Soulmate

Chapter 3

The car driver opened the door gallantly, and nodded his head respectfully at the girl. Louis followed and walked to her side. He lent her his arm, and she snaked her arm shyly. The driver was a few steps away, with Maria's small ruffed up bag. She looked back anxiously, and John gave her an encouraging smile. She felt her shoulders relax as she returned his smile with a faint, barely noticeable grin. From the corner of her eye, she noticed a corner of a dark and heavy curtain lift to reveal a handsome man, most likely in his mid-twenties. His eyes met Maria's stare, and the girl felt her breath knocked out of her body. His cold grey eyes were fixed on her, stalking her every move with a harsh glare, sending multiple chills down her spine. Contrary to the other people she had met until now, he didn't smile, or even try to seem approachable. His intense gaze stayed freezing cold, and, as if it could be possible, he managed to get colder. The man in the window crossed his arms on his chest and pinched his lips. It was clear that he was not happy about something. Could it be because of me? What did I do to him?

Maria looked nervously to her feet, feeling embarrassment fill her mind. Her gut twisted and the urge to run away took a stubborn stance in her brain, to escape this place.

When Louis and Maria walked up the stairs, followed closely by the driver, a young maid with a bright smile opened the door and welcomed the arrivals cheerfully. She glanced at Maria a second longer, taken aback by the stranger on the door's footstep. The girl noticed a sparkle in her hazel eyes, as she grabbed Louis's coat.

''Good evening, Sir!''

Louis growled and sighed in desperation.

''Jenna! How many times have I told you to call me by my name?'' he grumbled at the maid.

She lifted her eyebrow playfully, and smirked at Louis. Jenna spun around to hang his coat, and teasingly cringed at the man.

''It makes me feel as if I treat you guys as slaves!'' he exclaimed, helpless toward the maid's attitude.

''Oh, but of course! As you wish, Sir!'' She teased, bowing with her skirt pinched between her fingers.

Louis swat his hand at Jenna, grumbling incomprehensible words underneath his breath. He walked to the middle of the room, underneath a big crystal chandelier. He stood proudly and puffed his chest.

''Jenna, you are about the same age as Maria. I want you to make her feel as welcome as you possible can.'' He boasted, turning to face to Jenna. ''You can also show her to her room.''

''Would you like me to get you some tea, or a snack, Sir?'' She said with an attitude, emphasising on the ''sir''.

The old man rolled his eyes, tired of trying to convince the stubborn blonde. He shook his head and passed a hand through his greying hair. As he started to walk away from the two women, he grunted to them, ''Now, I have some important paperwork to fill, for the business.'' With those last words, he gave a look at Jenna, full of secrets. The girl's face turned serious, and she nodded to the man. Maria lifted an eyebrow, curious of what they were hiding from her, yet too shy to ask them. It would be rude...

Jenna grabbed Maria, still stuck on trying to understand what was going on. Maria was spun around quickly and pulled up the long staircase. Her bright golden hair swayed in front of Maria's eyes, and Jenna seemed as if she were about to burst with joy.

''You'll looove your room, just wait and see! You and I are going to become the best of friends!'' She babbled so fast, Maria had difficulty to understand what the blonde was saying. The shy girl forced a hesitant smile and stared at her feet. Jenna had so much energy that she seemed to spin around in the hallway. As the maid noticed Maria's hesitation, Jenna's smile grew bigger.