The Boy, and The River by Robert
Prologue
It was August 20, 1870. 2 weeks before my birthday. My name is Joseph. I can not tell you my last name nor middle name, because it would be rude for me to reveal my full name. It would also be rude if I tell you my age. For my whole entire life, I have been inside a mansion with a mother who is very worried about me. That does not mean I stayed in. I play around the mansion grounds. It would be sad to see it go, because my family is moving to another house, far away from the mansion we live in. We're moving because my father died from illness, and he's the one who kept paying the bills. My mother doesn't have a job, because we men won't allow ladies to work around dangerous equipment.
I am leaving the mansion in a week. However, I wanted to see what it's like outside the mansion. And I can't wait until the last day. I must go out before we leave for a desperate home. I also want to share my findings with the people I meet at the new town I'm going to be in. My plan is to sneak out of the mansion early, and explore the surroundings around on what is outside.
My mom's name is Josephine and although I like her, she is very worried about me. I wanted to go outside of the mansion, but mother is worried about a single little thing happening to me. She hired a home teacher to teach me. His name is Mr. Ross, and he is a very strict, but kind old fellow. When I have to learn, he will expect me to learn. But every other time, he is very good at making me open my mouth wide to make sounds of joy come out. My father is always at work, wanting nothing to do with us. I hardly ever remembered him. I asked who he was, and never got an answer from my mom. I all know about him is that he pays bills, and is dead.
Chapter 1
On the first day, when I sent myself to bed by tipping over a vase, I sneaked out of the mansion through the window. I've used blankets to lower myself down. I've learned how to tie knots from the home teacher. As soon as I dropped to the ground, I ran to the fence guarding the mansion grounds. I climbed over it, and afterward, I gave myself a quiet applause. I am now free from the mansion that has kept me up, like a creature trapped in a cage. I wonder, what is a cage?
I search the area around me. All I see is sticks coming off the ground. They look thick, and tall, and they have tiny sticks coming out of them. On top of them, were bustles of tiny green objects. I went to one of the sticks, and touched one of the smaller sticks. It felt rough. Very rough. Then, one of the small green objects dropped from the top of the stick. It had a strange shape to it. I touched it, and it felt like paper. Something I wished I hadn't touched, because Mr. Ross keeps handing me out papers to write on. Still, it was fascinating, because these were the first objects that I have touched that is outside the mansion grounds.
I continued through the massive cluster of the sticks, and finally came to what appears to be a thick line. It was a yellowish brown color. I went down, and touched it, just like what I did with the sticks. It felt... strange. I couldn't describe it, but it goes through my hands. I kept trying to pick up the strange substance, but it keeps slipping through my hands. I soon gave up. I looked up, and to my right, I see a creature, pulling an odd shaped box on top of wheels. I see them constantly outside through the windows, but never up close.
I watched the stubborn creature pull the box across my path. The person sitting between the creature, and the box gave me a hand gesture. I didn't know what it means, but he was waving it. I then followed the strange combination to find myself in a cluster of buildings. They looked tall, and they were close together. They were different colored, too. Brown, dark red, white, and a pale yellow. I looked away from the buildings to look around my current surroundings. There were many people around me, going in different directions. It was fascinating. I then heard someone saying to me, “Hey, you!”
I didn't know what it means, but I turned to who ever said it. It was a lady. As she came running to me, I studied her appearance. I know it's rude to continuously look at ladies, but this lady was different than the ones I saw back at home. At home, they usually look tall, old, and ugly. I was spanked numerous times by describing them. This lady looked young. She looked beautiful, just like my mother. But she looked shorter though. She was wearing a dress, and a headdress. She had brown hair. By the time I've finished looking at her, she was right in front of my face.
“What's your name?” she said.
I stuttered.
“Come on, tell me your name.”
“Jo.. Jo.. Joseph.”
“Pleasant name. My name is Courtney Simpleton.”
“Your name.... is pleasant as well.”
“You look hungry. Do you want to come with me to eat? My father works at that restaurant over there.”
I looked at what she was pointing towards. It was a building with a line of people going into it.
It's true that I am hungry. I tipped the vase before lunch.
“Yes.”
As we got closer and closer to the building, something went up my nose. It was a feeling I couldn't get rid of. I breathed through my nose to try to blow it away, when all of a sudden it was actually pleasant. It tasted like roast beef. It was like, eating through your nose, not your mouth. We entered through the door. I checked what was above the door. It appeared to be a slab of some sort, saying “Morgan's” Why would you call a building a name? Inside there were people sitting at tables, talking, making loud noises, and holding what appears to be a cylinder like object holding a yellow liquid. We soon enter a room with people working on food. Courtney brought me up to her father. He looked very large. And intimidating.
“Who's this?”
“Father, this is Joseph. I met him at the street next to the entrance.”
“Don't you know that I don't allow people in the kitchen except you, your mother, and the chefs?”
“I know that father, but don't you see that this boy is hungry? He looks like he hadn't ate in a while. Also, I have met this boy just now, and I couldn't wait to show him to you.”
“Okay okay, I'll let this slide once. But you better promise me that you won't bring in another person in the kitchen; friend, or not. Or else you will be punished, just like Madeline.”
I didn't know people outside my mansion can get punished just like me. And who was this Madeline person they were talking about?
“Alright father, I promise.”
We left the room to sit at a table. Courtney then ordered me something called the 'special.'
To pass time, I decided to talk with Courtney.
“So, the weather looks nice today.” I said.
“It does look beautiful. Especially at sunset.”
“What is a sunset?”
“You don't know what a sunset is? Are you out of your mind?”
I tried to figure out what she meant with that, but the strange way she talked made it hard to understand. So, I just went along with it.
“So, was that your father? He looked mean to be your father. And who's Madeline?”
“Yes, that is my father. He can be mean at times, but he's actually a sweetheart, especially to me, and my mother. Madeline is my older sister. She's the least likable of my family. Oh, the food's here!”
I turned around and saw a man put a plate in front of me. It had chicken, broccoli, and potatoes. It looked divine. I soon dig in, even though it's rude. It was one of the most divine dishes I have ever eaten. The taste was wonderful, from the succulent chicken, crispy broccoli, and spectacular potatoes.
“I'll be right back.” said Courtney.
I looked up to see Courtney leave me. Why is she leaving me? Did I do something wrong? She's my only person to help me explore. I immediately stopped eating. She then came back to me. She looked at me, like I had just finish playing in something messy.
“Why did you leave me?” I asked.
“I was checking on the customers. That's a custom we do. We check to see if our folks are enjoying the food.” she said.
“Okay.” I then resume eating.
After I finished eating, I told Courtney that I had to go. I told her that I will be back tomorrow. On my way home, I thought back on the accomplishments I made today. I touched something, I ate something, and most importantly, I've met someone. I think I managed to find something that you can't find by yourself. I can't describe it though.
Chapter 2
The next day, I sneaked out again. I went to the same place I met Courtney. She was there as well. We went to a building that looked huge.
“This is Tryon Palace. This place was built for governor William Tryon.”
“How do you know that? And who is governor William Tryon?”
“My aunt goes to work at this place. And William Tryon was a British soldier who served as governor.”
The gate all of a sudden, opened. We went inside. The palace grounds looked beautiful. It looked better than the grounds at the mansion. We entered the palace. Our first guest was Courtney's aunt.
“Hello Courtney, Nice to see you again. Who's this? He looks cute.”
Well, I never. You never describe a rich kid.
“This is Joseph, aunt Beth. I met him yesterday.”
“Oh, ho ho, you got yourself a new friend. Come with me, I want you to meet someone.”
We continued to go further into the palace. I managed to see the kitchen, bedroom, and living room. When we came in to the library, we came to a halt. The library had a large amount of shelves, stacked with thousands, and thousands of books. There was only one person inside, reading a book.
“Joseph,” Beth said, “This is William Tryon.”
The man turned around
“Pleasure to meet you, sir Joseph. And you too, madams, Courtney, and Beth.”
I was silent. I couldn't think of a single word to say. He looked orderly. He was grateful.
He looked worthy of the name governor.
“Pleasure to meet you, sir William.”
“I have a question for you, Joseph. Do you want to come with me to the gardens?”
“Yes.”
We soon managed to reach the gardens. It looked gorgeous. The flowers were the best part of the gardens. The red roses, the blue tulips, the yellow daisies, the green vegetables. It was beautiful.
“This garden has been taken care of by some of the best gardeners in New Bern, ever since I lived at this palace. Truly magnificent, is it not?”
“Of course it is!” I said.
“Oh, would you look at the time. I have to meet General Washington. I'm afraid you can't meet him. So unfortunately, you have to leave. I have enjoyed your presence, though.”
We left the gardens, and soon, left the palace grounds.
“I hoped you enjoyed your time at the palace.” said Beth.
After the gate closed, I told Courtney, I had to be home again.
Chapter 3
The next day, I look all over the cluster of buildings for Courtney. I found her in front of a building named “The Pepsi Store.” What is Pepsi?
“Hey, Joseph,” said Courtney.
“How do you do madam?” I replied
“So nice of you. I am doing fine. Come in with me.”
I followed her inside the building. We were greeted by a fellow who looked a little younger than Mr. Ross.
“How do you do, Courtney?” asked the fellow.
“Fine, Mr. Bradham. You?” replied Courtney.
“Fine as well. Do you want a drink?”
“I will indeed.”
Mr. Bradham told us to sit at the bar. The bar looked different from the table we have at home. It was long, and thin. Mr. Bradham handed us drinks. They looked nothing like the drinks we have at home. They were brown, and had little circles in it. At home, we drank something called wine.
“So who's this young lad?” asked Mr. Bradham.
“Joseph.” Courtney replied.
“Such a handsome young fellow, isn't he? My name is Caleb Bradham, pleased to meet you.”
“Pleased to meet you, Mr. Bradham,” I replied.
I tried a drink he offered. It was very indescribable. But at the same time it's sweet. It tasted like a thousand insect stings, but not in a bad way.
“I like your drink. Very different.” I said.
“Why thank you.” replied Mr. Bradham
I finished the drink like I was in the yellow circle. It was refreshing. After Courtney finished her drink, we told Mr. Bradham goodbye, and left.
“Okay. How about meeting me early this time? I can show you something truly magnificent.” said Courtney.
Chapter 4
I agreed, and so, on the next day, I made an accident far earlier than expected, and soon sneaked out of the mansion. I then managed to meet Courtney at the town entrance.
“Come on, Joseph. Follow me.”
She then darted toward the sticks. I followed her. We kept going through the thick tangle of sticks. It seemed like forever until I saw Courtney telling me to stop. We were behind a bundle of green paper-like items. Courtney grabbed the bundle, pulled it to the side, and revealed a line. It was like the one were I met the strange combination.
“Isn't wonderful Joseph? It's beautiful, just like my mother.”
The line looked clear. It was flowing to the left. As I got closer to the line, Courtney pushed me into it. It was shorter than my knees. I was covered in what was in the line.
“How did that feel?” said Courtney.
I was shaking. I couldn't stop it. But I also felt a feeling, fun. I soon splashed Courtney with the substance. She was covered in it, too. She then splashed me. And we played for a while, until we were shaking like crazy. We held our clothes up on one of the sticks on the big stick to let them get warm. We were then sitting together.
“You know, Courtney, I had the most fun of my entire life.”
“True?”
“At my home, they wouldn't let me outside the area around the house.”
“How terrible. But... how did you learn?”
“Home teacher.”
“Okay.”
I soon turn to Courtney, “Hey, Courtney.”
“Yes?'
“What is love? It is something I heard at home, but I never understood it.”
“Let me show you.” Her head came to me, and kissed my lips. It was a long one, as I closed my eyes, and savored the moment. I had finally found, love.
When our clothes dried, I had to tell her the truth.
“Courtney, There's something I have to say.”
“What is it?”
“I'm going to move to a place far, far away from here.”
“You... are?”
“Yes. And I can't come back here.”
And with that, Courtney was surprised. She then cried.
“Don't worry, Courtney. As soon as I'm old enough to move, I'm coming straight back here, to see you again.”
“You.... will?”
“Yes.”
I decided to bring Courtney back home with me, so I can tell my mother that, you can't learn everything in one place. You have to explore. You would also need a friend. As soon as we entered the gate, my mother, and Mr. Ross appeared.
“Joseph... you... you disobeyed the one rule in this mansion: never leave the mansion grounds. You even brought in a stranger”
I awaited punishment when I noticed that she wasn't angry.
“I'm actually proud of you. I wanted you to explore. I faked saying that we had to leave this town, so it can light up your desire.”
“So... were not moving?”
“Indeed. It was your next lesson.” said a mysterious voice.
I looked behind Mr. Ross, and my mom. The man looked like me, but older. I realized it was my father.
“F-Father? Is that really you?”
“Yes, Joseph. I am your father. What a pretty lass you have there.”
“Why couldn't I leave the mansion before?”
My mom replied, “I wanted you to mature first. Then I hoped that you may actually have the mind of sneaking out.”
“Your mother would scream her little head off, I originally thought.” said Mr. Ross. “But I was surprised myself.”
“I'm... confused.” said Courtney.
“Worry not, my dear.” replied my father. “You will be able to see Joseph whenever you like. He can go to school with you, and meet new friends.”
“Are we going to move, father?” I said.
“No, we do not, my boy.” my father replied.
This... this is spectacular! Not only can I continue to explore town, but I get to see Courtney everyday now. It was a spectacular feeling to have right now.
- - - -
[ Author note goes here. ]
I am leaving the mansion in a week. However, I wanted to see what it's like outside the mansion. And I can't wait until the last day. I must go out before we leave for a desperate home. I also want to share my findings with the people I meet at the new town I'm going to be in. My plan is to sneak out of the mansion early, and explore the surroundings around on what is outside.
My mom's name is Josephine and although I like her, she is very worried about me. I wanted to go outside of the mansion, but mother is worried about a single little thing happening to me. She hired a home teacher to teach me. His name is Mr. Ross, and he is a very strict, but kind old fellow. When I have to learn, he will expect me to learn. But every other time, he is very good at making me open my mouth wide to make sounds of joy come out. My father is always at work, wanting nothing to do with us. I hardly ever remembered him. I asked who he was, and never got an answer from my mom. I all know about him is that he pays bills, and is dead.
Chapter 1
On the first day, when I sent myself to bed by tipping over a vase, I sneaked out of the mansion through the window. I've used blankets to lower myself down. I've learned how to tie knots from the home teacher. As soon as I dropped to the ground, I ran to the fence guarding the mansion grounds. I climbed over it, and afterward, I gave myself a quiet applause. I am now free from the mansion that has kept me up, like a creature trapped in a cage. I wonder, what is a cage?
I search the area around me. All I see is sticks coming off the ground. They look thick, and tall, and they have tiny sticks coming out of them. On top of them, were bustles of tiny green objects. I went to one of the sticks, and touched one of the smaller sticks. It felt rough. Very rough. Then, one of the small green objects dropped from the top of the stick. It had a strange shape to it. I touched it, and it felt like paper. Something I wished I hadn't touched, because Mr. Ross keeps handing me out papers to write on. Still, it was fascinating, because these were the first objects that I have touched that is outside the mansion grounds.
I continued through the massive cluster of the sticks, and finally came to what appears to be a thick line. It was a yellowish brown color. I went down, and touched it, just like what I did with the sticks. It felt... strange. I couldn't describe it, but it goes through my hands. I kept trying to pick up the strange substance, but it keeps slipping through my hands. I soon gave up. I looked up, and to my right, I see a creature, pulling an odd shaped box on top of wheels. I see them constantly outside through the windows, but never up close.
I watched the stubborn creature pull the box across my path. The person sitting between the creature, and the box gave me a hand gesture. I didn't know what it means, but he was waving it. I then followed the strange combination to find myself in a cluster of buildings. They looked tall, and they were close together. They were different colored, too. Brown, dark red, white, and a pale yellow. I looked away from the buildings to look around my current surroundings. There were many people around me, going in different directions. It was fascinating. I then heard someone saying to me, “Hey, you!”
I didn't know what it means, but I turned to who ever said it. It was a lady. As she came running to me, I studied her appearance. I know it's rude to continuously look at ladies, but this lady was different than the ones I saw back at home. At home, they usually look tall, old, and ugly. I was spanked numerous times by describing them. This lady looked young. She looked beautiful, just like my mother. But she looked shorter though. She was wearing a dress, and a headdress. She had brown hair. By the time I've finished looking at her, she was right in front of my face.
“What's your name?” she said.
I stuttered.
“Come on, tell me your name.”
“Jo.. Jo.. Joseph.”
“Pleasant name. My name is Courtney Simpleton.”
“Your name.... is pleasant as well.”
“You look hungry. Do you want to come with me to eat? My father works at that restaurant over there.”
I looked at what she was pointing towards. It was a building with a line of people going into it.
It's true that I am hungry. I tipped the vase before lunch.
“Yes.”
As we got closer and closer to the building, something went up my nose. It was a feeling I couldn't get rid of. I breathed through my nose to try to blow it away, when all of a sudden it was actually pleasant. It tasted like roast beef. It was like, eating through your nose, not your mouth. We entered through the door. I checked what was above the door. It appeared to be a slab of some sort, saying “Morgan's” Why would you call a building a name? Inside there were people sitting at tables, talking, making loud noises, and holding what appears to be a cylinder like object holding a yellow liquid. We soon enter a room with people working on food. Courtney brought me up to her father. He looked very large. And intimidating.
“Who's this?”
“Father, this is Joseph. I met him at the street next to the entrance.”
“Don't you know that I don't allow people in the kitchen except you, your mother, and the chefs?”
“I know that father, but don't you see that this boy is hungry? He looks like he hadn't ate in a while. Also, I have met this boy just now, and I couldn't wait to show him to you.”
“Okay okay, I'll let this slide once. But you better promise me that you won't bring in another person in the kitchen; friend, or not. Or else you will be punished, just like Madeline.”
I didn't know people outside my mansion can get punished just like me. And who was this Madeline person they were talking about?
“Alright father, I promise.”
We left the room to sit at a table. Courtney then ordered me something called the 'special.'
To pass time, I decided to talk with Courtney.
“So, the weather looks nice today.” I said.
“It does look beautiful. Especially at sunset.”
“What is a sunset?”
“You don't know what a sunset is? Are you out of your mind?”
I tried to figure out what she meant with that, but the strange way she talked made it hard to understand. So, I just went along with it.
“So, was that your father? He looked mean to be your father. And who's Madeline?”
“Yes, that is my father. He can be mean at times, but he's actually a sweetheart, especially to me, and my mother. Madeline is my older sister. She's the least likable of my family. Oh, the food's here!”
I turned around and saw a man put a plate in front of me. It had chicken, broccoli, and potatoes. It looked divine. I soon dig in, even though it's rude. It was one of the most divine dishes I have ever eaten. The taste was wonderful, from the succulent chicken, crispy broccoli, and spectacular potatoes.
“I'll be right back.” said Courtney.
I looked up to see Courtney leave me. Why is she leaving me? Did I do something wrong? She's my only person to help me explore. I immediately stopped eating. She then came back to me. She looked at me, like I had just finish playing in something messy.
“Why did you leave me?” I asked.
“I was checking on the customers. That's a custom we do. We check to see if our folks are enjoying the food.” she said.
“Okay.” I then resume eating.
After I finished eating, I told Courtney that I had to go. I told her that I will be back tomorrow. On my way home, I thought back on the accomplishments I made today. I touched something, I ate something, and most importantly, I've met someone. I think I managed to find something that you can't find by yourself. I can't describe it though.
Chapter 2
The next day, I sneaked out again. I went to the same place I met Courtney. She was there as well. We went to a building that looked huge.
“This is Tryon Palace. This place was built for governor William Tryon.”
“How do you know that? And who is governor William Tryon?”
“My aunt goes to work at this place. And William Tryon was a British soldier who served as governor.”
The gate all of a sudden, opened. We went inside. The palace grounds looked beautiful. It looked better than the grounds at the mansion. We entered the palace. Our first guest was Courtney's aunt.
“Hello Courtney, Nice to see you again. Who's this? He looks cute.”
Well, I never. You never describe a rich kid.
“This is Joseph, aunt Beth. I met him yesterday.”
“Oh, ho ho, you got yourself a new friend. Come with me, I want you to meet someone.”
We continued to go further into the palace. I managed to see the kitchen, bedroom, and living room. When we came in to the library, we came to a halt. The library had a large amount of shelves, stacked with thousands, and thousands of books. There was only one person inside, reading a book.
“Joseph,” Beth said, “This is William Tryon.”
The man turned around
“Pleasure to meet you, sir Joseph. And you too, madams, Courtney, and Beth.”
I was silent. I couldn't think of a single word to say. He looked orderly. He was grateful.
He looked worthy of the name governor.
“Pleasure to meet you, sir William.”
“I have a question for you, Joseph. Do you want to come with me to the gardens?”
“Yes.”
We soon managed to reach the gardens. It looked gorgeous. The flowers were the best part of the gardens. The red roses, the blue tulips, the yellow daisies, the green vegetables. It was beautiful.
“This garden has been taken care of by some of the best gardeners in New Bern, ever since I lived at this palace. Truly magnificent, is it not?”
“Of course it is!” I said.
“Oh, would you look at the time. I have to meet General Washington. I'm afraid you can't meet him. So unfortunately, you have to leave. I have enjoyed your presence, though.”
We left the gardens, and soon, left the palace grounds.
“I hoped you enjoyed your time at the palace.” said Beth.
After the gate closed, I told Courtney, I had to be home again.
Chapter 3
The next day, I look all over the cluster of buildings for Courtney. I found her in front of a building named “The Pepsi Store.” What is Pepsi?
“Hey, Joseph,” said Courtney.
“How do you do madam?” I replied
“So nice of you. I am doing fine. Come in with me.”
I followed her inside the building. We were greeted by a fellow who looked a little younger than Mr. Ross.
“How do you do, Courtney?” asked the fellow.
“Fine, Mr. Bradham. You?” replied Courtney.
“Fine as well. Do you want a drink?”
“I will indeed.”
Mr. Bradham told us to sit at the bar. The bar looked different from the table we have at home. It was long, and thin. Mr. Bradham handed us drinks. They looked nothing like the drinks we have at home. They were brown, and had little circles in it. At home, we drank something called wine.
“So who's this young lad?” asked Mr. Bradham.
“Joseph.” Courtney replied.
“Such a handsome young fellow, isn't he? My name is Caleb Bradham, pleased to meet you.”
“Pleased to meet you, Mr. Bradham,” I replied.
I tried a drink he offered. It was very indescribable. But at the same time it's sweet. It tasted like a thousand insect stings, but not in a bad way.
“I like your drink. Very different.” I said.
“Why thank you.” replied Mr. Bradham
I finished the drink like I was in the yellow circle. It was refreshing. After Courtney finished her drink, we told Mr. Bradham goodbye, and left.
“Okay. How about meeting me early this time? I can show you something truly magnificent.” said Courtney.
Chapter 4
I agreed, and so, on the next day, I made an accident far earlier than expected, and soon sneaked out of the mansion. I then managed to meet Courtney at the town entrance.
“Come on, Joseph. Follow me.”
She then darted toward the sticks. I followed her. We kept going through the thick tangle of sticks. It seemed like forever until I saw Courtney telling me to stop. We were behind a bundle of green paper-like items. Courtney grabbed the bundle, pulled it to the side, and revealed a line. It was like the one were I met the strange combination.
“Isn't wonderful Joseph? It's beautiful, just like my mother.”
The line looked clear. It was flowing to the left. As I got closer to the line, Courtney pushed me into it. It was shorter than my knees. I was covered in what was in the line.
“How did that feel?” said Courtney.
I was shaking. I couldn't stop it. But I also felt a feeling, fun. I soon splashed Courtney with the substance. She was covered in it, too. She then splashed me. And we played for a while, until we were shaking like crazy. We held our clothes up on one of the sticks on the big stick to let them get warm. We were then sitting together.
“You know, Courtney, I had the most fun of my entire life.”
“True?”
“At my home, they wouldn't let me outside the area around the house.”
“How terrible. But... how did you learn?”
“Home teacher.”
“Okay.”
I soon turn to Courtney, “Hey, Courtney.”
“Yes?'
“What is love? It is something I heard at home, but I never understood it.”
“Let me show you.” Her head came to me, and kissed my lips. It was a long one, as I closed my eyes, and savored the moment. I had finally found, love.
When our clothes dried, I had to tell her the truth.
“Courtney, There's something I have to say.”
“What is it?”
“I'm going to move to a place far, far away from here.”
“You... are?”
“Yes. And I can't come back here.”
And with that, Courtney was surprised. She then cried.
“Don't worry, Courtney. As soon as I'm old enough to move, I'm coming straight back here, to see you again.”
“You.... will?”
“Yes.”
I decided to bring Courtney back home with me, so I can tell my mother that, you can't learn everything in one place. You have to explore. You would also need a friend. As soon as we entered the gate, my mother, and Mr. Ross appeared.
“Joseph... you... you disobeyed the one rule in this mansion: never leave the mansion grounds. You even brought in a stranger”
I awaited punishment when I noticed that she wasn't angry.
“I'm actually proud of you. I wanted you to explore. I faked saying that we had to leave this town, so it can light up your desire.”
“So... were not moving?”
“Indeed. It was your next lesson.” said a mysterious voice.
I looked behind Mr. Ross, and my mom. The man looked like me, but older. I realized it was my father.
“F-Father? Is that really you?”
“Yes, Joseph. I am your father. What a pretty lass you have there.”
“Why couldn't I leave the mansion before?”
My mom replied, “I wanted you to mature first. Then I hoped that you may actually have the mind of sneaking out.”
“Your mother would scream her little head off, I originally thought.” said Mr. Ross. “But I was surprised myself.”
“I'm... confused.” said Courtney.
“Worry not, my dear.” replied my father. “You will be able to see Joseph whenever you like. He can go to school with you, and meet new friends.”
“Are we going to move, father?” I said.
“No, we do not, my boy.” my father replied.
This... this is spectacular! Not only can I continue to explore town, but I get to see Courtney everyday now. It was a spectacular feeling to have right now.
- - - -
[ Author note goes here. ]