Pity I Can't See Behind the Mask -1-

The black, stretch limousine came to stop in front of a sprawling white mansion. The lawn was perfectly manicured with dark red rose bushes lining the circular driveway. The air was cool for early October with the wind whipping through the trees. Dark storm clouds were rolling in to cast deep shadows on the face of the mansion. The stepping-stones leading up to the large front doors were glistening with water from an earlier storm. 1

The driver of the limousine announced their arrival to the Witford estate and proceeded to open the passenger door for its occupant. Charlize Reynolds reluctantly stepped out onto the dark stones and sighed as she looked up at the expanse of the mansion, attempting to take it all in. By the time she looked down, the driver had placed her two large, purple suitcases at her feet, and was already back in the limo. 2

Charlize followed the limousine with her dark green eyes until it disappeared behind the wrought iron fence at the end of the driveway. How she wished she were still seated on the posh leather, reading a novel, and forgetting her troubles. Charlize’s thoughts were cut short as one heavy door was opened and a voice called out to her. 3

“Oh my darling! Come here and let me get a look at you!” A tall, slender woman in her mid fifties rushed down the stairs with her black skirt flowing behind her. “My dear it’s been far too long! You look lovely!” Charlize’s cheeks were bombarded with kisses before the woman held her at arms length and looked at her. Charlize was stunning with mahogany colored curls that fell down her back and legs that went on forever. She stood 5’7” and usually intimidated most people, as she never went without heels of some sort. 4

Charlize was quickly ushered into a large foyer that displayed a sculpture that was larger than life. “I haven’t seen you since you were a child!” the woman continued. “I am so sorry to hear about your parents’ plans but I am so happy to have you stay with us. Please remember our home is your home now.”5

The last thing Charlize wanted to think about was her parents’ globetrotting adventure that turned into a disaster, as both were found murdered in their hotel room, at such an important time in her life. Stuck between school and looking for a good paying job Charlize would rather have been with friends. Her parents’ wishes were that she be “adopted” into the Witford family until she became settled and familiar with the area. 6

“Thank you for having me Mrs. Witford,” Charlize stated politely wishing she could shower and change. 7

“Oh, please! Call me Vivienne. Now come this way and I’ll reacquaint you with everyone. I have to admit I will not be here after tonight because of previous engagements but I do hope you have a wonderful stay. I am sure that one of the children can help you with all you need. Here we are,” Mrs. Witford opened another large door revealing a darkened library.8

“Riley, Alexander, I’d like for you to come and meet Charlize,” Vivienne said opening a curtain to bring more light into the room. 9

Riley introduced herself first and immediately excused herself Riley was the same age as Charlize with blonde hair and blue eyes. She was a smidge shorter but just as skinny as Charlize and dressed in a pair of blue jeans and a pink sweater. 10

Alexander was an attractive male version of Riley with the same blonde hair and blue eyes. He sauntered over to Charlize, took her hand, and brought it to his lips. “Lovely to see you again,” he said looking into her eyes. Charlize attempted to pull her hand from his without attempting to be rude. She did not like the way Alexander looked at her or his cocky attitude. 11

“Where is Bruce?” Vivienne asked flashing her eyes angrily at Alexander. 12

“Working. He said he would be home for dinner this evening. I’ll show Charlize around until then.” Vivienne agreed with this arrangement and left Alexander to lead a tour of the mansion, much to Charlize’s disappointment. 13