What Happens in the Dark

Chapter 4

Aunt Dana pushed her huge chestnut wooden door open that had glass wrapped around it revealing a window. The glass was outlined with iron which made it difficult to see inside.

When she opened the door I saw a bright crystal chandelier hanging on the ceiling of the foyer, which had wall to wall white marble flooring. Right in front of the foyer there was a big cherry wood straight stair case where I could see a big area that had couches. Beside the stair cass was a hallway that led to a sky ceiling living room with a long slender window on each wall. The floors were a dark hardwood and the color scheme was really warm. It made you feel cozy even in such a big space.

"Aunt Dana how have I never been to your home before it's breathtaking." I asked in awe. 

"Oh honey, I used the money I got from the divorce settlement combined with my savings, to buy this. Your uncle was sicker than a dog over it and I dont care, not one bit." She said raising her eyebrow.

I laughed as she took her hand off her hip.

"Now this is the kitchen." There were lots of wooden cabinets and a huge pantry bigger than, what seemed to feel like, my bed room back home. The counter tops were a tan and gray marble tying everything together. She had a rooster clock that sat above the sink, and red and white checkered hand towels.

"If you go through this opening connected to the kitchen, you'll find the dining room," Which of course had a full set table with fancy decorations and huge China cabinets.

"And through this opening-" She started before I cut her off. 

"Aunt Dana im telling you right now, I'm going to get lost" I said still shaken up over this.

She chuckled. However I was serious.

"I'll get Raymond to give you a cowbell you can wear around your neck so I'll be able to find you if you get lost."

I looked at her with wide eyes "Wait really?"

"Oh seven, don't be silly" She continued to guide me through the hallway which led back to the stair case. "Up here is where the guest bedrooms are. I picked out the perfect one for you. This was my dream bedroom as a teenage girl."

She led me up the stair case that opened into the second living room that was accompanied by white couches and red pillows tying in with the log cabin style walls. This house is definitely worth more than me.

She led me to a wooden door and when she opened it, it revealed a very large, master size bedroom, with a big open balcony, and wall to wall wooden floors. There was a ton of pink though. I guess she still sees me as a little girl? The pillows and throw blankets were white and baby pink. However it was nicer than any room I was ever given, so I was not complaining.

"Looking at your clothing choices however, I'm starting to think maybe this isn't your style." She suggested. I gave a sarcastic smile.

"Oh, no it's so beautiful. My style is just less, pink? But I love it." I smiled.

"We'll go shopping soon and get you necessities and some winter clothes. It gets cold up here in the winter. Also, I've got you registered for school and you'll start on monday."

My chest tensed up a bit. It was Saturday currently.

"Trust me Seven you will love it!" She exclaimed. I smiled and nodded my head. I hope I would, then again I hardly loved anything anymore.

"Now I'm going to leave you to settle in, right through that door is your closet and bathroom, there's a dresser for your belongings and I plugged in an extra TV for you. Dinner will be at six. If you get lost just holler!" She winked walking out closing the door behind her.

I took a breath and sat on the bed which was so comfortable. This is really my life. I thought still in disbelief.

A knock on the door sounded and Raymond was there with my bags. He was tall, tan, and had shoulder length curly black hair. His eyes were a green and brown hazel color that made his skin pop. His build was also extremely broad however he looked to be only six feet. 

"Hey." I smiled as he set everything down.

"Hey Seven. Is it okay if I leave your bags here?" He asked politely. 

"Yeah that's great thanks." 

He nodded his head dropping everything off then closed the door behind him on his way out.

As soon as he left I started unloading my clothes into the big wooden dresser and brought my toiletries into the bathroom. The bathroom had a huge two person shower, with a jacuzzi tub and a big vanity with a marble counter top sink. It was so breathtaking like everything else in this home.

I've never had anything this nice, or even stayed at a hotel this nice. My dad was always extremely cheap, which caused a lot of issues between him and my mom, but what didn't cause issues between them?

I opened the glass doors to the balcony revealing a stone ledge with iron bars supporting it. Below the balcony was a big backyard that sat on a couple acres of land with lots and lots of trees, I could barely see the other houses beside us. The sky was still gray, something I wasn't used to back in texas. But it was calm.

Around 5:40-ish I grabbed a change of clothes. I put on some cheetah print yoga pants and a black AC-DC T-shirt. I then headed downstairs for dinner  trying to navigate my way through relying solely on my memory. I felt like I'd need to leave a trail of crumbs like hansel and gretle to find my way back.

I reached the dining room where aunt Dana was sitting with her reading glasses on scrolling on her I-pad.

"Hey aunt dana." I smiled pulling a chair out.

She looked up at me warmly "Hi hunny, I hope you're hungry we've got steak and asparagus. My favorites."

We sat together and ate which is something I haven't done with anyone in a long time, except Bri. Who I miss a ton and it's only been a day. At least she was only a phone call away.