Chapter 14 : Manipulation

Without a doubt, this is one of my favorite things from Santa Barbara; the sun as it creeps through the curtains, casting a warm glow across my face when I stir awake.

I blink groggily, trying to focus on the ornate ceiling above me. After a while, I finally get up and head to Natasha’s door, knocking gently on it. There is no answer, and I realize that she isn't in the room.

There is so much silence, it makes me uneasy. I focus all my attention into every sound around me, but the more I listen, the more convinced I am that I am completely alone. There is no music, no voices, no whispers. I feel like I was left abandoned in a castle.

My phone buzzes with a message from her, explaining that she has left early for her show and will pick me up after lunch. The emptiness of the house presses down on me, leaving an unsettling feeling in the pit of my stomach.

"Miss Montgomery, breakfast is ready," a voice calls softly from the door. I quickly go back to my room to get another outfit on