The Mansion

Chapter 11

The second I spotted the familiar building, I felt a feeling I have never felt before take over me as I rushed into the large house, the light that was being casted into the rooms from the light curtains was warming as I ran up the far from bright, but definitely comforting home and to the bedroom upstairs. The feeling of comfort and warmth that surrounded the house felt like a warm hug that I felt myself letting go and allowing the sobs and tears to be be released as I rushed into the bedroom and threw myself on the still made white covers of the bed that I knew would remain clean due to the lack of make-up I had on today. It's almost like I knew it would be a heavy day to my heart.

The words 'I don't want to be alone' rang widly and vividly in my mind like a mantra that threatened to drive me insane that I found myself whispering against the pillows," I don't want to be alone."

Without warning, a warm and comforting sensation and the barely existent presence of slight weight from a pair of arms wrapping themselves around my back and around my waist had me going tense for a minute before I forced myself to relax as I kept quiet and welcomed the warm sensation of which I knew was being offered by a certain being that I for some reason could not see, but could definitely feel.

It almost felt like a warm breeze during a summer afternoon as it brushed past your skin. It felt warm, gentle and refreshing. It brought comfort to the body and warmth to the soul that spread throughout every inch of my body. It had me succumbing to it with pride as I sniffled and closed my eyes while welcoming the sensation until I felt myself dozing off, but before I could completely slip off into a deep sleep, I opened my lips to form one name that I felt overly grateful for at this moment due to the comfort he had given me when I was breaking apart, when I needed it most and could not think of any other person to ask for it from.

"Elias..." I weakly and sleepily whispered,"Thank y-you..."

~"~"~"~"~"

The warm sensation of a barely heavy hand, one that resembled a soft and light feather, brushing over my forehead had me grunting as I tried to swat it away, but it wouldn't leave.

I slowly opened my eyes to the culprit, only to be greeted by a pair of warm, soft chocolate brown orbs that reminded me of the sweet taste of chocolate.

"Elias?" I sleepily uttered, to which the brown haired man nodded.

"Yes, it is I. My apologies for invading your personal space and for not respecting your wi-" He abruptly stopped as I cut him off.

"No," I whispered," You don't need to apologise."

"But I do, Little One. You had explicitly requested some space and I did not respect your wishes by coming in earlier and going as far as to touch you and I am not respecting your wishes now and for that, I humbly apologise and ask for your forgiveness." He weakly smiled at me while moving away and to the far side of the bed with a bow of his head.

"Elias," I sighed before I chose to rather sit up and face him," You really don't need to apologise, in fact, I should be thanking you for earlier. You brought me comfort when I needed it most and I genuinely appreciate that. In fact, it's made me feel a bit more comfortable in your presence and dare I say, comforted," I admitted. 'And strangely, safe' I continued in my head. "What I'm basically saying is, I'm glad you went against my wishes because if you had not, I would still be a weeping mess as we speak." I softly smiled.

"Then, I am utterly joyful if I was of any assistant. However, if I may boldly ask, what brought you back here? I do not mean to be rude, but I was under the impression that you wanted nothing to do with the house and had the intention to sell it." He raised a perfect, almost bushy eyebrow as a frown settled on his features.

"To be honest with you, Elias. I was never sure on whether I wanted to sell the house and in fact, I'm even more unsure now. I mean, as much as this home made me feel cold and alone the first night here and then me meeting you being a very scary experience, I'm afraid to admit," I cautiously said the last part which earned me an apologetic smile that I brushed off with a smile of my own," I felt comforted by this place during my last visit. I felt at home and that was foreign considering how the only place I've ever felt like that at was my parents' home. And this afternoon when I felt upset, there was no other place that I felt would bring me comfort like this place..." I paused to contemplate my next words as I bit the inside of my cheek.

I let out a very audible sigh and shyly admitted," And you." I continued, which seemed to take him off guard as his eyebrow dropped and his lips parted in surprise that beautifully and artistically painted his features.

"Me?" He asked in clear confusion.

"Yes," I nodded,"You see, on our last meeting you said something that resonated deeply with me. You said, you didn't want to alone again and that touched me because that's what I always tell myself too and always fear suffering from. Elias, just like you, I don't want to be alone, in fact, I'm tired of feeling alone. I want to be able to have someone I can come home to, someone I can tell about my day, someone I can talk to and confide in. I want a partner, a friend and currently, I have none of those. Yes, I have my family, my sister, my parents, but they have their own lives and I can't afford to be a burden on their lives and marriages. Not anymore." I shook my head.

A soft and understanding smile took over Elias' features as he nodded," I understand, because I do not wish to be alone either. I do not wish to be lonely anymore. I could find comfort if I had a friend I could talk to everyday, someone to keep me entertained and vice versa. I want a friend, I'm not sure if a ghost can have a partner, so I'll leave that open." He teased, making me let out a quiet giggle in amusement.

"So, I'm not going to promise to be here everyday, but I can try. I understand the feeling of loneliness and if I can't help ease it for someone else, human or ghost, I don't mind trying. Besides, that also gives me a companion, which at this point, is something I desperately need because I'm tired of staring at the blank walls of my apartment until I fall asleep. I'm tired of the ever deafening silence." I sighed.

"So you're not selling the house then?" He asked with hopeful eyes.

I simply shook my head and smiled," Nope, at least not yet. I don't know if I'll ever consider keeping it when I have no one to live in it with. No family of my own, no partner..." I drifted off, a wave of sadness hitting me at the end until I wore a scowl as I looked down at my hands that were on my lap.

"But you have me," Elias's warm voice appeared closer, making me look up from to find a pair of warm melting chocolate brown orbs staring at me," It's a start, is it not? Besides, when you are here, I promise you that you will never be alone because I will always be here. Ghost and all." He smiled a very charming, boyish smile that had his eyes sparkling with glee.

"I guess you are right, but what if you get tired of me? What then? I'll be lonely all over again." I pouted.

"Well, I do have centuries worth of patience and aside that, as a person, you simply need to take risks when it comes to people. Forget about the negative what ifs, rather entrain the positive possibilities. For one, you could gain a friend for life or a partner for eternity, but unfortunately that will not happen if you close yourself off to the world and do not make acquaintances." He advised.

I guess," I sighed," But one thing is for sure, you do seem like someone who is quite patient."

"Well, I have been commanded for my patience on several occasions, so I believe I might be very patient after all." He winked.

"You don't say." I giggled.

"Oh but I do." He winked with a small smile that had me rolling my eyes in amusement.

This might be a start to a great friendship.