The car gradually decelerates, coming to a smooth halt. I blink slowly, working to dispel the remnants of blissful sleep that cling to my mind like a soft fog.
Mid-afternoon sunlight pours through the window, its bright rays almost mocking me—a sharp reminder of my failure to shield myself from the world outside. The warmth is both inviting and harsh, contrasting sharply with the comfort of the dream I just left behind.
As the engine purrs to silence, my chauffeur, Garry, opens the car door with practised grace. He reaches for the novel I had been immersed in, grasping it carefully before extending his hand for me to take.
“Thank you,” I whisper, my voice barely audible against the backdrop of distant chatter.
In response, Garry doesn't say a word. Instead, he flashes his classic cheeky smile, a playful glint in his eyes, and bows slightly—a charming gesture that manages to lift my spirits.
Stepping outside, I inhale deeply, the fresh air filling my lungs and sharpening my senses. The aroma of freshly cut grass and the faint scent of blooming flowers waft around me.
Before me looms the grand Swan Abbey, its stone façade towering and majestic, an ancient sentinel of stories untold. Students pause in their conversations, openly staring, their curiosity palpable. It's evident they haven't welcomed a new student in quite some time—a feeling of trepidation flutters in my stomach.
Suddenly, two familiar figures emerge from the crowd—Dad and George, their faces lighting up with affection.
A wave of nostalgia washes over me, and a smile unfurls across my lips, illuminating my excitement.
As they navigate down the stone steps with eager strides, their arms stretch wide, inviting me for a long-awaited embrace—a connection forged through time and absence.
Years have slipped by since my mother sent me away to various boarding schools, uprooting my life time and again. The void of their absence had left a mark that I carried like a hidden scar.
Wrapping me in their warm embrace, surprised laughter escapes from the onlookers, blending into the soft rustle of leaves above.
“Hello again, Alexis!” George beams, his embrace tightening like a protective shield, prompting Dad to follow suit.
“My, my, sunshine. Look how much you’ve grown,” a voice, melodic and familiar, calls with a note of delight that echoes in my heart.
“Cain!” A heartbroken sob escapes my lips as I cling to my brother, overwhelmed by a surge of emotions.
Out of the corner of my eye, I catch Garry handing over my book to Dad and George. I offer him a grateful wave as he drives off into the distance, the car’s silhouette shrinking, taking with it a piece of home.
A newfound sense of loss washes over me—I will miss him dearly. Garry had become more than just a chauffeur; he was another parental figure I had grown fond of, much like Maria. The thought tugs at my heartstrings.
Amidst this tender reunion, my little family surrounds me, filling me with a bittersweet blend of joy and homesickness. The familiar scent of them calms my swirling thoughts—a blend of aftershave, fresh air, and warmth.
Cain’s presence stands out vividly in my childhood memories, his laughter echoing like a distant melody. He has been fortunate, shielded from the harsher realities of our mother.
“Let’s get you settled,” my father’s gentle voice slices through the emotional haze, bringing me back to the present.
Embracing the unknown before me, I unconsciously parted my lips, letting out a soft breath and nodding slowly as we ascended the imposing staircase of the Abbey. The architecture captivates me—the intricate carvings and lofty ceiling fill me with awe and wonder.
Yet, even with my family by my side, as students blur past like colourful brush strokes on a canvas, I can’t help but feel an undercurrent of loneliness in this new place.
Lost in a haze of thoughts, I suddenly realize we’ve reached my room, and exhilaration courses through me. This would be my sanctuary for who knows how long, and I am determined to fill it with warmth and love.
As I glide across the polished wooden floor, the door swings open to reveal a charming peach-coloured room adorned with fairy lights that twinkle softly like stars. The space is small and cosy, just as I’ve always preferred—perfect in its simplicity.
Despite being born into a wealthy family, the thought of exploiting that privilege has never crossed my mind.
Perhaps, if I find a lover to share my life with, the notion would change, but for now, the cosy constraints of this room make me feel less isolated.
Some might deem my reflections silly, but the loneliness I’ve endured has taught me that sharing my feelings can often be too overwhelming. In smaller doses, the burden appears more manageable.
With gentle smiles of understanding, my family steps back, granting me the solitude I need, likely recognizing that this day’s emotional weight is significant.
My attention shifts to the inviting fluffy bed that beckons me, pulling me away from the allure of exploration and redirecting my thoughts toward the comfort of sleep.
Unknowingly, I hazily enter the bed, the weight of sleep which needed to be gained takes control of me. The haziness catching up to me.
I do love my sleep.
~~A/N~~
I literary rushed through that.I needed to give you guys something to read.
Hoped you like it. 😊
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Savior // Slow Updates
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