First Love's Secret

chapter 15

After emptying my cup, hmm that was the most delicious tea I've ever had, she ushered me around the house. From the look outside it was way to creepy, old and abandoned but here inside was the opposite of it, the floor is so shiny I can almost see my reflection at it, the walls are covered with elegant, velvety wallpaper, every piece of this house is like visiting an ancestral house.

      Then Flor ushered me into this lovely living room, the place was full of memories, with all the portraits hanged in every wall, I glanced at it one by one. "This is Mr. Benson" Flor pointed at a man, he looks like he is renowned, oh gosh! It's Jazz' father, they do have the same nose, jaw, broad shoulders but those eyes. It doesn't look like the same as Jazz, but it seems quite familiar like I already stared at it sometime in the past. Blue, dazzling blue under the shining moonlight, then that memory came into my mind again and erased it inside my head.

      I went on to the next portraits, "this is little Jazz and his step brother" Flor said, I never thought Jazz has a step brother? I do have little information about my prince. "He has a brother? I mean stepbrother?" I asked Flor, she nods "Yes Madame, Sir Andrew." My heart stopped beating at the moment Flor said the name, Andrew?! No, it might be not the same Andrew I know. I figured Jazz has the happiest childhood he could ever have, then there was a picture of Mr. Benson with a lady, she is so divine, I figured out it could be Mr. Benson's mistress, she doesn't ensemble any traits from my mom-ster in law. "That is Lady Annabelle, Andrew's mother" oh, things are getting weird here yet interesting enough.

      Is this Mr. Benson and Lady Annabelle's love nest? Why is Jazz involved here? I don't understand but the least I can do was to try. "So much from the past" I softly blurted to Flor, she just smiled; I started to like her and those warm smiles she's giving me. We went outside the back door, "ready to meet Clementine, Madame?" Flor asked, I don't know if I'm ready but there is no turning back, it's her whom I'm here for.

      I followed her in the woods, and then with all the glory in earth I witness the most breathtaking, magnificent lake God have made. The lake which I saw a picture of it inside the envelope, "lovely isn't it?" Flor commented, I just nod still taking my breath away. We continued walking and stop in front of a small elegantly made boat. "Madame, I would like you to meet, Clementine" she pointed the boat; this is my husband's mistress?

      "She was made out of strong bond, a bond of friendship and brotherhood, Sir Jazz and Sir Andrew we're like more than stepbrothers, they were each other's best company." It was the most heartwarming tone I have ever heard, and then she continued "I was present since the very first day they met, I expected they would hate each other knowing their mom and dad's having a secret affair, but I was wrong, they treated each other like they have the same whole blood running in their veins. They grew up together here in this place, but when Mr. Benson died as an air force lieutenant, the family them dreamed of having also died." My heart crushed a little after hearing the story from Flor, oh Jazz why haven't you said it to me, I am so overwhelmed.

      "You can stay if you like" Flor said, when I told her I'm going, it was already 6 in the afternoon and it's 3 to 5 hours of land travel, "It's very dangerous driving home at night, you can go tomorrow early instead" then she smiled again, it was so welcoming so I gave in. She took me to Jazz' room, I was amazed like this place was preserved, the wall was full of kid's artworks, airplanes and the sky, and I touched it and savor Jazz childhood moments. A tear fell down my cheek; I just hope I had his child.

      I went down the kitchen for dinner, "Madame, dinner's ready" it was all mouthwatering, "it's a special menu for a special visitor" she winked then I dig in. I was so full, I wanted to go to sleep, and so I bid Flor a good night and called it a day.