The Skin Thief

Chapter 14

The car comes to a stop outside a red brick building. The driver turns and looks at me.

"That building there," he tells me and gestures to the one we pulled in front of.

"Thanks," I say, my throat dry. I take the gift Gates gave me and open the car door. The driver leaves as soon as I shut it behind me. I gulp and look up at the building.

Tentatively, I walk up the cream steps that lead up to the polished, black front door. Licking my dry lips, I reach up and knock loudly. I take a step back and look up at the four-story house. It looks nice with cream stone surrounding the large windows and a few plants in the tiny square of the garden.

I sigh, glad it is quieter here. The sound of the city is faint now, like a low background noise. As I stare back at the road with its cars parked on the edges and trees lining the paths, I enjoy the stillness that the central city lacks. It is strangely peaceful.

The door opens suddenly, and I jump.

A woman stands there, her eyes looking over me carefully. I clear my throat awkwardly and then speak the safe words.

"I called earlier inquiring about staying in your spare room for a few days," I say, hoping that this is the right place. The woman nods her head.

"Do you smoke?" she asks.

"No, it's a bad habit," I reply. She nods her head and opens the door further, allowing me inside. I smile awkwardly as I pass her.

"Ivy, right?" she asks as she shuts the door.

"Yes," I reply. She holds out her hand, her diamond bracelet and silver bangles jingling as they bump into each other. I take her hand and shake it. Her hands are soft and I notice how perfect her nails are. They have been filed into neat ovals and painted a deep, and shining red. The diamond ring on her finger also catches my eye as it shines in the low light.

"I am Miss T," she states matter of factly then, turns and walks further into the house, her black stilettos clicking on the ashy wooden floors. "You will be staying with me for the next two weeks," she says, and I quickly follow behind her. "Whilst you are here, I will help you adjust to the city and teach you how to use the technology."

I let out a little sigh of relief, glad I am going to have time to learn about how this place works before I get thrown into working.

She stops and turns. Her eyes look up and down my body. "I will also teach you how to dress better," she states. I open my mouth to argue that I didn't choose this ensemble, but she laughs.

"I know, the trainers in the Second Realm like to think they understand fashion, but they don't," she chuckles. I gaze at her outfit and smile, looking forward to when I can look so glamorous. She wears a dark red blouse which fits perfectly to her body. The blouse is tucked into a pair of loose, white trousers.

"Is this your home?" I ask, changing the subject. Her bright red lips pull into a wide smile. She flicks her black, tightly braided hair over her shoulder and looks around.

"One of them," she replies proudly. "This type of house is known as a townhouse by the way," she explains. I nod my head and look around. I let out a shaky breath realising how much I really need to learn.

"Your language and accent are very good," she tells me as she opens a cupboard in the kitchen area.

"Thank you," I say, my voice sounding distracted.

The interior is beautiful. It is open and light with a large kitchen and dining area. It all looks sleek, and modern, with cream and white marble fittings. Stairs, made from white wood, lead both upstairs and downstairs.