Crystal stared at the lady that stood before her car. She looked familiar. So familiar yet she could not make out where she had met her.
“Honk at her again.” She ordered the driver and he did.
Ellie looked up and smile softly despite the heavy rain, she moved away from the entrance and walked down. Crystal stared at her while she passed by her.
“Gosh, it is raining.” She thought. She opened the door and came down.
“Ma'am, you can't..” The driver was about to tell her not to get down but Crystal already gotten down.
“Hey.” She called out to Ellie. Ellie stopped and looked at her.
“It is raining so heavily tonight, I suggest you spend the night at my place then first thing tomorrow, you will leave.” She said smiling at her even though they could hardly see each other.
“No, it is not actually necessary. My house isn't that far anymore.” Ellie lied smoothly. Her house was no where close to this place. And more she can't spend the night at a stranger’s house.
She shuddered, the cold was already getting to her.
“No, I can't watch you go home under this heavy rain. Come, let’s go in.” Crystal said and dragged her into the car.
“Erm.. I.. Hmm.. I am wet.” Ellie complained.
“I'm afraid I might get your car wet.” She said.
“Look I am also wet, so don’t worry. Just get in.” Crystal said and opened the door and went in. Ellie followed thereafter.
“Thank you so much.” Ellie said and smiled.
“Hmm, it's nothing.” Crystal said.
“Why does her voice sound so familiar?” She thought.
“Go in.” She ordered. The driver drove in and parked the car at the garage.
As soon as the driver parked the car, Ellie looked forward and saw a mansion filled with lights on all over, giving it the magnificent beauty. She smiled at the beauty alone. She wished that she could live a life of luxury. But fate was so angry with her the even her parents were snatched from her.
“So beautiful.” She commended.
“Huh, oh, thanks.” Crystal replied.
They both got down from the car and sprinted into the mansion trying to prevent the rain from touching them but all they did was to no avail. They stood before the door and Ellie took the chance to see who the stranger was and to her utmost surprise. It was one of Shawna's friend.
Crystal dipped the key into keyhole and the door clicked. She pushed it open and went in. Ellie followed.
Ellie looked around and saw how the house looked like. Like that of royalty.
“Wow, so beautiful.” She said again with her mouth agape.
“Thank you.” Crystal said.
Crystal turned towards her and said, “I think I have seen you somewhere before.”
Ellie looked at her and smiled.
“Yeah, at Shining Stars high.” She said and smiled.
“Oh, really?” Crystal asked. “You know I hardly keep faces of other people in my head.”
“A junior?” Crystal asked.
“Nope, same class with you.” She said.
“How come I still find you unrecognizable?” She asked.
“Because you are Shawna's friend and I really don’t understand why you could not recognize me.” Ellie shrugged and walked into the living room.
“I am feeling cold right now.” Ellie said and shuddered. Crystal sniffed and went in with her.
“Follow me, let me take you to..” She was still talking when the maids' voices cut her off.
“Welcome, Miss Crystal.” They all said as they marched towards her.
“Where were you all when I came in?” She asked.
“We were preparing to sleep.” One of them replied.
“My parents?” She asked. No reply.
“Are they back is what I am asking.” She said and cringed. She was feeling cold but these maids ain't helping her.
“No, ma'am.” One of them said.
“Okay then.” She said and was about go climb the stairs.
“Should we prepare some hot coffee for you?” One of the maids asked.
“Yes.” She said and turned towards Ellie who was just staring at the activities that was going on.
“Which one do you prefer?” She asked.
“Huh?” Ellie asked, carried away by what was going on.
“Tea or coffee?” She asked.
“Oh, tea is alright.” Ellie said.
“You heard her. Tea for her and coffee for me.” She said and dismissed them. They all went into the kitchen.
“They will prepare it?” Ellie asked.
“Yes, sure, of course.” Crystal chuckled at her behavior.
“This is the room you will be sleeping in tonight.” Crystal said as she opened the door.
“Oh my gosh, this is so..” She was too amazed that she could not find a word to describe the beauty or rather luxury of the room.
“You mean, I, like I alone will sleep here.” She said astonished as she went in.
“Yes.” Crystal said and smiled. Ellie turned towards her and grinned.
“Thank you.” She said smiling.
“You are welcome.” Crystal said and moved in.
“You take a hot shower now and come down for the tea and some food.” She said.
“I am feeling cold already, I have to bath and change my clothes. And yes, I remember.” She said and turned towards her.
“I will ask one of the maids to bring some of my clothes for you to wear. Hope it fits you.” She said and walked towards the door. Ellie smiled at her. Crystal opened and exited the room.
“Gosh, this is money.” Ellie squealed as she slumped on the bed.
“Oh my bad, I am wet.” She said and stood up instantly.
“Bathroom? Where is it?” She asked as she saw three different doors. She walked towards one and opened. She saw layers of closets.
“Closets.” She said and closed it. She went to another one and saw a toilet.
“Toilet.” She said and closed the door. She went ahead and opened the last one. She saw the shower and bathtub. She smiled satisfactorily. She squealed and hopped in. She hurriedly pulled off her clothes and went into the shower. She turned on the tap and the water came out running cold. She screamed and jumped out.
“Gosh, that was so cold. I thought she said that it was an hot shower in here.” She said and cringed her face. She tiptoed inside and turned off the tap, making sure that the water does not touch her. She looked around in search for the hot water tap. She saw a switch and went towards. She narrowed her eyes and saw some indication written on it.
“C-Cold and H-Hot.” She said and smiled.
“Oh, I will have to switch it.” She said and hook her head. She switched it and went into the shower. She turned it on and she felt the warm water touched her skin.
“This is what we call relaxation.” She said and exhaled. She smiled happily.