Page 2 of To Love or to Lose
We passed Fairwood Preparatory Academy, Taylor’s Diner, a bookstore, and a couple other key locations.
Now, I stare in shock at the giant house on the hill as Logan punches a code into the keypad of the driveway’s gate through the car window.
It doesn’t even feel accurate to call this estate a house. I’d call it a fuckingcastle.
“Don’t worry, I’ll give you the codes to everything so you don’t get locked out,” he says like he’s trying to reassure me.
I’m more concerned about getting lost in this enormous house than not knowing the code to the gate, but I nod anyway.
The Callaghan’s house looks like something out of a magazine, with its extravagant, bricked exterior, large picture windows, tennis court to the side of the garage, and a large pond in the front yard. A fountain in the middle completes the perfect picture.
“This is seriously your house?” I ask Logan.
Living in London, I thought I knew what wealth looked like. I had been around kids who acted as if they walked on water simply because their parents could afford to buy them the newest handbag.
Hell, I thought a year in America would be a nice change from the rich assholes back home.
After seeing the Callaghan house firsthand, I now have the impression I will not be getting away from the world of class. Instead, I might be sucked further into it.
“I know, isn’t it ridiculous?” Logan laughs once the gate opens, allowing him to pull up the expansive driveway and around the loop leading to the front door.
“Would it be rude to say ‘just a tad?’” I smile as the front door of the house flies open, revealing a cheery-looking woman, whose features match Logan’s. She hops down the stairs of the wrap-around front porch.
“And…there’s Mom,” Logan says.
I had already assumed that.
Logan puts the car in park, allowing us to get out and greet Wren Callaghan.
I hear Logan popping the trunk as Mrs. Callaghan pulls me into her arms. “Hi, Jameson, I’m Wren. Please, don’t bother with the Mrs. Callaghan formalities. It’s so nice to have you here!”
She exudes a motherly warmth—more so than my mother ever has. She is quickly the most comforting sight.
Wren’s talking again, grabbing me by the shoulders and wanting to get a better look at me before I can reply. “Aren’t you handsome! The girls at Fairwood are going to love you.”
I laugh. “Thank you for allowing me to stay here.”
Never had I imagined I would live in the small town of Fairwood, Connecticut for an entire year, and although the change is unexpected, it feels nice to have welcoming people on my side.
“It is our pleasure, dear.” Her smile is warm as it stretches her face. “Now, come inside, Kai is waiting in the kitchen; he’s making dinner.”
I’ve never felt so quickly welcomed somewhere. Even when I went to Italy—to my mother’s home—for the summers, I never truly felt like I lived there, no matter how long I stayed.
With the Callaghan’s, I can actually envision myself feeling at home here.
Wren guides me into the house, Logan following swiftly behind us. He’s carrying my bags, and when I offer to help, heimmediately brushes me off. “We’ll treat you like a guest, at least until you get settled.”
When I approach the entryway of the Callaghan home, Wren stops me, allowing me to take it all in while she ushers Logan to take my bags upstairs.
“Are you excited?” She looks at me, and when I don’t answer for a moment, she adds, “I wouldn’t have wanted you here if I wasn’t sure you would fit in. You will have a wonderful time, Jameson.”
The only thing I’m worried about is maybe I don’twantto fit in here. I’ve barely seen any of this town, and for all I know, the rest could be just as concrete in their money domineering ways.
Both of my parents have always been what most would consider upper middle class. My dad was a big businessman, and my mum came from money. They made a very comfortable living, especially after their divorce. However, I’ve never been around people as loaded as the Callaghan’s seem to be. Their wealth is a bit intimidating.
We walk down a large hallway and Wren turns right into the kitchen. The bright white cabinets—some of which have glass doors—stand out from the black and gold appliances, making the kitchen look even more elegant than the rest of the house. The floors are laid with white and black tile, giving the room a sleek look.
From the outside, the house seemed like it would be cold and unfeeling. The inside is much cozier than expected.
