Upon reaching the Heben house, the big white mansion stood tall in front of me. Two young girls ran out of the house.
"Daddy!" they squealed, hugging Uncle Shawn tightly before their eyes drifted to me.
"Poor girl," I heard someone say. I looked up to see a beautiful woman,Auntie Denise, Uncle Shawn's wife standing in front of me.
"Come in, my dear," she said warmly. She led me into the house and ordered someone to bring in my luggage.
"Welcome home, Christabel," I heard Uncle Shawn say behind me.
"Aurelle, dear, please show Christabel to her room so she can settle in."
"Okay, Dad!"
I felt someone tug at my hand—it was Aurelle.
"Hi, Christabel!" she grinned, her white teeth on full display. She was clearly happy to see me.
I let her drag me through the hallway. From the corner of my eye, I noticed someone. There, standing in the corner of the room, was one of the most handsome creatures I had ever seen. He just stood there, staring at me. I stared back, unable to take my eyes off him. My heart beat faster than its usual pace.
"This is your room," Aurelle announced the moment we arrived.
It was painted light blue with white furniture everywhere. Such a beautiful sight.
"Wow," I breathed, jaw dropping.
"I know, right? I told Mom you'd like it. She was worried you wouldn't."
She dragged me further inside and took a seat on a chair.
Auntie Denise had really put so much thought into the room. I couldn't help but feel grateful.
"Alright, girl, take your time and feel at home. I'm off," Aurelle said as she slipped out.
I sat on the bed and looked around, trying to take in everything.
Knock knock.
"Come in, please," I said.
The door opened, revealing the handsome boy from earlier.
"Hi," he said as he walked into the room, scratching the back of his head. "We didn't meet when you arrived, so I came to say hello."
Gosh, how can someone be this handsome? I thought as I stared at him.
"Oh! Thank you," he said suddenly.
"What… what are you thanking me for?" I asked, and then it clicked.
"Oh no! I said that out loud?"
I covered my face in embarrassment. How could I have said that? It was supposed to stay in my mind!
"You don't have to be embarrassed," he said with a smile. And I swear, that smile could make anyone forget their sorrows.
"My name is Theodore. My sisters call me Theo, so you can call me that too." His gaze held mine.
"I'm Christabel," I said, nervously scratching my palm.
"Alright, Christabel… I'll call you Bell. See you soon, Bell."
He winked and walked out of the room.
I relaxed onto the bed.
"Oh my… this bed is so soft," I murmured, squirming into the sheets.