A hundred minus one day

Prologue

Theo (memories: 13 years ago)

I remember our first meeting very well. Although I was only 6 years old, I will never forget the moment when I saw her for the first time. Who would think that we could become best friends? That day I met a new girl from our neighbourhood and I was pretty excited. I had a chance to show her all of my toys and hoped she would like some. But... I forgot that she was a girl! She couldn't like my cars, trucks and Lego blocks! I wanted to play with another boy, but my parents thought she was a good choice as she spoke French.

- Theodore Barrington! I won't be waiting for you forever! Come here and get ready for the French lesson!

My mum was never patient with me - even as a child she had an endless list of expectations towards every person in this family. I knew that she was immensely proud of me, but at the same time, all the free time activities became another occasion to teach me something new.

- Theodore! They are already here!

- Mum, give me a second!

I jumped out of my huge bedroom, which was far too big for one person and too serious-looking for a 6-year-old child. Anyway, I couldn't complain since I had everything I dreamed about. My parents had high expectations, but they rewarded me generously for every achievement. My mum was a tall and slim woman who always looked well-kempt as if she was having a big conference in front of thousands of cameras and a crowd of people. Now I do understand it - she was the wife to Jacob Barrington, a well-known and respected doctor who was considered to be the local genius and god at the same time. I was raised to become a smaller version of my own dad - the copy of the man deprived of emotions and regrets. My mum had a difficult life and I can't blame her for being overprotective and immensely demanding.

When walking down the stairs, I started imagining her face - what would she look like? Would she be similar to her mother who was working in our place from time to time? I took a deep breath and moved on.

- Theo, this is Janis. She is at your age and you can spend the afternoon with her. Please show her around and ask her some questions in French.

And there she was. The little girl with deep green eyes and curly light brown hair. She wasn't smiling or moving - I could tell that she didn't feel comfortable in our huge mansion. Even I, myself couldn't say that this place brought about some pleasant feelings, but it was still my home. As I took a glance at her small innocent face, I was pretty sure that she was sent here by force and she didn't feel like pleasing a local spoilt prince. Maybe that's why I was quite willing to greet her and get to know her a bit better.

- I am Theo. Nice to meet you.

The girl started shaking my hand and she nodded politely, but there was no smile on her face. I could only see that her eyes were blinking nervously trying to comprehend everything in my complicated world.

- My name is Janis. My mum works in your place.

- Who is your mum?

- She is a cook. Her name is Melinda.

I was too young to realise what it meant for her - Melinda Asby was a great cook and a stunning woman, but she could not handle her personal life. At the age of 35, she learnt that her husband wasn't such a family man. Firstly, he started disappearing every Friday saying that his students of Physics needed additional support and some scientific advice. She remained composed and patient, but Fridays were extended to the whole weekend and when finally her hubby declared that there was another human creature standing behind this, she wasn't surprised. Actually, she had been already packed and ready to go. Obviously, her little daughter (six at that time) was prepared too since her mum had briefly explained that daddy started another family and they had to empty his house.