CHAPTER 2
Fiona's POV
I carefully jumped out of the window, making sure to be as quiet as possible. I grabbed my bag and stared at the house for a moment.
I grew up here. I was loved and treated like a gem, but now it felt like a prison. My very own safe haven had become a place I couldn't stand to be in anymore.
And as for my dad, he had made his choice.
I quickly started running before they could discover I was gone. I had to stop by the time I reached the main street because people were beginning to stare at me.
Luckily, I made it to the train station on time. I got on without having any idea where I was going or what the hell I was doing.
I stayed on the train until it reached its last stop before getting off and wandering into an unfamiliar street.
I kept walking as my mind drifted. What was I even doing?
Mom, why did you have to die? Tears continued falling as I walked past the houses.
"Hey, are you alright?"
I turned around and saw a middle-aged woman standing there. There was concern all over her face.
"Why are you crying? Where are your parents?"
I stared at her. I couldn't tell her the truth. Never. She would send me straight back to that house.
"I lost my mom and... I don't have anywhere to go. I'm stranded."
"Oh, poor baby. I'm so sorry." She looked at me for a moment before continuing. "Well, it's not safe to be walking around at this hour. Would you mind coming over to my place? We can talk more there."
I stared at the woman. She didn't look evil, but then again, I barely knew her. Still, who knew what might happen to me if I continued wandering around alone? At least going with her might be safer.
I slowly nodded, and she signaled for me to follow her. When we got to her house, she quickly made me some coffee.
I couldn't remember the last time someone had done something nice for me. I was always the one working and taking care of everything.
"Welcome to my home. It's small, but it's welcoming. I never got your name."
I hesitated. Should I tell her my real name or come up with a new identity?
What if they were already looking for me and put my picture on the news? I couldn't risk it.
"Um... my name's... Ivy," I lied.
"Why did it take you so long to answer? Look, you can trust me."
"No... it's just that..." I lowered my head. "No one has ever asked for my name. I was always being called mean names."
I made my voice sound as small and helpless as possible.
"Oh, look, Ivy. I'll try my best to help you, okay? Let me get you your coffee, and tomorrow morning, we can talk more."
She headed toward the kitchen cabinet to grab a cup.
I looked around. Although the house wasn't as huge as mine, it felt warm and welcoming.
Then I heard footsteps coming down the stairs. Was it her husband?
I became nervous, but when I looked up, my eyes met a pair of striking eyes. He had sharp features that made me swallow hard.
"Grandma?" he called, looking at me awkwardly.
"Oh, Mason. You're still awake?" she replied, handing me the cup of coffee.
"I see you've met Ivy. Ivy, this is my grandson, Mason."
I could only stare at him awkwardly.
"Mason, please take her to the guest room and then come back here. Ivy, are you hungry?"
As soon as she asked, my stomach rumbled. I quickly placed a hand over it, embarrassed as I remembered that I hadn't eaten lunch or dinner.
"Mason will take you to where you'll be staying, and I'll heat something up for you."
"Thank you, ma'am. You're so kind. You're the only person who's been kind to me recently."
She simply smiled while Mason started walking upstairs. He didn't say a word or show any sympathy.
I slowly followed him until he stopped at a door and opened it.
"Thank you," I mumbled.
He didn't respond. He simply walked away. Okay, this was starting to feel like another Caroline.
I walked into the small but comfortable bedroom and collapsed onto the bed. I felt like taking a shower, but that's when I noticed my bag was still downstairs.
Before I could reach the door, Mason appeared with it. He dropped it beside the bed and left without saying anything.
I picked up my bag and gently shut the door. I took out my pajamas and a towel before heading into the bathroom.
The warm water felt relaxing against my skin. For the first time in a long while, I felt a little relieved.
When I was done, I grabbed my towel, wrapped it around myself, and stepped out. Suddenly, Mason walked into the room with a tray of food.
His eyes landed on me for a moment before he quickly dropped the tray on the table and walked out.
What if I hadn't wrapped a towel around myself? Was that how he would have seen me standing there completely naked?
Someone clearly needed to teach him some manners.I wasn't wrong when I said he was another Caroline.
.........
The next morning, I woke up to the delicious aroma of something cooking.
I slowly got off the bed and stretched. It had been ages since I'd slept that long. I quickly brushed my teeth and hurried downstairs.
"Good morning, ma'am," I greeted.
"Morning, Ivy. Hope you slept well?"
"I sure did. For the first time, actually."
She smiled at me. Just then, Mason approached us with his backpack already on his shoulder.
"Later, Grandma."
"Son, what did we discuss?"
I watched as they stared at each other awkwardly.
"Good morning, Ivy," he said before walking out.
"My grandson can be stubborn sometimes, but don't worry. You'll like him once you get to know him."
I simply nodded, forcing a smile. "Let me assist you," I said, walking over to help her.
She smiled and handed me a plate. "You're welcome to stay here for as long as you need, Ivy."
I looked toward the door Mason had just walked through.
For some reason, the way he had looked at me before leaving made me feel like he already knew I wasn't telling the truth.