"So, are you going to talk to me?" Noah, Hazel's 20-year-old 'brother' asked, looking at her for a moment before turning his gaze back to the road. Hazel hasn't said a word ever since they got in the car he rented, 14 hours ago. Sure, she did sleep for about 3 of them, but still, that leaves 11 hours of awkward silence with the radio quietly playing in the background of Hazel's sighs, Noah's imploring and the car's engine. They could've just fly over to Montana from England, but Noah wanted a bit of time with his sister, to sort things out. Away from other people. "Look, Boo," he used her special nickname, making her odd-colored eyes - which she hated, but he loved - finally set on him "I'm sorry. I know I suggested going to this place, but it's for your own good, alright? You know how much I care about you" he looked at her for a moment before looking forward again "and I really don't want to lose you. Nor do mom and dad." he finished, biting his lip and tightening his grip on the steering wheel as he waited and hoped his little sister would reply.
Hazel kept looking at him, but then turned her gaze onto the ground, thinking. She didn't see why Noah made such a big deal over a few little baby-cuts, way smaller than the ones she's had in the past. She got that part of the reason was her social anxiety, but she was more than sure that what actually made Noah research this place was the fact that she broke down again, on Reece's birthday. Absentmindedly, the girl reached over to the necklace she always had on before letting out a small sigh. "Right... fine, I get that. But if they have bad food, I'm making you fly over and drive to wherever I'm at and bring me some Nando's." she finally said, glancing over at her brother to catch him smile, which made her smile, sort of.
"That's a promise." Noah said, his smile turning into a full-on grin, his grip on the wheel relaxing as he kept on driving. "Aaand we're here." he added, making the car stop and turning the engine off before unbuckling his seat belt and jumping out of the car. Hazel did the same, but less enthusiastically. I mean, what was there to be excited about?
The girl walked out of the car, closing the door and looking up at the mansion. It was big, but not surprisingly big, her house was just a bit smaller. Even so, she prefered her house, it didn't look as creepy and old as Moss Mansion did. The building looked historical, she guessed it was built around the 18th-19th century, judging by the architecture. Wait. Why would she know that? Because Mr.Winters was an architect, that's why. Still, she felt weird knowing this, but how could she not? She always paid attention to what Peter said about his work, in fact, she always paid attention when any person spoke. Teachers, bullies, family, people on TV, sometimes even random strangers on the street.
"Hello... Hazel?" Noah's hand on her shoulder startled her and she jumped a little, which made her brother chuckle. Hazel glared at him, crossing her arms.
"Don't do that, alright?" she muttered, glaring a little.
"Alright, alright. I'm sorry, Boo." he said, hugging his sister tightly. Hazel also wrapped her arms around him and they stood like that for a while. "You know, I'm going to miss you showing up at my house randomly asking me to make you food when mom and dad are at work." he mumbled, pulling back. Okay that was true, but it was only because the only thing Hazel could cook were sandwiches and cakes, nothing else. Seriously, if burning water was possible she would be the one to do it.
"It's just a month of hell, right?" Hazel asked, stepping back and looking at the mansion again.
"Hell? Really? This is meant to be a good place, remember?" Noah asked, raising a brow. "It's not like it's haunted or anything." he added, rolling his eyes.
"Actually... " a man's voice was heard, making both Noah and Hazel jump a little. "There, there, children. I'm no ghost. I'm the caretaker." he laughed loudly. "Now hurry up, missy, I've got others to welcome here as well." he added in a friendly tone, grabbing all of Hazel's bags from Noah with great ease. "I'll let you say your goodbyes and meet you, Hazel, inside." he then walked off.
"Wow, he knows my name. Now I'm scared." Hazel said before hugging her brother again.
"Don't be, he seems cool. Call me before you go to sleep! See ya!" And with that Noah was back in the car and driving off.
With a loud sigh the girl reluctantly made her way inside the mansion, finding the caretaker waiting for her.
"There ye are." he said before starting to walk off. Hazel blinked and quickly ran after him, easily catching up as she was quite fast and she figured all her bags were slowing him down, but then to her surprise he picked up his pace, making her have to speed-walk, which was okay, seeing as that meant getting to her room faster. She sort of started to zone out, not really listening to the man anymore, but from the few words she heard he was telling her about the history and whatnot.
"Here we are." the man announced loudly, making Hazel's heart stop for a second. Damn, that was scary.
"Right... thank you." she mumbled quietly as the caretaker left her bags inside the bedroom and left, closing the door behind him.
As soon as the man exited Hazel ran to one of the two beds, not really questioning why there were two, and collapsed on one, looking up at the ceiling. What should I do now? she thought, glancing over at her suitcases. Decorating! she decided and stood up again, opening a small suitcase which was full of posters and other useless things. She got out some blu tack and started to stick the posters on the side of the room where her bed was, all over the walls. By the time she was finished she had more than 100 eyes staring at her, but that was okay with her, because Bring Me The Horizon. Pierce The Veil, Sleeping With Sirens and the rest of the bands on the posters were very hot.