Love being different

The mysterious man

The following day I woke up late in the morning, I was worn out by the long trip and the stress of my first day of work. I needed such a long, healthy sleep - I was feeling great and ready to do my job.

Breakfast was served in my room, so I would just spend lunch with Mr. Mancini. It was almost midday when I went downstairs to the dining hall looking for Trudi and found him setting up the table. As soon as he noticed my presence, he said:

He kindly asked.

I was still rather worried.

He seemed upset, I could tell it by the paleness in his face. After an initial moment of silence, he answered frantically:

So there were only five people living in this enormous castle: Mr. Mancini, his personal assistant, Mr. Trudi and the two waiters.

-What a waste! Just five people in such a huge place…-

In any case, I was relieved by Mr. Trudi’s answer, although his agitation seemed a bit suspect.

I was very stressed after my first day and maybe that made me imagine crazy things. I didn’t want to think about those fooleries anymore, so I asked Trudi if I could explore the castle - I was excited to visit its various rooms…

I asked with great surprise.

-Is there a curfew in this place…?- I thought, but I didn’t say anything.

He replied.

I exclaimed curiously.

He explained, trying to reassure me.

Satisfied with the clarification, I took leave saying that I would start exploring the castle. I entered the Eastern wing from a door indicated to me by one of the waiters who was cleaning the furniture in the entrance hall.

I was struck by that place, it was like being sent back into another century. Everything was ancient - over the tables the candelabras had their candles still consumed. I moved from a room to another, each one had a fireplace and was decorated with old and elegant furniture. Despite being so outdated, the rooms were tidy and well kept. I wondered how it could be possible with only two waiters.

In every room there were paintings representing the faces of some beautiful men. I lingered on the portrait of a young man with dark hair and the eyes of an astounding sky-blue color.

I stayed some minutes, fascinated by that beautiful face. Time flew by and I realized it was almost lunchtime; therefore, knowing Mr. Mancini’s ideas regarding punctuality, I hurriedly came back to the hall.

The day went on peacefully - I noticed something different in Mr. Mancini’s behavior. His black eyes, gifted with such an intense gaze, were often pointed at me trying to make eye contact, but I averted it. His stare was so penetrating that made me feel slightly uncomfortable and I couldn’t understand the reason why.

However, the afternoon slipped by and I spent the evening in my room, watching TV.

-What else could I do anyway?-

I was ready to go to bed, already dressed in my nightgown, when a noise coming from outside the door made me startle. I had the sensation there was someone behind it. I plucked up the courage and all of a sudden I opened the door - I had no idea of how I found the strength, but I needed to be sure that I wasn’t crazy, especially after what happened the day before.

What I saw knocked me back: a beautiful young man was staring at me.

I could swear, that his face was the same one I saw on the portrait in the Eastern wing.