Chapter 12
It took twenty minutes for them to arrive at Eli's house in the hills which was kind of surrounded by many other extravagant homes and separated from the fast life of Harlow city. There was just enough space around each home to do as you pleased and it wouldn't bother your neighbor. But it didn't feel like these people could be considered neighbors because of the walking distance to each house. You would need to drive to the house beside you or you might pass out if you weren't fit.
But Helen liked how closed off everyone seemed from each other. You could have so much fun in these big houses and no one would be able to see or maybe even hear what you were doing. They probably don't pay attention to what anyone is doing. Maybe she should also get a house like this one day. Helen had thoughts about buying a permanent home rather than moving from apartment to apartment. A home she could design and renovate how she pleased. One day she would when all her businesses were all set.
"You have a nice home," She commented when his car pulled into a driveway. She noticed a few guards roaming the area and unlike the gossip guards she had back at her apartment building, these people were the real deal. They had to be for the amount of money they might be paid.
"Thank you," Eli said, taking off his seat belt. He had customized his home to his liking where he would be as comfortable as possible. Eli opened his car door, stepped out, and closed the door. He instantly went to the other side to open the car door for Helen. "I must continue my gentleman act," He said, extending his right hand for her to step out.
"Sure," She answered, taking his hand and stepping out of the car. Helen got a better look around at the garden which was a part of the driveway then the huge door at his entrance. "Why is the door so big? Did you kidnap NBA players and put them in there? Giants?"
"That is the style of the designer. I've always liked large doors, they add more to the look of the house rather than the average door you find everyone with," Eli explained leading her to the entrance. "I'll give you a tour," He added, opening the door. Eli stepped aside allowing Helen to enter first.
"It has a nice homey vibe to it. Although it's big there's a feeling like you'll be comfortable here. When I make my move to buy a house I want it just like this. Hey, sell me this house," She joked, referencing when he wanted to buy her land.
"Haha. You're hilarious," Eli sarcastically replied to the fact she would not let go of him wanting to buy the land.
"Of course I am," Helen responded, taking it upon herself to look at his decor. She came across photos of Eli and a slightly older woman who resembled him. "Your mother or sister?" She questioned.
"Mother."
"She's really beautiful plus she looks really young. I need to know her secrets. What about your father?" She asked, seeing all the photos were just of him and his mother. "Was he not in your life or did he die when you were really young?"
"Good assumption but my father is still in my life. In fact, he lIves with my mother and they're still married. I grew up closer to my mother and never cared to build a proper relationship with my father. I tolerate my father because of my mother. What about your family?" He didn't feel like diving into his messy family history and instead wanted to know about Helen.
"Well for starters I'm adopted. I was adopted when I was eighteen by an elderly couple. Mary and Samuel Reed. I love them with all my heart because you know, I would've been in this world alone without family. I work hard so they won't regret adopting me. When couples go to adopt they usually get the babies they could watch grow up or because they can't deal with the trauma the older kids bring into their homes."
"They didn't have a child of their own?" Eli questioned.
Helen smiled remembering an old story Mary had told her. "Mary didn't feel like pushing out a kid because she feared the pain of childbirth. She said many of her friends scared her when they were telling her their childbirth stories and she just made up her mind she wasn't going to do it. Mary told me she always dreamt of adopting at least one child and Samuel just followed whatever Mary did. Her body is her choice, he said."
"He also told me Mary dislikes kids growing up so the childbirth stories were the nail in the coffin. Do you have any pets to keep you company or does any family stay here? The silence in this house is somehow overwhelming me now," She commented, not liking the complete silence. If she stayed like this for too long the silence might bring in negative thoughts. "You have a freaking lake behind your house? Can I see?" She wanted to escape the silence when she saw the large lake behind his home.
"Yes,"
Eli let her walk off to see the lake so he could grab a remote which would play music throughout the home. Afterward, he needed to catch up with Helen at the lake before she could get too close to the water. There wasn't anything out in the open of his home to alert anyone to his world besides what was in the lake.
Eli took long strides immediately reaching Helen who was looking at the beauty of the lake from a safe distance. "We should move on to the next room so we could hurry and start the date."
Taking her eyes away from the beautiful lake Helen nodded in agreement and proceeded to go back inside.
Eli remained alone by the lake and heard a splash of water. Looking out at the lake he saw that a person had emerged from the water now that he was alone. Eli changed his black eyes to red to warn them not to make their presence known. There was a screeching sound before the head disappeared below the water.
"Fucking sirens," He cursed knowing it wouldn't show back up because of his warning. They normally never show themselves to his few guests but today one of them wanted to irritate him. It was safe for Helen to visit the lake but the moment a part of her touched the water it would be her demise.