with the terracotta clay tiles which covered the many different roof levels. Large verandas seemed to be everywhere, some contained within pillars and others open with ornate railings protecting them. On both levels the windows ran from ceiling to floor giving the house an elegant yet friendly feeling. Flowers, shrubs and greenery grew everywhere. Some winding their way up the building itself and others hugging the landscape in which the building was set like a jewel.
The villa had sat on a hillside and in the background Kelly could see the twinkling blue of the sea itself, and the combination of sky, sea, greenery, terracotta and white house rendered Kelly speechless, her eyes like saucers.
“Welcome to my home” Marc had said a note of pride in his voice, as he smiled into her large awestruck eyes.
“It.. It’s beautiful” Kelly managed to say, Marc saying nothing, just flashing her one of those fantastic smiles which always made her heart skip a beat.
“Come on young man” he had said Lifting Max into his arms “Come and see your new home”
With that he had led the way up the wide stone stairs to the entrance of the house, an entrance which while opened wide held the largest wooden doors she had ever seen. The doors were exquisitely carved depicting images of animals and flowers, and suddenly Kelly understood why he had looked down on her home.
As they entered the house itself, she could feel the change of temperature instantly. Outside the air was hot and although a soft wind brought some relief from the burning sun, Kelly and Max were not used to such temperatures. However, the inside of the building was cool, instantly making them sigh with pleasure at the relief of it.
The area was massive, with marble floors throughout and as she had walked the sound of her footstep had made musical sounds within the area. The hallways seemed to be a central area in which all rooms came off. However, her eye was instantly drawn to the beautiful staircase, its large wide base sweeping up to an upstairs landing which ran around the whole of the entrance hallway, allowing those upstairs to look down and see the area below them. Looking up the ceiling was high above, with a large crystal chandelier hanging from the ornate roof itself.
As they had moved down the hall, Kelly could see a small delegation of people waiting for them. Marc had placed a hand on the small of her back to guide her, an act which made her whole senses jump with sensations she tried hard to ignore.
Marc had smiled at the people waiting. There was an older woman, two young girls and a middle aged man.
As they got closer, the older woman, unable to contain herself any longer, had clapped her hands to her heart and rushed over to Marc her eyes all over Max
“Oh, my , he is your double Marc” she had cried her fingers tickling Max’s chubby little legs
“Oh he is beautiful” she had said her eyes shining with tears.
The rest of the group had remained where they were, shyer than the older woman, but they too were admiring the small boy held so proudly in his father’s arms.
Marc laughed in pleasure
“Thank you” he said with a warm smile for the whole group.
“Beth , meet Max” he had said an obvious note of pride in his voice. Then pulling her closer
“ And Kelly Brown”
Kelly had smiled at the older woman and the others who hung back respectfully. However, Beth Green had quickly stepped forward and pulled Kelly into a bear hug
“Oh, it’s so nice to meet you” she exclaimed taking Kelly by surprise “You are so welcome”
Kelly had laughed warmly feeling the uneasiness of her surroundings slip away.
“Beth…” Marc sighed in exasperation “Get a grip”
At that the older woman had let her go, but given her a smile full of humour
“Yes sir” she said a note of mockery in her voice, and Kelly had seen the looks which had passed between the two noting how comfortable and close they seemed to