Still strange that she knew all this but not where she lived.
Ethan kept up a light patter all the way home clearly trying to ease any tension that Belinda may be feeling.
At the end of the peninsular David slowed before a set of sandstone and iron barred gates which opened in response to his remote control. Belinda could not discern a house from the road so dense was the tropical vegetation. Once the drive curved and passed through the Balinese inspired landscape a long double storied house emerged clothed in scarlet bougainvillea.
'We're home.' Declared an overly optimistic Ethan 'And just in time to meet the family and to settle in before lunch.'
Belinda reluctantly got out of the car and slowly followed in Ethan's wake. Upon entering she halted her eyes quickly scanning the unbelievable sight, dumbstruck.
Ethan turned wondering why Belinda was not right behind him. He saw her hesitating on the threshold looking forlornly around her the bear and flowers clutched tightly as if life depended on them. It broke his heart to see her looking like what a newly orphaned child must as they entered into the state institution that was to be their home- lost and alone.
Well she definitely wasn't lost and he wasn't going to let her feel alone. Ever.
Belinda thought the entrance to Ethan's home and view it offered was awesome, and she felt decidedly out of place here. Gleaming Italian style tiles disappeared through the arch created by 2 sweeping staircases that led up to a mezzanine level. The arch framed a glorious view of the harbour and its icons as seen through floor to ceiling glass windows.
In response to Ethan's gentle invitation Belinda took the first few tentative steps into Ethan's world marveling first at the discreet artworks adorning the walls and the deep plush wool carpet cascading down the stairs. The elegant 3 drop pendant light in the centre of the foyer, while not strictly a chandelier, finished off the elegant, tasteful décor. Fresh flowers set off huge urns in the corners giving the scene a delightful aroma.
Belinda was jolted from her reverie by a high pitched squeal of delight.
A 5 year old whirlwind dressed in a pretty pink pinafore and pigtails scampered down the stairs and flew into her beloved daddy's arm. Scooping the ecstatic child up Ethan asked. 'How is my number one daughter today? You were asleep when I left.'
'I'm your only daughter silly and I'm good.'
'You mean 'well' Possum, as you're always good.' He declared proudly. 'I smell something yummy on your breath and there are incriminating …er…dibber dobber crumbs on your dress. Something tells me there is something good to eat in the kitchen. Anzac Biscuits?'