POV: Seraphina
My foster home.
Memories from this placed filled my mind instantly as I saw the large gate from a distance. It reminded me of the day I last saw here.
I parked just outside the building. Knowing the gumate guard wouldn't let me pass. I got out of the car and walked straight to the gate.
Without hesitation I brought out the spare key I had all this while in my suitcase and slowly opened the large gate.
Ever hate had this key incase of emergency and this was one. The gate guard was sitting by his guard house and was reading a news paper, unaware I slid the key in and got the gate open.
He jolted to his feet, when he heard the late gate cream open and I entered.
He immediately rushed to me, trying to throw me out, but I brushed past him and continued walking into the eerie mansion in my view.
The morning light came through the lines of the window blinds as I stood by the bedroom window, looking out into the familiar now quiet courtyard.
The air felt different around here, It was full of hatred. But I wasn't here to relive past memories, I was here because someone needed me.
Beatrice.
Even though our past relationship with each other had been complicated, twisted up in whatever it was, I couldn't ignore those missed calls.
The moment I heard her over the phone with that weakness in her voice.
I knew something was wrong.
And I knew I had to be here.
And here I was.
Beatrice laid on her bed curled up in pain. Her whole statue has shrunken a bit from whatever was going on with her. Her cheeks were looking a bit bony and her collarbones were now more visible from the light dress she worse.
The moment she opened her eyes and her eyes met mine, something in my heart set off.
It wasn't anger or resentment.
It was just pity.
"Seraphina…" she whispered.
I Inhales a bit and stepped closer to her, sitting on the edge of her bed and put my palm on her face. "I came as fast as I could." Was the only thing I could mutter.
"I...didn't think you would," she lightly mused, but dey voice didn't make it any funny.
"You called me," I said gently. "Of course I would come."
Tears formed in her eyes as she tried to sit up straight on the bed, but the struggle alone sh used to push herself up, drained her. I supported her and even put a pillow behind her head, so she can rest. "Easy," I whispered. "Don't push yourself."
The room was stuffy, like it the windows had not been opened in days.
The curtains were closed shut, keeping the sunlight completely out. The air felt thick, and silent with only the sound of fan, bringing the presence of sound to the room.
I moved quickly, feeling the walls getting closer to me.
I opened the windows and allowed sunlight to come in. Dust even show themselves as I lifted the curtains
"Where's everyone?" I asked as I arranged the curtains to the side.
"Gone," she said weakly, but loud enough for me to hear. "The boys went back to school. The housekeepers took their holiday...and Charles?…"
My jaw tightened at the mention of his name. "Let me guess. He's too busy?"
She didn't argue and that was enough
I stood and looked around the room. Her table beside her was scattered with different drugs and most of them were just littered on the table. And a half glass of water sat on the table beside it all, it looked like it had been there for a day or two.
"Have you eaten?"
Beatrice shook her head slightly, trying to avoid my gaze.
I went down to the kitchen and found everything dusty and the sink even had some dishes there waiting to be done.
And I did them.
I cleaned it all up.
After that I prepared something light for her, oats and some toast, it was the only thing I could find for her.
I returned to her room with it and she smiled weakly as I helped her eat.
"Thank you," she would say almost after every bite.
"You don't need to thank me," I replied, trying to focus on her, "Just get better."
When she finally finished her food. I made sure I extended the cleaning I did back downstairs up to her room.
I changed her bedsheets, cleaned the room, and even made sure she took her drugs for the day.
I made sure her phone was within her reach and gestured to it. "Make sure you call me when you need anything."
Beatrice looked at me, her eyes almost watery
"thank you."
I forced a smile.
I finally cleaned the rest of the house. Taking out the weeks old trash.
As much as cleaning made me happy, this was a much tougher one.
The rest of the day passed slowly. I called Roman to let him know I would be staying here at the Hayes mansion for a while.
He wanted to but then didn't question it. He Just told me to be safe and call him if I needed anything.
By evening, I had managed to buy a few groceries using the money I had in my purse. I cleaned the kitchen again and organized her medications by the time she would take them.
As night came, I made sure she was tucked in and I went out of the quiet house and sat on the old swing in the backyard.
Maybe things aren't going to ever be perfect.
Maybe I was still lost and still don't have a direction o how my life would go.
But today, I made a choice.
To not abandon the one person, who despite knowing I wasn't her daughter... still called me her daughter.
I would care for Beatrice…..for now.
Not because she deserved any of it…..But because I had decided to the better person.