Princess

Princess chap.9

CHAPTER 9

Jake grabbed my arm and guided me to his shiny black SUV. After opening the large heavy door for me, he climbed in to his side and started the vehicle. To my surprise the copious truck easily glided out of my driveway and through my holler, despite its bountiful size. He had texted me previously that evening the location the bonfire was being held was a bit of a drive, so I was a little confused when we were pulling into a neighborhood after only ten minutes of traveling.

It was a scruffy neighborhood, behind the local drugstore. I studied my surroundings out the window as we passed crummy, run down buildings. Yellowing houses were visible under the flickering street lights with rusty, half-torn-down chain link fences, dead, overgrown weeds billowing over the cracks in the sidewalks, and graffiti-ed profanities written across the deteriorating bricks. Yet, I still saw lights on and people inside them, so I guess they were an alright home for someone. But what were we doing here…

Then I felt the vehicle come to a halt in a petite parking lot within the hood and looked up to Jake for an explanation.

“We just ‘gotta stop at my place to get a case of water bottles. C’mon.” 

I reluctantly stepped out into the chilly night breeze but soon had a strong arm slung around my shoulders. I was led down a block, passing a cruddy dog lapping water up from a puddle and old man huffing through a cigar on the sidewalk, to another street and up the porch steps of a massive house. It could have passed for a miniature apartment building. I could see the filthy concrete walls extended up to four floors, and wondered why his family needed so much space. Jake opened the heavy door with a swift push of his forearm and a glorious foyer came into view.

Once my eyes adjusted to the beaming light reflecting off a million tiny pieces to a gigantic gold and white overhanging chandelier,I could actually get a look around. In the center of the lobby was a large circular, polished wooden table that curled around at the bases of the legs with fine details. It supported a gold and white vase that matched the chandelier, overflowing with fluffy white flowers of some sort whose aroma immediately filled my nostrils. On either sides were two velvety red-carpeted, staircases that ascended up to the top floor. I gaped in awe at how elegant it all looked, not at all what I was expecting from the exterior’s appearance. Suddenly I was broken away from my thoughts.

“You gonna come in, love, or just stand in the doorway?” Jake smirked. 

My feet glided effortlessly over the marble floors and over to where Jake was standing near the middle table. 

“Your house is…is…” I started.

“Thanks,” he chuckled, “I’ll get the water and be right back.”

He headed through two doors in between the staircases out of sight. I took this time to look around. I noticed to my left and right were also vast hallways. I took the one on the left and strolled down it. The walls held portraits that looked like they dated back farther and farther with each one. The men in them were all dressed in dark suits and straight-faced, standing in front of the same magnificent fireplace. They all gave off some air of importance. At the end of the hall was a large cupboard. Curiosity took the best of me and I nudged the metal doors open. Inside were a couple dozen assault rifles. What the hell were they all doing here? Banging noises from the foyer had me closing the cabinet and rushing back to where I walked in. I realized the noises were coming from the top floor, and men’s voices could be heard as well.

Then Jake returned from the double doors, carrying a case of waters. A gorgeous dark-haired, middle-aged woman followed closely behind him in jeans and a long sleeved shirt.

“Don’t be too late. And remember what I said about getting a DUI again.” she wagged her finger at Jake.

“Whatever, Mum..” he grumbled in response. “Let’s go.” he embarrassedly said to me.