I almost couldn’t believe it. It was off. I was overwhelmed by happiness. Just having the damn thing off made me feel free. I wrapped Cecil up in a warm hug. He smiled, and his blue eyes seemed even bluer. In an instant his face changed to the colour of a cherry tomato. After a moment’s thought, I realized why. I was naked. I had forgotten.
I released him from my grip. He cleared his throat, and grabbed a box from behind him.
“Here,” he said. “I brought you some clothes Grace.”
He smiled as he handed the box to me. I opened it, and lifted some clothes out. There was a pair of black jeans and a black top. I slipped on the clothes, which were way too big. I looked over at him, and he looked at his feet. I grinned, and kept digging through the box. I found an elastic band.
“In case you like your hair up.” Cecil explained.
I thanked him, as I tied my hair into a braid. I was done, almost. I tried my best to adjust my clothing so that it fit as best as it could.
“I guess I guessed wrong.” Cecil said. I giggled.
“You did fine.” I said. “You’ve been rather generous, in my opinion.”
He smiled, and it looked so cute I felt like hugging him. I refrained from it though, and stood up.
“Grace, this way.” Cecil said, climbing out the window.
I hesitated, but followed him. What kind of mess am I getting into? I thought. It didn’t matter now. I climbed down the rope Cecil had used, and quickly descended to the bottom.
I met Cecil once I got there. He signalled for me to be quiet, and to follow him. I did as he said, and followed him until we got to a house. He slipped inside, and I followed. When I got inside, I was nearly knocked back. The light inside was bright (unlike my cell at the doctor’s house), and it was roomy.
“Welcome Grace,” Cecil said. “To my house.”
I looked around, shocked. It was so big, unlike any house I had ever seen.
“It’s so...so...” I was at a loss for words. Cecil chuckled.
“This is my very own, very secret, playhouse.”
I looked at him strangely. He stood up and moved his hair back out of his face.
“My name is Cecil Jones,” he said, amused. “And I am one rich, lonely son-of-a-bitch.”
I smiled. “So you live here by yourself?” I asked.
He nodded. “My parents left it to me in their will, along with their money.”
I felt the smile vanish from my face. “So you mean that they...”
“Yup” he said. “They died in an accident .”
I noticed the stress he had put on the word.
“Do you want to hear about it?” he asked.
I shook my head. “I don’t want to pry...” I said. Of course I do... I thought. But I don’t want him to feel uncomfortable…
He chuckled. “Don't be so shy here Grace.” He said. “Come. Sit down. I’ll tell you all about it.”
I sat down in front of the fire he had started in his fireplace, and he ordered some wine. I eyed him curiously.
“Aren’t you a little young to drink?” I asked. He laughed.
“That’s no way to talk to someone who just saved your life.”
I sighed. I had a bad feeling about this kid, but I knew that I shouldn’t worry. After all, he had saved me.
