If I Could Fly // h.s.

Chapter 5

I wake up to sunlight beaming in through the sheer, cream curtains that cover the bay windows in my room.  It takes me a moment to realize that everything is real. Yesterday wasn't a dream. I grin wildly into my covers before sitting up and wiping the sleep from my eyes. I look at my phone to see what time it is. Realizing it's half past seven already, I rush into my bathroom and do the minimal amount of necessary grooming before sliding on some jeans and a plain white v-neck shirt. I slip on my leopard print loafers and head downstairs for breakfast.

Once I get to the dining room, I see that Aunt Jane and Richard are already sitting down and eating. I quickly take my place beside them.

"Good morning," I smile.

"Good morning, dear! How did you sleep?" Aunt Jane asks.

"I slept very well. I almost didn't wake up this morning. That room is really incredible. Thank you, again."

"Oh now Amelia, you're going to have to stop thanking us! It's our pleasure. And it's you're room now," Aunt Jane replies.

I beam at her. Richard speaks up, "Like Jane said, we are beyond pleased to have you here with us. I hope you'll let us know if there's anything else you need while you're here. I've already secured you a car and a driver that can take you wherever you need to go. I'm sure you're itching to go exploring," he winks at me. "I've also had you a credit card made with your name on it so you can do some shopping."

"Richard, that's lovely but you really didn't need to do all that. I can't possibly take advantage of your hospitality more than I already have," I say biting my lip. I don't know if I feel comfortable spending someone else's money, no matter how much of it they have.

He doesn't hesitate to look up at me and respond, "Amelia, you are my niece. You're family. I want you to live here and be comfortable here and have everything you need." He stops for a moment before continuing, "And I think maybe it's time you start calling me Uncle Richard." He smiles up at me.

That's all it takes before a small tear forms in my right eye, which I quickly wipe away before smiling back at him and reaching over to squeeze his hand.

"Thank you, Uncle Richard. For everything."

After that, conversation lightens up and before I know it, Uncle Richard is leaving to go to work. Once he has kissed both me and Aunt Jane on the tops of our heads, he heads out.

I take this time alone with Aunt Jane to ask, "Do you have anything specific planned for us today?"

She flashes a guilty smile before saying, "I actually have to go to a fundraiser in just a couple of hours, Amelia. I'm so sorry! I wish I could get out of it but I am on the board for this particular charity."

"That's perfectly alright! I'll take the opportunity to go out and explore a little like Uncle Richard suggested! Then maybe we can have a bit of time together this evening, yeah?"

"Oh that sounds wonderful, darling!! Now like Richard said, we've got you a car and driver all set so just let Joe know a bit before you're ready to go and he will have everything set for you. Joe also has your credit card so make sure you get that from him before you leave." She glances down at her watch. "Gracious me! Look at the time. I've got to go start getting ready!"

She gets up from her chair and walks over to me. After kissing me lightly on the cheek and giving my shoulder a squeeze, she scurrying out of the room and up the stairs.