Chapter 2 First Day

Later that afternoon, Alex arrived at the Blackwood Mansion, a luxurious building resting on a huge estate. As soon as she stepped out of the car, she was met by a tall and skinny old man with a bitter look on his face. He wore a dark suit, and he looked like he had lived for centuries.

"Miss Reynolds?" he asked, scowling.

"Yes. But Alex is just fine if you please." She said as she adjusted her bag carefully.

He didn't bother to give her a reply, merely turned and walked away with one statement. "This way." ...No greeting, no introduction.

Ignoring his lack of courtesy, Alex followed him inside, muttering to herself as they went. "Okay, so I guess we're skipping the part where I decide whether you're creepy or just... ancient."

Once they came into the spacious and luxurious living room, the man turned to Alex and finally spoke again. "You will wait here."

Alex couldn't hold back anymore; she raised a brow and asked him. "Are you going to tell me your name, or should I keep calling you Igor in my head?"

He didn't even turn his head. "Gregory."

Alex was thinking of what to say next when another voice cut through the air, an authoritative female voice. "Don't hover around Gregory, you're frightening the poor girl."

Alex looked up at the graceful figure coming from the staircase, a mature lady carrying herself with an air of royalty.

"Miss Reynolds," she said warmly, stretching her gloved hand to Alex. "My name is Madame Miller, the housekeeper... Welcome to Blackwood Estate."

More like the queen of the castle, Alex thought in her head... but she smiled back and said. "Thank you so much, it's a pleasure to be here. This place is... impressive."

"It grows on you overtime in many ways, depending on your disposition." She said, smiling dryly. "Come my dear, let me show you around before Mr. Blackwood joins us... He prefers to give formal briefings himself."

As they moved off, Alex caught sight of Gregory sneaking off into the shadows. "Is he always like that?" she asked Madame Miller.

"Gregory?" Madame Miller chuckled. "He's quite harmless my dear... just a bit strange is all. He's a very old part of this household, been here since before I arrived... and I've been here a very long time."

"Noted." Alex said with a small smile. "I'll keep the garlic close."

Madame Miller kept talking as she led her through corridors filled with various sculptures and paintings. "The Blackwood's are a family that has always kept to tradition, and Mr. Blackwood is a man who values legacy."

Alex ran her fingers along a Greek statue made of marble. "It feels like stepping into another century."

"In many ways, it is." Madame Miller replied.

"Does this job come with a map, or do I wander aimlessly until I stumble into a secret passage?" Alex asked, chuckling nervously at her own joke.

"Ah, but finding the secret passages is only half the fun." came the reply.

They paused in the library, and Alex couldn't help but admire the beauty of it. Natural light flooded from the windows, illuminating the volumes on neatly arranged shelves.

"You'll be spending most of your time here in the eastern wing," Madame Miller explained. "There's a private sitting room, a classroom, and Luca's quarters... meals are usually downstairs."

"Right. And when do I get to meet Lucas...?" She asked.

Madame Miller replied quickly. "You'll meet him when Mr. Blackwood says it's time." Her tone made it clear that questions about the boy weren't welcomed just yet.

Alex nodded.

"I'll leave you here for now," Madame Miller said. "Mr. Blackwood will be with you shortly."

"Thank you very much." As she waited alone, Alex went towards the window, admiring the light, the serenity, and the peace in the library.

But suddenly a strange sensation swept through her body, goosebumps... and a weird feeling that she wasn't alone anymore.

She turned... and then screamed in fright. A young boy of about Sophie's age was standing behind her.

"Oh! God... how did you get in here so quietly?"

The boy said nothing, just stood there looking at her, like he was sizing her up.

He was a very handsome young boy, he had wavy black hair, and the sweetest grey eyes she had ever seen... Those eyes held her captive, as they watched her intensely.

She pulled herself together and steadied her breath. "Hello there, you must be Lucas."

Still no response.

"I'm Alex, I'm going to be working with you as your tutor."

He still said nothing. He didn't even move, just stood and stared.

Alex decided to try a different approach. She crouched close to him, and spoke in an even softer tone. "I have a daughter that's about your age, her name's Sophie, and I bet you can be great friends. But she talks a lot more than you, so better be warned."

His eyes just stared through her like glass, and he still said nothing.

Alex laughed nervously. "Okay, listen. I'm usually really good with kids, but you're beginning to creep me out a bit."

At this, he blinked... and then went on staring.

She took a small step back, feeling very uncomfortable. "Do you talk at all, or is this your thing? The creepy gimmick to scare off your tutors?"

There was still nothing but silence...

"You must be Miss Reynolds."

Alex jumped again with a frightened yelp; her hands flew to her mouth as she turned to face the new voice. "God! Do you all always welcome guests with a heart attack?

He was standing in the doorway, barely visible as the light only made him a silhouette... but Alex could see his features, he was tall and broad shouldered, and carried a very commanding presence. He stepped into the library fully, and she had a very good look at him... He looked just like his son, an extremely handsome adult version.

He didn't bother to answer her question. "I see you've met my son."

Alex, who had been lost in his charm suddenly snapped back to reality, turning around only to find the boy gone... No footsteps, not a single sound... simply vanished.

"Wait a minute, where'd he go?"

Julian didn't seem bothered. "He does that."

"He was just... he was right here a second ago." she said, surprised.

Julian looked her straight in the eyes and answered coldly. "You'll get used to it."

"That's not exactly comforting," she said dryly.

A frown passed through his face. "Let's talk."

They sat down near a small table, and then he spoke. "I'm sure you're aware of the job description?"

"Not exactly." Alex replied truthfully.

Julian gave her a strange look, then he began to speak. "Your job is basically to take care of Lucas and tutor him, then see if you can help him out of his shell."

"Sounds easy enough." she said jokingly.

He frowned even deeper... "You'll find Lucas a bit difficult."

"I assumed as much, given the amount you offered, I knew it couldn't be a walk in the park."

He smiled faintly. "You're blunt."

"And you are mysterious, I guess somehow we'll meet in the middle." said confidently.

"You can move in tomorrow; Gregory and Madame Miller will see to your needs." and then he was up and heading towards the door.

"Doesn't he talk?" Alex asked quickly.

He paused in his tracks, and turned back slowly.

"He hasn't spoken in a long time... Not since the accident.