Casters [Extraordinary Series 1: Ongoing]

5.03 ✡ Roussillon

3:42 PM
Vivienne's POV

    "We're here, girls!" my aunt called out from the front seat of the cab, "We're finally home." I opened my eyes and looked out the window. As soon as Aunt Grace arrived home from dropping Van at her mother's house, we immediately went to the airport. The trip was not bad, but it sure was long. I sighed, unsure if it was of uncertainty or exhaustion. Outside is, surprisingly, a three-story bricked house facing an open field surrounded by trees on the right and a massive garden filled with blooming flowers by its left. I took a deep breath to hide my reaction to how breathtaking the place looked, especially during the spring season. It was then I understood why Van was exhilarated with France.
    I got out of the cab and scanned the area. The view didn’t disappoint.
    There was a neighboring town a couple of blocks away. Although the house had similar architecture to the ones in town, we were far from them. The hilltop field was overlooking the town itself, which was quite a breathtaking sight. But why were we isolated from the town? It was almost like we were living on a farm on the outskirts – not that I complain of course. I love the tranquility and simplicity it brings.
    Frankly, the atmosphere of the place felt like our home back in Louisiana... okay, maybe even better. And because of this, it reeked of comfort and home. One thing’s for sure is that Gen would definitely enjoy the garden here. Although, I noticed we were not alone. There was another house behind ours. The only difference was it looked much older.
    “So,” I started to say while we unloaded our baggage from the cab, “Where are we exactly?”
    "We are in Roussillon.” Aunt Grace explained as we walked towards the house. “The land has been passed down for generations. This is the family’s home, our ancestral home.”
    I just listened, keeping my thoughts to myself. But despite my best efforts to not scrutinize the rash decision to come back to this place, or even consider living here, I still couldn’t wrap my head around the ‘why’ of it.
    We began to head towards the house and Aunt Grace motioned us to come inside.
    "Bonjour!" Gen exclaimed as soon as we entered. I did not bother hiding my amusement. “Since when did she start learning French?” I asked in a whisper as I leaned over Aunt Grace.
    "Let her be," she whispered back. She then cleared her throat as we were welcomed by a woman whom I did not recognize, but I think I knew who.
    "Grace! And… oh! The girls!” the woman exclaimed, her high-pitched voice ringing in my ears. Aunt Grace swung her cane, almost hitting us, as she opened her arms to receive a hug from the woman. She hugged her like she had never got one before.
    "It's been so long... 10 years has finally come to an end." She whispered to Aunt Grace. Right. 10 years. Now it made sense. But what did she mean by ‘come to an end’?
    "I'm glad we're home, too, Annalise. This is Vivienne," Aunt Grace said, introducing me. I waved with an awkward smile.
    Annalise – I remember now. She is Uncle Raven's wife, whom I have never met nor got to be in contact with.
    "Genevieve.” I heard Gen introduce herself eagerly. Annalise patted her head, laughing heartily. “Now, aren’t you a lively one?”
    I let my aunts exchange their greetings while I walked over to the window to get a better angle of the garden. I smiled, appreciating the blooming flowers. I think I am going to enjoy it here more than I think I will.

☽◯☾
4:27 PM

    Gen and I placed our bags in front of our soon-to-be bedrooms. Since it was locked, we decided to come back later. As we walked along the hallway, I noticed that the house's interior looked new… too new that it looked more modern than the usual ancestral-structure stereotype. Yet, its eclectic design was still showing. The interior architecture contrasted with the exterior that was expressing a much more traditional style. I shrugged. Perhaps the house was just recently refurbished to maintain it.
    I went downstairs and saw our aunts were talking with serious expressions on their faces. I would have wanted to eavesdrop but Gen was following behind me. Hence, I decided to enter the room.
    "Is there something we should know?" I asked, interrupting the conversation.
    Annalise smiled with pursed lips, "Nothing of importance. You know, you both look like your parents.” My shoulders tensed at the remark, but I smiled regardless. “We miss them dearly." Annalise continued to say.
    She then walks over to me and cups my face. "And you, Vivienne... you have your mother's eyes." She whispered. I felt numb. I did not know how to react. Don’t get me wrong, I was not trying to avoid the comments. It was just hard for me to emotionally connect with my parents especially when I barely remember their faces. I could recall a couple of memories with them, but the rest was all a blur. It was like my brain filtered all these memories so I could forget the pain of losing them in the incident. I looked over at Genevieve, whose face was also blank. She was only two when the incident happened. But I held my breath, suddenly having a flashback of the dream I had the other day.
    Mother... I– I remember... The dream...
    "Grace..." Annalise whispered while her gaze never left my direction. "Does she genuinely not remember?"
    Grace shook her head and waved it off. “Anna, Vivienne was just a child when it happened. We do not need to keep on reminding her about it.” Annalise nodded sadly and smiled. “I’m sorry, dear. Anyway, the bedroom keys are in the drawer of the side table in the living room.” She said, dropping the conversation. I nodded and said my thanks. Gen and I then took off to leave our aunts alone for the afternoon.