House of Shadows

by Melissa R. L. Simonin

“Thank you, Grandma Polly. So am I,” Miles smiled, and she laughed.

  “I have dreamed of this day,” she said, pointing at me, “since our first walk around the Bannerman estate grounds.”

  “It took me a little longer. But not much,” I replied. She laughed, and hugged us both again.

  “Now, my dear,” she turned to me. “Please call me Grandma Polly, like Miles does.”

  “All right, Grandma Polly,” I said.

  “And Miles, I want Anika moved to the estate,” she declared. Miles and I both looked surprised, but she didn’t seem to notice. “I’d like Anika in the room next to mine, if that’s all right with you, dear? I’m perfectly capable of acting as chaperone. You’re really and truly family now, and don’t belong in the guest house. I may hire a caretaker soon, and will want to use it as the caretaker’s quarters again, as we’ve done in the past.”

  Polly hugged Miles one more time and kissed his cheek, then went back to her hummingbird watching.

  “Well… are you okay with that?” Miles asked in concern. “You can stay right where you are, I’ll talk to Grandma Polly and make her understand, if you’re uncomfortable.”

  I gave it some thought.

  “If it meant living alone together in the castle, that would be one thing. But like Polly said, she’ll be here… she’ll act as chaperone. So I’m okay with it.”

  Miles helped me move my things to the room next to Polly’s. There wasn’t much to move, so it didn’t take long. I hung up my clothes in the wardrobe, set my laptop on the vanity, and Miles and I went for a walk in the rose garden.

  The air was intoxicating. If only this scent could be bottled. There were those who tried, but to have the sun warm on one’s face, surrounded by the heavily rose scented air, hearing the breeze ripple through the leaves… that cannot be bottled.

  Miles stopped beside one of the crimson rose bushes. Its velvety buds grew on long stems, and were as beautiful as any florist’s.

  “What a difference a few months makes,” Miles commented. He touched one of the roses gently, then turned to look at me. “Have I told you today, how beautiful you are?”

  “Oh, once or twice,” I said, blushing.

  Miles looked at me and I melted, as he pulled me close and kissed me.

  “I am so glad it’s now, and not a few months ago,” he said.

  “Me too,” I sighed.

  I sorted through the wardrobe, trying to decide what to wear to dinner.

  I considered the classic little black dress I’d been thrilled to find. Or maybe I should wear the soft pink. Or the deep green. This was a pretty snazzy place Miles was taking me to, so casual wasn’t an option.

  Suddenly I knew. The crimson rose dress, that matched those in the garden.

  I put it on, and admired its velvet softness in the mirror. The deep crimson enhanced the color in my cheeks, and brought out auburn highlights in my hair that I didn’t know existed. I pinned it up in a French twist, then put on my diamond cluster earrings. They were a gift from Miles, part of the family heirlooms that we found in the cave, on the estate grounds. So was the matching necklace, which sparkled above the V-neck formed by the wrap bodice of my dress. The full skirt flared from the fitted waist, and hung just above my knees. Slipping on a pair of black heels, I picked up the evening bag. It was cute, in spite of its lack of storage space.

  Spinning one more time in front of the mirror, I left the room and met Miles in the entryway.

  He saw me, and his eyes widened. He appeared to be stunned.

  “Wow,” he managed to say, taking my hands in his. “You—are gorgeous. Like a rose, come to life.”

  “Thank you,” I smiled. “You’re looking extremely handsome yourself, this evening.”

  I took Miles’ arm, and we walked to the vehicle waiting for us out front. He opened the door for me, and helped me in.

  “So, ready to talk to Mom and Dad?” I asked, once we were on our way to Glen Haven.

  “I think so,” he replied. “You?”

  “Oh yeah, I am very ready,” I said, admiring my ring again.

  We arrived at the house an hour and a half later, and Doreen answered the door.

  “Hi,” I said, giving her a hug. “You look like you’re starting to feel better!”

  “Yeah, I am. You look like movie stars,” she said, and we smiled, but didn’t laugh.

  Do not laugh at anything a pre-teen says unless she laughs first, and even then—beware.

  “We’re on our way to dinner, but wanted to stop in and visit for a few minutes,” I replied.

  We walked through the front door into the living room, as Mom came out of the kitchen.

  “Oh my goodness, you both look so nice!” she said. Then she caught the flash of my ring, and her blue eyes widened.

  “Wait—let me get Dad,” she said, and was up the stairs in a flash.

  Miles and I grinned at each other, as I put my arm through his.

  Mom and Dad came down the stairs together.

  “Hi kids, what’s going on? Anika, your Mom is being very tight-lipped about something,” Dad said, with a puzzled smile.

  I held out my hand, and Dad understood. Then Mom started talking, and Dad started talking, and Miles and I tried to understand and answer questions, and Doreen finally understood and was excited, and then Tryon, who was playing in the backyard, ran inside to find out what was going on.

  It was a little bit of mayhem for a while. Finally everyone settled down, so that one person could speak at a time.

  “So when is the big day?” Mom asked brightly, but with a hint of worry in her eyes.

  “We’ve talked about next spring, after our first year of college,” I said.

  I could tell Mom and Dad were both counting up how many months we would know each other by then. They both made a slight ‘eh, I guess that’s okay’ face, and then returned to the conversation.

  “Well, good,” said Mom. “You don’t want to be in a hurry.”

  “That’s right, you have your whole lives ahead of you, and now is the time to get to know each other,” Dad added.

  “When couples come to an agreement on the big things before they get married, there’s less conflict after,” cautioned Mom.

  “Like what?” I asked.

  “Oh, for instance,” thought Mom. “Where will you live? Do you want children? How many? How do you resolve conflict, because believe me, it will come no matter how well matched you may be.”

  “Will you both work? How will responsibilities around the home be divided?” asked Dad.

  “Those are good questions,” Miles said. “We’ll be sure to talk about those, and compromise on any differences before the wedding.”

  Considering Mom and Dad think we’ve only known each other for a couple of months, we both understood their concern. They couldn’t possibly know our history, or that Miles doesn’t act rashly. You’d think for as long as Miles had to wait in isolation, not participating in life, now he’d be in a huge hurry to pack as much into every second as possible. But that isn’t Miles.

  Mom and Dad hugged and congratulated us, and we hugged the kids and told them to expect to be in the wedding party. It was time to leave for our reservation, so we said our goodbyes.

  The Lodge at Whispering Pines looked like a beautiful old house nestled into the side of the mountain. The sun was just tipping over the horizon, tinting the clouds vivid shades of orange, pink, and purple.

  “I love this!” I enthused, as we neared the front doors of the Lodge on the way to Elizabeth’s, the Lodge’s upscale restaurant. “It has so much character, and atmosphere!”

  “Yes, it was originally a mansion, which was later converted into the Lodge. Not only do they have fine dining at Elizabeth’s, they also offer lodging here. During the month of December, they have a huge Christmas tree in the lobby.”

  “How do you know all this?” I asked in surprise.

  “The internet, of course,” smiled Miles.

  The ma
ître de seated us at a secluded table for two. Candles flickered softly amongst the baby’s breath and clusters of crimson roses, that graced the center. Music played quietly in the background, and the lighting was soft.

  “Looks like I wore the right thing,” I said, softly touching a rose petal.

  “You should wear that all the time,” Miles said, with one of those melting looks. It looked like I wasn’t the only one melting.

  The waiter interrupted our moment, and took our order.

  I picked up my glass, and the candle light glinted off my diamond ring, scattering rainbows. I never saw a ring so beautiful. And it was mine! I was engaged to Miles! I’d squeal and jump up and down, if we weren’t in such a nice restaurant. I might start writing with my left hand, hold a fork with my left hand, shake hands with my left hand, just to see the diamond flash in the light.

  “To continue our conversation from earlier today,” Miles said, as he slid the napkin ring off of his napkin. “You asked where I plan to live when we start college. I have given that some thought.”

  We were briefly interrupted when the waiter appeared with our order. Then he left, and Miles resumed our conversation.

  “Your full scholarship from the Bannerman Foundation, includes an apartment. Wherever you are, I want to be nearby. So where I am, will depend on where you are.”

  “I like that,” I said. I really, really did.

  “Good,” smiled Miles. “Let’s have a look at apartments, then. I know one place we can go tonight.”

  “It won’t be too late by the time we’re finished with dinner?” I asked.

  “Not too late at all,” Miles smiled.

  “Jenny and I talked about being roommates. Does the scholarship paying for my living expenses affect that at all?”

  “Not a bit. I think it’s great Jenny will be your roommate.”

  “Okay,” I smiled. “I’ll talk to her tomorrow.”

  We finished our meals, which were delicious. I didn’t think I could manage dessert, until the waiter brought the dessert tray for our perusal.

  Miles and I ordered the most delicious white chocolate and raspberry cheesecake. If I could only eat one food in all the world for the rest of my life, I might just pick that.

  We walked out of the restaurant, where the valet was just driving up with our vehicle. It rained while we were inside. The scent of pine was strong in the cool, humid air, and the wet streets shimmered in the moonlight.

  Miles helped me into our vehicle, and drove toward the apartment building he mentioned.

  On the way down the mountain and away from artificial lights, I gazed at the beautiful heavens. The stars were countless. One flashed across the sky, but I didn’t have a wish to make. I already had everything. I kissed the back of Miles’ hand, which I was already holding, and he glanced at me with a flicker of a smile before turning back to the road.

  “Here we are,” Miles said, as he pulled into a covered parking lot.

  “Wow, this apartment building looks like a hotel,” I said. “When I think of an apartment, I think of each unit having its own outside door.”

  “I’d feel much better about you if you’re here, instead of one of those,” Miles said. “There’s a security guard at the desk, and to gain entrance a person must be a resident, or be buzzed in by one.”

  How sophisticated.

  I looked up at the impressive building as Miles guided me through the doors, and across the marble floor to the guard at the desk.

  “Good evening, Mr. Bannerman,” the security guard said, as he stood and greeted Miles.

  “Hi Steve,” Miles greeted him in return. “This is my fiancé, Anika Riley. We’re here to see the apartment we talked about earlier. I’ve got the key, so we’ll just run up.”

  I watched the exchange, more than a little puzzled. Miles guided me to the elevator, which then began to rise.

  “So—he was friendly,” I said. “Knew you by name, and you already have a key?”

  Miles looked a little sheepish. “Steve’s my employee… I own the building.”

  “Oooh, I see!” I teased. “So the Bannerman Foundation will save money if I live here.”

  Miles grinned.

  “That’s right. So see, you’re doing me a favor if you stay here.”

  “Okay,” I said, linking my arm with his and pressing my cheek against his shoulder.

  The apartment was just as amazing on the inside, as the rest of the building. The bedrooms were huge. The doors were set at an angle, and opened onto the large living room. The kitchen was no galley, either. The living room and bedrooms had vaulted ceilings with high windows, which would offer light, yet still maintain privacy. Actual privacy blinds covered the lower windows.

  This was beyond good enough for college, I could live here permanently! Jenny would flip when she realized this is where we’d live during the next school year. It was fully furnished too, which was good, since I had no furniture!

  As we left the apartment and Miles handed me the key, he pointed to the apartment next to mine.

  “This is where I’ll be. If you ever need anything, you don’t even have to call. Your bedroom is on the other side of the wall from mine. Just knock, and I’ll be right there.”

  “Cool,” I said. “Very cool.”

  We drove back to the castle, talking about our future plans. On the way to the particular hall which held the bedrooms in use, we passed through the ballroom. We waltzed to imaginary music, then Miles walked me to my bedroom door and we hugged.

  “I love you, Anika,” he said softly against my hair.

  “I love you too, Miles,” I said. “I’m so happy… I feel like I’m living in the best dream ever.”

  I looked up into his gorgeous, melting eyes as he looked back at me softly.

  “You were worth waiting a hundred and forty years for,” he said, brushing my cheek with his fingers.

  “Really?” I whispered.

  “I’d wait longer than that in a heartbeat, if at the end, it meant being with you.”

  The heat of a thousand suns would be no match for the melting effect of Miles’ words, and that look in his eyes.

  Miles kissed me softly as time stood still.

  Eventually Chip padded sleepily to the door of my bedroom and gave us a pointed look, then went back and lay down with a thud.

  Miles kissed me one more time, then we said goodnight.

  I went inside my room and dropped into a chair, and relived every moment of the most perfect day—ever.

  Miles and I drove in to Cedar Oaks so I could meet Jenny for coffee, and he could take care of some business matters. I hadn’t seen Jenny in a while. We talked on the phone, but she was busy working as counselor at a camp all summer, and I was busy making up for lost time with Miles.

  We placed our orders, then carried our drinks to a covered table on the patio. My ring flashed in the sunlight, and Jenny squealed.

  “Oh my goodness, Anika! I can’t believe it!” she said, looking at the rainbow rock on the third finger of my left hand.

  “I know, it’s hard for me to believe, too!”

  “Well I am very happy for you,” said Jenny. “I’ve never seen you look so full of life and—bursting with happiness.”

  “Thanks, Jenny,” I smiled.

  Jenny is an awesome person. Not a jealous bone in her body, just genuinely happy for me. I’m glad we’re friends.

  I took a sip of my excellent latte, then got to the point.

  “So Jenny, we talked about being roommates at college this year. Do you still want to do that?”

  “Sure, that would be great! I can’t wait for school to start, it was disappointing having to wait out a year. I know you feel the same way,” she said.

  “Well here’s the good news—my scholarship is paying for this—” I showed Jenny the pictures I took with my iPhone the night before. That little dinky evening bag did hold at least that much!

  “Oh my goodness, that is beautiful,” Jenny excla
imed.

  “And, my scholarship pays for it,” I smiled.

  Jenny just looked at me.

  “So save your rent money, and put it toward next year,” I said.

  “Oh, Anika—I don’t think that’s right for me to live there, and not pay rent.”

  “I understand wanting to pay your own way. However, I’m not going to pay rent, either. The Bannerman Foundation is.”

  “Yes, but that’s part of your scholarship,” Jenny argued.

  “My scholarship is paying for the apartment whether I live there alone, or with a roommate.”

  “I don’t know, Anika…” Jenny said uncertainly.

  “The apartment’s already paid for. Does it really make sense that you pay me for something that I’m getting for nothing? Come on, let me share my good fortune!” I insisted.

  Jenny made a face. I was on the verge of convincing her.

  “I want you as a roommate. Just say yes! Consider yourself a chaperone, if it makes you feel any better. With my extremely gorgeous fiancé living next door, I may need one!”

  Jenny laughed.

  “Okay then,” she said, and smiled. “I’d love to be your roommate. I’ll keep an eye on you just like your Dad would.”

  “Now let’s not go overboard,” I said, and we both laughed again.

  We sipped our drinks and enjoyed the beautiful afternoon. White puffy clouds dotted the deep blue sky, and a light breeze blended with the warm rays of the sun, resulting in a perfect day.

  Colorful flowers overflowed the planters lining the streets, and the occasional bench. Tourists walked up and down the wood plank walkway, which was Cedar Oak’s version of a sidewalk, stopping in to shop at the many quaint businesses along the street.

  “A lot of people shopping today,” I commented.

  “Good thing,” said Jenny. “That income is what supports the town.”

  “Does Cedar Oaks ever have difficulty getting enough tourism to support it?”

  “I think usually it’s adequate. There is always interest in adding businesses to attract more tourism, though. As long as it’s historically accurate!” she said, gesturing toward the shops around us.

  I saw Miles walking down the boardwalk toward us, and waved.

  “Hi,” I said, as he approached our table.