“Burn those who burned me!” Chapter 76

***Graceland’s POV:***

A week before the 23rd, I went back home to Willington to visit my mother’s grave. I didn’t care that she stole me, the 12 years I was with Diana Teague, she loved me unconditionally. My life was filled with love and happiness, far more than my so called biological family could offer. It was hard for me to visit her because Willington was so far away, but I made sure I always went at least twice a year. At the end of Spring and the end of summer.

After visiting my mother’s grave, I decided to visit the beach we used to go too. There I sat and played my violin. As I was playing, I could see what looked to be a woman walking towards the ocean. The sun was beginning to set so the waves were getting heavier, not usually the best time to go walking towards the ocean by yourself. Still, I decided it was none of my business and continued to play.

As I played, my eyes kept darting over to that lady. Why was she walking so close to the damn ocean?! And then, as if an epiphany suddenly popped into my mind, I realized why. I realized it, because I’d had those same thoughts before. She was going to drawn herself into the ocean.

In a panic, I began to run towards the woman screaming stop. As I ran, I looked around, ‘Shit! Nobody was out there except us!’

*“Ma’am!!! Wait please don’t!!!”*

I ran into the water, violin still in hand.

*“Ma’am!! Please!!!”*

Suddenly, the woman turned towards me. Her eyes were bloodshot red from crying. She had this apologetic yet defiant look on her face. I couldn’t give up.

*“Ma’am! Please!! Don’t leave me! I’ll…I’ll…. ‘Shit Gracie think!!!’ I’ll play for you!”*

The woman turned back around to face me. A now intrigued look on her face.

*‘Now’s my chance!’*

I lifted my violin and began to plan. The music was peaceful, serene. I was a piece I composed for my mother. As I continued to play the water began shifting making both of us wobble, but I couldn’t stop. As long as I played, I could hold her attention so that she wouldn’t die.

Finally, the woman decided to speak.

*“The waves are going to knock you down if you don’t get out of this water.”*

Her voice was regal and calm. Her tone was authoritative, I kept playing.

*“Hey, girl. Did you hear me?”*

I looked up at the woman and smiled. But I kept playing. Finally, she understood, I wasn’t getting out of that water until got out. After a slight scoff, she chuckled lightly and began to walk back towards the sand.

I smiled brightly as I began to follow, still maintaining my song. Once we were fully out of the ocean, I stopped playing. We stood in dead silence for what seemed like an eternity. Finally, she spoke.

*“That song, is it yours?”*

I nodded.

*“Hmm. It’s beautiful.”*

Smiling.

*“Thank you.”*

The woman looked at me directly for a moment. Smiling, she continued.

*“So, brave violinist. What’s your name?”*

*“Graceland Te-Rochester.”*

The woman’s eye’s widen, she’d clearly heard of the Rochesters.

*“Rochester, huh. I wasn’t aware they had another daughter.”*

Most people weren’t. The Rochesters seldom allowed me to attend any events, Sharon used the excuse of me not having proper training. The truth, she just didn’t want me competing with Olivia.

The woman smiled empathetically as if she understood my silence.

*“I see. Well, Ms. Graceland, why don’t I treat you to dinner.”*

My eyes widen at her invitation, I didn’t expect that, still, I was concerned of what she may do if I said no, plus I was a little hungry, so I nodded in agreement.

*“Thank you ma’am.”*

I followed the regal woman to entrance of the beach; the sun had just completely settled. Finally, a limo pulled up. My eyes widen once more. Definitely didn’t expect a limo, who is this lady?

As soon as the limo stopped, a woman leaped out the car in a panic.

*“My lady!! Where did you go! Lewis said you slipped out after visiting the hospital!! Why are your clothes wet!! Mr. Chris-”*

*“Cora, please control yourself. As you can see, I’m fine. I just needed a moment to myself, also, we have a guest.”*

The woman looked nervously over the lady’s shoulder. Adjusting her glasses, she looked back at the woman.

*“Um, my lady…who’s this?”*

*“This is my new friend, Graceland Te…”*

Smile.

*“Teagues. Graceland Teagues.”*

The regal woman smiled softly, that was nice thing she just did.

*“Ms. Teagues was nice enough to play the most beautiful musical piece on her violin. I’d like to treat her to dinner at the estate as payment.”*

Cora smiled nervously, she wasn’t exactly sure what was going on, but she followed the lady’s orders.

*“O-Of course. Right this way Ms. Teagues.”*

As we entered the limo, Cora moved to the front seat. The limo was nice! Whoever this lady was, she was clearly loaded. I found myself wondering what had made her so sad.

We sat in silence during the car ride, finally, we arrived at her estate. Now, I thought I had seen it all when I first moved in with the Rochesters, but man!!! Their estate was a matchbox compared to this!! As we stepped out of the car, my eyes widened even more, the regal lady couldn’t help but laugh. Walking beside me, she softly said.

*“Welcome to House Christiansen.”*

WHAT!!!!!!!!!!!

House Christiansen!!! As in THEE House Christiansen!! As in the world’s richest family!! What the hell!!!

I could feel my mouth hanging opened uncontrollably. How in the world did I end up at the manor of the world’s most prominent family! As her security team arrived, the lady nodded to them, signaling that I was with her. As we made our way to the entrance, a group of servants appeared.

*“Madam Chris, welcome home. Lord Christiansen has been very worried.”*

A look of guilt shot across her face, before she could say anything a man ran to the foyer.

*“Marla!!! Marla!!! Where have you been! I’ve been looking everywhere for you!!”*

The man gripped her up in a tight and passionate hug. Tears rolling down his face. I’d concluded he must be her husband. After what seemed like a long embrace, Marla pushed the man back slightly.

*“I’m so sorry my love. I…I just needed a moment from it all. I can’t bear to see our son like that.”*

Ah.

Finally, it all clicked, the lady Cora mentioned something about a hospital. Her son must be sick, and it’s been painful to see him that way. I found myself feeling sad for her, I know what it’s like to lose someone you cherish.

The man was about to answer her when suddenly, he realized I had been standing there the whole time. A nervously, he smiled.

*“Oh, hello. I’m so sorry, I hadn’t noticed we had a guest.”*

Cheerfully, Marla grabbed my hand.

*“Theo, I’d like you to meet Graceland. She’s my new friend.”*