I didn't know what to do now. Should I call a taxi? I didn't even know these people's address!

I sighed. The JFK airport was especially crowded, considering it was Summer break and everybody was traveling. I was quite tired, even though the flight was only a little less than four hours.

My eyes scanned the area. Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed somebody holding a sign that read "Hadley."

Even though I didn't trust what I had read, I walked closer. The sign did, in fact, say my last name. But who knows how many Hadleys are in this airport right now. I stepped closer to the sign. Even though I didn't want to, I at least had to ask who this was for.

I opened my mouth to speak, but the short man holding the sign spoke up first. "Alina Hadley?"

"Um, yes. That's me." I mustered a smile. I didn't know how to feel about this.

"Follow me." He said. I was extremely paranoiod in general, so at the moment I was a bit nervous. Who knows where he'd take me. And I had no clue who he even was!

I had rented one of those cart things that hold your bags so I wouldn't have to be wheeling around three suitcases, and followed him. My parents gave me $500, insisting it was only for emergencies. Well, the emergency had presented itself, and now my wallet was $5 lighter.

When he turned around and saw me falter, as the cart was quite heavy to push, he stepped in.

"Here, I'll help you." He said, taking the cart from my hands, and pushing it with ease. Even though he was shorter than me, he was still quite strong. Or maybe I was plain weak.

We made it outside, and walked a few more paces before we stopped in front of a limo. It had been a while since I had flown. My parents traveled a lot, but it tended to be for a few days at a time, so they left me home alone, or sometimes even let me stay at Erin's.

He gestured to the vehicle, and I guess my face resonated the shock I felt because he added,

"For you."

He began loading the suitcases into the trunk and I managed a "thank you" before the limo driver opened the door for me. The shorter man smiled and nodded, and I stepped into the limo. I leaned against the plush leather seat and sighed.

How rich were these people? Was a limo really necessary? Or was I being kidnapped in style? Added the paranoid part of me.

I pulled out my phone, and decided to call my dad.

He answered on the second ring.

"Hi honey, how was your flight?" He said.

"It was alright." I said. The limo began moving and I continued. "Dad, I'm in a limo right now." I added with a light laugh.

"Really?" My dad replied. "John is indeed extravagant." He said, rather to himself then me.

John Von Baron and my dad had been friends all their life. Even when we moved almost two thousand miles away, my dad and his best friend stayed in touch. I guess that's why he offered to let me stay with them. They definitely had room to take in another guest.

My dad and I remained on the phone for a bit longer, and then I spoke to my mom, who asked about a dozen questions right off the bat. After answering what felt like a hundred questions, I said goodbye to both of them, and told them I'd call them later tonight.

I was tired and could barely keep my eyes open, so I drifted off in the back of the limo. Thankfully, I woke up just in time. I opened my eyes to see the driver pulling into an extensive driveway, past a set of gates, white and clean that swung open on their own.

I couldn't help but gasp. It wasn't like I was some sort of peasant from the slums of her village on her way to meet the Royal family, but this house was nice. We continued down the driveway towards a stone house with large windows. It was obviously made up of multiple stories, and I could only imagine the inside of the mansion. The limo stopped near a large fountain. I could tell that this house sat on a large expanse of property, as there was not another house in plain sight, and green grass stretched for acres. And it was extremely well kept.

The driver opened the door for me and I thanked him before stepping out. I took notice of how I didn't look the least bit presentable. My blonde hair looked more like a bird's nest than a ponytail. I quickly swept it up into a bun. My outfit was another story.

I noticed the limo driver had already wheeled all of my bags towards the entrance.

He nodded at me before getting into the limo and driving off. I didn't even have a chance to thank him before he was off the property.

I took a deep breath, recollected myself, and made the ascent up the few stairs leading to the set of expensive looking double doors. I felt out of place at this huge house, which only added to my nervousness. I could only imagine how the first encounter with Mr. and Mrs. Von Baron would go.

I noticed a doorbell, so I hesitantly pressed it. I remember being here a few times when I was younger, but I never wanted to stay for long, as I was always bored here. I wonder how that happened, as I'm sure there was plenty to do. The Von Barons had a son, who I for some reason never met. I wonder how old he was now.

The doors swung open. A tall gentleman stood before me. He had leathery skin and looked to be in his fifties. His darl hair was streaked with grey, and his eyes were a dark brown. But he had a kind smile, and when he did, there were creases by his eyes that made him look kind and gentle.

"Good evening, ma'am. I'm Kristof, the family butler." He said with a heavy accent. "They are not here at the moment, but I'll take you to your room."

"Nice to meet you. I'm Alina."

I grabbed one of my suitcases and followed Kristof up the staircase in the center of the entryway. The inside of the house was of shiny marble and expensive furniture. A chandelier sparked above, and I could see parts of the house from here, all as elegant as this grand entryway. I made it to the top of the stairs. Kristof didn't break a sweat, but I had a hard time going up so many stairs holding my suitcase. He insisted on taking all of them at first, but eventually settled on letting me take one, as I felt bad for making him do all this.

I wheeled them from here on out. Kristof led me towards the end of the hallway. The white paneled walls were decorated with expensive looking paintings, and a dark carpet ran the length of the hallway. Kristof stopped, and opened one of the doors. Inside was a gorgeous room, complete with cream walls and a king sized bed. There was a desk in the corner of the room, and a few empty bookshelves. There was a vanity against the wall, along with a small couch complete with fluffy pillows. The room had a built in closet in the corner as well. The colors were very natural; all shades of white, cream, and gold. This was only one of many guest rooms, yet it was nicer than any of the rooms at my house.

"Make yourself at home." Kristof said with a warm smile.

I thanked him before setting my bags near the closet. I'd unpack them all later. At the moment, I felt gross and decided to take a shower. The bedroom even had its own bathroom.

I was pleased to see that there were towels, so I wouldn't even need to ask anybody.

I took a quick shower and got dressed in a nicer outfit consisting of a white tee and jeans. I decided I'd take a look around the house, and hopefully manage not to get lost.

Once I made it downstairs, I figured it'd be rude to just waltz into random rooms, so I figured I'd go outside. I had come all the way down to realize that I was barefoot, and considering I didn't plan to stay indoors, I had to go get shoes. I hurried up the staircase, grabbed shoes from my room upstairs before heading outside. I went outside to see a boy playing with a golden retriever.

This must be their son.

He was dressed in a pair of khakis and a polo, neither that seemed to fit his skinny figure. His strawberry blonde hair was disheveled. He was on the smaller side, but still looked around my age. Once I stepped closer, I noticed the freckles on his face and could see his brown eyes through the glasses he had perched atop his upturned nose.

"Hi." I said, now facing him.

"Uh, hey." He replied, pushing his glasses up. He seemed nice. I almost expected the Von Baron son to be a jerk. I could see myself being friends with this kid, even though he came off as a little strange. But it wouldn't be right to judge, as I had just met him.

"What's your name?" I asked. "I'm Alina, by the way."

By now the golden retriever had bounded up to us. I kneeled down and began petting his head. My mom was allergic to dogs, so I could never have one, but I sure loved them.

"I'm Jacob. And this is Buddy." He gestured towards the dog. I scratched behind his ears before looking up at Jacob.

"Nice to meet you." I said. "So, where are your parents?"

"They're at home." He replied. I noticed he was a bit shy.

I was confused. "But Kristof said-"

"I only work here. Wait did you-"

"Think You were their son?" I said, feeling a flush on my cheeks.

He laughed. "It's alright. But I just work here." A dark look passed over his face. "And watch out for their actual son," Jacob added. "He's the biggest jerk around. Really, do watch out for him."

I didn't know what to make of this information. Was he being serious? I was growing uncomfortable. Jacob gave off weird vibes. Perhaps he was nervous.

"Alright". I said. I was starting to get really hot, and I was wearing jeans. "Nice to meet you, Jacob, but I'll be heading inside now. I'll see you around."

"Bye, Alina." He said, waving. He was a bit awkward, but seemed nice enough.

I headed inside and slipped off my shoes, not wanting to bring the dirt from outside onto the carpets.

I made it upstairs and began unpacking. I wouldn't procrastinate unpacking like I did packing. Once all of my things were set up, I sent my parents a quick text letting them know I had made it.

I heard voices downstairs, and I figured that the family was home. I ran a hand through my hair, and after a few moments, made my way downstairs. I saw a middle-aged couple standing by the entryway, Kristof next to them. I began descending the stairs.

"Alina! I hadn't seen you since you were so young!" Said the tall man. He didn't look as old as I thought he was. Being fifty takes a toll on some people, but Mr. Von Baron was in shape.

He embraced me in a hug before he and his wife, who was stunning, with dark red hair and hazel eyes, asked me how the flight was. They weren't as uptight as I had made them out to be- and for that I was glad.

I answered them, before expressing my gratitude about them letting me stay. I apologized too, as I felt bad that I'd be staying for so long.

"Nonsense!" Said Mr. Von Baron. "It's our pleasure."

"I assume you've settled in already?" Mrs. Von Baron said.

"Yes, and the room is lovely." I smiled.

I continued talking to both of them, until they offered me something to eat or drink. I politely declined. I wasn't feeling hungry right now, and I would also feel awkward getting something.

"Alright, we'll be heading upstairs now. Feel free to help yourself to anything, and to go anywhere in the house." Mrs. Von Baron said.

"Thank you." I said, for what felt like the millionth time today.

They nodded before heading up the stairs, their conversation growing quieter as they advanced further away. I decided to do go downstairs, as I had yet to see what was down there.

Average basements are damp, dark, and used for storage, but this one was just as exquisite as the rest of the house. I noticed a movie theater room, a basketball court, and an indoor pool.

I had been wandering for a good half hour now when I decided to stick my feet into the pool water. I wanted to see if it was warm. I texted my best friend, Erin. I was bored. And the only reason that was so was because I didn't feel like I was supposed to use any of these things. If I lived here, I wouldn't even touch my phone. It was like when I was younger. For some reason, I could never find anything to do. Perhaps because I was alone.

"Who are you?" I heard a voice say from behind me.

I turned around and saw a boy around my age. He was tall and tan, with dark brown hair and piercing grey eyes. His brows were furrowed and his sharp jaw was clenched. He was shirtless, and so fit and muscular that he looked like he could be a model for Calvin Klein or something. I assumed he wanted to go swimming. He was staring right back at me before blinking and looking away. He was so attractive I couldn't help but stare.

"I'm Alina. I'm staying with you for two months." I managed. I felt a flush on my cheeks and hoped he didn't notice. He then looked at me, before scanning me up and down with his piercing eyes. A look passed over his face, but I couldn't tell what it was.

"The fuck?" He said, after finishing staring me down. He raised an eyebrow. "Why?"

I tried to stay something but he cut me off. "You know what? I don't care. Leave."

I was taken aback. He was attractive, but personality-wise...not great. My intuition was right. I knew this guy was going to be a jerk. I also thought back to what Jacob had said. He was most likely right. I didn't budge though.

"I said leave." He snapped.

"No." I replied. "Your parents said I could do whatever I want."

He clenched his jaw. "Fine." He said, looking annoyed. "Just don't talk to me."

"Wasn't planning on it."

He rolled his eyes and jumped into the water, close enough to me that I got splashed.

"Really?" I said. I wiped my phone on my jeans. I really hoped that it didn't get damaged. I tucked it into the back pocket of my jeans.

"Would you like to stay for some more fun?" He said in a condescending tone, with a smirk. With that, he splashed me some more. My jeans were now soaked, and I'd have to wash them. I decided that standing my ground wasn't worth it. If I stayed any longer, I'd look as if I were the one who had gone on a swim.

"Asshole." I said, and stood up.

He flashed another cocky smirk, and I rolled my eyes. I didn't want to be even more rude to the Von Barons' son, as they were kindly allowing for me to live with them, so I left without saying anything else. I really hoped he wouldn't be like this the entire time.

The sky was only just beginning to darken, but I was tired from my lack of sleep the previous night, and the flight, so I took another shower as to wash off the pool water, and changed into pajamas.

I hopped onto the bed, only to find that it sank underneath my weight. The mattress was plush and the blankets were soft and the pillows fluffy. I had never slept on a more comfortable bed. The moment my head touched the pillow, I drifted to sleep.