Butterfly Garden || Farleigh Start

1

     God, he was insufferable. I can't stand him. Really.

When I first heard I was going to be staying with the Cattons for another summer while my mother partied in Peru, I was overjoyed. It was anyone who was anyone at Oxford's dream to be invited up to saltburn, to spend an unforgettable break getting trashed in a castle with the hottest, almost perfect, individuals to ever grace the campus. I was ready. More than ready, I was delighted.

More than that, I was glad to be able to get away from her, the women I call mother, though she rarely acts like it anymore. It seems marrying into money meant she could live as though she was still in her glory days. Mimosas and cocktails in the morning, shots at night, never wearing anything that touches her knees or stomach. Her breath smelled of tequila, paired with her smokey eyes and silky brown hair, she was euphoric but reckless.

Once she married Van Doren, a german millionaire fuckboy, who was exactly her type, It's like she lost herself, I barely recognize her these days.

The part I was most excited for, was getting to see Felix again. I've always had a thing for Felix, just like any other girl who knew him. It was hard not to, by God he was perfect and I loved him. His kind brown eyes, his warm smile and honey sweet voice. Since we were kids I've been yearning to make him mine, willing to stop at nothing. My trip to saltburn was the right opportunity, I've heard he's currently single and I plan to charm my way in.

¥*€^%

     "Lei, I won't be gone long so don't miss me too much!" My mother panned my face up using her stiletto nails against my chin, her eyes darted all over my face almost as if she was attempting to memorize my features.

"Don't worry about it mum." I turned away reaching for my Chanel purse, using my index and middle I pinch a smoke and pull one out.

"Got a light?" I slip it between my glossed lips.

"God you and these ciggies, it's not cute darling." She complains as she digs through her bag for a lighter, "You know your father lost his life to nicotine addiction, it was an unruly sight honestly. He looked ghastly during his final days." Her face turns sour as she recalls my father. She never had much positive to say about him, people rarely did. Guess money launderers aren't as popular as mum and I expected.

"Holy shit! No fuckin' way is that Lei?" A familiar voice. I turn, my eyes meeting the person I already expected to lock eyes with.

"Venetia fuckin' Catton." I smirk, "Got a light?" I mumble hoping to keep my cigarette from slipping.

"Of course dear." She holds a bedazzled lighter up to the end of my cigarette, her eyes meet mine as she snaps it on and burns the end. I inhale deeply, soaking in the feeling of the smoke hitting my lungs.

"Thanks love you're a life saver. Don't worry about it mom, I'll see you in September." I quickly peck her cheek out of respect rather than love, I unbuckle my seat and sigh. I'm ready. The Saltburn mansion stared back at me in all its glory, the welcoming aura of the summer breeze brushing against my tanning skin.

"Call me if you need me hon, i'll try my best to pick up." Her full lips curve into a delicate smile and she slides a wink at Venetia as I step out of the car. I shut the Jeep door, watching my mother through the open windows, I hate to admit, as ugly as she is on the inside, she is one captivating woman.

"No promises though!" She cackles as she accelerates treating the black Jeep like it's a Bugatti.

"God, I hope to be her when I get older." Venetia stares dreamily at the car disappearing down the road. I scoff at her aspirations.