Daddy’s little girl. I missed my daddy.
“Wow. This is an awesome room!” My excitement was truly genuine.
If front of the TV meant for a giant, was a huge brown leather sectional couch. I could comfortably see myself relaxing and sleeping there, and in front of it was a beautiful glass coffee table. The room was warm and inviting, but very minimal.
“I love it.” I turned to Lauryn.
“I designed it myself. I told the contractors what I wanted, and well, poof! Here it is.” Her beaming smile told me she was obviously proud of her accomplishment, as she should be, since it turned out so beautiful. “Let me show you the kitchen! This is soooo my favorite!”
Lauryn took my arm and led me not too far, as it was a very large open space, and mostly just needed to turn into the kitchen. Wow was all I could think. Now, I don’t cook—never learned and didn’t plan on ever learning. It just wasn’t my thing. This kitchen looked like a chef’s masterpiece that you would see on one of those cooking shows on TV.
Stainless steel was everywhere, and the way the sun shined through those huge windows was almost blinding. With the bright white cabinets, the kitchen was a total knock out. Maybe I could learn a thing or two in here.
My favorite part was the island. I have a serious thing for them. I think it has to do with the long talks my dad and I used to have at ours at home. I miss those days.
It had six chairs around it and was huge. I could envision myself there eating breakfast, on my laptop, or talking to Lauryn. My body began to relax.
“Wow, Lauryn. This is outstanding.”
“Thank you. I love to cook and wanted something that I could move around in. And well, this is the result of moving .”
Lauryn lead me through the archway into the dining room. It was very simple, but no less beautiful than the rest. The table was solid cherry and could easily fit ten or more. Just how many parties does this girl have?
“Okay, Sadie, I saved the best for last!” Lauryn practically screamed at me. “Follow me!”
I dutifully followed her through the dining room to the hidden stairs. “I didn’t know these were here.” I had never seen them any of the times I had been here.
“This used to be the old cellar. Well, it’s not a cellar anymore.”
I walked steadily down the stairs and became utterly speechless. Red … everywhere. Red walls, red carpet, red recliners. “It’s a movie theater,” I whispered.
“Yes! And not only that.” She shoved open another door and revealed a game room. Yes, an actual game room … with real games. I saw skeeball and ran over to it.
“This was my favorite game as a kid,” I said in awe, placing my hand on the game as if it were about to come to life at my touch.
“Mom would take Seth and me to Arcade Palace, and we would battle this game. I remember one time I got this really cute girl to come talk with him, my ultimate distraction technique. Little did he know, I rolled all his balls into the gutter so he didn’t score.” I smiled at the thought.
“Well, you can come down here and play anytime you want!”
“I’ll take you up on that! When Seth comes home, it is so on!” I really hadn’t felt this enthusiastic about a game since I was a kid. But I really wanted to kick Seth’s ass. Moreover, I just wanted to see him.
“Is Seth coming home soon?” Lauryn asked quietly.
“I’m not sure. I haven’t heard anything from him in a while.” I wish I could hear his voice to just tell me he’s okay. Not hearing anything is the worst. I need to get that new email account up so I can try to get in touch with him.
“What about your mom? Will she come see you?” Lauryn was digging for information, and I knew it. I wanted to give it to her; I just couldn’t, at least not yet.
“I don’t know.”
I knew I needed to stay here and hideout, and hope Rob didn’t trace me. With all of his skills, I knew that one slip up would mean he could find me in an