Tabula Rasa [ON HOLD]

Chapter Three

Standing opposite my grandma right now is beyond intimidating. Her unnerving stare is making me timid as ever and I hate it. Her gaze was criticising and calculating, as if she was trying to figure me out. I couldn't take this stare-down any longer so I cleared my throat and smiled.

"Hey grandma. How are you doing?"

It's either she didn't expect me to say that, or she didn't expect me to say anything at all, but she looked shocked for a second, then her facial expression returned back to its original stoic form. I could've sworn though I saw a hint of a smile form on her face but it was wiped just as fast as it appeared.

"All is good. How was your flight?"

Okay. Why is she so curt? I could understand if she speaks like that with business partners or whatever but I'm her granddaughter, at least be a little welcoming. Damn, Mrs Jennings was way nicer than she is. Shame.

"It was fine. Slept through most of it." I replied, then started fidgeting with my fingers nervously. I couldn't help it, she was making me start to sweat, and mind you, it was really cold in here. I don't like this. Not one bit. I expected a warm welcome, a little hug at least, but no, all I got was a stare from head to toe.

My bag wasn't doing a very good job at hiding the brown stain my trousers sported and I could see the disapproval all over her features. If she was going to comment about it, she refrained, and thank god she did, because who knows what I could've said then. I had to get on her good side, and a snarky reply of mine wouldn't have gotten me there.

My grandma nodded in reply, then ushered Andrea over and whispered something in her ear while staring at me. Go on then, I don't mind at all. Not.

"You will be starting school tomorrow, am I correct?" She asked but her tone left no room for negotiation. I was planning on starting tomorrow either way, but the way she was acting was starting to annoy me to say the least.

"Yes, grandma. I already collected my uniform, which thank you for that by the way, and I really like the school, it's impressive." I smiled to try and diffuse the tension I'm sure everyone was feeling.

"Yes of course, the best in town. Samuel will be driving you to and from school, unless informed otherwise, and Andrea will be taking you shopping after school tomorrow. I need to go make some calls and in the meantime, I would like for you to go unpack." She said urgently, then she turned around and headed to the terrace.

Wait what? Who shopping what? Why would Andrea take me shopping tomorrow? I'm perfectly fine with what I packed here, unless she.. oh, right. Of course. What a disgrace she must've thought I was to say that. At least she didn't blatantly tell you you need a new wardrobe, the voice in my head reasoned. It could've been worse. I feel almost humiliated, like I just wanna dig a hole and disappear in it forever. This lifestyle is not me, and frankly, I don't like it at all so far.

If only my parents were still here... No, Norah. You can't think like that. What happened, happened and you can't change that. But it's so unfair, I couldn't help but think that. I want my parents. I just want them back, is that too much to ask?

I could feel my eyes stinging, but I can't and won't cry in front of her. Or anyone for that matter. I'm stronger than this. So with that, I turned around and made my way upstairs to escape the stares of all the workers including Andrea. I just needed to breathe and escape the pity I saw in Andrea's eyes. It's like she knew what I was thinking and she pitied me for it. But for what? For Ella Sullivan being my grandmother? Or for my parents dying? Or for me feeling like my dignity has been crushed? Or for all of that together? Or for what exactly?