up over the hill, I see it—the white Gothic-style mansion.
“Look, they have horses.” My dad’s animated tone reminds me of when he took me to see the lions at the zoo when I was seven. Life was so simple back then. I’d give anything to get that back. It was a time of innocence when my world wasn’t filled with words I didn’t understand.
Returning to the present, I realize my father also yearns for that time. He wants his perfect daughter back, but I haven’t been perfect for a long while.
My father pulls the car up beside the domed entrance, and both my parents exit the car with enthusiasm. Collecting my belongings, I swing my legs, placing my sneakers onto the rocky ground. Taking a deep breath, I will my body to move. I stand, thankful that no tremors wrack my frame.
A small win for me.
My mom passes me my suitcase from the trunk, turning up her lip when she sees me stand at my full height of five feet three. “Lola, really? Surely you have something nicer to wear.” My scuffed Chucks, torn blue jeans, and PETA tee are not Camille Van Allen approved. Once upon a time, I wore the cocktail dresses and fancy jewels, but that isn’t me anymore.
“You look like a homeless person,” she says, adding insult to injury.
My last tether snaps. “I hardly think I can get away with wearing heels, Mother.” My tone drips with venom. I suddenly wish I caught a cab instead of asking them to drive me.
Thankfully, a vibrant voice sounds across the grounds, interrupting a no doubt nasty moment. “Welcome, you must be Lola.”
When the middle-aged woman comes to a stop in front of me, her compassion shines through with no obvious ulterior motives. She’s here out of the goodness of her heart, and I instantly like her.
“Yes, that’s me.”
“Hello, Lola. I’m Ms. Carrington, but you can call me June. I’m the administrator here.” I like her even more because I recognize her name from the welcome packet I received.
“Hello, June. I can’t wait to start. Just point me in the right direction.” As June looks at me closely, I have no doubt she’s read over my application and everything I disclosed.
Peering up at the enormous manor, I suddenly have a premonition that once I leave, I’ll be a different person. I don’t know why or how. I just know that once I walk through those doors, my life will change.
“Bye, Dad.” I shuffle over, giving him a tight hug.
“Goodbye. I’m proud of you.” He squeezes me harder.
I pull from his embrace and smile. “Make sure you eat lots of gelato for me.”
His eyes crinkle as he laughs. “You got it.” I don’t hear the sound too often, but I guess there isn’t much left for him to laugh about.
Standing off to the side, my mother waits for some emotional farewell, but she’s all for show. I look into her green eyes, eyes so similar to mine. Mine may be hidden behind thick black frames, but there is no doubt I inherited my looks from her. But unlike her, my looks will fade. They already have.
“Bye, Mom. Have a safe flight.” I amble over, feeling awkward as I give her a loose hug.
“We will, honey.”
Taking one last look at them, I draw the difference between past and future. My future is waiting just past those doors. With that mindset, June and I walk toward the entrance. Life is too short for delays.
Peering up, I stop a few feet away, masking the sun with a cupped hand over my brow. The air is fresh, the sun warm. The sense of discovery still surrounds me, so with a skip to my usual heavy step, I follow June.
The moment I set foot inside the foyer, I’m hit with the elegance Strawberry Fields encompasses. High decorated ceilings, pristine white walls, and polished marble floors are just the start of what is set out before me. I look around in awe; not because I haven’t seen such luxuries before, but because there is a tenderness I’m unfamiliar with.
A gentle Bach piece soothes and welcomes all of those who are on the same expedition as me. Regardless of our extravagant surroundings, there is no denying why we are here. The thought weighs heavily like a manacle around my heart, shadowing my newfound excitement with melancholy. Shaking my head to dispel such thoughts, I quicken my step to catch up to June.