The Hunt

Chapter Two

Samantha

I heard Felix's footsteps retreating to the stairs and turned to the intimidating, oak door. I was nervous standing there, waiting to meet the grandma I never had.

I looked around the small hallway, with about three doors, just like the one I was staring at, situated from where I was standing to a corner quite a few meters away. There were no windows around, but small, dim lights followed the corner between the wall and ceiling.

The nerves were getting to me and I felt myself shaking slightly.

'Oh my god' I thought, 'she probably won't even like me.' I ran a clammy hand through my hair and mentally prepared for the worst.

Immediately upon the clunky door opening, I caught a second one opening in my peripheral. I turned my head curious to see who else would be occupying the top floor with me and my grandmother, and was met with most stunning eyes I've ever seen.

They were a pale green lined with seemingly enchanted specks of silver in the iris, staring at me intently, before a solid wall of oak interrupted them.

I looked back at the doorway of my grandmother's room partly expecting to find a shriveled up old wench, ready to make my life a living hell. I was shocked to find a kind-looking woman standing there, eyes watering, with a hand placed shakily on the lower half of her face.

I felt myself being dragged into her room, then her arms.

This must be her. I leaned back and soaked in the women's appearance. As I did, I couldn't help being reminded of my mother. From her dark blue eyes to tan sun worn skin, back to her pointed nose and delicate hand.

I wondered if this was what my mom would have looked like in her old age, had she made it that long.

She yanked me back into the surprisingly strong hug, considering how frail she felt underneath me.

I held her closer, letting go of my bag. I was scared that I would squish her small frame, but I couldn't help it, I needed this. I missed my mom so much I didn't even realize until I was in my grandma's arms.

I'm not sure how long we stayed like that, but I'm sure it was long enough for tears to come to my own eyes.

She was the one to finally let go. "Oh my god," she breathed out, "you look just like her." A dainty hand stoked my cheeks and I knew exactly who 'her' was.

I smiled at her kindly and stared adoringly into her sapphire eyes, "I could say the same for you," I let out a small, almost relieved laugh, glad that she wasn't the harsh woman I had foolishly expected.

I shouldn't of jumped to conclusions. I mentally scolded myself. How could I have thought up such a silly idea anyway? This is the woman who raised my mother, after all.

My grandma quickly wiped her eyes and sniffed a little, "My goodness, you're soaking wet!," she said, her tone sending vibes of artificial cheeriness, "come in, come in! Well get you some clothes"

She ushered my inside and shut the door behind me.

The walls were a light blue with an intricate white trimming along the ceiling. Along the wall to my left, a (giant) tv rested on a large mahogany table. A big plush looking couch sat in front of it with a La-Z-Boy on each side. There were two more brown oak doors to my right, and a giant window with graceful white curtains placed right in front of me, overlooking a colossal green courtyard.

I must've been gawking at the view because my grandma gave me a knowing look and gestured for me to move forward.

I hesitantly walked to the window and took it all in. We must have been facing towards the back of the estate, and the view was glorious.