Miss Hawkridge

nine

"Remind me again why we had to come here?" Liv asked Alaric as they stood in front of the large oak door, the water sprinkler whizzing as it sprayed on the lawn, moths dancing around the small lights along the pathway, massive trees concealing the outside world, the tall border walls completely sealing it off.

Having their car taken away by the valet, they awaited their host to open the front door at that moment.

"Because Eli needs our help to cover for him," Alaric replied, the plastic wrap around the bunch of flowers growing wet under his palm.

"Why didn't he just lie?"

"Because his mom would know no matter what he tells her. But having two actual people corroborating his story, she can't ignore that. Plus, you said so yourself, you find these two suspicious. Now's our chance to find out what's up." Alaric smiled as the front door opened and Elijah stuck his head out.

"Come in," he pulled them into the house.

"I got you flowers," Alaric handed the bunch to Elijah who smiled at them.

"It's a first getting flowers from another boy," he smirked.

"Flowers are the best gift after all," Alaric nodded.

"Agreed," Elijah smiled, "But I think my mom will appreciate them much more if you give them to her."

"Liv," Anna, who joined Elijah from inside the house, began gently, "how you holding on?" Liv around at the three sympathetic faces and laughed.

"You guys are acting like as if I got murdered. Chill." She waved her hands.

"But she's your sister-"

"Dinner's ready," Liv yelled as she spotted Mr. Wolff making his way toward the small group still by the door.

"Eli, bring your guests in," the man held a striking resemblance to his son, or rather the other way round. The only difference between them were their nose bridge, which was straight, slightly bent, on Mr. Wolff, whereas Elijah's was upturned. "I'm apologise for my son," he addressed the three, "come on in, dinner's ready." He smiled at Liv, who returned it with that of a thousand trumpets going off rhythmic yet cacophonous.

Following his heels, they all entered a room adorned with what Liv thought was the epitome of class and elegance, exuding through each furniture and embellishment. However, they weren't invited to sit on the sofas or hang about the book shelf, for they were led into another room, with a stately, empty dining table with large, seemingly comfortable chairs and an array of candelabrums were. The doors from the dining hall let them into a landing, which had languid, marble stairs inviting them up in a swirl. Avoiding the staircase on the right, the group headed towards white double doors.

Behind it was where the real feast was prepared, as Mrs. Wolff bustled about from the attached kitchen and the cozy table, setting everything, when her eyes fell on her son's guests.

"Hello," she exclaimed, "how nice of you join us. I'm afraid I haven't prepared much for you except what we have for dinner everyday. I wanted you both to feel at home." She smiled brilliantly.

"Thank you so much inviting us. I brought flowers for you. I didn't know what else's to get," Liv blushed. Mrs. Wolff laughed.