Walking to my room on the third floor, which was carpeted, and had large windows at either end of the hall. Paintings of landscapes in gold frames, with black accent items, hung on the wall, and there were two small chandeliers at each end of the hall.
Along the way, I was greeted by the main maid, also known as the head gossiper because, at any point in time, she will tell my father everything. Which I thought was ridiculous when I figured out that she was relaying information about both Eli and me, about a range of things.
From school to social life. Dating life to plotting against him. Which we've been careful about. But there was one time that I caught her rifling through my stuff, either to find something that could be used against me, in either the Mafia or business case.
Mary bowed slightly before walking into my room, starting a bath, adding lavender-scented soap. Which made the bathroom aromatic, as I waited for the water to warm up. She walked around in the bedroom, laying out my dress with a pair of matching shoes, and informed me that my hairdresser would be here within the hour.
I was careful to only grunt in response, saying little around her, since she has a close relationship with my father, despite being my caretaker for the last couple of years. My hairdresser, on the other hand, was one of the few that I could rely on. Thankfully.
The Royals were a family friend that went to college with my mother and became a friend of my father's because he needed to be around people that knew her, as he mourned for his deceased wife.
They knew about me before my mother died after giving birth to me, and were supportive throughout my younger years as well. We try to have dinner with them at least five times a year, in honor of my mother, and for the sake of my father.
It also meant Matt will be coming home because the Royals were an inspiration of his career because they also work in the filming industry. I'm excited to see him and tell him the great news, that my introduction was close.
Finishing up with my bath, I wrapped my body in a soft robe, hung on the shower stall, then stepped out, and was immediately greeted by my hairdresser, Ronda. She always greeted me in a formal way since she had to keep a somewhat businesslike relationship, but we've dropped the act. And an unbreakable bond formed between the two of us.
"It's about time, Alex let's you dress up." I giggle at her statement and sit down at the huge vanity in the bedroom, waiting to see how my hair is styled tonight. Pleased that she looked excited since the times of her coming to doll me up had been on and off.
Over time, I observed that Alex fancies Ronda, but as a close friend that he could keep to his side since he couldn't bring himself to remarry. But she wouldn't be a mistress either. However, she has the sense to want nothing of him and prefers to stay by my side.
We sat there catching up on the other's recent days, and I decided to bring up the shocking subject, "I'm being wedded off to somebody in four years. Did you know that?" I watched her in the mirror, as she took in a deep breath. She paused holding the straightener in her hands, and then nodded her head, continuing with her work. "How long did you know? Do you know who it is?" I questioned as I watched her pull back and braid a strand of my long brown hair.
"I've known a while. Alex told me not to utter a word, although I can see he finally had the guts to tell you. Sadly, I don't know who the man is, I just know he's a couple of years older than you." She gave me a pointed look, that said 'don't bring this up to me again.'
Even though Ronda didn't like Alex, they still talked about me. But unlike Mary, I could trust Ronda and what she tells my father because she can tell a good story that can cover up anything. She finished the hairdo and helped me put on the drape satin dress that was dark blue.
Working on putting the shoes on, Eli waltzed in and gave a whistle as he saw me all dolled up, and I rolled my eyes in response. Ronda, eyed the outfit, making sure the hairdo was perfect, before giving me a thumbs up, then pointing at the door, telling me that she was going to get going.
"I can't believe that you are only fourteen, well actually, closer to fifteen, but you look more mature! Are you ready?" He spoke in an excited tone while helping me stand, which was not needed but was appreciated anyway. Since I knew he meant well.
"Quit making me feel old, let's go," I uttered, stepping out of the room with Eli by my side, and we made our way to the dining room, greeting the Royals. Who brightened in my presence, each of them expressing their joy in their greetings.
Mr. Royal gave me a big bear hug and patted me on the back, there was no doubt that he's heard that I'm graduating early, and I could tell he was a proud uncle. Mrs. Royal greeted me by telling me how beautiful I looked tonight and kissed both my cheeks, full of warmth.
Their son, Jace Royal, also attended. He was a teenager my age, who also attended my private school and is my best friend. Jace is still in his freshman year, while I'm graduating, and he's been by my side since we were about three, so there was no doubt a close bond.
He walked up and gave me a hug, then began to drag me away from the dining hall. I followed him without any hesitation, even though I gave him a questioning look since there could be a lot of things that he surprises me with.
We made it to the living room when Matt walked up from behind and picked me up like a baby, which I was the baby child. Holding in my panic, I relaxed, hearing his deep mellow voice.
"You know how much I missed you these past three months?" He asked while dropping me onto the couch, somehow messing up my outfit. I glared at him for a couple of seconds before taking another couple of seconds to straighten out my hair and dress before looking at him completely.
"I missed you too," I returned then fired another question. "Did you know that father was going to marry me off?" I asked already knowing his answer while glancing at Jace, who stopped playing on his phone to give me an uneasy glance.
"He has not. How is school going?" He asked instantly changing the subject, turning to Jace. I was thankful for the subject change and satisfied that I got it off my chest, as it's been bothering me for the past couple of hours.
"She is close to graduating! It's crazy, I'm still a freshman! How's directing coming?" Jace chatted with Matt without any problem, probably because they are close because of his parents. However, Jace is still intimidated by Josh and Eli due to them being very protective of me.
As we know, Matt is twenty-one and is the head director of one of the top shows, which has recently hit the top-10 charts.
"Could be better, there are ups and downs, which I plan on talking about to Mr. Royal tonight. I'm sure my father has something planned for this dinner, he always does." The two of them shared a look, agreeing with the last statement. "Come on, before he starts sending his bodyguards to drag us back," Matt ordered us lightly, glancing at the both of us, as we knew it was true. I trudged behind them until we arrived at the dining room, where we then took our respective seats.
Dinner was about two hours long and consisted of a great amount of business talk between Alex and Mr. Royal that I so badly wanted to leave since I couldn't input a single word without getting scolded, but I stayed since Jace was here.
Sometimes there was silence with few comments, but they were about Mother's years on this earth which I was grateful for. I've always loved to hear about her since I never got the chance to have a conversation with her. I knew she was well matched for Alex -somehow- because she was a beauty inside and out.
After the dinner, we all went to the game room/meeting room for the adults and just had fun. Eli and Jace played a pool game, Matt spoke to Mr. Royal about his business in the film business, and I was happily left alone. But I got excited when Josh came around, and forced me into an air hockey match, leaving defeated not long after.
Thankfully during that time, I managed to book a ticket to Manchester, UK anonymously. When Josh realized what I was doing, he immediately took my phone acting like he was scrolling through social media, helping me book the tickets.
Father watched me like a hawk the whole time except when he left to go talk more business, privately to the Royals, giving us a chance to book the ticket. And I was grateful that Josh played along.
I don't know what I plan on doing when I get there, but I know that this mission is important, if Father is sending ambassadors instead of his lieutenant, Rocket, this must be a big deal.
Rocket is his lieutenant and a stern one, but still hands over information about the Mafia to George for me, because he thinks of me as the next inheritor, because my brothers can't even stomach the thought of blood, much less killing someone.
When the dinner party dissipated, I left and rushed to go pack a bag for the next couple of days. My classes were doing nothing other than preparing for graduation and I'm already done. So I'm leaving the city of Birmingham for another part of the continent and was planning to enjoy this new place.
I changed into a plain black hoodie and blue jeans. Packed; a day outfit, dark clothing, and camouflage, weapons, such as knives and a couple of handguns, a mic to listen to the conversation, and most of all, extra money.
Picking up my bag I pulled my hair into a high ponytail and left through the secret passageway, walking to the subway. Making it there, just in time to get on my train, slightly breathless, since I ran the last mile.
***