Crystal Mirrors

12-The Lakehouse

 After we picked up Chanel we were on our way to the lake house. I dozed off a few times due to the endless hours we were in the car and eventually we made it to our destination.

   We all got out the car and stretched for awhile and while I was looking off and admiring how beautiful the lake was I heard Chanel gasp next to me. I followed her gaze and gasped too. The lake house was hardly a house to begin with. It looked like a mansion.

  "This place is incredible! You guys have a lot of money don't you?" Chanel asked Rex. Rex shrugged. "Not me. Cole. I ship in on rent sometimes but he was the one that bought the place."

  Why am I not surprised. "How do you manage a place like that?"

   Cole took a large step towards the house and rested his hands on his hips. "It was my grandmothers. I was born in a wealthy family." He actually admitted something of his past? To me especially? Surprised by the answer I just nodded and followed everyone else as they entered the house.

  Just as the outside previewed, the inside was even better. The floors were spotless and wooden while just about everything else looked like it would cost more than my life. And I thought my parents had expensive taste. 

  "There are about six rooms in this place. I know you won't have much trouble picking out the one that you prefer." He said. The little teasing tone was gone and a stoic expression was in its place. "I'll be in the study."

   "I'm coming with you." I heard myself say. Everyone else looked just as shocked. I shrugged. "I want to check it out. You of all people Chanel should know I would pick out this place first."

  The shock washed away and she smiled. "Of course. I'm going to drop my stuff off in a room. Want me to drop your stuff in a room too?"

   "Nah, I'll do it later."

    Chanel nodded once and held onto her bags. She looked around the room once more and ran up the stairs quickly. Poor girl, she probably was putting on a brave face but I could tell she was still shaken up. 

   "I'm going to cook something. I'm starving. Everything is still in the same place?" Rex asked Cole. Cole nodded and Rex gave him a thumbs up. "Cool. You know both know where to find me." He walked away into a doorway. 

   I turned around to face Cole to see him disappear into a hallway. "Hey wait up!" I yelled and ran after him. 

   The hallway was dark and brooding, much like Cole's personality and we walked it in silence. Eventually, we arrived in the study. 

  Just like the rest of the house, everything was wooden except the couch, which was a dark blue fabric, and the armchair, which was a lighter blue. The place was surrounded by books and bookshelves and there was a desk off in the corner. Cole walked through the mini library and traced his fingers on the books.

  "What are you looking for?"

   "You aren't going to be asking questions the entire time are you?"

    I huffed. "No I'm not. And I wouldn't have to ask so many questions if you would answer some of them."

  "I'm looking for the history of the Sudley mansion. Where I learned about the place from. It might explain what's happening to your favorite teacher. Any more questions to answer?"

   I noted the attitude and pivoted in the other direction. If he was going to act like a jerk I would find the book myself. And prove to him that he isn't a perfect know-it-all. 

   Or maybe it's just because I don't like being one-upped. Since I was in pre-school I was ahead of the game. And this guy happened to be one step above. And man do I hate that.