Episode 2

I was sweating profusely. Just staring at the barking dog, sent a chill through my spine. God knows that I fear pitbulls, but I was determined to stay still. I couldn't possibly go back, not to a snake or something worse.

My hands were clenched in a fist beside me and I was panting, " Oh God help me."

I could pee on myself if this dog continued barking. "What do I do?"

The only space between the dog and I, was the hedge fence. I was sure it won't give the dog any trouble, jumping over it to get me. I looked around but no-one was forthcoming. The main building was a short distance away and my voice couldn't possibly outweigh the loud barking of this dog.

Then came the bold masculine voice striking through my ears, "Jasper! Jasper! Stop!" He called.

At the sound of his voice the black coloured pitbull recoiled to a humble, non-threatening position. It let it's tongue out dripping saliva as it stopped barking. Nonetheless, it's black, small eyes were firmly fixed on me.

I remained on the spot, slightly fidgeting as I cast my gaze forward, in search of the bearer of the voice. I called out.

"Hello!"

There was no response, just footfalls. The sounds grew louder at each stride. Within seconds, he approached me. At that time, it was dark, but I could see clearly his tall muscular figure, wrapped loosely in a short sleeve blue shirt and a pair of jeans.

When he drew closer, I tilted my head forward so I could see his face. My eyes widened as it uncovered the fact that, he was a known person.

"You?!" We spoke at the same time.

"Are you okay?" He asked.

"I'm fine."

In an instant, my self-conscious instinct was ignited. "It could have been anyone, not him." I lamented in under my breathe.

I irked the shame that my newest crush was staring at me in the weirdest possibly situation. I stretched my legs, supporting my weight with my hands pressed on the hedge, as I crossed to his side.

"Be careful." He warned, extended a hand of help.

"Yes, I got it!" I said and inched closer.

As unconventional as it was, I was standing before Mr Addison, the son of my dad's boss. I quickly let out a "Hi," He had no difficulty recognising me at all, he even remembered my named!

"Keren...ha..p..." He stuttered. When he saw pronouncing my name was not working, he just continued.

"What are you doing here?!" He sounded rather amazed than confused.

He glanced around making sure I was alone. He turned to me, with one hand on his flank and another gesturing the "what" sign.

"I was ...I was kind of... lost." I stuttered, blinking twice faster.

Those words practically escaped my mouth. Certainly, it was not a reasonable explanation for my presence. I wrapped my hands together, as I gazed downward avoiding eye contact. Somehow he was wise enough not to wait for any comment from me.

"lost? ..." he shook his head in disbelief, tapping his nose for a second. Then added,

"Alright! Come with me, I'll take you home. perhaps, we can talk when it's convenient for you" He stretched his hand forward showing the way.

Without a word I follow him, marking my steps by his short strides. I glanced at myself, and I was disappointed. My yellow T-Shirt had grown into a lighter shade of brown.

Dried leaves and tenacious weeds had stuck to my hair and my dusty black joggers. My feet was clung with mud, turning my grey flip-on into a darker shade of grey. I subtly picked some of this debris off my hair. If I could see a mirror now, I'm sure I would look like a fish vomit.

I walked beside him turning my attention to my surrounding, I could see the impressive mansion on my left side. It glimmered in the young night like an auspicious star. The white bulbs around it, shone brightly from fanciful lamp holders.

There were stylish sculptures on different sides of the building. Some of which held flowers, while, some were only useful for the sensation it gave when viewed.

The building was large, spreading on the slopy hilltop. Due to this gully surface, it was easy to get confused as to whether you were on the top or the ground floor.

I looked down towards the far left and saw a well lighted swimming pool in the shallow valley. The still water shimmered like blue sea, with reflections of the building, and an arrayed silver-grey lounge chairs beside the pool.

This section of the house was connected to the garden which I was walking on by a curvy stairway. The stairway ascended to the walkway which I was walking on. And it was aligned with a set of Bugamvilia, Myrtle, larkspur and other flowers, giving the stairway a breath-taking sight.

I cast my gaze across the pool, towards the left wing of the building. There were close knitted tall trees. I couldn't say for sure what sort of trees they were, but in my opinion, it was rather unsafe to leave them that tall and in proximity to the building.

All this time, I had managed to subdue my awe for this place. I loved talking by nature. I only wished my sister was with me, and in a more convenient situation. The beauty of this mansion would be a good topic to decipher.

Mr Addison had been unusually quiet, I wondered. could it be I was too distracted to notice his countenance? When I looked forward I saw that I was way behind him.

He and the dog were standing in the middle of the garden, by a fine sculpture of a perching eagle. The eagle's wings were broad and it's beak was parted. it lavishly poured out water like an endless puke. This fountain stood a few yards away from the mansion's entrance, at the same time adjacent to a gazebo.

I could tell he had been watching me the whole time but didn't interrupt my distracted mind. I scurried forward and met him.

"I was uhm-"

"It's alright you don't have to explain." He cut in.

"Do you live here?" I asked.

"Yes I do."

"Gosh! this is a palace!" I thought to myself sadly it was a little louder than a whisper.

"What did you say?"

"uhm... nothing!" I countered, " ...I ... I just want to say sorry for badging in on you."

"Nah it's ok. On the contrary, I was a little bored and I needed company. I should say thanks."

"You really don't have to."

"No, I should really say, thank you." He affirmed. A whisper of smile showed on his face, as his one hand slipped into his pocket.

"You're just saying that to make me feel better."

"Maybe not, it's been a long time since I saw you. Let's just say, It's good to see you again." He comfirm. Stealing a glance at me as he took the right turn.

" It's- good to see you too" I retorted. I was surprised he felt that way. I tugged at the edge of my shirt in hope to relieve the nervousness I felt.

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