A lot has happened for two weeks. Here i am in a plane. A new home they said. But my grief is beyond measure. I am just processing everything. And I am moving to a different city. And yet it feels like a new world. Settings are different. I promised to be happy and live. And that is all I'm holding to. My thoughts are wandering back home.
I can do this. I just need to be little braver than yesterday. My gramps said just to be a tad braver than yesterday.
I miss you so much gramps.
How do i say im not okay and pretend to be ok. What is being ok. How will i even do this life? Be a good person. Easier said than done. Its like a series of unfortunate events. I've tried so hard to so something. But I can't seem to do anything.
I am staying strong for what is to come but inside. I am weak and could break any moment.
I glimpse at the window. Its getting closer to land. land is all I could see. I could no longer see the seas. They seem so distant.
Standing at the airport. Looking for someone. I looked around. Who am I supposed to look for?
My name it was spelt wrong. Ariana Roberts. Hmm.. it feels like Ariana Grande. Mariana Roberts that's what it should have been.
Hi! This is me Mariana. I approached a middle aged stern looking man on black suit Alfred he introduced.
This way Ms. Roberts. He said
He got my suitcase and asked if I would like my backpack in. I shook my head " its okay.
The drive took us an hour or so. And we entered a iron gate. It opened abruptly. Maybe it was automated or something. From where I'm from you have to get out open the gate yourself.
An array of trees greeted us. It look so manicured. And at the end looked like a mansion.
Judging from the entry, this is going to be a long walk. Maybe they have a bike lying around somewhere that I could borrow.
The black sedan arrived . I was amazed by how it actually look so grand and wide when you see it up front. Cream colored on the outside Mediterranean feels. On stucco walls.
Ms. Roberts, your godfather will see at dining hall at 7pm. The master has not arrived yet. You will also meet his nephews when they arrive. He spoke.
It was not as stuffy as I imagined inside. The foyer has a skylight. It doesn't look like an entrance but more of a lobby with a little garden. This place is tremendous. A slender lady smiled and directed me to hallway with a grand staircase to my room she said to the stern man bringing my suitcase up. My place as in a attic loft. The room well it doesn't look like one. I can't really call it an attic. Maybe loft perhaps but its the only room in the last floor.
I was astounded. Its has a living area , bed and a study area. It already has a computer with 2 monitors. Who has that? I also have my own bathroom.
I tried not to look like I haven't seen anything like this but I truly have not. A lot of things are going through my mind. Is my godfather a mafia of some kind? Why is he my guardian as stated by that man.
But I am so cooped. I had just came from a 18 hrs flight. I need sleep. But I also feel like I can't sleep. This past 3 weeks was rough. And now, I'm here like some refugee of some kind. But I can't have those. I am just grateful for all these. Lets do the best we can. I put on my alarm. And went to bed.
Rrrrrrrnnnnngg… my alarm went off. I felt all the time difference upon waking up. I wanted to shut the phone and just go to sleep.
My room was all that is in the floor of the mansion but it is just a small part. Probably will be able to check out this place as I try to settle here.
How do I even begin? They said get a fresh start. Like how even?
One day at a time rian one day at a time. That is what I should do for now. Now to get the dining hall. This feels like a maze to me. Back to where I'm from you can just see everything. It was a small but I was at most happy.
A lot of questions in my head. And that's all I have. Bunch of questions that has no answers. The way this has turned I will find answers no matter what.
"This way Ms." A kind lady spoke. She was wearing a tunic with a string belt.
" Thank you, Should I wait? Or …. My voice faltered.
The young masters are ready. Mr. Robertson will follow shortly. She acclaimed.
Young masters? What is this place? Why are there masters? My head is hurting.
Gramps as much as I love you. This not so easy. But I promised and I will do the best I can to keep it.
The dining was airy glass sliding doors leading to pool. Is this a lap pool?
"Hi !" A deep set of voice spoke. I'm Carl he said.
I'm Nate. Said another.
Me I'm Thomas.
And I'm Liv.
I'm Rian I replied. Standing and looking around to where I could sit.
"You can sit anywhere you like." The guy with sleek auburn hair stated. (Nate}
"Hey! Island girl" someone called (Tom)
Nerves are getting to me and I just sat at the 3rd from the end.
Truth is I am from an island. And being here is like a fish out of water. I would never have imagined it is way of my league this world. I live ordinarily and never cared of the status quo.
Being here right now is the status quo and more its a life of the rich powerful influential world kind. Like the stuff my grandma loves watching. The kind of guy from super rich family CEO and falls in love with a clumsy ordinary but pretty feisty girl.
Would this be like that? Because I certainly feel the ordinary ness of me.
"Mariana ! My my you look just like your mother. I see your father's eyes though. But all in all you are almost a replica." My Godfather exclaimed.
"Sit ! Sit! Lets have dinner. Boys I'm counting on you to show her around. These are new to her. He said sternly looking at the guys."
"Yes uncle" They replied in unison.
"I have your room upstairs that there is less noise.
I heard your preparing for an entrance exam for Ivy league school for college?" Mr. Roberts said further.
"Im not sure yet. I hope I can."
"School is in two weeks, that would be enough to get some new wardrobe and some necessities for you."
" I guess so. I could go around town." I answered.
"You guys are you not going to show her around ?"
" Just work it out amongst yourselves. Lets start dinner"
It was like a feast. One food came after another. This is unusual to me. Grandma would just set the table and that's it. This is like living in world of fantasy. The food was incredible not fulfilling but good. I'm not sure if this is the kind of life I like. When I can I leave this place. That's the goal. I could just turn 18 and find a job and leave this place. Probably go back home and live simply.
" Hey! Island girl to earth" he exclaimed.
"Ah yeah?"
"Will take turns in showing you around. I will be first see around 10ish tomorrow. Please be at the lobby. I'm Carl. Try to be around that time. I will show you school and the likes."
Yeah I guess?
It still feels like I'm not yet here. Dinner was good. But I wish it was simpler. I feel like I'm just visiting here. It feels like I'm from nowhere. As much as all these are beautiful and grand. I wish it was less. But I have to. Mr. Robertson is the nearest relative I could live. Gramps left it in his will and everything was just fast. I can't say anything to complain I have been given more than I could ever expect for. But was there a hitch in all these? How did he know my mom and dad? So many questions yet I could just leave it for now and maybe hopefully get some answers somehow. I looked at them they were talking laughing and somehow feels so normal. This is normal. But I feel so not normal. They look normal but I'm not.
I just looked at them and listened. It was all right. But I'm feeling so tired again.
Rian? Mr. Robertson said
"Yeah?"
Do you have a phone? Laptop ? Tablet? He asked.
"Uhmm. Well, yeah…"
Alfred took my phone. It was an elder phone. Not the latest but it works. It was grandmas.
"Wow ! That's ancient. How do you dm anyone? Does it have apps?" Carl said.
"Ig acct even?"
"It feels like you live in a cave or somethin'" Liv replied.
"I think you need a new one Ri" Mr. Roberts said " is it ok that I called you Ri?
"Yeah sir." I replied.
"Sir? No not sir. Call me anything but not sir okay Ri. Maybe You can call me Uncle or just my name Matt." He looked at me gently.
" Oliver is good with tech stuff. Liv, get her the latest phone and maybe show her how it works. She is a fast learner." He instructed.
"Right on." Liv replied.
"Guys, not too overwhelming for her too ok. You still have few weeks. Show her around and make her feel at home. I'll be flying the day after tomorrow. We shall talk Rian when I get back and show you something important. For now, Im counting on you guys." He said sternly.
"Not too much though guys okay? She has been through a lot." He added.
"Ri, rest if you must. Say no if you are not feeling well okay? Its okay. This is a big change for you. I hope you can feel that this place is home for you too. Because I love your parents and your grandparents. They will always be family to me. I have important arrangements and papers to deal with so I will be out early. Gents assist her. And I have one rule though. Dinner is must for everyone, Even when I'm not here. This way we have conversations. Sometimes their mom and dad joins us but they have overseas businesses to attend so mostly its just us." He continued and dabbed the napkin to his lips and said. "I want to call it a day but I have stuff to do. I will go ahead. Gents be nice." Mr. Matt Robers got up and went to his study.
I looked at my plate and I'm still on my main course. Everyone is on their dessert.
"Hey, Island girl? There is internet though still in your place , right? " He asked.
"Yeah, I just didn't get a new one. my grandparents can't even see a number. That phone is old but it is important and works well." I replied.
"Reasonable and logical. That's good." Carl said.
"It isn't that I'm tech illiterate. I know how to use them. Its just there was no need for me to have them. And sometimes, those can be distracting. I just have what I need. In my previous school it was pretty old school. Like we actually use pen and paper." I explained.
I get it that it may seem that I live like far far away from civilization. But life out there was simpler. We research through the net. I have a laptop and printer. We rarely send messages because we just talk to each other or see each other. My grandparents hands were shaky and smartphones would make em miserable. I pondered. I wanted to explain to them talk about the circumstances but I just kept it. Maybe I like it simpler. Like would it be much better to just talk to the person than send dms? There are conveniences to it I guess.
Why am I even overthinking this? I'll deal with these smart stuff when I need to. For now, I just want to go around this house. Is this even a house? To me it seems like a smaller palace.
Get a grip Ri they already think you are from a cave or uncivilized part of the world. Maybe I should scare them in letting them think I maybe a cannibal.
I laughed. The hallways were dimlit. Maybe they have a library or something? Do they?
I would love to smell the nostalgic aroma of old books. It has its own personality too.
"Are you looking for something?" Someone asked.
I looked over my shoulder and saw Carl.
"Perhaps , you have a library? Like with books ?" I replied
"Well, Yes. But hardly anyone visits or go there. That's interesting that you want to see is a library. Maybe you're looking for dungeon next? He smirked.
I studied him for awhile. Nice eyes I thought. "Well, maybe ? I wouldn't mind too if there were."
"Maybe then you will be looking for a dragon." He smiled.
"Sure sounds dangerous" I retorted.
This way please and I will show you the library.
It was near end of the hallway and an oak door opened. It was a library alright. It was like a ball room a library. And there are study tables around. Like some kind of harry pottery ish library. Ceilings are high. Bookshelves arranged. It has a sections for easier access . There are cubicles you can cuddle a book and read.
"Wow." I gasped "now this is a dream. And nobody stays here?"
Not really. There is internet. Anything here you could just find in net.
"But these are actual physical books." I exclaimed. I easily went to my favorites classics, Agathe Christie. There is. And it has a whole lot of them from ms Marple to Hercule poirot. Ms Marple is my favorite.
Then Mr. Roberts came out to one of the doors inside.
Ah! A book worm eh? Your mom was one too. He said.
Can I stay here? Are there like rules? I asked.
Well definitely no eating. You can pretty much do anything. You can choose anywhere you want. The gents hardly stay here.
"I reckon I will stay here for a little while.
"Don't stay up too late. We meet at 10am."
"Yeah. Thanks"
I look around. So many books. The smell of books feels like home. I found a corner wine velvet club chair with an ottoman. And its so soft and comfortable. And started to read.
"Tea for your book ms?" Ellie the girl with red tunic dress offered.
"I thought that food isn't allowed."
"Tea and a little dessert won't hurt here though. Mr. Roberts love to take his dessert here.
I enjoyed the tea and mini cake. I went back to my room and found myself knocked out.
Rrrrrrng there goes my alarm. Arrghhh. 10am with Carl. Maybe I will do the unpacking after the tech trip with guy with blue eyes. I wanted to sleep in. But not even possible.
I was going down and there he is blue polo shirt on a Bermuda shorts and loafers.
Wow he looked like he came from a magazine.
"Ready?"
"Yeah, I guess."
"Liv will get you the phone and tablet ready when we get back. We are going shopping."
"Do I really need to? I heard you have uniforms. I will just wear those." I said.
"Well, do you have shoes? Or anything for social events? Don't worry there will be assistance.'
Alfred drove us to the mall. Shops are all the brands you could ever want. As soon as we enter the boutiques girls assisted me with smiles and chose the new trends. The shoes were loafers with some elevation. There were sandals to for occasions.
I was exhausted. We were going from one boutique to another. It was a lot. Carl prepared everything and said something from the movie devil wears prada.
Carl looked at me and said.
"You look like your ready to pass out. See that cafe. Lets take a break there. Alfred will take care of the bags."
Do you have cafe at your home? He asked.
"Yeah. But I'm more of at home than at cafe. I make coffee for my grandparents and grandma would take out the new pastries she would usually make."
We ate and talked about his summer from Italy. I hope I looked liked I paid attention. I lost grasp after he said one fine day somewhere in Florence. I was ready to hit the sack on this one. Is this even a school or just a social event?
Lets go.
Finally, next time I'm taking a bus or something.
"Ms, I will send these to your room and you can have dessert in the living area." Alfred announced.
"Hey , Island girl here is a smart phone and tablet. You can sync both.
"I have set it up for you. This is still your old number but had it upgraded tho."
Arrrgghhh.. technology what is this a tracking device? I just smiled said thank you. Why are there so many requirements in this school.
"How about the books?" I asked.
"Gurl, all has been downloaded in the tablet." Nate said. "I don't think you need a notebook ?"
you have notebooks Carl stated.
This school is so technology driven.
"Thanks. I guess." I looked at all these sat down to the couch and rest my head and slowly my eyes fell.
"Wake wake dinner is waiting"
I slowly opened my eyes and they were all looking at me.
That nap was good.
"So, we gathered you're not into shopping ?"
"Well,..uhmm."
"Guys, lets go to the the dining hall give her a break she's just been here less than 48 hrs. "
"How will she even stand school?"
Is this even a school? I wondered. I will just have to wait and see.
"Are all those that we bought really needed?"
"That's an understatement. I should say."
"Its a school for the different kind of students."
"Well, if its really such a bother. I could ask Mr. Roberts to transfer to a public school. I don't really need to go to your school too."
"Well, uncle will not have that too."
"Its just a little different than the usual high school. No need to think so much. The guys are just scaring you a little."
Dinner served was beyond words. But not as comforting as grams meatloaf.
School is just a week away and I am still trying to grasp the situation. I miss gramps and gran. I miss them so much. Their smiles, their laugh. But I promised to be happy. But happiness seems like a mile away too.
This new life gives me a breather but there are no reminiscing the old places. I have to be here. Gramps asked me to.
This world is different. Unfamiliar. And yet.