Saving Brownie | ✔

Chapter 33 : She Strikes Again

"We have arrived, George," Ian announced as he gently pushed me to wake me up.

I rubbed my drowsy eyes and slowly sat up. Ian laughed lightly when he saw me, my hair sticking out in different directions and drool all over my chin. I wiped it with the back of the sleeve of my hello kitty night shirt and yawned, my mouth opening like a crocodile.

"You have slept for more than fourteen hours," Clark said in distaste as he got down the car.

I rolled my eyes, giving him the finger like I cared and followed him. My eyes roamed all over the magnificent place we were in. There was grand mansion painted a rich beige in front of us with a neat path leading to it's stairs. There were tall trees surrounding the mansion- it felt like this modern house with huge glass windows amidst a jungle. I drew in a breath, inhaling the fresh oxygen and enjoying the cool air provided by the trees. We were probably in the outskirts of the city area since this property of Clark was enormous. But then again, he was a billionaire so he could easily afford to live here.

The security guard and two maids came rushing towards us to pick our bags. By now, I was clearly impressed by Clark's wealth as I let them take my bag. I noticed an old man who quietly stood by the door dressed smartly in a polo shirt and dark trousers.

"Who's that?" I asked Ian and tugged at his shirt.

Ian looked down and whispered, "That's Robert who passed on his---"

"Company to Brownie," I finished his sentence, fascinated by everything.

"My boy!" Robert greeted Clark while extending his arms as he approached him. "I'm glad you are out of that bloody hotel and here."

"I thought Clark lived in a penthouse and not with his guardian. I mean he's fricking twenty something year old billionaire!" I exclaimed and Ian simply shrugged.

Robert who heard me turned towards us, his grey hair shining under the sun filtering through the trees. He pulled Ian into a short hug. "Good to see you again."

"Me too sir."

"And who is this?" Robert asked as he observed me, I clad in my pyjamas.

"I'm George, Brownie and Ian's friend," I introduced myself confidently.

"She means Clark," Ian chimed in and Robert just stared in response.

"Very well then, let's all go inside," he finally said, then turned to Clark and started talking to him as we all went in.

The mansion on the inside was as sophisticated as it was on the outside. There was expensive vases standing  proudly with vibrant flowers and plush carpets which tempted a person to walk barefoot, The floor which wasn't covered with a thick carpet was impeccable. The bright lights reflected on the surface making the floor itself to look like a golden carpet. There were minimalistic paintings with plain black frame on walls, the walls painted a light lavender and grey.

We sat at the long dining table and we all had a cup of coffee and late breakfast consisting of waffles, eggs,  toast and butter. I started warming up to Robert by enthusiastically narrating to him about our trip around the city so far. Robert listened intently and occasionally glanced at Clark who didn't utter a word. Somehow, the topic changed from fun to boring when Clark brought up some business related stuff. Robert, Clark and Ian chatted about business of which I had no clue about. I tried to pay heed and pretend to understand by trying to act wise. Soon, I zoned out and played with the steel spoon that balanced on my nose.

"I have to go now." Ian hastily wiped his mouth with the napkin and glanced at his watch. "I have some work and then I have to go home. Dad's leaving for the town to visit mum and to take care of her while I'm away."

"Wait . . . You aren't staying with us?" I asked dolorously.

"No, I got to stay at my house here. I'm sorry George, I'll meet you both later and we can continue with our tour."

"It's fine," I mumbled half-heartedly he kissed my forehead, his lips lingering.

We heard Robert clearing his throat and Clark gazed at us like a hawk with narrowed eyes while sipping bitter coffee. Ian chuckled and awkwardly made his way out of the door. I shrugged casually, popping a grape in my mouth.

"We need to get you settled. Your room is right next to Clark, so you'll feel comfortable staying close to someone you know here," Robert said suddenly and averted his eyes to the newspaper as if he was least concerned.

"Ah, well. Brownie and I stayed in the same room back at the hotel, so I'm veryyyy comfortable around him," I smirked in satisfaction when Clark glared at me, his hands tightening around the coffee cup.

"Really? You both stayed in the same room?" Robert asked curiously and I waggled my eyebrows at Clark.

"Georgia," Clark said sharply and caught my elbow. He flashed a tight-lipped smile to Robert and under his scrutiny, Clark dragged me upstairs.

* * *

"I want to go in there!" I whined and Clark firmly denied. "Come on, that place looks super cool! All the folks dancing and laughing, it's a happy place!"

We stood outside the local bar where they didn't care what age a person was as long as the person did not look like a kid. I was still a minor, but I was turning eighteen tomorrow! EIGHTEEN.

"George, just promise us you won't cause any trouble," Ian said worriedly and I vigorously nodded.

"I won't, I swear---"

"No," Clark stood his ground, frowning at Ian.

"You suck! I'm going in anyway." I stuck my tongue out and before I could stride in through the door, Clark grabbed my arm. "Come on, Brownie. I promise that I won't do any thing. I don't even drink, I don't like to drink."

Clark released my arm when I pleaded sincerely. I squealed in triumph as Clark gave in, sighing heavily. Looping my arm around Ian's, I merrily pushed through the doors.

"You know right, tomorrow is my birthday!"

"You have said that for the twenty seventh time this day," Clark muttered under his breath.

"I'm just super excited! Wow, this place is so cool!" I looked around in awe.

Some people were sitting on the high bar stools, drinking cheap, cold beer and laughing loudly. Others were on the dance floor, all looking genuinely happy. There was no grinding of hips or touching inappropriately, just rhythmically moving one's legs and hands blithely to some upbeat music.

Clark and Ian sat on the stools by the dimly lit corner, probably discussing business. I left them and ran to the dancing people and saw them crowding around someone. My eyebrows knotted in confusion as I pushed through the crowd and saw an old, almost toothless lady with grey hair, wearing a glittery, body - fitted, dark pink dress with a black leather jacket on. Her eyes crinkled as she smiled widely and did some sort of break dance. I was sure that I heard some bones crack, but people didn't mind. When the music changed, she actually attempted to twerk for a few seconds which earned  wild hoots and whistles from everyone.

When the song ended, she blew kisses at the mad crowd and her eyes landed on me. I squinted my eyes at her and when I looked closely, I recognized her! She was the lady from the airport who had shouted 'BOMB!'

The old lady too seemed to recognize me as she winked at me and turned away.