The Mysterious Alpha

Chapter 2: The Old House

❤ Isabella’s POV ❤

WHEN we arrived at the house, I let out a huge sigh once more. It looks as old as everything else in the town. It is pretty big, but it looks like no one has lived in this house for a long time.

I could tell that my mom is disappointed when she saw the house too, but she acted excited and said “We’re here! What do you think?”

Angelica: “Is this where we’re going to live? It looks haunted!”

Erlinda: “It’s not haunted, honey. It just needs some– Uhm, TLC.”

Isabella: “I think it needs to be demolished.”

Erlinda: “Oh come on, honey. It’s not that bad.”

Isabella: “Honestly, mom. Is it safe to get in there? Won’t the house collapse on us?”

Erlinda: “Of course, it’s safe to get in there. The caretaker checked on it before we came over.”

Looking at the house, it doesn’t even look like the house has a caretaker. If it did, why did they let the house get to this condition?

When we got inside the house, it looked worse than I thought. The carpets are stained, the windows are broken, and none of the furniture is even upright. It is also quite dirty. I don’t know what kind of caretake this property has. He doesn’t seem to know how to take care of the property.

My mom tried to perk us up by saying “There are four bedrooms upstairs. Why don’t you choose which ones you like?”

Angelica looked excited and said “Okay!” before going upstairs. I wonder how she would be able to choose a room. If the upstairs looks as bad as the downstairs, I doubt if any of the rooms would appeal to hear.

I walked toward my mom and said “Mom, let’s be honest. This is a mess. How do you expect us to live here? It looks like a health hazard.”

My mom let out a sigh before saying “I know, honey. But this is the best I could do for now. We could clean the place and I’ll do some repairs.”

I let out a sigh myself. I could tell my mom is frustrated but she was still trying to put on a brave face. I hate seeing my mom like this so I smiled and said “Okay. I will help you. I don’t have to start school until a month anyway.”

My mom walked toward me and hugged me before saying “Thank you, honey.”

I decided that if we want to be able to sleep in this house tonight, we better start cleaning. I walked outside and took my bag of clothes. I changed into something comfortable, put my hair up in a bun, and got the cleaning supplies that my mom bought earlier.

I put on gloves before I started picking up the mess in the living area. I then proceeded to sweep the floor and wipe every surface. My mom went to the kitchen and started cleaning there. I took a short break and found Angelica upstairs trying to clean one of the rooms. She said she has chosen her room and that she was cleaning it. I ended up helping her out before coming back down.

I invited her to go down with me, and we both took a break. My mom had some sandwiches and a pitcher of iced tea on the table. We washed our hands and started eating. We resumed cleaning afterward.

By seven o’clock, the house looked halfway decent. We still need to do further cleaning, but we are so tired that we decided to rest for the day. My mom prepared us a simple dinner. Once we were done eating, Angelica cleaned up and slept. Thankfully, her room is clean enough for her to sleep in.

I decided to find a room for myself, and I chose one of the ones that had its own bathroom. The other room with the bathroom is bigger, and I thought my mom should have that room.

I started cleaning the room, and after about three hours, it was clean enough to sleep in. If I wasn’t so tired, I wouldn’t have been able to sleep in this room.

I really miss my former room. I decorated it myself, and it had all the things I liked. Now, I’m in a strange room and it’s devoid of anything from my former life.

As I lay in bed, I couldn’t help but cry. I miss the old house, I miss my friends, and I even miss my dad. I can’t believe how things could change so fast. I blame my dad for cheating on my mom. I even blame her mistress for getting involved with a married man, and essentially destroying our family.

I fell asleep not long after, but it was restless. I started dreaming as soon as I fell asleep. I found myself in the forest. It was weird though because I don’t feel scared. Although I don’t see anyone with me. I feel like someone is there watching over me.

I started walking around, trying to find my way home. I have no idea where I was. Thankfully, the moonlight is bright, and I am able to see my way.

I am starting to get tired and anxious, so I started running and calling for my mom. When I can’t hear anyone, I started screaming “Hello? Is anyone here? Can you help me find my way home?”

I kept looking around until I saw what looks like an old man standing beside a tree. I gasped in surprise, but the man did not move. I decided to walk toward him to get a better look.

Isabella: “Hello. I seem to be lost. Can you help me find my way home?”

The old man didn’t remained unmoving. When he talked, he said, “You are already home, Isabella.”

I was surprised that he knew my name. I don’t recognize the old man, but he feels familiar.

Isabella: “How do you know my name? What do you mean? I don’t live in the forest.”

The old man smiled and turned around then walked away. I wanted to run after him, but I can’t seem to move from where I was standing. I tried to call out to the old man, but he was gone not long after.

When I can’t see the old man anymore, I was able to move again. I started walking again and was relieved when I saw some lights up ahead.

When I got closer to where the light was coming from, I realized that the light is coming from a big house in the middle of the forest. I was surprised that there was a house in the middle of the forest. Who would want to live here?

I looked at the house and it looks like a mansion. There are probably five floors, and heaven knows how many rooms. I wonder who lives here. Whoever they are, they must be rich and powerful.

I was so tired of wandering in the forest, so I decided to knock on the door and get some help. I knocked softly at first. When I didn’t get anyone to answer the door, I knocked louder and screamed “Hello? Is anyone there? I need help.”

I was running out of hope and was about to leave when I heard the door locks clicking. When the door opened, I gasped when I saw who opened it. It was the mysterious man from across the street that I saw earlier. He’s more good-looking up close, and I can’t help but be mesmerized by his eyes.

He kept looking at me and said “Hello, Isabella. Welcome home.” Before I got the chance to say anything, I woke up.

I sat up and wiped the sweat off my forehead. I thought about what I dreamt about, and I couldn’t understand why I could remember everything. Usually, I barely remember the details of my dreams, and I could only remember bits and pieces of them.

I was so thirsty so I decided to go to the kitchen to hydrate myself. While drinking the water, I thought about what my dream could mean. I heard that dreams could be interpreted to mean something.

I couldn’t stop thinking of the mysterious man from earlier, which is probably why I dreamt of him. What I don’t understand is why I dreamt of the old man as well. I could still remember his face, but I still don’t recognize him. Could I have seen him somewhere before, or maybe he’s an actor and maybe I’ve seen him in a movie or TV before.

Another thing that I couldn’t explain is why both men seem to allude that I was home. What are they referring to as my home? Did they mean the forest, or were they referring to the town of Guerrero?

The truth is, I don’t see myself staying in Guerrero for a long time. I will be in college in a few years, and I don’t see myself staying in this small town longer than three years. I might even move out when I turn 18, which is in less than two years.

I walked back upstairs, determined to go back to sleep. I could feel my muscles aching. I would probably feel more pain tomorrow. I almost dreaded waking up tomorrow because we have to clean the house again.

I fell asleep almost as soon as my body hit the bed. This time, it was a dreamless sleep. I wouldn’t have minded it, as long as I could see the mysterious man once more.