Chapter 3

I am so excited for the weekend, it is the day that I will finalize attend Cambridge University. 

Two more weeks, and I will graduate from High School! Just as I am about to read my copy of Whithering Heights, I hear the doorbell ring. I race down the stairs, judging by the time of the day it is, it has to be the postman.

"Hello, miss," the man says. "Hello Mr. Porter, do you have news for me?" he reaches into his bag "Why I believe there is a letter here". I tell him that I have been expecting a letter for the honors program concerning my nomination on Valedictorian. I finished school ahead of everyone else so, the principal said that I would not be required to attend but, keep a watchful eye on the postman to receive a notification. 

I thank Mr. Porter for delivering our letters and head back into the house. I set the mail for my mother on her desk, and make my way to the parlor with the letter that I have been waiting for.  As I open it I read. 

Dear Miss Fawns,

We are pleased to write to you and inform you that you have successfully won the nomination for Valedictorian of your graduating class due to your high intelligence in academics and outstanding performance during your academic journey in these past several years. You won the competition 230 to 53. As such you will receive a full scholarship to the College of your choosing. As well as other recognition.  

Congratulations on your success.

Dean Alfred Curley

Queen Victoria High School.

I read the letter, and begin to jump up and down in excitement. Right at this moment, Hunter walks through the door after being away for the past week. "Molly, what is the party for?" we both laugh. "Dad! I won the nomination for Valedictorian!" He gives me a bear hug "Congrats sweetie, where is your mother, let's celebrate tonight" I calm down and look at him "I honestly, do not know where she is, I think maybe she is at work". He nods his head in understanding "Okay, we will wait to share this with her until she comes home, in the meantime, I will take out to celebrate a little bit but not too much" I smile getting excited "go upstairs and get ready, we'll find something to do". 

I run up the stairs to get ready. Going out with my stepdad even though it is fun, is never easy. He is practically a public figure, everyone recognizes him considering his status. I get envious and sometimes hateful looks for a lot of people. I do not care what other people think, I love having him as my dad but, sometimes the staring makes me feel very pressured. His stature resembles a lion, proud, strong, and confident. I am sometimes amazed how my quiet and shy mother can handle the number of women who look at him with bedroom eyes. I am thankful that he completely ignores them. He is proud and honorable, never giving thought to lustful females. As his daughter, their antics really disgust me. I saw someone with their significant others with the same reaction. I sat there wondering "where is your loyalty?!" 

Hunter calls out to me "You about ready?" I was lost in my thoughts and did not keep an eye on the time. "I am heading down" I race down the stairs. I am ready to leave. Just as I am getting into his Aston Martin I feel that voice again "Do not leave with this man!" Ugh, "Go away delusion! He is my stepfather, he's been in my life since I was 12" I feel the voice gasp and I felt its shock, not comprehending how this could've happened. I shove it into the back of my mind again. 

We are driving, I am enjoying feeling the wind in my hair, as all of the windows are rolled down. "Where are we going?" He smiles "When does your mother get off of work?" I turn towards him "Later tonight, why?" he grins "Perfect, we're going to London, don't tell her" London! I have always wanted to go there! we continue to drive, I listen to the radio and sing along with the music. I am so excited. There is no way I am telling mom about this "Don't worry, this secret is safe with me" he laughs and messes up my already messy hair. 

After a few hours, we are finally in London. I notice that Hunter's happy carefree face is starting to twist into a slightly sad expression. I cannot help but, be worried. "Dad? Are you okay?" he relaxes and looks at me "Yeah, Mol, I am okay it is just, London has bittersweet memories for me" I sit quietly in the car "Oh" is all I can say, 'I do not know why we came here then' is all I can think "I hear him speak and I look at him "I brought you here cause, I know you have always wanted to come, and there are fun things to do here. It is bigger than Liverpool so, there is more to see". I smile at him in understanding. 

We drive around London, we stop at Fenwick's and Harrods, Hunter gives me enough money, more than I would have ever asked for, and tells me to buy what I wish. 

I love shopping, this day is going to be so fun! 

3 hours later, I am finished shopping, and I feel so sorry for Hunter who it feels like has been waiting all day. I call him on a service phone to meet me outside of Prufrock Coffee. Just as I am sitting to enjoy my tea, I get this unsettling feeling as if I am being watched. It chills me to the bone, I look around but, do not see anyone, I shake it off and enjoy my London fun. Hours pass, and I start to feel a different sensation like a presence is near that my soul is craving. The scent is intoxicating, I don't know where it is coming from but, my inner self wants to be wrapped in it.  I am just getting up to search for it when Hunter pulls up to the curb, seeing him show up, I abandon my erotic thoughts. I rush to the car to join him and we start the drive back home. As the car pulls away, again I feel eyes on me, it is different from the other time, it is as if the person is calling to my soul in a romantic but, lustful way. Whoever you are, I hope one day we can meet, for my soul's sake.