If I Could Fly // h.s.

Chapter 3

After dozing in the back of the cab for almost an hour, I notice we are pulling up to a huge gate. The cab driver rolls down his window and presses the button on an intercom that is stuck to the side of a huge brick column.

"Name please," a gruff voice demands.

The cabbie looks back at me and I relay to him my name and that they are expecting me. He presses the button again and informs the voice on the other end what I've told him. The gate suddenly starts opening.

We slowly drive through and I try my best to take everything in. The drive is long and made of cobblestone. Rich, green grass is on either side of the drive, with some grand oak trees peppered out among the space. We pull up to the house. I say house...this was an estate. I half expected to be greeted by the cast of Downton Abbey when we stopped.

Before I can climb out of the cab, I see the double doors to the home open up and am greeted by a stunningly beautiful older woman. She grasps my shoulders and pulls me into a warm embrace before I have a chance to speak. After a good long moment, she pulls back and I notice that her eyes have gone dewy.

"Oh my dear... I didn't mean to come across as rude. I've just been so anxious to meet you. You're so beautiful! You look so much like... Those eyes... Well... Never mind about all that." She clears her throat, clearly trying to compose herself. As she takes a moment, I get a better look at her. She is wearing a crisp, white pants suit l that looks like it probably costs more than the contents of my suitcase, combined! She has kind eyes that are almost hidden by perfectly groomed side swept bangs that perfectly matched her golden brown bob. "My name is Jane Norton. I'm your aunt! I'm so glad that you're here."

"Thank you. I... I'm very glad to be here." I finally get out of me.

She pulls me into another hug and then links her arm in mine, half dragging me into the grand house. As we walking into the foyer, I see a man dressed in a suit standing beside the grand mirror hanging on the wall.

"Joe, will you see that Amelia's things are taken up to her room and take care of the taxi outside."

"Of course, ma'am," he nods.

"You must be absolutely exhausted. Was the plane ride dreadful?" She asks as she leads me into a beautiful lounge and sits me down beside her on a couch that looks like it belonged to the queen herself.

"It wasn't too bad. Thank you again for bumping up my ticket," I smile back at her.

"I'm glad to hear that. I hate that Richard couldn't be here to greet you. There was an emergency with work that required his attention. He is so looking forward to meeting you."

"I completely understand. That will give me a chance to freshen up, if that's okay." I look up at her, unsure of what to do.

"Of course, love! Let me show you to where you'll be staying!" She grabs my hand and pulls me up and leads me towards a giant staircase in the middle of a grand room that is covered in beautiful portraits and mirrors.

"I've never... This... It's so beautiful." I stutter in awe.

"Thank you. It's a bit stuffy for my taste, but it's home. Come on." We walk up the stairs until we reach a long hallway. We continue down until we reach what I think I counted to be the fourth room on left. It, too, has double doors.

Jane leads me through until we reach a small sitting room that is connected to a bedroom with a large four-post bed in the center. Everything is covered with various shades of cream or beige or gold. It is stunning. Connected to the right wall of the bedroom is a huge bathroom and walk-in closet. It takes me a moment to realize that my jaw is actually hanging open. I try to compose myself and look back at Jane who is grinning ear to ear.