I knew that the mansion was off-limits but I needed to get away from things that reminded me of events I didn’t even know happened in my life. I’ve been experiencing strange Deja vus since we moved in this place. Was this mansion a part of my previous life?

I quietly sneaked inside the Mercedes’ mansion, going to the huge living room to sit for a while.

When I saw the grand staircase, I suddenly had the interest to go upstairs. I could be accused of trespassing but a strong voice was telling me not to worry. That there’s something I need to know about the mansion.

If someone catches me roaming around, I would tell them that I needed to go to the restroom and I couldn’t find it.

I remember having a dream about a long hallway with hundred of rooms and I was lost in the middle of it, wandering helplessly through the carpeted hall.

It was exactly what happened to me but I knew that I was wide awake during that time. Mercedes’ mansion may not have a hundred rooms but it still impossible not to get lost. The only good thing about the long corridor were the paintings hanging on wall. It was like a gallery inside a house, only the paintings were much more exquisite and interesting than the paintings I’ve seen in a museum gallery during our class trip. At least there was something to keep me entertained while passing to what seemed an endless lane.

Then I was surprised to see a half-opened door with the light on. I was hesitant to go and check it. Maybe someone’s inside and will accuse me of being a burglar. I wasn’t even sure if there are hidden cameras around.

But my curiosity won over so I approached the room silently and peeped through the open space.

A man was lying in the bed with tubes connected to his body. Sitting next to his bed was a boy in a white shirt, patiently waiting for him to wake up.

I was caught between closing the door to give them privacy and knocking on the door to call the attention of the boy. I chose the first option I was about to close it silently when the boy suddenly turned to the door and caught me spying on them like an assassin.

″Uhmm.. Hi.. Ah.. I didn’t mean to bother you,″ I said, awkwardly trying to explain. ″I was just.. You know, wandering around..″

He was still silent and seemed contented watching me apologizing stupidly.

″Well, anyway, I got to go..So, bye..″ I was about to leave him alone when I heard a sweet, masculine voice spoke.

″It’s fine.″

I was so surprised I nearly stumble when I pushed the door wide open.

″Are you okay?″ He asked. There was a bemused expression on his face.

″Hmm.. Yeah..″ I replied, stuttering.

″Come in.″

I hesitated for a moment. Someone might see us and will think that we’re doing something intimate inside. But I don’t want to refuse the boy’s invitation. He seemed nice and friendly and it was my chance to have a friend in the neighborhood.

I went inside and although I’ve already had a slight idea of who the person lying on the the bed might be, I was still surprised that I guessed correctly. It was Don Martin.

″Watching over your Dad, huh?″ I said, trying to make a conversation. His quietness was kinda irritating.

″Pardon?″ He seemed surprised of me asking him about Don Martin.

″I mean, Don Martin. Isn’t he your dad?″

He glanced at Don Martin then at me as if he was trying to process the question. He’s really gorgeous but sorry for being mean, he’s kind of retard.

″Yes, he’s my dad. I’m just a bit surprised that you knew about it,″ he explained.

″Oh, right. My parents work with your family. Dad works in your company and my mom is Don Martin’s nurse. But about you being his son, I just made a guess. Nobody mentioned that to me. I never even know he had a son. I thought he was a bachelor.″

I quickly stopped when I realized I was saying too much. I wasn’t sure but the thing about him being Don Martin’s son and no one ever mentioned it might offend him.

But he seemed not to mind.

″Well, I wouldn’t be surprised why they never told anyone about me,″ he said, smiling. But I saw a buried hurt in his eyes.

″So, why are you here? Why aren’t you joining the party?″ I asked. Then I wanted to hit myself again as I remembered the condition of his father. How would I expect him to go partying when he seemed bothered and worried about Don Martin’s condition?

″Forget that I asked that. I know you wanted to be with your father...″

″I wasn’t invited.″

Now, this is freaking weird. They invited most of their employees but singled out the son of Don Martin. There must be a serious reason.

I wanted to ask more but I decided to keep quiet instead. Enough of being too curious.

″Are you close with your dad?″ He suddenly asked.

″My dad? Well, yeah. When I was younger I used to tell him everything. He’s quite busy now but I still have a good relationship with him.″

″I see.″

″How about you?″ I asked with a sudden interest.

″Not really.I was rather harsh on him.″

As I looked at him, I realized how identical he is with Don Martin. They have similar features and exactly the same expressive brown eyes.

Suddenly, my mobile rang. It was my mom.

″Hey where are you?″ She asked, sounded alarmed.

″I’m in the toilet,″ I lied.

″Oh, right. Well, make it fast. We’re leaving.″

″Okay. Okay. I’m coming.″

Why did Mom has to ruin our good conversation?

″Sorry, it was my mom. We have to go,″ I informed him.

″I see. Well, it’s a pleasure to meet you. What’s your name again?″

I nearly forgot that I don’t even know his name.

″I’m Denise. And you are?″

″Gabriel.″

″It’s nice to meet you, Gabriel.″

″You too, Denise.″

I glanced once more at Don Martin before I left. I saw Gabriel, waved his hand and I waved back as I closed the door of Don Martin’s room.