"Rapidement! You don't want to become ill!" Lily took Giselle's hand and ran through the green yard, rich with color and life. The rain grew heavier by the minute. Giselle found the rain to be appropriate for that night. It was cleansing and gave her a second chance to dry herself of the past.

The mansion before them was bigger than any house Giselle had ever laid eyes on. It was layered in dark red brick with white shutters. Gray stone work covered the walkway. Giselle's old neighborhood consisted of tall, adjoining houses that were hideous grays and browns. Never as beautiful as the sight before her. She then wondered how Lily came across such a place. I don't know anything about her.

Lily let go of her grip on Giselle and unlocked the front door. Giselle traced her fingers over the smooth, white finish.

"I'm used to fucking cracks and peeled paint," Giselle lightly giggled.

"Well, with me, everywhere we go is beautiful," Lily paused and looked once more into Giselle's eyes. Giselle almost instantly craved to call her mother and hug her tightly.

Lily led them in, her heels the only noise on the wooden floor. The lights were off, and Giselle only saw vague silhouettes. Lily flipped a light switch; a stunning chandelier brightened the entranceway. Lily placed her purse on a small chair beside the door and took off her coat. She continued to speak perfect French, which still took Giselle by surprise.

"I take it you're not vegetarian? A small body like that, you need your fuel. I'll make something special tonight for us. Have you ever had lamb? It's one of my favorite meats. It falls right off the bone. You have to cook it right, though. With rosemary it's delicious."

Giselle only half listened to Lily speaking. She looked around the long hallway and saw various paintings. She didn't have much of an art background, only what school taught her years ago. She guessed many of them were very old.

Lily noticed her daze. "Makovsky," Lily stepped closer to the painting Giselle was fixed on. "He's one of my favorites. His use of such rich color. Such dark tones in a painting of a loving mother. Her stare is just electrifying." Lily had an intense look in her stare.

"Oh my, you're still in this dress!" Lily laughed and cupped her hands on Giselle's face. "I know I have something for you to change into. And then we can go clothes shopping tomorrow, hmm? Us girls."

Giselle smiled at the idea. "I can't really say no to that."

"Now why don't you go upstairs and shower? First door on the left. Then right across the bathroom I'll have something laid out for you, hm?"

Giselle nodded and walked towards the stairs. She gripped the banister and took her first step, then turned around.

"Lily?"

"Oui, mon amour?"

"Why did you choose me?"

Lily laughed, "I told you. You're special."

"I enjoyed killing him." Giselle's back straightened as she breathed heavily.

"I know, dear." Lily turned around and walked towards the kitchen, her heels still clanking. Giselle smiled and ran up the stairs.

Giselle giggled as she felt the hot water run down her red-stained skin. She couldn't remember the last time she took a hot shower. She breathed in the steam, letting her ribs open wide. She began to scrub the blood off of her and enjoyed the lavender scent of the soaps laid out for beside her. She thoroughly washed the blood sticking to her thick hair. Every trace of him was washing away.

Giselle quickly dried herself and wrapped her body in a thick, dark blue towel. She opened the bathroom door, the steam escaping the room. She walked to the bedroom across from her in the dark hallway. She searched for a light switch and flipped it on.

"Oh mon dieu."

The room was covered in light beige paint. The bed had a dark mahogany headboard. The bed. It looked softer than anything she ever laid on. Her towel fell off as she slid onto the white bedding. It felt amazing against her skin. She sighed in relief, closed her eyes and gripped the comforter. Lily, you're a fucking miracle.

She opened her eyes once more and saw the clothes and heels laid out on the mahogany vanity across the bed. She got up and walked towards it. It was nothing anyone else would find extravagant. She saw black cotton underwear and quickly put it on. It fit perfectly, but Giselle didn't bother to question it.

Giselle held up the silk dress left for her. It was also black with a deep v-cut and bare back. She smiled, feeling sexy before even putting it on. She only had one nice dress in her lifetime, and it was soaked in blood and was lying on the bathroom floor.

Look at me. Giselle twirled in the short black dress and heels before the mirror in the bedroom. Her hair dried back to its natural waves. She took a deep breath and left the room.

"Oh, Giselle. Vous etes belle!" Lily exclaimed as Giselle walked down the stairs. She felt beautiful. She gave a small smile while walking down the last steps of the spiraling staircase.

"She's very pretty, mother." Giselle didn't initially notice the young man behind Lily. He spoke English. He was pale and had smooth, dark brown hair covering his forehead. There was an intense look in his bright eyes. He wore a black button up shirt with match slacks. He looked to be around the same age as Giselle, maybe younger.

"Je m'appelle Mark." He smiled and hugged Giselle, taking her by surprise.

"It's okay, Giselle. He's family," Lily assured her. Giselle then accepted the hug and wrapped her arms around him in return. Connection is what she always wanted.

"Mark, don't frighten the girl," another young man spoke and walked into the entranceway.

Mark instantly let her go, facing his twin. Giselle's eyes widened. Two of them!

"Giselle, these boys are my family. Luke and Mark. They will be your family too."

Giselle's eyes fixated on Luke. His hair was slicked back, and he was smiling. He had on a white button up shirt, contrasting to his brother. His hands were tucked in the pockets of his black pants. His stare was also intense, but this stare made Giselle weak.

Mark stepped back as Luke walked closer to her. He grabbed her hand, kissing it. His eyes didn't leave hers.

"Well, I see why mother found interest in you," His eyes shifted as he gently tucked strands of Giselle's wavy hair behind her ear. Dried blood was then revealed on her neck. He touched the spot and Giselle lost her breath.

"I'm excited to learn how this came about," He bit his lip and smiled at her once more.