Settling down with chaos.

Where are we?

Arriving at our destination I step out in front of a mansion. I look at my mom in confusion. We were supposed to be going to Huntington Beach and we are obviously not at the beach. I look around and we are surrounded by woods and mountains. I look back at her. “Get your bags.” I do so following her up the steps and through the front doors. I can’t believe my eyes when I entered inside. The front foyer is a wide open area with a double staircase coming down on either side. The sound of our foot steps echoed as we walked across the Marble floors. I look up and a large crystal chandelier shimmering above my head. Glancing to the back wall I notice a painting. I go closer to study it a bit more. It was an oil painting and the variations of color is what caught my attention. My eyes go wide with my sudden realization. “THIS IS A CLAUDE MONET! Where are we?” Turning around in amazement I bump into someone. I look up to meet an older man in his forties. His facial hair and his beard were dark brown and his kind eyes were the prettiest shade of green. He smiles warmly at me and shakes my hand. “Hello Madeline! It’s so good to see you again!” I stare at him with a cautious look. “We’ve met before?” I ask. Taking in his appearance he does seem a bit familiar but I can’t put my finger on it. “Oh goodness me. You probably don’t remember. The last time I saw you was about 12 years ago. My name is Randall King. But you can call me Uncle Randy.” He says.

Uncle Randy? That really sounds familiar.

My mother cleared her throat causing us stop out conversation.

“We’ll talk more after we settle in our rooms.” She gave Randy an unpleasant look. I just shrug and follow her up the stairs and to the right. She pointed to the end of the hallway at a door and said “That is your room. My room is in the left wing on the bottom floor. Call me if you need me.” She left without another word. I walked to the door and placed my bags on the floor. I slowly opened the door and peeked my head inside. The room was dark so I switched on the lights. The room was huge! In the middle of the room was a king size bed with a black silk bedspread. The walls were a light grey with white trim. I colors were a great choice because it could easily have any accent color thrown into the mix and you could change it with the seasons if you wanted. To the right was a walk in closet and across the room to the left was a massive bathroom with a shower, jacuzzi tub, double sinks, and a makeup vanity. But the thing that caught my attention was the blackout curtains. I move them to find double doors leading to a balcony that had the most amazing view of the forest and mountains! I took in a deep breath of the fresh air around me. I could hear my wolf howl with delight. “We are most definitely not at the beach.” I say out loud.