The black car exited off the freeway and entered into an area of mansions that appeared to have been built during an older era with their white framing, iron gates that kept those who did not belong out and large green trees. Her eyes opened wide and her thoughts fluttered. When was the last time she had borne witness to such luxury that made her stomach clench and ached with sickness? 

     Her mind drifted back and she found the answer hidden within the flames of hatred. The three-story mansion was burning and the beauty it held melted before her eyes. And there at the end of the hot hallway, stood an ugly demon that still haunted her dreams. She closed her eyes, not wanting to remember anymore from that time.

     The car paused and the sound of the iron gates creaking open echoed in the silence. It continued to push its way up the curved cobblestone driveway and pulled up to a large white house surrounded by Ferns. Finally, it ceased. The Driver stepped out and opened her door, slightly bowing. She glanced at Ares who nodded his head, gripping the door handle.

     “We’re here.” He swiftly said, opening the door.

     She stepped out of the car and peered around her surroundings. It wasn’t as cold as it was in the city. The air was moist from the other trees and plants that were decorated in front and it made her think that she was in the jungle again.

     “Enjoy your stay, Miss. If you ever need a driver, please just call.” The Driver startled her.

     She nodded her head, easing her way over to Ares who stood on the small outside staircase. Once she was done, taking in all the details over the yard she turned to Ares and followed him to the front door. Instantly, the double doors were opened for the two and for a second she thought the door was automatic until she stepped into the warm glowing foyer. A large white chandelier hung from the high ceiling in the middle of the foyer. She skipped forward, to peer over the large open doorway to get a better look at the rest of the house.

     On her left, was an even bigger opening where yellow furniture printed with flowers were with a glass coffee table in the middle. Bookcases, vases, and antique clocks decorated the pink wallpaper and secretly she was grateful that the wallpaper wasn’t yellow*. Her eyes continued down the left wall, noting that it held fewer doors than on the right side which had an adjacent room but its doors were closed.

     The white staircase that led up had a balcony hanging so that those who resided could instantly see who was visiting. The doors closed behind them and she jumped, spinning around to see two butlers walking over to them. The first one, who was tall and had short brown hair took Ares’s coat off him and hung it on the coat rack. The second one was shorter examined her with cat-like eyes wondering who she was and why was she hear. She was dirty and stunk like garbage.

     “You’ll be staying here from now on.” Ares stated, “I’ve hired a maid that can speak sign to help with the language barrier who will be assisting you along the way. She’ll be arriving later tonight but for now please, follow Martiez and Ann.” He held his hand out to the two maids clothes with blue and white long dresses who stood by the staircase.

     She did a double take, knowing that she didn’t see them beforehand…or…did she? But they blended into the background. Either way, they were now there.

     “They’ll be taking care of you.” He continued before an elderly womans’ voice cried out from the closed double doors,

     “Ares! Is that you, son?” she cried.

He waved at her to go and she dawdled over to the two maids.

     “Yes Mother, it is.” He replied, heading over to the double doors and opening one. She watched his body disappear behind the doors and wished, he could’ve stayed with her a little longer. Now she was alone but not so much.