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milayah.
The car ride was long. Far longer than I'd ever had to spend in a car with my dad.
The longer it dragged out, the longer I found myself thinking of how I would manage to get home on my own to avoid another awkward journey with him.
And by awkward, I mean awkward.
There was no music, no small talk, not even glances my way.
Eventually, I had begun to wonder wether I had done something to anger him, as his gaze seemed to be focused on anything and everything but me, but my questioning time was cut short when the car reached tall, huge metal gates.
The driver buzzed the button outside and was immediately let in with the gates opening backwards. What was behind them was stunning.
At the end of the never ending driveway, stands a huge white house surrounded by trees with its front dazzling in the april sunset.
It stands with its large front porch and imposing columns, its grandeur a tempting invitation to go inside. The houses exterior is extremely well preserved, with its flawless coat of white paint giving the outside a classical beauty.
The beauty of the mansion becomes even clearer as you get closer.
The windows stand tall, accentuated by elaborate trim work and the roof is ornate with former windows which softly protrude from beneath the overhanging eaves.
Suddenly feeling extremely underdressed, I step out of the car and my Louboutin's clack against the concrete as I trail behind my dad who seems to be in his own world where I am not present.
We make our way towards the door and are immediately let in by two maids and escorted down the hallway, past the stairs to a dining room.
Much like the exterior of the house, the interior was exceptionally decorated with hanging chandeliers, wooden tables and windows illuminating nearly every area of the living and dining rooms.
We sit at the dining table, however, there is no food or plates in front of us.
"Papá, what am I doing here?" He looks at me for the first time this night and hangs his head low.
"I'm so sorry.." he mutters, reaching under the table to grab my hand in his, the action feeling so unfamiliar it makes me feel awkward but I look past it and focus on his words.
"Why are you sorry?" I barely have the time to finish my sentence when a maid comes out and brings a platter with two glasses of water and sets them down on the table in front of us. "Drink."
I look to my dad who slowly nods at me and reach for the glass, reluctantly bringing it to my mouth and drinking half of it while I watch my father do the same.
"Just know, tesoro," he continues, however my mind seems to be wavering and I'm finding it harder to focus on his voice, "It was either you or our whole family who suffered."
(tesoro = treasure/sweetheart. italian)
To that I furrow my brows, confused as to what he meant, but the next thing I know is my mind in spinning.
As the world around me began to blur and stagger, I feel a sudden wave of dizziness wash over me. Starting off as a mild haze, it builds up and within seconds, my vision is blurred and the sounds of my dad speaking fade into a distant whisper.
Staggering, I try to stand, however panic grips my chest. It feels like anchors tied around my ankles dragging me down as sweat forms on my forehead despite the air conditioning in the room.
My knees buckle and I stumble forward, gripping on the table in front of me to steady myself.
"Take her to her room."
**
Dazed, I open my eyes to an unfamiliar setting.
Slowly sitting up, I look around the room I'm in.
It's a bedroom.
The first thing to catch my attention was the warm crimson that filled the space like a gentle hug. The bed I lay in was unfamiliar yet so inviting, adorned with a fluffy cream coloured duvet and half a dozen matching pillows.
As my senses adjust to the scene, I notice subtle features that hint at a well thought out design; a mahogany vanity table with delicate perfumes and a silver backed mirror reflecting the cosy, golden light filtering through the window which was draped in velvety red fabric, embracing the place like a velvety cocoon.
The floor was ornated with a soft looking persian rug, adding a touch of elegance to the room.
Candles lay lit flickering light around the slightly darkened room, wafting a subtle, comfortable scent of vanilla around the room.
The deep red hues in the room exuded a sense of comfort and passion, making the room feel like a secret sanctuary despite it's unfamiliarity.
If I had any idea where the fuck I was, I wouldn't feel the need to wrip it to shreds.
Frantic, I leap out of the bed and look around the room, trying to find anything to give me a clue as to where I am, when my eyes land on a piece of paper on the mahogany dresser next to the bed I had woken up in.
I pick the torn paper up and my heart drops at the messy scribble in a familiar handwriting on it.
i know you are confused but you'll find out soon that you saved our whole family. I love you. -papá.
