Bubble Gum Kisses

Kapittel 21.2

Kapittel 21.2

Vanessa

"We've arrived," Richard announced once the vehicle came to a halt.

The old gentleman was swift and the door opened in less than a millisecond. He was looking at me with a warm gaze and a gentle smile. I nodded at him and picked up my bag.

"Right this way, Ms. Hatherne," he said, guiding me indoors.

"It's Vanessa," I corrected him. It was uncomfortable hearing someone whom I've treated like family suddenly calling with an unfamiliar name, one that was particularly an implication of a strict border between us both.

"Ms. Hatherne." He shook his head in response. God, I forgot that this guy was stubborn sometimes.

"Say it right."

"Ms. Hatherne."

"Right."

"Ms. Hatherne."

"Sir Richard!"

"But..."

"Please?"

Finally, he sighed in defeat. "Right this way, Ms. Vanessa." Damn. I felt something in my chest twisted. Obviously, it was because he retained the "Ms.", and the that came along to it. It was like I was pushing to return things to how they used to be. Rather, how I wanted it to be like before, but couldn't even reach it.

It hurts to desperately reach onto something that you once held onto tightly, but could never even graze a finger on once lost. I left many meaningful relationships behind when we left, so it was expected that I wouldn't salvage the broken lines. But it just hurts. I'm glad that I got to reconnect some though.

Richard led me to the front landscape. The de Vries estate contained a monstrous landscape that led to the house, should I say mansion. I took the opportunity to look around, The place looked the same as I had last seen it, except that there were a few additions to the furniture and there were renovations in the garden. It astounded me how it looked so brand new. It must have cost a fortune for yearly maintenance, but of course, that's a dime for Friso's family.

It was completely serene, everything looking aesthetic and things seeming to be in their right places. Along with the breathtaking man-made ambiance were the maids and servants who silently yet efficiently worked, their footsteps light as if they floated on air.

However, one thing didn't match the outdoor's tranquility. A party music that was blasting out loud.

The music was getting louder as we were getting closer to the entrance of the house. I raised a brow and realization struck me like a bolt of lightning. Oh God, was Friso throwing a party?! And at this time of the day?! I didn't expect that he'd become a party animal of all sorts.

"Seriously?" I asked with arms crossed, looking at Richard who was wiping his sweaty temple with a handkerchief. It seemed like he wasn't proud of Friso's initiative.

A maid appeared out of nowhere and whispered something to him which made his eyes go as wide as saucers. He turned to me, bowed his head slightly, his hand on his chest. "I apologize, Ms. Vanessa, but I have to leave you here. There is an urgent matter at the servants' quarters. The Young Master told me to pass on that he is lounging in his bedroom. I believe you remember where it still is?"

"If he hasn't changed rooms through all these years, then yes." I nodded. The room behind the only black door on the second floor, as far as I remember.

"Then I shall excuse myself. Again, I apologize." He bowed his head again before going on his way along with the maid.

When he was gone, I sighed and looked at the wild rave through the windows. The music was blasting out loud as if it could break through the windows, I could see familiar-looking people dancing to the beat, some were playing drinking games and plainly chatting, and others... well... were exploring their sexual exploits. Bottom line? They were having the time of their lives.