Chapter 4 .

I stepped closer to the water fountain, the gurgle of water bubbling down its basins, the best music I had heard all year. The drought crisis makes us Californians appreciate even puddles when we come across them. Beyond the fountain, there was a zero-edge infinity pool that made me long to get wet. Well-manicured terrace lawns stretched out from the pool, leading up to extensive decks. There was an outdoor dining lounge on the patio. From the terrace, a private road stretched to the guest house that stood about seven-hundred-feet tall in juxtaposition to the Snow House.

The guest house also had a private pool that was a reflective expanse from where I stood.

"Miss, you should come this way," a woman said beside me. I had been so immersed in the breathtaking sights of the estate that I didn't notice when she walked up to me. The woman was dressed in a livery, so I could tell she was a housekeeper. She turned and started walking towards the guest house. I followed her, Reeves trailing behind with my trolley bag and backpack.

We got to the two-story guest house which had retractable fleetwood walls of glass that led into a grand foyer. Adjoining living room and dining room extended from the foyer and a spiral staircase stretched to the second floor. I was fully aware that I was wearing a wide smile as I crossed over the hardwood floor to the staircase, relishing the views the living room had to offer.

The estate was an epitome of luxurious living. The privacy one could afford in it was enormous and for a half-recluse like myself, this seclusion appealed to me. When the housekeeper got to the top landing, she headed for the third room on the left and twisted a key in its lock, opening the door.

"This will be your room," the housekeeper said, standing out of the way for me. She was a petite woman that could be well over forty years old.

"How about the other students?" I asked.

"Only two of them are here at the moment. We are expecting the other two."

"Cool," I said, stepping over the threshold. The room was abnormally spacious, and its view of the bay had to be the best the Snow House could offer. I couldn't wait for sunset to sit by the window and watch its gold and orange tingling the bay.

"If you need anything, you can ask," the housekeeper said, her voice calling me out of my daydream. Reeves had rolled my trolley bag in. He dropped my backpack on the bedside table and then proceeded to stand next to the door with the housekeeper.

"Do you need anything?" The housekeeper asked, her eyes fixed on me. I was sure I looked stupid with the satisfied smile that was plastered on my face, but I just couldn't help it.

"No, nothing. I need nothing," my words broke out in an enchanted sing-song.

"Mr. Snow would be having dinner with you tonight," the housekeeper informed.

"With me?" I wasn't sure I'd heard correctly.

"With all five of the interns, so yes. With you."

I let out an awkward laugh, slapping my thigh as I did so. "I knew that was what you meant."

"When it's dinner time, I'd let you know," she replied, her face a mask set in stone. She didn't find my antics funny. Without another word, the housekeeper turned on her heels, Reeves following her lead, and the door was closed behind them.

I flipped myself on the large bed in my room, flailing my hands and feet about like an excited starfish. I was excited. This was starting to look not so bad after all.