Amanda did not know what to do, Christopher was determined to bring her to his house. Not only was it a risk for her identity, but it also literally spelled danger; danger for his house.
'Think Amanda, think!' She told herself in silence. Eventually, she decided it was best to go along with it and leave in the middle of the night when everyone was asleep.
As they were driving, Amanda noticed that Christopher paled. While his skin was the fairest she had ever seen, to her, he looked extra white. She figured it must have been from getting wet in the rain. She asked, "Are you okay?"
She watched him blow against one hand, then the other, trying to keep himself warm. She immediately felt sorry for him that she extended her hand. While her eyes remained on the road, she said, "Here, I have warm hands."
Christopher's lips curved into a smile. He would not pass on holding Amanda's hand, but because he was driving, he did it so quickly. He could not deny, however, that her hand felt warmer than earlier.
Once in a while, Christopher took the chance to hold Amanda's hand. They have been driving for minutes when he said, "We are here."
Amanda peeped through the glass window and although it was raining hard, her eyes could see through the showers. She immediately noticed how massive his house was. It did not quite fit the town of Trinity Bay.
She blurted out, "I take it, you are rich."
"My father is… rich," he answered while pulling up the driveway.
"So he is rich and you are a bum," she said while trying to make it hurtful as possible. She hoped that would push him away.
Unfortunately for her, he merely chuckled. He gave a sneer, swaying his head before revealing, "I am training to replace him… Something I am unsure if I want to do… Which is why I am planning on sticking around Trinity Bay."
After pulling up the driveway, he beeped on the horn, and soon an older man came out with an umbrella. Christopher looked at her and opened her side of the door, saying, "You first."
Before she could get out of the vehicle, the older man glanced inside, handing over a stainless container. He said, "Young Master, please drink your warm water first."
Christopher quickly grabbed the water while Amanda reluctantly went under the umbrella and followed the older man. After he brought her inside the house, the man went back to fetch Cristopher.
While she waited in the hallway, she looked around and immediately noticed a beautifully carved wooden falcon standing on a bureau plat. It almost looked real to her.
As she studied it carefully, she heard Christopher's voice. "Marvelous, isn't it?"
She nodded and said, "very much. It's exquisite."
"Young Master Chris, please warm yourself first by the fire," said the man.
Christopher turned to him and made introductions. "Martin, this is my friend, Amanda. Amanda, this is the house caretaker. He has been with us since I was much - much - much younger."
"Yes, master. I remember her. The girl from Thomas' restaurant, you told me she was Andrew's friend... Now, Young Master, please keep yourself warm," the man pleaded. "Please take a warm shower first."
It was only then when Amanda realized how pale Christopher had become. It was worse than when they were in the car. Hence, the reason for Martin to rush him to his room.
Christopher continued to ignore Martin and said, "Pre-prepare for Amanda's room. She will be staying with - with us tonight. She also needs a warm shower -"
"I'm fine. I'm already dry. See?" Amanda said. She raised her arms for him to see that her clothes were already dry.
"Please… master Chris. You first," Martin asserted again.
"Ex - excuse me, Amanda," he said while his lips trembled. "I'll have Martin to take care of you until I come back."
Christopher was sincerely worried about Amanda not getting changed but seeing she did not feel uncomfortable at all, he let it be and attended to himself first.
Amanda watched him hurriedly ran up the stairs. She saw it as an opportunity to leave, but she felt sorry for him. Certainly, if she would leave, he would come looking for her. She directed her gaze to Martin, who gestured for her to take a seat by the living area.
He asked, "What can I get you, please?"
She weakly smiled and said, "A cold water, please. A very, freezing cold water."
Martin had a puzzled look on his face, but it was not like him to judge. So, he went to the kitchen and brought Amanda a glass of icy water. "Here you go, miss."
She smiled and thanked him before quickly gulping down the water.
Amanda saw him walk towards the fireplace and it instantly made her cough. She stood up and took another seat, far from where it was at. She could not take any risk of burning someone else's house.
After lighting up the pile of wood, Martin excused himself, saying he needed to fix the guestroom.
She was alone in that space for nearly thirty minutes. She took the time to study the beautiful furnishing and decors when she saw a falcon painting on the wall, right across her. She pouted her lips saying to herself, "he must like birds."
Thankfully, Christopher did not take so long. She heard him speak from behind her, "Make yourself at home."
Turning to his direction, she saw how he was completely wrapped in warm clothes. She asked, "Are you feeling better?"
"Yeah… I easily get cold," Christopher explained. He walked close and took the seat next to her.
"Pfft… Then why come to Trinity Bay? It's always raining here. You should go to the Middle East!" Said Amanda.
He just smiled at her and said, "I found something interesting here."
The truth was, Christopher only intended to stay for a day. After dropping by the Southern Deli and seeing Amanda for the first time, he thought of staying for another day. Then, seeing her again earlier that day, he thought of staying another week.
Now, she was sitting next to him, inside his house. He was not sure if he was willing to leave. There was something about Amanda that piqued his interest.
"What in the world did you find in this town that made you interested?" She asked before adding, "It's absolutely boring here."
He simply looked elsewhere and said, "I'll tell you when I'm sure."