My fault ( Mercedes Ron)

* CHAPTER 3 *

William didn't seem to notice our silent exchange and went on smiling as if nothing was happening.

I was frustrated and uncomfortable. This was too much too different, too extravagant. I didn't know if I could ever get used to living in a place like this.

All at once, I needed to be alone; I

needed time to assimilate everything. "I'm tired. Can I see my room?" I

asked in a less strident tone.

"Of course. On the left wing of the second floor is where you and Nicholas have your rooms. You can have anyone you want over, Nick won't mind. Plus you two will be sharing the game room from now on."

The game room? Seriously? I smiled as best I could to keep from thinking about how from now on I was going to have to live with William's son. All I knew about him was what my mother had told me that he was twenty-one, was studying at the University of California, and was an appalling prep. I mean, I made up that last part, but it had to be true.

As we climbed the stairs, all I could think about was how from now on, I'd have two men I didn't know under the same roof. It had been six years since a man-my father was in my house. I'd gotten used to just women, just the two of us. My life had never been a bed of roses, especially during my first eleven years of life. The problems with my father had scared me as well as my mother.

Once Dad was gone, Mom and I got by as best we could, managing to live like two regular everyday people, and as I grew older, my mother turned into one of my best friends. She gave me the freedom I wanted, and that was because she trusted me and I trusted her...or at least I did until she decided to throw our lives overboard.

"Here's your room," my mother said, standing in front of a dark door.

I looked at her and then at William. They seemed to be expecting something.

"Can I go in?" I asked sarcastically when they didn't step aside.

"This room is my special present to you, Noah," my mother said, her eyes shining with anticipation.

I looked at her warily, and when she stood back, I opened the door carefully, afraid of what I might find.

The first thing I noticed was the del- icate scent of daisies and the sea. Then my eyes landed on the wall across from the door. It was made entirely of glass. The views were so spectacular, I was speechless. The whole ocean was visible from where I stood; the house must have been on top of a cliff because I could only see water from where I stood. Water, and the picture-perfect sun, which was in the middle of the setting. It was incredible.

"Oh my God!" I repeated. That was my new favorite phrase. My eyes now roved the rest of the room-it was huge. On the left-hand wall was a canopy bed with a big pile of white cushions that coordinated with the soft blue of the walls. The furniture was white and blue, too, and included a desk with a gigantic Mac, a beautiful sofa, a changing table with a mirror, and a big shelf with all my books. Those colors and that stunning view were the most beautiful things I'd ever seen.

I was overwhelmed. Was all this for me?

"You like?" my mother said from behind me.

"It's incredible. Thank you," I answered, feeling grateful but at the same time uncomfortable. I didn't want them buying me things like these. I didn't need them.

"I spent two weeks working with a professional decorator. I wanted you to have everything you've ever wanted and I've never been able to give you." I could tell she was moved. As I looked at her, I knew I couldn't complain. A room like this is every teenager's dream and every mother's too.