Installment 40

I realised Janet was gazing at me, and probably had been for some time.
“What?” I asked.
“Nothing. Just looking at you.”
“Why?”
She smiled and kissed me on the cheek, “Because you're beautiful.”
I grimaced, “You're weird.”
“And you need to learn to take a compliment.”
“Whatever,” I could feel my face getting red and tried to change the subject, “So, it'll be weird going to the guesthouse and Tim not being there.”
“We're not going to the guesthouse.”
“Where will we stay then?”
“In the castle, of course.”
“Wow. I've never slept in a castle before. That's pretty cool.”
Janet smiled, “It's just a big house, Fi.”
“I know, but still... It's a huge, pretty house that's really old.”
“Fair enough,” she said smirking.
“What will we do when we get there?”
Janet shrugged, “Wait, I guess. Get ready to fight, or to run.”
“I've had enough of running,” I said, all the fear and uncertainty gone, “I don't even know how long it is since I left London, but I've been going too long, and it's time to stop running.”
She smiled, looking almost proud, “That's my girl,” she said, “You're braver than you think, but if it's a fight we can't win, then we run. Understand?”
I nodded, somehow knowing that it wouldn't come to that.

The castle loomed over the village. I hadn't noticed it the first time I came to Ogmore. I had been so caught up in what had happened with Kelly, that nothing else seemed to matter. Now, the whole world had changed for me and Kelly was nothing more than a series of memories brought to life for my pleasure and entertainment.

I could feel the excitement Gwendolyn was feeling. It was the excitement of a woman who's been away from home altogether too long. Brin also seemed energised by our proximity to the castle. Harry continued playing games on her phone, not even seeming to notice that we'd arrived in Ogmore. Every so often, she would let out an exclamation of victory or frustration, but didn't seem interested in interacting with us at all. I wondered how this young girl managed to just shut out all the drama that surrounded her and carry on as if nothing was wrong. I guess if all your life is weird, weird is normal.

The car pulled into the grounds of the castle and we all piled out. Brin opened the boot and handed bags to Harry and Gwendolyn, and threw a large backpack over his shoulder. Janet and I followed as they led the way up some steps to a big wooden door. I felt like I should be handing over money to the national trust, but when we walked through the doorway, the decor and furniture was surprisingly modern. The walls were stone, of course, but instead of the renaissance paintings of dead ancestors that I would usually expect, there was a large abstract expressionist painting, and then a collection of postcards and photographs. The opposite wall held a large mirror, reflecting the painting back. It was strange being so utterly surrounded by the strange shapes in primary colours.

The family dropped their bags in the hallway and led us through to a living room area. Harry launched herself into a big armchair and resumed the game on her phone. I felt tired and nauseous and more than a little worried about what was going to happen. My stomach gurgled and I realised that the nausea was probably really hunger.

"Um... would I be able to get something to eat?" I asked timidly.
Gwendolyn and Brin turned and looked at me with confused looks on their faces, as if I'd asked something completely ridiculous.
Janet reached into her bag and handed me a small packet of crackers, then turned to the others, "Mortal, remember?"
Brin grunted disapprovingly.
I opened the crackers and wolfed them down. Janet watched me, looking sad.
"I'm sorry I don't have anything more appetising. I picked them up at a motorway service station a couple of days ago, but didn't think to get you anything better on the way here."
I chewed up the remainder of the cracker in my mouth, and swallowed it before I should have, leaving a small piece stuck in my throat, "It's ok," I told her, "You've had bigger things on your mind."
She smiled and put her hand on mine, "Feeling better?"
I nodded.
"I'll go into town later and get something more substantial."
I smiled, "Thanks."

A woman walked down the stairs. She wore dark trousers, and a long flowing shirt of crimson silk. Her hair was a deep auburn and fell down to her waist. Harry looked up from her phone, then dropped it and leapt out of the chair.
"Mum!" she ran over and threw her arms around the woman. Arianwen, I assumed that's who it was, smiled and kissed the top of the girl's head holding her close.
Gwendolyn turned and smiled at her daughter. Brin's face stayed grim and he merely nodded at her.

I went to stand, but Janet, grabbed my hand and stopped me.
"What?" I whispered.
"Just wait, darling," she responded.
I shot her a quizzical look, but the worry on her face stopped me from arguing. She was looking down, trying not to make eye contact with Arianwen. It didn't work. Arianwen let go of her daughter and walked over to where we were sitting and stood in front of Janet.
Janet looked up and smiled weakly, "So, you found it then?"