After dressing up, I went out towards the kitchen table where Marie, neatly dressed, was sitting all the while. “Good morning Russ, I just thought it would be nice for me to see this place early this morning. Can you show me around for a while? I mean, if you don’t mind to spare some time” she asked. I looked at my dad fixing something in the kitchen, who then looked back and seemed to tell me to go. So I did as Marie requested. Putting my leather hat on, the two of us went out for a walk.

I lead her to the back lawn of the mansion, walking beneath several trees that bend over a rocky pathway.  A cold morning breeze was blowing; enough to keep Marie hug her self in her plain baby pink dress and white shawl.  To crack up a conversation, I thought for a while, smiled, and said “I guess you find it much more comfortable to talk to me with all my clothes on”. She laughed, blushing, surprised of my statement. “I’m really sorry I came to your house in such an untimely manner. It was just that I’m so excited to experience this place, the place my father called home” she answered in apology.

Ignoring the sound of a car engine, I was sinking back into my surreal world when I heard my father calling. His old, husky voice echoed through the corridors. It sounded urgent so I dragged myself off the bed, had a quick wash at the bathroom, and went to the porch where my dad was.

“Wake-up son, they’re here”, my dad said. I asked who. “The Heathers, they’re here! You didn’t forget, did you?”

With my sleepy head, I tried to recall what he told me the other night about the family who used to live at the mansion. I was staring point blank at the distance with the leaves falling on the cool morning wind. The sun was almost up and the grass started to dry.

I gazed towards the driveway, when I saw this beautiful girl getting off a shiny black car. My eyes were adjusting to the ambient daylight when time seemed to stand still. As I looked again, there was something in her eyes that I saw. It spoke through my soul. I saw sadness. I saw innocence. I saw a longing heart.

“Welcome back Elaine. You’ve never changed a bit” my dad said excitedly as he approached the Madame for a hug. “So did you Roberto” replied Madame Elaine, warmly hugging my father. “I miss this house. Oh, those youthful years. It still has and will always have its glory as long as you’re the one keeping it for the family.” “It is my honor Madame. So this is Marie! My, you’ve grown so fast. Please do come inside to rest. I’m sure the trip was tiring” my father eagerly said as he and Madame Elaine entered the mansion, their conversation turning into indistinct mumbles.

“Hey son, pick-up the baggage and show Marie her room!” my dad shouted from the inside. “Oh, yes dad. Uhhm, this way ma’am”, I said, dumbfounded.

I began picking up Marie’s luggage when I saw an amazed look in her face. “This house is really beautiful” Marie said in astonishment. She was looking at the high ceiling, enjoying the intricate details of the mansion’s architecture. She took off her sandals to feel the cold marble in her feet. She stared interestingly at the portraits hanging at the wall. She took off her gloves as she ran her fingers through the teak staircase banister. Her face was gleaming with delight and awe.

I was walking ahead and got to her room’s door. I struggled to get the keys from my back pocket. “This will be your room ma’am. The wash room and the bathroom are just at the right of this door. If ever the pipes need some repair, I’ll be at the cottage with my father right below the slope, left of the front porch” I explained as the door creaked when I opened it. “Thank you. This room is just perfect. Oh, by the way, please don’t call me ma’am. I’m not that old you know. Please call me Marie. How about you?” she asked delightfully. “I’m Russel. But please call me Russ” I replied. “Okay, thanks Russ. It’s really nice to know you. Hope you could show me around some time” said Marie. “My pleasure ma’am.. I mean Marie. See you around” I replied.

The day went on with the regular chores. The lawn was trimmed, the garden was pruned, and several fixes here and there were done. The sun rose high and the sun sank down in to the horizon, painting the clouds grey and the sky crimson. Another day was again coming to an end in the old mansion. The cool summer wind was starting to blow and the trees were beginning to sway with the breeze.

The evening came and the stars went out to scattered in the pitch black sky. I was in my small, lamp-lit room in our wooden cottage, fixing my bed for sleep. Tired of an afternoon’s work around the house, I was getting ready to rest when I saw her again. Across the green in her dim-lit room window, her silhouette danced inaudibly in a seemingly romantic music. Her shadow swayed with grace. I smiled, thinking of how beautiful it is to see her dance for real. I realized how her beauty has captivated me. She was warm and friendly, her shoulders sun-kissed by the summer sun in her pretty dress. But then again, I mind reminded me of the reality. She’s rich, I’m poor. We are living in different worlds. I laughed at my self wanting to be hers. So I decided to doze off to sleep.