Sam has gotten used to her routine after about a few weeks. Physically, her body is used to cleaning from top to bottom. Mentally, however, going into the same rooms has made her days monotonous.
On the bright side, she managed not to bump into Quillan during that time. Hopefully, her luck continues.
On one particular Friday late afternoon, Sam is buzzing with excitement. Alexa is coming to visit her. It will only be for the weekend, but she can't wait to show her sister her new home. Philip seems to take notice of Sam's increased level of happiness.
"Big plans for the weekend?" he asks. He just came in from picking up the day's mail. He shifts through the envelopes.
"Yeah. My sister is visiting this weekend."
"Are you going to show her the best places in Brightsprings?"
Truth be told, Sam doesn't know what the good spots of town are despite being there for a month.
"I don't know of any good places."
"What does your sister like?"
"Um. She's a big fan of movies, but there isn't anything good out right now."
"Might I suggest a traditional theater?"
"Like, for plays?"
Philip nods. Sam figures that going to see a play wouldn't hurt. Later, after she gets home, she pulls out her laptop. Apparently, there is a play the next night set in the 1800s. The story features a group of people getting stuck on a mysterious island. Paranoia sets in while they wait for rescue, and secrets are revealed. Seems interesting enough.
Sam texts Alexa to see if she's willing to go. Alex replies that a play is fine. So, Sam purchases two tickets for Saturday night at eight. She then goes to prepare for her sister's arrival.
Alexa shows up a few hours later. She and Sam hug.
"So, this is your place. Looks cozier than it does in the pictures," Alexa says.
"It's not much. I know," Sam replies.
"No affordable place is these days."
The two of them chat for a while since Alexa is tired from driving. Sam cooks frozen pizza for then. The next day, the two of them go to the nearby mall for a couple of hours. The day feels peaceful. The town has slowly begun to feel like home for Sam.
That evening, Sam and Alexa arrive at the theater. The two enter the lobby, and Sam bumps into a tall man with short brown hair. She thinks for a second that they met before. She disregards the notion. She hasn't talked to many people since she moved. The man before is definitely not someone she ran into before.
The stranger appears to be in his mid-thirties. He wears an expensive-looking suit. The man looks at Sam with surprise. His expression shifts. For a moment, he looks at her like he's familiar with her. He blinks and shakes his head.
"Emilia?" he asks.
"No? My name is Sam," Sam replies.
"My apologies. You reminded me of someone. Sam. I suppose that your last name is Clark, making you my housekeeper?"
"Depends. Would that make you Lothair?"
Alexa looks at Sam curiously.
"You would be correct. It's a pleasure to finally meet you. And who is this lovely lady?"
Lothair looks between Sam and her sister.
"This is my sister, Alexa. She's visiting me for the weekend."
"Hello," Alexa greets him.
Lothair nods at her.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Alexa."
Lothair turns his attention back to Sam.
"Do you enjoy the theater, Sam?"
"Sort of? I prefer movie theaters. Philip suggested we go see a play. He thought it would be a nice way to show Alexa around town. Do you like plays, Mr...?"
Sam doesn't think he got his last name.
"Just Lothair will do. To answer your question, yes. The theater is a place I often frequent. Well, I won't keep you any longer. I hope you enjoy the evening."
Lothair smiles and leaves. Sam briefly thinks that he has a nice smile. Alexa leans closer to Sam as they find their seats.
"You didn't tell me your boss was handsome," Alexa says, grinning.
"I didn't know. I never met him," Sam replies. She glances around her out of worry that Lothair is nearby and can hear them.
"Lucky."
The two of them sit down, and the play begins moments later. The story itself is fine, with interesting scenes scattered throughout. From time to time, Sam gets the sense that someone is watching her. She discreetly tries to look around but sees no one staring at her.
She finds it odd but continues to keep her attention on the performance. The play lasts two hours. Alexa talks excitedly about it as they get out of their seats. She greatly enjoyed it at least.
On the way out of the theater, Lothair calls Sam's name. She stops and turns around.
Lothair approaches Sam and Alexa, his expression serious.
"Miss Sam, a moment please," he says. He waits for your sister to move ahead before continuing. "Do you enjoy the show?"
"I did."
"I also wanted to ask if you find working at my home to be alright. No concerns about the workload? No one is giving you a difficult time?"
Quillan and Philip's argument flashes in Sam's mind. Sam subtly glances at her sister, who is waiting nearby. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary since then. Philip hasn't behaved weirdly around her.
Regardless, Sam hasn't changed her mind about finding a new job after a few more months. She does not want to bring up this little fact to her boss, of course.
"Everything's fine, thank you."
"If you have any issues, tell Philip so he can inform me. Of course, you can stay later to tell me in person. You are always welcome to spend the evening to chat with me as my guest."
"I will keep that in mind. Thank you."
Lothair's grins.
"Enjoy the rest of your evening."
Sam and Alexa walk away. Sam hastily looks behind her to see Lothair is nowhere in sight. Part of her finds him a little weird. Another part finds him somewhat intriguing.
The cool air of the night brushes against Sam's skin.
"He seems nice," Alexa comments. She and Sam get into the latter's car. "I bet he's hiding something."
"What makes you think he's hiding something?" Sam questions with amusement. A memory of finding that hidden room resurfaces. The view she got made it appear mundane. Maybe that's all there is to it, or maybe there's more.
"A person doesn't live in a mansion and not have something to hide, especially if it's as big as you say."
Sam rolls her eyes.
"I knew we should've gone to a boring movie."
Once Sam and her sister are back at the former's apartment, they settle in for the night. The next day, Alexa leaves around noon. She and Sam hug one last time before the former gets into her car. Sam watches her as she drives away. She can't help but feel a sense of loneliness now that her sister is gone. She truly needs to find some friends of her own.