Play By The Rules

3| A Glass Of Water

Wren Lamar 👆👆

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When I decided to get a glass of water, I hadn't realised how late it was, and the house was cloaked in a thick, heavy silence. I took my phone out of my pocket and checked the time on my phone. I wasn't risking anymore run ins and breaking my phone. It was staying cozily in my pocket.

"Shit," I cussed as I realized it was already eleven p.m. Had I really spent that much time unpacking? Well I did lie on my bed with headphones on for a really long time so I guess that explains it.

My bare feet made no sound on the cool tile floor as I got down from the glass stairs. I got to the outrageously big kitchen and reached for a glass from the cupboard, the familiar clink of glass against wood echoing slightly in the quiet. I snuck a peek at the living room only to find it empty.

As I filled it with water from the tap, the water splashed loudly against the sides, a sudden intrusion in the stillness. I paused for a moment, staring out the window into the backyard. Neon lights were hanging on the trees giving the almost dark backyard a magical effect.

As I raised the glass to my lips, I caught a movement out of the corner of my eye. I froze, the glass halfway to my mouth. For a moment, I thought it was just my reflection in the window, but then I saw it again-a shadow moving behind me.

My heart skipped a beat. Slowly, I turned, the glass slipping from my fingers and shattering on the floor. There, in the dim light of the kitchen, stood Michael. His face was partially obscured by the darkness, but I recognized his tall, dignified figure.

"Fuck, Michael," I yelled, exhaling the breath I didn't realize I was holding. "You scared me to death."

"My apologies, Mr. Pierce," he replied, stepping into a shaft of moonlight that illuminated his face. "I heard you in the kitchen and thought you might need assistance."

"I was just getting a glass of water," I announced, my voice still shaky. "But I seem to have made a mess." I signaled at the shattered glass and spilled water.

Michael glanced at the broken glass on the floor and gave a slight nod. "Allow me to take care of that for you, sir." He moved with practiced efficiency, retrieving a broom and dustpan from a nearby closet and swiftly sweeping up the shards.

As he worked, I leaned against the counter, trying to calm my racing heart. "I appreciate it," I began. "I'm still getting used to this place. It feels so... vast."

I tried to sound polite. Extra was the word I would use to describe this place.

"It is a large house," Michael agreed, his voice soothing. "But you will find it quite welcoming once you become familiar with it. There is a certain charm to its expansiveness."

"I suppose you're right," I said, watching him dispose of the glass. "I'll be fine. I'll get used to it in no time."

Michael returned with a fresh glass of water and handed it to me. "I am here to assist in any way I can, Mr. Pierce. If there is anything you need or any questions you have, please do not hesitate to ask."

"Actually, I've been meaning to ask you something," I said, taking a sip of the water. "Earlier today, I noticed a door in the basement that was locked. Do you know what's behind it?"

Michael paused, his expression carefully neutral. "Ah, yes. That door leads to the wine cellar. It has been kept locked for security reasons. If you would like access, I can provide you with the key."

A wine cellar? They have a goddamn wine cellar?

"I'd appreciate that," I beamed, curious about the cellar. I just wanted to see what goods Ryan had stashed in there and maybe indulge in some.