THE PLAYGROUND

CHAPTER ONE

   The fresh air coming from the slightly opened window soothed Alexa Hathaway as she laid gently on her bed.
It was another Saturday and Alexa loved Saturdays.
   She'd say that it was specially created for her to explore the whole of New York, rather than being stuck with their maid Josie, not that she was a bad person. She was a really sweet woman, really sweet but also really boring.

That day was no different, she'd tour most places she never had the chance to surf her whole seventeen years. The only thing that bothered her was the old woman that was following her. She remembered when she stopped for ice cream, the woman was there. When she stopped to see her favourite baker, Mr Sloan, the woman was there again. That was when Alexa was certain that the woman was stalking her and it was kinda creepy.

She came home at her usual time. She always liked coming home before three pm to watch her favourite mystery thriller TV series"A murder is declared".It was the final season and she didn't dare miss it.

Alexa was trying to figure out why that old woman was following her. She couldn't remember seeing her from anywhere, and she never forgets a face. She was definitely sure she had never seen her before in her life so why the woman was following her still bothered her. A lot was still racing on her mind when she heard a knock.

"Come in".she said. She knew she didn't have to ask who it was cause it would always be Mrs Smith.

   Mrs Josie Smith is the loyal house maid to the Hathaway family. She's been working with them even before Alexa and Chris were born. She was slightly older than Alexa's mother but she was humble. Everyone loved Josie like a family especially Alexa. They were like best friends but lately she has been acting a bit strange. Like talking to herself sometimes, or treating Alexa like she was a stranger, acting odd whenever she was around her. Once, Alexa was sure that Josie was watching her while she slept because when she woke up to use the bathroom, she found a set of blue eyes looking at her like she wanted to burn a whole inside her.

"Miss Alexa".Josie said coming inside."You're back, I...uh...I wanted to... check on you"

"Thanks Josie". She smiled politely and picked a novel from her desk. The only thing Alexa loved more than exploring, was reading. She read any book she could get her hands on.

"My pleasure. Mr David said to tell you he'll be back soon, he went out with some friends".

"Thanks again". Like David would ever be home early.

David was like that, always hanging out with friends. He was the first child, he already graduated from college, and he was twenty three. He always said he's a free spirit and that free spirits don't like staying indoors, that it killed his vibes.

"I'm guessing Chris had an excuse for not staying home too?".

"He didn't say anything. He just....left. He didn't even have breakfast."

"Typical Chris".

Chris was Alexa's twin brother but they were completely different, like fire and water. Whatever Alexa likes, Chris hates. Plus,Alexa was blonde and had magical green eyes like her mother while Chris was brunette and had hazel eyes like their grandfather. They were like Apollo and Artemis.

"I'll leave now".Josie said slowly leaving the room.

Alexa watched as the door silently closed.

"Would you like some tea?". Josie said forcing the door open.

"No!".Alexa said sounding a bit frightened. "Thanks". She added, trying to sound nice."You may go Josie".

"I may go". Josie said as if in delusion.
"Right, I'll leave now".
She added quickly and left the room.

Alexa wondered why Josie was acting so weird."Anyway, maybe its nothing"she said, because it definitely wasn't the first time she'd be acting that way. She left her room and went downstairs to watch her TV series.

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Alexa was sure she left her hairbrush on her drawer but now it's gone, anyway she probably just dropped it somewhere and she'd look for it later or she'd ask Josie to look for it for her because it was her favourite brush.

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"Where am I?".Alexa asked looking confused as she turned around trying to get a better view of the unfamiliar room she found herself in.

"You are where you're meant to be...with us" a voice answered.

"What is this place?". The place was dark and cold, there was nothing in the room except a crystal chandelier that light up the center of the room where she stood.

"This is a sacred place, only those with the gift are allowed here." Alexa couldn't place where the voice was coming from. It sounded like it was coming from all corners of the room.

"Gift.... You mean like a present...oh..I don't have a present with me.... So i guess I'm gonna go now."

"Silly girl, I'm not talking about presents, I meant only those with powers like you can find this place."

"You must be mistaken, I don't have any powers, I'm just a regular teenage girl trying to get through high school".

"Oh...but you're not."

"What is going on?.......what powers are you talking about?"Alexa asked.

"Its almost time for you to fulfil your purpose in life."

"What does that mean?, why won't you answer my questions?" She raised her voice, slightly out of frustration.

"You'll understand when the time comes...but for now it is time for you to get going. Live child, and enjoy your life while you still have it."

"What are you talking about?. Who are you?."

"Your questions will be answered soon enough."

"Wait!, before you leave, could I see your face?"

"As you wish".The voice answered.

When Alexa saw the person, she couldn't believe her eyes, cause it was the old lady that was following her earlier.

"You... You're the...."

"Farewell, until we meet again."