Nothing Has Changed
950 Words
Let's start the reading of the will, shall we?" Randon looked around the room to make sure everyone agreed before continuing.
"Usually, this isn't done until after the services but it has been requested by the family so I will respect you're wishes, though I advice against it."
He looked toward my mother and father.
"Why?" I piped up breaking the silence.
Randon looked toward me, "Wait, what?" you wishing surprised.
"Why would advises being against doing this now verses waiting?" I clarified.
"Well for one it isn't customary. And it isn't customary because reading the will beforehand can cause hostility and arguments, ruining the services and disrespecting the deceased." He explained.
"I will not disrespect Nana, I believe we should wait. After all, I'm not going anywhere and two days won't hurt us." I looked to my father, my brother, and then my eyes landed on my mother
My mother looked around the room nervously. She knew disagreeing with me would make her seem greedy. I knew she was eager to have the family fortune in her name. I knew why she wanted to rush things and it brouget me joy to make her wait.
She looked at me scowling, "Very well, we will wait until the day after the burial Randon. But Katya, you best not run off or I will have your drug back here kicking and screaming." She growled at me.
I stood from my seated position, "I think I will get settled in Nana's cottage for my stay here. And mother. I am not the scared little girl who left here, you will not speak to me that way." I forced a smile and then turned from the room and walked away followed by Rosa and Ross.
"Katya dear, please stay here in you're old room. Those woods are dangerous." Rosa pleaded as she ran after me.
I walked out the door of the mansion and took a deep breath.
"I grew up in those woods Rosa. Walked them every day of my life. I will be fine. Please don't worry."
I climbed into my car and turned to Rosa and Ross handing Ross a small piece of paper.
Ross took the paper from me before tossing my luggage back into the backseat of my car.
"This is my private line. If you need me don't hesitate. I'll see you tomorrow at the services." I smiled at them before closing my door and pulling g out of the driveway.
I drove across the estate until I reach the edge of Mystic Hills.
I climbed out of my car and grabbed my bags and my suitcase. After situating my belongings so I was able to roll them behind me, I locked my car and started up the dirt path to my grandmother's cottage.
Most of the residents in Grim Hollow were terrified of entering Mystic Hills. Some went their entire lives straying far from the tree line. Patents warned their children to stay away and told them scary stories to keep them away.
Yet here I was, feeling comfortable and at peace within the woods. Surrounded by large hundred-year-old oak trees. The brush and the bushes. The wildflowers and the vines clung to the large boulders and ran across them like veins, giving them life. Birds chirped and flew from branch to branch. Squirrels chattered running up and down the trees. This place was so full of life and I found everything about it beautiful, just as my Nana had.
Wiping the sweat from my brow I was relieved when the cottage came into view. It was just as beautiful as I remembered it.
Settled in an opening in the forest the small cottage was surrounded by wild flowers and rose bushes that had been planted by myself and Nana. Nana had two that held white roses. One on each side of her door. Planted the day my brother and I were born. She called them our soul roses. She said as long as the roses lived my brother and I would be protected.
I admired the tiled roof covered in vines that ran along the gutter with small white flowers blooming from them. A small pond sat to the side with four Koi fish swimming about inside it. A waterfall built from rocks by my Nana filtered the water in and put of it.
I walked up the stone pathway and took out my key and unlocked the oak door. Pulling my luggage inside I took in my surroundings. I closed the door behind me and sat my luggage in the bedroom that .had once been mine. Remnants of my childhood still littered the room. Nothing had been changed.
My white vanity with my little bench still sat against the wall. My silver brush and matching mirror sat atop it with various items of makeup I had left behind. I pulled the shutter doors apart revealing the closet that was drill full of my clothes and shoes. Handmade blankets made by Nana and I were still neatly folded on the top shelf.
I walked to the bed that was covered in my favorite quilt. Swirls that laced through each other resembling a figure eight. The sign of infinity. The quilt I had made myself symbolizing my love for Randon.
I ran my finger along the stitches of the quilt. Colors of purple and blue swirled around. Mine and Randon's favorite colors. I laid my head down on my pillow and kicked off my shoes. I watched as the sun dimmed in the sky and day turned to night before my eyes drifted close and exhaustion grabbed hold of me pulling me into a deep sleep.
- Writer
