Chapter 5. I'm Moving In

Copper

Mr. Harmony drove us the rest of the way home, and boy oh boy have I never seen my neighbours' jaws drop that low. I tried to take out the groceries, but my bags were taken by his guards. They brought all of them into the house faster than I ever could. I didn't mind. I simply shrugged and headed inside, along with my parents. 

We didn't have a lot, but what we had was enough to keep us comfortable. The living room and kitchen were one with a small dining table smack in the middle. The foyer was only wide enough to occupy a carpet and a shoe rack. However, although small, we did our best to keep it clean. I was hit with the calming scent of wildflowers, something that was always a pleasure after coming home from an awful day spent outside. 

Thankfully, he didn't make any comments about the size of my home. Instead, he told Mom and Dad that he was grateful for their approval. 

"Well, I didn't exactly say I approved it," Daniel stated. "But I do want my girl to have a better life. If that means going with you and following this crazy plot, then I'm up for it."

I walked over to his side and hugged him. He wrapped one arm around me and squeezed me just as hard. I might never be able to tell Daniel how much I loved and appreciated him more than my own father. Sure, it might sound cruel because he died, but I didn't know him very well. Daniel was the only father I knew. 

"I can tell how much you love her," Mr. Harmony said. Suddenly his eyes were downcast as if he was missing something that he had lost. 

Daniel nodded. "I love her like a daughter because that's what she is to me." 

"Aww," I tease. Then smiled when Daniel looked down on me. "Sometimes," he said while smirking. I immediately let go of him and he started laughing. Harmony started chuckling as well while Mom leaned against the wall with a smile on her face. 

"We will be leaving within the next right. So get everything you need, Copper."

"Wait, right now? I haven't even had dinner."

"We only have two weeks before the wedding day, remember?"

I nodded. I knew he was right. I just wished I had some of Mommy's stir-fried rice before I left.

I stood at the door with my backpack in hand. Mr. Harmony's guards placed my suitcase in the trunk. And here I thought I would never use it.

"I will miss you guys," my mother gathered me and Daniel in a big hug. "I will come back to visit often."

"I know you will," Dad said as he patted my back.

As we parted, Mom picked up a sealed container off the food stand and handed it to me. "Here. Make sure to eat it very sloppily in your grandfather's crisp car."

I giggled, and Mr. Harmony rolled his head back and groaned as if he was under attack.

She placed a fork wrapped in plastic on top, then leaned forward, giving me one last kiss on the forehead with her soft lips. I kept the feeling of that kiss as one of my most treasured memories. I didn't know how soon I would see my parents again, but I would do everything in my power to make sure they were okay.

I waved goodbye and entered the car.

My unease didn't calm down even when I was miles away from home. I leaned against the window and watched as the streetlights passed me by. It felt kind of... empty. I know I was entering a world of possibilities, but that didn't make me feel better. The road ahead was unknown, hidden behind of clouds of uncertainty.

"You will love it there," Mr. Harmony said. I kept my gaze on the window. "More food than you can ever eat and a wardrobe I'm sure that a girl your age will love. Do you have a favorite celebrity? Who can tell, you might even get to meet them."

I could tell he was trying to pique my interest with promises of glamour and a Disney princess-like life. That wouldn't work, though. I dreamed about it so often that the dream turned sour.

"I just feel so. Strange," I said. I might as well give him a chance to hear my thoughts and see how he reacts.

Mr. Harmony nodded. He held up the stick and gave it to the guard sitting beside him. "It will be, I'm certain that such a big change won't be easy. But you will have me there and my people will make sure your every need is fulfilled."

I nodded, not wanting to say more until a thought crossed my mind.

"What should I call you?" I asked. He offered me a small smile.

"Grandpa will suffice."

"Oh..."

"But if you're not ready, 'Sylvester' will do just fine." 

"I don't mean to make you feel bad, it's just... it'll take some time. The grandpa thing is new to me."

I pressed a button on the door handle, allowing some cold wind to hit my face. I hissed and hit the one next to it. The next second, the window was up again and I was rubbing my arms. "Here." Before I could turn to look  he covered me with his jacket. I nodded, pulling the jacket around me. "Thanks..." I muttered. He didn't say a word, he simply joined me in staring at the landscape. 

Needless to say, I had no idea where we were going. So when I saw the sign saying You Are Now Leaving Cinderville I got a little freaked out.

"How long until we get there?"

"Not long now, Copper. In fact, I believe we're here."

Sure enough, we were.

We passed through large these large ass steel gates taller than my house, but not before I caught sight of gold plated words telling us that we were now entering The Golden Hills Gated Community.

My mind. Was. Blown. 

Glass walls, three-storey mansions. A villa with a deep, blue pool I could see from here as we continued to drive uphill. I couldn't resist pressing my face against the window. One of the houses had a party on the roof with lights flashing all the colors of the rainbow, one color at a time. It was mesmerizing, especially with the sky so dark. Okay, now I'm pumped! I can't wait until we reach the estate.

Sylvester was more than likely watching me, but I didn't mind. I was too obsessed with the view. 

Sadly, my vision was blocked by trees and I couldn't see much. But that only lasted for a few seconds.

I did not expect what I saw when we turned the corner.

When Sylvester said estate, he really did mean it.

There were multiple white villas on a manicured white lawn, with a magnificent water fountain smack in the middle. Compared to the other houses in the neighbourhood, his property had not one glass wall. But the fountain was glowing, I could see it from here as we descended. I couldn't tell how many floors they held from this height, however, I could tell that the one in front of the others stood the tallest. 

Broken columns resembling those from ancient Greece lined the driveway made up of dark grey, Leicester paving blocks. The car parked before an arch leading to the main door. Three people, who I presumed to be servants, bowed as we came to a complete stop. A man in typical butler attire, and two women in full black. 

Sylvester stepped out first. He held his palm out in front of me. It took a minute for me to get what he wanted me to do. Then it hit me, and I smiled nervously as I took his hand, allowing him to help me out of the car. "Welcome home, my grandchild," he smiled.

So, this was it. This is where it starts. But will I be able to handle it?

Kenny

I watched her as she stepped out of the vehicle. Who would have thought he actually found someone to play the role. She was beautiful, I could see it from here. Well, admittedly not without the help of binoculars. My driver tapped the wheel as if he couldn't wait to leave. He must have felt nervous being right outside the Harmony estate. 

"Are you ready yet, Sir?" Christopher asked for the second time tonight. I rolled my eyes.

"If I was, I would have told you."

"Right. My apologies, Sir."

I waved him off. 

After a few seconds spent greeting the workers, they headed up the stairs and went inside with some sort of bowl in her hands. I let the binocular fall onto my chest and rubbed my chin. The old man has already made his move. What should mine be? 

"Christopher."

He jumped in his seat. "Yes, sir?" 

"Clear my schedule for Saturday," I smirked. "I need time to groom myself in order to keep up with my pretty bride."