I woke up scratching my head and felt a bit of a headache. Blankets were creased. Pillows were scattered around the Living room. Louisa while still asleep with her mouth opened. I let out a chuckle, staring at her position. We got home around midnight as we decided to head to my apartment and had a sleep overnight. She then took two bottles of alcohol while saying different things that I couldn’t relate to. I was laughing when she got tipsy and dancing. Her naughty side got exposed last night. I didn’t join in with her drunkenness instead, I waited for her until she fell asleep so I could assist her when she needed something. I wouldn’t be able to put a blanket on her if we were both passed out.
“Good morning,” She managed to talk while her eyes were closed.
“Get up.” I was preparing our coffee in the kitchen so she could ease her hangover when she woke up.
“ What time is it? She asked in surprise.
“7:20 to be exact. Why?”
“Uh! I have my meeting with my client today. I need to go.” She was panicking as she hurriedly got up. I was just staring at her.
“Coffee?”
“No thanks, I will be late. See you around.” She waved her hand as she hurriedly walked outside. I wrinkled my nose and put down on the table the cup of coffee I prepared for her.
After Louisa had left, I was left alone again. I can feel the darkness around me when I'm not with her. If only we could be here on the same roof, maybe not a single second would pass by without me smiling. Last night, I was just staring at her. She is still really beautiful. But I couldn’t understand why as long as I watched her, I was hurting. The way she smiles was priceless. But even so, it is unlikely that anyone else will buy those smiles. The time will also come when she will smile and laugh at others and no longer at me. Actually, it's hard to imagine how far my limits are. Even if I want to protect her more, that's not possible.
I remember her reaction when I said I didn't want her to be my friend anymore because I felt more than that. Louisa's eyes didn't lie, it was clear to me what I really was to her. I smiled bitterly. Who am I to make her want me, right? What sensible woman would shoot such a messy life for me? I am just being unfair to her. I will be a hindrance to her plans. Maybe the stealthy look is better than the fact that I may no longer see her.
I finished my coffee and prepared myself for driving back to the mansion. I was planning to get the things I left there because I wouldn't be able to carry them since I moved out. I was sure my mom wasn’t there or else she was going out of town for the business. I guess Xymon wasn’t there too at this moment so I took the opportunity to come back. I drove for hours due to the heavy traffic before I got into the mansion. The gate was wide open as I drove my car inside the huge area. The maids were scattered around as well as the gardener. They were all busy in their businesses but when they saw my car. They lined up instantly and put their cleaning tools down on the ground.
“Good Morning Sir Wilton.” They bowed together as I got out of the car. I take off my eyeglasses and hang them on my sleeve.
“Buenos días.” I greeted them back and walked across the hall area.
I couldn’t imagine how I hadn’t been here. There are a lot of changes that made me feel not at home. I also noticed that the large picture frame of my dad was no longer there and replaced it with a painting. It was probably more expensive than my father’s frame. I wondered where they placed it. To my curiosity, I was about to call one of my closest servants.
“Mrs. Dunkin?” I called her out loud, enough to call her attention. I didn't know where she was but Mrs. Dunkin was the head servant of the mansion since when Xymon and I were a toddler. I always call her when I need something and she instantly fulfills it since she knew what I like or not, unlike my mom. She witnessed everything inside the mansion.
“Mrs. Dunkin? I’m here.” I called once more but she didn’t show up.
“Lo Siento, Sir Wilton. What can I do for you?” The maid bowed to me, looking panicked.
“I called for Mrs. Dunkin, where is she?”
“Well, Sir, I’m sorry to tell but Mrs. Dunkin was no longer here, Sir. Madame Wilton hired some new maids and paid them an advance salary.” She politely uttered.
“Why did my mom do that?” I seriously asked her with my arm crossed. I want to know the reason for all changes here. They didn’t ask for my approval.
“Honestly Sir, I don’t want to meddle. I’m sorry.” She stooped.
“Did my mom pay you as well for not telling you what you know? Another thing, Where was my dad’s large picture frame placed? I sounded disappointed, roaming my vision around inside.
“No, Sir.” She shook her head. “Uh, Mrs. Wilton asked Leo to put it in the warehouse. ”
I gasped and scratched my nose. “ Could you bring it here and put it back?”
“But Sir, Mrs. Wil—” She was about to continue her words but I abruptly interrupted it. They should follow my order because I have the right to do so. I may not be here for a year but I still have the right to manage the mansion. I'm still a son of Wilton.
“I said put it back. Clear?” She just nodded and walked bowing.
I went upstairs, heading now to my room. I slowly turned the door lock and opened it. I immediately smelled the inside and my belongings. I miss it so much.
I lay down on my soft bed as the excitement filled inside me as I was longing for this room for a long time. I placed my head resting behind my hands. I felt relaxed even for a moment.
When I got up, I took a suitcase. I didn't think I could get all my stuff here so I decided to get some more important things first. It's just like the things dad gave me. I sat on the floor watching the toy mic recording I was holding. It was the best gift I had from my dad when Xymon and I turned 7 years old while Xymon received a big robot from Mom. When I sing with it, It records my voice. There, I found the button for the recording clip. I pressed it and Dad's voice played.
“Happy birthday Son, Daddy will always be with you.” His voice sounded joyful. After his message, tears formed in the corner of my eyes as he sang our favorite song. I sang too while it was playing. I could feel my dad was here with me.
When it was over I sighed and looked like a woman wiping away tears. It's been a long time but the pain is still alive.