Rheostat

10.Burnt toast

I woke up the next morning covered in sweat. I thought the nightmares were finally gone, clearly, I was wrong. It had been months since I had nightmares. And once they started, they just wouldn't stop.

Feeling down at the thought of having to spend the next few nights sleepless, I took a shower. It had his desired effect for I felt a lot better.

It was still early. I went to the terrace to enjoy the sunrise. I read in books; it was an enchanting sight. But the reality was disappointing, I found nothing special in the scenery except for the orange sky illuminating everything around.

The terrace was beautiful though. There was an indoor garden. It seemed like it was regularly taken care of. Maybe Eveline? She seemed like a person to take gardening as a hobby. The fragrance was refreshing and that alone made my mood ten times better.

As I was strolling, I stumbled upon Noah. He was doing pushups. His workout definitely paid off, I could see the bulging muscles beneath his t-shirt.

He must have been here for a long time. His body was already drenched in sweat and the almost empty water bottle said so.

Why was he up so early?

I tried to not make a sound while walking and successfully passed by him without his notice.

I didn't want to be on the receiving end of his glare this early in the morning.

It took me a little over twenty minutes to stroll the whole terrace.

It could easily become my favorite place in the whole mansion. I saw a swing, big enough for three people to sit on the left side of the terrace. There were multiple pillows and a blanket placed there, letting me know it was often used.

I found a book hidden beneath the blanket. It was a children's book. 'Alice in Wonderland.' The worn-out pages told me it was old. I opened it and was shocked to find a handwritten note on the first page.

'Happy 4th birthday to Lili.
                         From Kai.'

Lili was my nickname in childhood.

Doesn't that mean this book is mine? I wonder who would still keep it. Well, it won't be wrong of me to take back what's mine.

... ... ...

I soon got my answer when Kai opened the kitchen door with a bang, looking furious.

We were all having breakfast. Except for Stephen and Ezra who were busy with the final preparations of Dad's funeral.

I was buttering the toast when Kai barged in, grabbed Noah by the collar of his shirt and demanded, "Where is it?"

Noah tried to pry off his hands from his collar but failed, "What are you talking about?"

"Tell me while I'm still being nice," Kai growled, getting angry with each passing second.

I had zoned out from their conversation until I heard his next words, "You are the only one who goes to the terrace in the morning."

Was he asking about the book I picked up this morning? But it was mine, not his.

"I don't fucking know what it is you want, you sicko. Why don't you ask your dear Aylin about it, I saw her sneaking around that swing of yours." Noah snapped, finally freeing himself from Kai's hold.

I wasn't sneaking around!

Kai's eyes snapped to me, "Did you take it?"

"Uh-the book?" I asked, confused. Why was he making such a big deal of it?