Off guard

monday ; 9:37am

I'm running out of the door. It is an unpleasant Autumn morning, with fog blurring the horizon and rodents cuddling up to one another and the rotting brown leaves that trash our sidewalks and the unexplainable people that seem to roam the streets at this time and the grey lifeless shimmer in everyone's eyes. I never liked these types of mornings.

Stumbling into the car, Humphrey barely put my things in the trunk without killing anyone around him or himself. Dumping his body in the driver's seat, it took him a couple of attempts to insert the key into the car. Someone's been drinking.

I've known Humphrey since I was ... 9? Well, something like that. He would drive me to schools and back. He'd call me 'Josephine' but I told him to call me 'Miss Durand'. I was raised with people working for me, I know how to treat them, and to Mother that is a 'very important skill of success.' She used to complain to father all the time.
"These people are here to work Simon! Not make small-talk!"
I would hear as I fell asleep. I miss Mother. I miss her control. I miss her leadership. But I don't miss her.

"All set Miss Durand?"
Humphrey glanced at me in the back. He was far too optimistic for this time in the morning.
"Unfortunately, yes."

Half way through our drive, he becomes interested in my emotions.
"Why so down Miss?"
I look up.
"Oh I don't know, me having to live in the Malkov residence?"
Humphrey coughed.
"So not your mother's death?"
"No, that was bound to happen."
Silence.
"I-I heard the youngest Malkov is a lovely chap.  He's very active, playing polo and other sports. I heard he went to a children's home and donated tons of cash."
I raised an eyebrow.
"Luca? Caring?"
"Y-yes! I've never met him but he sounds like an interesting and eventful person to spend a week with."
Sweet. Humphrey is trying his hardest to cheer me up.
"I'll just ignore him."
"That is your choice, Miss Durand."

Our car drove to an enormous bronze gate. They opened automatically, letting our car drive into the beautiful Manor of the Malkovs. Their architect was extremely professional by the looks of it. They had exactly what you would see in movies. A beautiful household. A fountain. A pool. A stable. A huge garden. Everything.

The car stopped suddenly. I climbed out myself, covered in layers of clothing because it was freezing. My hair tied up in a bun. I honestly looked like a hobo. But a hobo doesn't wear cashmere fur and Gucci. Making my way through the massive stone doors, I walk into a massive living room, complete with 7 sofas, a grand piano, several palm trees, a marble staircase and ... Luca.

"Jo!"