For those who've read this fanfic before and are expecting some new content...sorry? I know that for the longest time I've disappeared and might have let some people down because of the other unfinished story that I have. Basically, on a whim, I re-read this fanfic and cringed so much at my writing that I'm adamant on trying to make it better. The basic plot won't be any different, but I owe it to myself to know that I have improved as a writer and hopefully those who choose to read this story again or those in the future who may stumble across this story will enjoy it much better than they would have done a couple of years ago. So, I shall be re-writing this fanfic one chapter at a time and as always, I hope that you all enjoy. 🙂
Prologue
I've made a new game on my journey from England to Japan. It's called, 'Watch the raindrops fall in time to whatever song I'm listening to'. Rubbish name, I know, but I can promise you that I'll work on the title.
I try picking out the raindrops that match the pizzicato of violin with the vague thought of who my 'distant relatives' might be. Would they be nice? Snarky? Crazy? Father had never mentioned them before shipping me off on a plane whilst he stayed behind on 'business'.
And he certainly didn't mention that the limo driver would be a complete anti-social stick in the mud.
"Hey," I yell out to him, "are we there yet?". Nothing. Suit yourself shipmate. I grumble as I revert to playing my game in solitude.
Almost an hour of soothing music later and the vehicle finally comes to a stop outside a high metal gate. With the driver not making any movement, I take this as a signal to get out and handle my luggage on my own. I stop Icarus playing from my headphones and place them around my neck. Outside, I take out my umbrella as the car rolls away and inspect the obstruction in front of me. They don't look like they're locked.
Letting go of my suitcase, I push one gate and watch it gently swing open without a sound. They must be rich in that case. Maybe if I'm lucky, I'll get some cool stuff. I think to myself as I pull my suitcase behind me and enter the courtyard. I shouldn't be having thoughts like that. Mum would be turning in her grave at me acting selfishly.
You should be selfless instead of selfish, Eliza. I can envision her telling me as I walk past the large, flowing fountain.
Having reached the top of the steps and the doorway, I close my umbrella, giving myself a free hand to knock on the door. "Hello?" I call out after the echo had faded. "Anybody-"
The door opened with a creek. "...home?"
Creepy. Positively- I shook my head. I couldn't let my first assumptions of my family be a negative one. I wasn't brought up that way.
Taking hold of my luggage, I entered the grand mansion as quietly as I could with high-heeled boots and shut the door behind me with my elbow.
"Hello?" I call out again. "It's Eliza Lampton. I've come to stay."