long grey hair plaited down her back. I asked where we were going and was told to my room so I could sleep. I thought that I would meet my aunt tonight but I guess she is sleeping. We headed up a staircase to to second floor, headed towards the left. We past 4 doors before stopping in front of another. This will be your room from now on, please wait here until I come to get you for breakfast. My name is Anna and I will be looking after you. She smiled and said I will let you explore your bedroom and put away your things. Please try to keep your room neat as your aunt does not like mess anywhere. So goodnight dear and closed the door. I heard the door lock and went to check and it was.
At least my room was quiet large with a double bed under the window. The carpet was soft under my bare feet, I move my toes around enjoying the feeling. The walls with a light mauve in colour with a white ceiling. The light was very bright and larger then we had before. I finally decided to sit on the bed and it was so comfortable that I drifted off to sleep. I was woken by the sound of the door being unlocked and saw Anna coming into the room. She was looking around the room and I could see disappointment on her face. She then said I was coming to get you for breakfast but you did not do what I asked you to do last night. I was still on th bed listening to her and then I told her that I would put my things away after breakfast. That was not going to happen as Anna said no you have to learn to do what you are told. I will give you one hour then I will come back. With that she went out of the room and once again closed and locked the door.
I got up from my bed and looked around the room finally, I didn’t mean to fall asleep but it was an exhausting day and night. I opened the door on the right and found it was my bathroom. Looked quite large to me. A big bath with feet in the middle, a shower on one wall. The toilet was behind a screen and a huge vanity and mirror on the other wall. I saw towels neatly folded on the edge of the vanity so decided to have a shower and get ready for the day. I came out and changed into clean clothes and started to put my clothes in the built-in-wardrobe. Plenty of room for what I had bought with me. I unpacked my school book and laptop, looked and saw a desk in the corner with shelves above it. Nice I though good place for my books and laptop. I only had a few things left to put away now, the photos of my parents I placed to the drawers beside my bed. The other things I placed inside the wardrobe. I looked around pleased that everything was in its place now. I sat at the desk reading while I waited for Anna to come back. I did not have long to wait.
I heard the door unlock and saw her come in and look around. Well finally looks like it should she said. I got up and asked if I could have some breakfast now. Was told no as breakfast is at 6am sharp. You had not done your work so lunch will be your next meal. She looked so stern that I just said okay. Thinking to myself, I will just make a sandwich a bit later. Anna said follow me now which I did. I was hoping for a tour and then meet my aunt. Though again that was not going to happen. We went down the stairs and stopped at the bottom of them. She turned and looked directly at me and started to tell me what I could and could not do. With that she just walked away. I guess no talking to that grumpy little lady.
I walked into the sitting room that I was ushered into when I first arrived. It was dark in there even though the lights were on. I could see there was bookshelves all the way around the room. Much to my delight as I love to read and imagine. My own little fantasy worlds. As I was walking around looking at the books I noticed light seemed brighter here. I turned to see dould glass doors leading ouside to a lovely seating area. I saw something flash in the corner of my eye and then noticed there was a maid cleaning the room. I walked to her “hi I am Dalfina glad to met you. “ I saw her look then put her head down and kept on working. So I let her be.
By this time my stomach was starting to growl, I am not used to missing breakfast. I decided to look for the kitchen as Anna never told me where it was. I came back to the stairs and went to the other side and walked down a short hall to a large kitchen and so bright. It had windows the full length of the wall made it feel very welcoming. Another lady was preparing salads. Well here goes “hi I am Dafina glad to meet you.” The woman turned around and had her fingers at her lips sssh she said. Dont let Anna find you in here she will not like it at all. I lowered my voice and said is it alright if I made a sandwich? Oh no dear you cannot. Food is only eaten in the dining room. So sorry but you will have to wait until lunch dear. I went to leave when she came over and said oh my name is Evelyn. Nice to meet you as well. So leaving the kitchen I had a smile on my face. One nice person so far. Well I will read until lunch then.
