Mythic Mansion

Ronin

The car shook and rumbled on the gravel driveway. Before them was a huge structure with at least three stories. The structure was freshly painted with a creamy white color, and the trim a bright shade of mahogany. But who had painted it?

Bethany opened her eyes to a foggy afternoon. She rubbed her eyes with her hands and blinked a few times. Her vision cleared up to show her the beautiful mansion. She could hardly believe it. The roses were trimmed and kept, and there was a fountain with crystal clear water that Beth wanted to jump into oh so bad.

She opened the car door and stumbled out of her prison. Her legs felt wobbly and weak. She took in a deep breath and sighed. Could this really be my chance for the life I always wanted? She thought.

She slapped herself on the forehead and reminded herself not to get her hopes up. She walked around to to front of the car where her parents were talking to an old man wearing formal attire. Beth wondered where it came from.

"And this must be Miss Bethany." the old man said as he stuck his hand our for Bethany to shake it.

She grabbed his hand and shook it once before quickly pulling her arm back.

"Well come with me, your parents have instructed me to keep you out of their hair."

"Typical." she muttered

The old man shot them a look of disgust. "I am Ronin." he started toward the side of the house, and Bethany followed close behind.

"Did my parents really tell you to watch me?" Bethany questioned the old man. She didn't want to believe that they were just going to rid of her like that.

"I'm terribly sorry child, but your parents really seem disinterested in you." Ronin put his hand on her shoulder. "I know what it's like to be unwanted."

"I guess I've learned to get used to it by now." she scratched her rash again.

"Young lady your clothes are disgusting! Come, let me show you something you may like." he lead her to room with a bed, an empty bookshelf, a bathroom, and a huge walk in closet.

"Your room, young mistress." he smiled an old wrinkly smile.

Bethany could barely hide her excitment. The walk in closet was full of frilly dresses and fancy hair accessories. She felt like she would cry.

"My grandson and I made every one of those dresses. Oh, my grandson! Would you like to meet him?" Ronin asked her, his voice clearly projecting his desire to introduce his son.

"Sure, but could I clean up first, I've been trapped in the car for so long. I'm sweaty and disgusting." she unconsciously ran her fingers through her greasy hair.

"Of course dear, take as long as you need." he smiled, and bowed respectfully, leaving the young girl to bathe.

She figured than Ronin would be a better guardian than her own parents.

After she showered and brushed her hair she chose a frilly white dress with no straps over her shoulders, and a black bow around the waist. She put her hair into pig-tails and looked at herself in the mirror.

Her dreams were finally coming true.