PARKER | Dark H.S. AU

lx. welcome home

Charlie feels small as she looks up at the large residence. Sure she expected her fiance's family to be one of the richest individuals in the country, but she could have never fathom to see such a firm and mighty structure this opulent and intimidating. She stands in the middle of the facade, eyes bulging as they wander at the general details of the edifice. First thing that comes through her mind when she takes in the intimidating view, 'do they ever meet one another inside this large house?'. They could fit at least fifty more people inside and still would have room for more.

The building extends at least the size of her old apartment times fifteen or so, two storeys high with exterior similar to the Vatican City chapel...almost. The front is guarded with heavy black gate, rows of sturdy and tended tress line each side of the concrete path that presents a typical round-shaped fountain in the middle of the facade. Two nasty cupids peeing back to back. Charlie has to laugh.

Behind the mansion is a wide maze-like garden interconnected with expansive lawn which could better be used for playing football or lacrosse, Harry tells her as they walk. It only adds up to Charlie's amazement.

"Don't mind it." Harry tells the chauffeur when he sees him starting to unload their stuff just as they make it to the landing of the concrete steps. "Just give us thirty minutes and we're going back on the road."

"Yes, sir." The chauffeur nods, setting their luggage back in place and then locks the trunk.

"Harry, what if they don't like me?" Charlie asks him with a frown and a pat on his chest, insecurity swirling behind her blue eyes. They pause just in front of the large glass door framed with varnished oak wood.

Harry gives her a much reassuring smile, tilting his head a little to the side. "Baby, they're going to love you. I know it. And if they don't, too bad for them because I'm going to have you all for myself. I'm not one for sharing anyway."

Charlie let out a girlish giggle without intending to do so. She's been giggling a lot more lately for her own liking.

"Idiot." She mutters though the remnant of the hearty smile on her lips doesn't waver.

"Your idiot." He retorts which earns him another kiss from Charlie -- on the cheek.

Charlie thought all along that with the recent technology nowadays, the mansion would have some sort of intercom to notify the residents of their visit; though Harry surprises her with the sound of an ancient doorbell.

"My father likes to stick with tradition." He must have read the question on her face. Charlie only nods and wait until Harry gives another ring.

"Good afternoon, Young Master Harry. Welcome back." One of the well-uniformed maids regards the son of the master of the house. Opening the door for them, she also smiles when her eyes land to the young lady holding hands with Harry. "Welcome to the Styles mansion, miss."

Charlie gives the maid an awkward half-bow that reminds Harry of Japanese people. He and the maid chuckle.

"You didn't have to do that." Harry whispers, laughing.

"Your father's right this way, sir." The maid courteously ushers them to an accentuated corridor leading somewhere. The pair follow her without further question.

"I didn't know what to do. She was so formal." Charlie whispers back to him. He only chuckles more.

"This place is so big." Charlie remarks, noting the high ceiling and wide deliberate partitions of the house separated with polished walls and interconnected passages.