Chapter Four

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    I don't know how to feel as I see the familiar buildings that lead to my home, can't really call it that, I mean a home is somewhere you feel save and happy. Right?

     I should probably feel thrilled as we got closer. Aren't you supposed to feel boundless joy over going home and seeing members of your family again?

   Chloe and Lydia always talk about how they missed their family back at the academy.

I only ever talk about my mother.

In case you didn't notice the academy was all about rich kids with wealthy parents whom are sick of or don't have time for their bratty kids.

Half the time Chloe and Lydia often complain about their lack of freedom and how they feel locked up behind the school walls.

  

     As I see thick black reinforced titanium doors slid open with more than a dozen armed guards around the compound. I'm quite sure there were some I can't see.

The SUV I was in pulled up in front if two large doors. Not like I was expecting anyone waiting for my arrival. Okay maybe at lease my mother.

Someone, the driver opened the door for me to step out, I did. He was already holding both my suitcases.

"Thanks, I'll carry it from here" I said holding on to the handles as my hand brushed pass his. He quickly let go and went back to the car, I guess to grab my remaining stuffs, mainly my art supplies. They weren't so much anymore.

   Turning around I see the monster of a building looming over me. I felt like a thousand pounds had just been dropped on my little shoulders. I haven't been back here for almost three years.

   My friends thought the academy took away their freedom but not for me. For me, the academy was my freedom, it was my breath of fresh air.

And this was my prison. This... This is my prison.

"I can do this" I whispered to myself.

Sighing, I rolled my bags towards the front. Pushing the doors open, I walked in.

"Can't be that bad"

   The first thing I saw was the huge sitting room it was empty. I expected it. The first floor was mainly the kitchen, dining room, living room and a few servants' quarters, by the side was a grand staircase that led to the second floor. Mainly occupied lots of bed rooms the size of apartments, a few guest rooms and the study.

    The third floor had the master bedrooms and some other dozen rooms I'm not sure what for. Not like I was ever allowed to go exploring or anything.

Everything was pretty much as when I left. Looking around, I use my eyes to search for anyone to me tell where Mother is.

Leaving my bags, I decide to try the kitchen. As I walk in, I see a short feminine figure I recognize I've known her since I was born.

"Mrs. Lupe!" I screamed with excitement.

She turned sharply.

"Lola? Oh, my sweet child" she said drying her hands on her apron.

I ran towards her jumping on her and almost squeezing the life out of her.

"When did you get back" she asked hugging me back.

"I just got here"

"Let me take a look at you" she said pulling me back so she could have a better view of me.

"Look how big you've grown my child"

"Not as big as you" I say in a playful tune.

"You look well, how was school? I've missed you so much" Mrs, Lupe said now wiping away strays of tears on her face.

"I missed you too Mrs. Lupe. And school was fine"

"I'm so glad you are back. Have you seen your mother?"

"No, where is she?"

"She should be on the second floor"

"Okay. What are you cooking? smells delicious, you have no idea how much I missed your food" I whinnied dramatically.

"Lunch is almost ready. Now go see your mother" she rubbed my arms

"Okay Mrs. Lupe." I said hugging her one more time before leaving.

I walked up the stairs. First and second floor. So many stairs you'd think after so many years they'd install an elevator somewhere around here.

     The house was really big. Had a west and east wing. Mother stayed in the east wing two years ago, I'm sure that hasn't changed.

The east had a living room by the right. The bedrooms were at the left. I almost walked past the living room and head straight to mother's room.  She usually spent so much time in her room when I was younger am not sure now.

Deciding it wouldn't hurt to check I walked towards the living room.

  

    Stepping into room I froze for a second. there she is... My mother, there was no mistaking it her dark brown hair just like mine. There on the sofa in front of the TV.

Forcing myself to unfreeze

"Mother" I whispered.

Her head wiped towards shock filled her gaze.

"Lola"

"Mama" I said walking towards her as she stood up. Arms open and I walked in.

How I missed her." I miss you so. so much mama"

Drawing me back "My baby let me look at you, how much you've grown, you are already a woman."

Huh!

"Don't say weird things mama. I'm still your baby" my face heated.

"Let me hold you again. I missed you too" she said pulling my back into her arms. I squeeze her so hard breathing in her scent.

"Come baby, sit and tell me everything, how was school? and your exams, did you do well? Did anyone give you a hard time? Because if they did, they'd be-"

"Whoa Mama chill" I cut in.

"Everything's okay, I promise" i say, holding her hands.

    Years back when I'd just gotten into the academy, I was a bit of a loner.

I wasn't friends with Lydia and Chloe then. Let's just say I found it difficult to make friends. I had limited contact with outsiders gowning up and I didn't have much experience in that department anyway. Making friends.

   And I was frightened about blurting to anyone about the family being a part of the Mafia.

Did I mention that some rich kids can be downright mean?

I was bullied big time. The girls especially the bratty ones called me ugly and shapeless.

The guys made passes at me and when I refused even as politely as I could they got mad and called me mean names. One time some guy Maddox he was a real jerk, he cornered me in the library. I'd been so scared but Lydia and Chloe saved me.

   They'd been only my roommates then but after that incident I began to open up to them.

They taught me how to defend myself using my words because I wasn't strong enough to use my fists.

"Am glad Lolita" mom said holding my hands in hers.

"So how have you been mama?"

"All is good".

"What... em what about you and Father?" It's being bugging me to ask that question. When I left, they weren't on speaking terms thanks to someone. Me.

A year ago, when mother came to visit me at the school, she'd refused to talk about it. She was worried about me.

"Don't worry about your father. Why don't you go change, unpack and get some rest. I'll call you when lunch is ready"" my mama asked

 Cool with me. I am exhausted.

"Wanting to get rid of me so soon. That's fine" I said with a fake annoyance

Getting up I kissed her cheek and walked off.