Shielded

Chapter 1

Sitting on the couch in the living room, we talked for almost an hour. After I came to Wrefords, I seldom got to see Julius. He was always away in some other part of the world on business trips. Initially, he visited four times a year but as years passed by, the visits were cut short so much so that I get to see him hardly once a year and that too only for a day or two. The last time I saw him was two months back and that is why I was surprised yet glad to see him again. I couldn't help but gaze at him as he spoke about his trips and the places he had visited. He appeared weaker and seemed to have lost weight since the last time I saw him. When I had pointed it out, he just dismissed it by saying that age is catching up to him.

"Would you stop staring at me? I am here and I know I am very charming," he suddenly said, with a smirk which turned to his loving smile. If it was any other time, I would have retorted at his being 'charming' comment but not today, "I missed you." saying so, I side hugged him again and savored the feeling of his embrace, resting my head on his chest.

"Some might think David and Rose aren't taking good care of you, you know', he joked. He and I both knew that David and Rose were taking good care of me. And I am really grateful to both of them for their love and care. Though I had spent only ten years of my growing stage with Julius, half of which I don't even remember, from the bits and pieces of the memories I have had with him, those were very dear to me. And those memories are irreplaceable despite the passing of seven and half years.

"Did I hear my name being mentioned?" came a loud and booming voice laced with humor, from the direction of the front door, followed by chatters of the people who were returning.

Letting go of Julius, I turned my head towards the entrance, while Julius stood up and turned towards the speaker who just walked in from the front door entryway. "Nice to see you too in good spirit, Dave!" Julius stated grinning which was mirrored by Dave as well.

"Julius! What a pleasant surprise." exclaimed Rose, who walked in after David, whom we call Dave in short and by we I meant, Julius and me but sometimes Rose. Rose came and hugged Julius and just like Dave and the others followed. 

While these old folks continue to do some catch up, let me brief about the Wrefords where I came to live after I was ten. Like I mentioned before the place we live is a residential area in the middle of a forest in the outskirts of the town. It is owned by the Wrefords in a way, and it's like a small village, no wait scratch that, a mini town, of its own. The population is supposed to be somewhere in between six hundred and a thousand but most of the people are settled in the town and visit time to time while some are away from the country. So like may be currently we are around two hundreds.

I guess that was too much of unnecessary numbers. Coming to the Wrefords' mansion cum home, as I like to call it, Dave, Rose and I live here. But lately Cameron has made his nest here. Cameron and Emma are the twins with whom I grew up along with our other friends. They are the children of Harry and Melisa Belden, who are a close family friends of the Wrefords. They live few blocks away from here. Half of the time since I came here, I was either here or with the Belden twins in their home. I have my own bedroom there so to say.

Coming back to Wrefords home, on the ground floor, we have Dave's office, meeting hall, kitchen, dining hall, lounge room and the library. The west wing of the first floor is Dave's and Rose's domain, the east is my domain along with Aron and Em, then there's guest rooms. The second floor is closed since the time I came. And as far as I know, that's for Dave and Rose's son, who is away. There's an art gallery up there where we had sneaked in many a times in the past, which I am sure, Dave knew.

Back to reality, "So, how long are you planning to stay Julius?" asked Rose.

"A week," he replied giving me a guilty look. It wasn't something new, but still the fact that he will leave so soon is always saddening. Rose gave a disapproving look but didn't say anything.

"I guess it can't be helped. How was your trip to New York?" asked David, changing the topic.

"Good," before he could elaborate further, to the dismay of David, Harry and him, Rose jumped in and dismissed them from discussing business, "Now, now, off you all go to bed. Julius must be exhausted from all the travelling and he needs rest. You can talk tomorrow."

The men groaned and departed. Rose had asked Julius if he wanted to eat before going to bed which he denied. He then said his goodnight and went off to his room which was also in the first floor on the east wing.

I was going to the lounge room where I was watching Sherlock Holmes, which I forgot to turn off. "What was this doing near the front door?" asked Cameron who came out of no where beside me. "Jeez, Aron you startled me!"

Placing my right hand on my chest, I tried to calm my racing heart and eyed the thing he was referring to. It was the umbrella. He was smirking which clearly indicated that he already had an idea as to why that was near the front door but wanted me to spill the beans.

Entering the room I accused him, "It's your fault."

"My fault? How comes?"

"If you hadn't told me that stupid story of yours before leaving then I wouldn't have been scared when I heard the door bell."

"You and I both know that even if I didn't tell the story you would still be scared."

Well he was right but I am not gonna admit that.

"Well then who told you to leave me all alone?" And just like that I spoiled the atmosphere.

He sighed. "Abri, you know that we have no choice."

"I know. Sorry," I mumbled and started picking up the popcorns which I had spilled.

"Why don't you go and sleep," he suggested, "I'll clean this up."

If it was some other time I would have teased him but I was too tired and agreed with his help. I hugged him, and he gave a peck on my head murmuring good night. Leaving the room I made my way up to my own room.

Here's the thing with this meeting. After I came here, I realize that once a month there's  this town meeting where all the adults and youths above the age of eighteen gather and discuss stuffs. Aron and Em are a year older to me and they have been joining this meeting since for almost a year now since I am yet to turn eighteen which will be next year in January. There were times when Aron joined the meeting prior to his coming of age but those times I had Em to spend time with. 

They know how I hate being left alone at home and I know it can't be help but there are times when I just get annoyed, like today. I feel bad but I think I'll blame it on my pre-menstruation syndrome mood swings. The excuse which comes in handy many a times for girls, provided we use it once a month or may be twice because some cycles are shorter, if you know what I mean! *winks*

Reaching my room, before going into my dreamland, I made a mental note to apologize to Aron on the morrow.