Derek~

"Sorry sir but what brings you here?" A servant man opened the door to me.

"I..I need something that you may have."

"And what will that be sir? Would you like to talk to my master?"

"As a matter of fact yes. Can you let me speak to your master?" I asked.

"On my way. May you please wait in the living room sir?" The servant man let me in.

Memories flooded in my head as I walked through this mansion.

My uncle once took me here. This is where he met Lily and where my father and mother were once. All I know is this place may have all the answers I need. Even after five hundred years later.

I sat on a velvet leather couch and waited to be called.

"Sir my master says to come in." He lead me upstairs to a hallway to a black wooden door. The servant man opened it revealing me the room. It was small and it only contained a desk, some chairs, and a couch.

The servant left leaving me in the room. In front of the desk a chair twirled around to reveal the master.

"And you are?"

My jaw dropped low and I couldn't take my eyes off from the master.

She was actually a mistress.

It was a woman. She had hazel eyes, hair like the color of honey, and soft skin like snow.

"D-Derek. Derek Easton." I stuttered.

She stood up from her chair and extended out her hand.

"How may I help you?" She shook my hand.

"I'm Veronica Snowood."

Veronica....

I cleared my thoughts and shook her hand. Her touch sent a fire through me.

Gosh what's going on with me???

"I...this place...my uncle is Samuel Easton and well...I think I...gosh...." I slapped a hand on my forehead. I was starting to feel nervous for no reason.

She let out a small chuckle and sat in her chair. "Take your time Mr.Easton."

"Sorry well what I was trying to say was that a few years back in this mansion my uncle used to be here. I came to see if I can find any clues of my parents or anything." I pleaded with my eyes.

"Of course you may. As a matter of fact I think I have your answers." She stood up and walked passed me. "Follow me Mr.Easton." She lead me out.

She took me downstairs to a long hallway. At the end was a book shelf. She pushed aside the bookshelf revealing a secret pathway. At the end was a small room.

I sat in a black leather chair as she went to a desk and pulled out a small box.

"The day my many greats grandparents bought this place they found this." She handed me the small box. "Ever since they died its been passed down. All I know is that the owner of this was named Max Blakes." She informed me.

"I found a letter from him saying that this my be only opened by a Easton. Ever since then many generations of my family has never dare open it."

I clasped the small box in her hands and smiled.

"Thank you Snowood." I stood up.

"I need to find my answers."

"No worries Mr.Easton. Care to have dinner with me? Mabie I can help you find your answers." She smiled warmly at me.

I nodded and followed her back outside.

****

"So tell me Mr.Easton...What is exactly you're looking for?" She sat across the table from me.

The servants served us foods and placed a plate in front of me.

"My uncle died about five hundred years ago and I'm looking for clues of their past." I answered.

"Your uncle? Don't you mean like a many greats uncle?" She rose an eyebrow.

"That's why I'm here." I took a spoonful of the food I had in front of me.
"My uncle died many years ago and apparently I'm still alive. Samuel was my uncle and he died of old age while I'm still here in a twenty-four year body. I need to know what I am." I swallowed the delicious food I was eating.

It was some kind of pasta but either way it tasted good and I was starving.

Veronica caught the looks of my starvation as I gobbled down the food. She let out a small chuckle and smiled me warmly.

"Well Derek if you need any help I would love to be assistance."

Derek? She called me by my name.

I smiled. Never knew this woman would cause so many feelings in me.

"Thank you. Well I must leave now." I stood up.

"Nice meeting you Ms. Snowood. And thanks for everything and the food was delicious."

"Call me Veronica." She stood up. "Bye the way where do you live?" She asked.

"I..." I realized I don't live anywhere since my uncle died. I've been renting hotels since forever.

"I come and go." I smiled nervously.

"Why don't you stay here?" She let out a huge smile.

"What? Really?"

"Yes. I live in this huge mansion by myself with my servants. I would like to have company. Plus I would like to join your little quest. I always look forward for a bit of mystery and adventure." She got in front of me.

"What do you say Derek?"

I smiled gratefully at her.

"I would love to but I have no money to pay."

"What that? Don't worry about it. I have enough money more than I can count." She smiled.

I grabbed her hands and shook it. "Thank you Veronica. Thanks I really mean it."

I could see her blush. She quickly took a step back and cleared her throat.

"Very well then Derek I'll get the servants to prepare your room. Goodnight Derek."

"Night Veronica."

She went upstairs leaving me by myself. I held out the small box she gave me earlier and started to observe it.

It was black and small like for a ring.

Should I open it or wait til morning?

I stuffed it back in my pocket and decided to wait til morning.

I was closer to know the truth...

So close.