Decalcomania

Chapter five - pt1

       - Home is where you make it-

I parked the car next to Professor's house and got out of the Minivan, my eyes wandered around the place, only to get distracted by the sky, the dawn has came and the sun rose as a canopy of gold, bright amid the blue, bidding the stars to take their nightly rest, it was as if night and day had become one beautiful moment. Gently the darkness surrendered and every color changed from tinges of charcoal to vibrancy. There are days I wonder what we give in return for such gifts of divine magic. Sophia and Alvin were peacefully sleeping in the car, I wish they could see this beautiful view with me, I'm sure they would have been happy. I stepped on the doorway, checking the place clearly. It looked pretty safe and calm, the entire neighborhood was quiet and peaceful, and this is exactly what we needed.

"Elyse!" Sophia called out with her sleepy voice as she got out of the car and slowly approached me, her steps were heedful and edgy, I could see how scared and worried she was, of course she would be, she has been locked up in a room for five years.

"The place looks so beautiful!" she mumbled, standing closer to me, I smiled "It is!"

"Let me open the door and then we will bring Alvin inside!" I informed and she nodded. I lightly opened the woodened door, feeling the warmth of the cozy house embracing us into its arms, I smiled and looked back at Sophia who had a watery eyes "It feels like home!" she whispered, I felt happy to hear those words coming out of her, I hope Alvin would feel the same!

"Let's bring Alvin before the neighbors wake up!" I said

We walked back to the van and opened the back door, he was still peacefully sleeping like before. His features were much softer in sleep, the lines that usually creased his brow replaced by the youthful appearance. He looked peaceful, wanting nothing more than to curl up into the curve of his body. I gently took the blanket off and held his shoulders, oh God! He is too heavy.

"You are home, honey!" I smiled and held his left arm while Sophia held the other, she gave me a look and chuckled, "what it is?" I asked as we walked on the doorway.

"You just called him 'honey', it sounded cute!" she replied and I felt my cheeks flashing red, did I say it out loud?

We entered the house, leisurely walked inside while carrying the heavy boy. The house wasn't too big and not too small, there were two floors, the one we were in has a living room and a kitchen, I also noticed a door on the back, which means there is a backyard.

We gently placed Alvin on the sofa, and stood there, curiously staring at every part of the house, it was literally warm and heavenly made, well done Professor.

"Check the second floor while I take the car to the garage, we must hide it there!" I informed, she nodded and headed upstairs while I went out, again hopping inside the van and driving it inside the garage. We must hide it from them, they will definitely report the car and the police will search for it. I can't believe I'm turning into a real criminal now.

I closed the garage and walked back inside the house, locking the door behind me. I sighed in relief and sat next to Alvin, I gently caressed his warm cheeks and stroked his hair, he felt so warm, unlike the previous times.

"There are two bedrooms, two bathrooms and an office I think!" she announced as she walked downstairs, I lifted my head up and thought for a while, "Alright, then a room for you and one for Alvin!" I stated

"What about you?" she raised her voice

"I will sleep on the living room. It will be more comfortable for me!" I honestly said, she nodded and sat on the sofa, facing me.

"I didn't get the chance to thank you, but I'm truly grateful for everything you did for us!" she smiled warmly; I smiled back "Don't mention it!"

"Shall we take Alvin to his bedroom?" she suggested and I nodded in agreement. We gently lifted his heavy body again and headed upstairs, believe me we will have no more arms if we keep carrying this heavy boy. I used my free hand to open the door of the room and we entered. Honestly the room was so bright and beautiful, it is like a perfect magazine cover. I'm afraid to get in, in case I wrinkle the fabric or stain it with something I don't even know is on my shoes. The room contained a large bed, neatly made with elegant black sheets, also there were two straight-backed chairs, a nightstand, a bureau without any mirror, and a small table. There were grey drapery curtains at the dormer windows, few pictures of nature on the wall. The sun was pouring down upon the roof, and the little room was like an oven for heat.

We placed him on the bed and pulled the blanket over him. Finally, I got you in a safe place, where nobody can hurt you, nobody can touch you without your permission and nobody can call you names other than Alvin. I proudly smiled to myself and ran my hand over his forehead.

"I will go take a shower and have some rest. I finally can sleep peacefully!" Sophia whispered, "You can also find some clothes on my bag, I bought extra clothes!" I informed and she nodded.

After Sophia left the room, I walked around Alvin's room, analyzing everything carefully, I had to take away the sharp things that he may use to hurt himself, also I had to take away the radio and TV, these things may trigger him, especially if our names and photos will be all over the news from now on. It took me about one hour to clean the room a little bit, even though it was already clean and well decorated.

I walked downstairs and checked the kitchen, the fridge was empty and there was absolutely nothing to eat or even drink, I sighed heavily and sat on the chair. I don't have much money to live with, and now, I need to buy food, clothes and other house equipments. How come I didn't think about this before!

My thoughts were suddenly interrupted by the doorbell, my body shivered at the sound echoing on the house, who could it be? What if they actually found us?

I hesitated to open the door but the doorbell kept going on, the person kept knocking nonstop, I peeked from the window and saw a women! Well, she looked old enough to be called old.

I placed my hand on the knob and slowly swung the door open.

"Oh, it took you forever to open" she chuckled, "you must be Elyse, right?" she softly said, I immediately nodded and opened the door wider, she didn't look dangerous at all.

"I'm sorry to bother you in this early morning, I just brought you the grocery and some other things you may need during your stay!" she handed me some paper bags, honestly she bought too many things for us, more than we actually needed. There were meat and fish, grains and bread, oil and fat, diary and eggs, condiments and lastly vegetables and fruits. A lot, right?

"I'm sorry, I forgot to introduce myself. I'm Carlos's stepsister, Diana" she introduced herself, "My brother called me yesterday and asked me to keep an eye on you!"

I felt my body weaken at the mention of Professor's name, he keeps taking care of me even if he is not around. And stepsister! He never mentioned her before, he has always been the type of mysterious person who talks less about his private past.

"I live two houses away, whenever you need anything just call me!" she grinned warmly, I remember this grin, professor's smile. I smiled back and took the card she offered me, that has her address and number phone. "Thank you so much!" I sincerely hugged her.

"Now, I need to take my leave, my daughter must be waiting for me!" she paid her goodbye and walked out of the house, leaving me in awe, touched at how generous they are.