CHAPTER 22
AVA CLARKE
The academic environment demands my full attention, but images from the previous night with Damien persist in my mind, dancing like a gentle melody. I try to close my eyes for a moment, seeking to push away the lingering memories. The sensation of dancing, the closeness with Damien—all those moments made me feel alive in a way I never imagined.
As the bell rings, I gather my belongings, striving to free myself from distractions. I leave the classroom, taking a deep breath and promising myself to focus on my academic obligations. However, my determination is tested when Sophia, my lively and always adventurous friend, approaches.
"Sophia, how do you manage to stay focused during these endless classes?", I asked, trying to suppress a smile.
Sophia laughs, displaying her contagious energy.
"Well, I try, but sometimes the mind just wanders away. We have to enjoy life, don't we?"
We walk side by side towards the parking lot. Sophia retrieves her keys and points to the car.
"Come on, I'll take you to my grandma's house, and I'm sure a hot cup of tea is waiting for us.", she says, and I nod.
Our university classes are over, and now I'm in Sophia's car being driven to her grandmother's house. I should be at the mansion again, but I'm going to investigate what happened to me. Maybe I won't discover anything interesting, but I'll do it, and inside the car, I chat with Sophia about the mansion ball and other random topics.
Finally, we arrive at Sophia's grandmother's house, a charming countryside residence surrounded by flowering gardens. The sweet scent of flowers hangs in the air as Sophia parks the car. We step out, and I am enchanted by the tranquil beauty of the place.
The house is small and perfect for a woman who lives alone. On the way here, Sophia told me a bit about her grandmother, mentioning that her husband passed away five years ago and that since then, she has been living alone in this house. I look around, savoring the unique sensation, and Sophia and I walk towards the entrance of the house. She knocks on the door twice, and we wait.
We hear footsteps, and seconds later, the door opens. I see a woman with completely gray hair and dark skin like Sophia's. She must have been a beautiful woman when she was young, and I can see that. She is very old, and inside the car, I asked if it wasn't dangerous for a woman like her to live alone like this, but my friend told me that her grandmother is a stubborn woman and likes to be alone.
I smile at the woman, watching her touch her glasses on her face. She kisses Sophia's cheek before scrutinizing me again.
"You must be Ava.", I'm surprised to hear her say my name, and I nod quickly.
"Well, I called and let her know you wanted to talk a bit.", Sophia explains, and moments later, I feel the woman's hand touching my arm.
"My name is Mary, and if you're my granddaughter's friend, that means we're friends too. Come in, please.", she says, and I smile before entering the house with Sophia by my side.
Sophia's grandmother, a woman with a warm smile and a wise gaze, welcomes us with open arms. The house is a cozy haven, filled with memories and comfort. I feel instantly at ease, as if I've found an oasis of serenity amidst the hustle of university life.
In the quiet evening of this day, I find myself comfortably seated beside Sophia on a sofa in Mary's cozy living room. The soft light of the late afternoon filters through the curtains, creating a serene and mild atmosphere. Mary enters the room holding delicate teacups, offering them to us gracefully. We accept the kind offer with a gesture of thanks.
We settle into our respective seats, and the conversation flows lightly and casually as we savor the tea. I notice the serious expression on Mary's face and decide to address a topic that has intrigued me for some time.
"I see on your face that you have many questions and need many answers, Ava.", she says as if she knows what I'm thinking, and I nod.
"Mary, you've lived here for so long. You've seen a lot happen in this town, haven't you?"
Mary nods slowly, as if reliving long-buried memories.
"Yes, my dear. This town has its own stories, some of which may surprise you."
Intrigued, I cast a curious glance at Mary and agreed with a quick nod.
"I've always had the feeling that there's more to this town than meets the eye. Many unanswered questions."
Mary smiles understandingly, as if reading my thoughts.
"Ah, my young one, you're not alone in that feeling. Many here carry similar questions."
As I bring the teacup to my lips, Mary, with a thoughtful expression.
"There have been supernatural moments, yes. Since I was a girl, I heard tales of strange things happening in this town."
My curiosity is immediately piqued, and I gaze at Mary with sparkling eyes.
"Supernatural stories? Like what?"
Mary gently laughs before beginning her narrative.
"Well, legends say that wild wolves roamed the edges of the town during the darkest nights. Some claim to have seen witches dancing under the light of the full moon, and others allege to have encountered vampires that vanish into the shadows."
Vampires.
That word still lingers in my mind.
I am fascinated, and I can't hide my surprise.
"Wolves, witches, and vampires? That sounds like fairy tales!"
Mary nods, but her eyes reveal a deep seriousness.
"That's what many think. Most here believe they're just stories invented for entertainment. However, those who have lived long enough in this town know that there's truth behind these tales."
Absorbed by Mary's words, I eagerly ask:
"Have you ever witnessed any of these things?"
Mary looks thoughtfully at the tea in her cup before responding:
"I've heard many stories over the years. However, there's something in this place that makes people keep telling these legends, as if there's something unexplainable and magical hidden among the silent streets."
As I absorb Mary's words, I feel a chill run down my spine.
The night outside begins to fall, and Mary's house seems to carry ancient secrets.