Trapped in a Castle

by Katie Holland

  “Eve let me tell you something about me. I believe in fate and destiny. And before I say anything else tell me more about Jackson. Please.”

  I raised my eyebrow at him. Why did he want to know more? But it was the please that got me, so I decided to answer him.

  “Well, he was twenty-seven, single, and lived alone. He loved his parents deeply and had two older brothers and a younger sister. He was a corporate lawyer and worked all the time. His relaxation was working out, which he did every day. He played football in high school and college and still watched football whenever he got the chance. And he loved to cook. Those are the highlights. Why do you want to know?”

  “Do you remember what my middle initial is Eve?” he asked.

  “Yes, it’s J,” I replied wondering where this was going.

  “Well the J stands for Jackson,” he said with a smile.

  I sat there not knowing what to say but I didn’t believe him. It couldn’t possibly be true, could it?

  “I can tell you don’t believe me. I’ll be right back,” he told me.

  He got up from the table and disappeared into what I assumed was his bedroom. He was back a minute later. He handed me his driver’s licence. I read his full name, Ellis Jackson Darlow. I could only stare at it. My words had temporarily left me. It wasn’t possible. I mean Jackson wasn’t real, he was a figment of my imagination. But here I was, sitting at a table with an incredibly attractive man that looked like Jackson and they even shared part of a name. I really had no idea how to handle this. I wasn’t even sure that I wasn’t dreaming or back in a coma. Things like this didn’t happen in real life.

  “Um … Ellis, I really don’t know what to say right now. I think I need some time to process this.”

  “I completely understand Eve. I have more to tell you, but I think that can wait until next time.”

  Next time. Those words echoed in my head. That meant he wanted to see me again. That was a good thing because I definitely wanted to see him again. I stood up to leave. I really wanted to hug him or something but again, that would be weird considering we’d just met.

  “Ellis, thank you for dinner. It was very good. I’m sure this didn’t go as you planned because it didn’t for me but I’m really glad we got to meet face to face. I’m sorry that things got a little weird, but I’d really like to see you again.”

  He walked me to the door. “Eve, I had a great time tonight, despite the weirdness,” he said with a smile. “And I would love to see you again. Is it okay with you that we exchange numbers? I mean I love the notes, but I think texting would be just a tad easier.” His smile was going to be the death of me.

  “Um yeah, that would be great, but I didn’t bring my phone with me,” I told him.

  “No problem. Give me your number and I’ll text you, so you’ll have mine.”

  I gave him my number and watched as he sent me a text. I had to admit that I was doing a little dance inside at the thought of seeing his text.

  “Thank you for everything tonight and again I’m sorry,” I said.

  “You have nothing to be sorry for. Take all the time you need. I’ll be waiting for you when you’re ready. Good night Eve. Until next time.”

  He opened the door for me and stepped into the hall. I unlocked my door and turned around before going into my apartment. He was looking at me with a smile that made me smile back. I gave him a little wave and closed my door.

  The first thing I did was find my phone, so I could see his text. All it said was This is Ellis, but it made me smile nonetheless. After I saved his number I immediately called my mom. I was bursting to tell her what happened. She answered on the second ring.

  “Eve honey. Is everything okay? I wasn’t expecting your call until much later,” I could hear the concern in her voice.

  “Hi mom. Everything is … well weird. I don’t know how else to say it.”

  “He didn’t try anything did he?”

  “No mom, he was a perfect gentleman, dad would be proud.”

  “Then what’s the matter Eve? I can tell something is bothering you.”

  “Yes, your right mom, something is bothering me and it’s going to sound unbelievable but what I’m about to tell you is one hundred percent true. Mom … he could be Jackson’s twin brother.”

  “What do you mean?” she asked.

  “When he opened the door, I was completely shocked, and I stood there speechless. I thought maybe I was seeing things or back in a coma, or maybe I’d finally gone crazy. About a million different scenarios went through my mind in a matter of seconds. I think I scared him a little because I could tell he was concerned that I wasn’t responding. Oh mom, it was terrible. I finally got my wits about me enough to apologize and tell him that he looked like someone I thought I’d never see again. He took it in stride and invited me in. Mom, I can’t even begin to describe how shocked I was when he opened the door. I mean he didn’t kind of look like Jackson, I mean it was like I was staring at Jackson. I know how crazy that sounds because Jackson wasn’t real. And mom, I told him about my accident and being in a coma. I wanted to explain my behavior, so I told him about the castle and Jackson. I was sure he was going to kick me out or think I was crazy, but he didn’t. He told me he believed in fate and destiny and he asked me to tell him about Jackson. Then he said that his middle name was Jackson. Of course, I didn’t believe him but then he showed me his driver’s licence and sure enough mom, his full name is Ellis Jackson Darlow. I was speechless again. He said he had more to tell me, but he would save it for next time. I have to tell you that I really don’t know what to think about all of this.”

  I waited for mom to say something, but it was quiet on the other end.

  “Mom are you still there?”

  “Yes honey, I was just thinking about everything you said and to be honest I really don’t know what to say. It’s quite unbelievable, but I know you’re telling me the truth.”

  “I know mom, it’s crazy. It’s like a dream or something. Never in my wildest imagination did I ever even think that something like this could happen.”

  “Does Ellis looking like Jackson deter you from wanting to see him again?” she asked.

  “No, not at all. Despite my shock and the weirdness, I caused, it was still a nice dinner.”

  “Tell me more about your evening then. What did you have? What was Ellis like?”

  “Oh mom, he made the best lasagna. He likes to cook. And he was such a gentleman and very kind. I think anyone else would have thought I was crazy and asked me to leave. But he listened to what I had to say and didn’t dismiss it. He could tell it was difficult for me to say and was patient with me. Besides the fact that he looks like Jackson and I had to cut it short after I found out about his name I think it might have been the best date I’ve ever been on. He texted me so that we would have each other’s number and he wants to see me again when I’m ready.”

  “That’s wonderful Eve, strange, but wonderful at the same time. Are you going to see him again?”

  “I definitely want to. I just think it’ll take me a few days to get used to the idea that he’s practically Jackson’s twin. I mean come on mom, how strange is that?”

  “Well the universe does work in mysterious ways. Did you have any lotto numbers come to you in your coma? I’d love a nice tropical vacation.”

  I started laughing, I couldn’t help it. “You’re the best mom, you know that right?”

  “Of course, I know that,” she replied.

  That only made me laugh harder. “Thanks mom, I don’t know what I’d do without you. I love you.”

  “I love you too honey. Now you just relax for the rest of the night and sort out your feelings on the whole Ellis/Jackson look alike thing. I’m here if you need me. Bye Eve.”

  “Good bye mom.”

  As usual I hung up feeling better after talking to her. She was better than any friend someone could ask for. I made myself a cup of tea and started the water in the tub. I hoped soaking i
n a hot bubble bath would clear my mind. After my long soak I curled up on the couch with Molly and a book. I hadn’t really figured out how I felt about Ellis looking like Jackson, so I thought I’d get lost in the problems of the book characters to take my mind off of my own.

  Chapter 23

  I woke up the next morning to my phone telling me I had a text. I reached to grab it off my nightstand and realized I was still on the couch. I guess I’d fallen asleep reading last night. I finally found my phone and saw that the text was from Ellis. I immediately got a silly grin on my face and I didn’t even know what it said. I went to my messages and clicked on his text.

  Ellis: Good morning Eve. Thank you for last night. I enjoyed your company and would love to try again.

  My grin only got bigger as I finished reading it. I was trying to think of something witty to say but nothing was coming to mind. I decided on honesty.

  Me: It’s me who should be thanking you. I’m sure anyone else would have thought I was crazy and kicked me out of their apartment. I enjoyed myself as well and again I’m sorry about the shortness of the date. I’ll make it up to you.

  There, I’d said it. I guess my subconscious had decided for me in the night. I liked Ellis and wanted to spend more time with him. Was it weird that he was practically Jackson’s twin? Yes. But I’m sure I could get used to it, it would just take some adjusting on my part. What I knew of Ellis so far, I really liked. I wondered what other surprises were in store for me because I was almost positive that there were going to be more. My phone alerted me that I had a new text.

  Ellis: I look forward to it.

  Me: Are you free tonight?

  Ellis: Unfortunately, I’m not. I have dinner with a client. Tomorrow?

  Me: Sounds great. Dinner at my place? 7:00?

  Ellis: Perfect. Until tomorrow.

  Now all I had to do was figure out what to make for dinner. I checked the time, it was after nine, so it was safe to call mom. She often slept in on Saturday, well her version of sleeping in anyway, 8:00 was sleeping late to her.

  “Hello Eve,” Mom said after a few rings. “How are you this morning? Did you sleep okay?”

  “Hey mom. I’m great. I fell asleep on the couch, but I still had a good sleep. Guess what? I got a text from Ellis this morning. He said he enjoyed our time together and wanted to try again. So, I got brave and invited him over for dinner. He’s busy tonight but we’re getting together tomorrow night.”

  “Oh, that’s wonderful Eve. I’m so happy for you. So, does that mean you’ve come to terms about the whole Jackson thing?”

  “I think so mom. I mean it’ll take some getting used to, but I really like him, and he seems to like me. He was so great last night, patient and understanding. That’s what I need in my life. So … what are you doing today?”

  “No plans so far. What did you have in mind?”

  “I thought you and I could go shopping and you could help me figure out what to make Ellis for dinner?”

  “Of course, I’ll go with you. I’ll be there in an hour to pick you up.”

  “Thanks mom, you’re the best. See you in a bit. Bye.”

  “Bye honey.”

  I jumped in the shower and got dressed. I ate a granola bar for breakfast and decided to read while I waited for mom. I was having trouble concentrating because my thoughts kept going back to Ellis, so I put my eReader down. I picked up my phone and went over our text exchange again. He couldn’t have dinner with me because he was meeting a client. I wondered what he did for a living. It seemed like he worked a lot. Maybe he was in marketing or advertising. I was going to ask him when we had dinner. My phone chimed with a text. It was mom, she was downstairs waiting for me.

  “I miss having a car,” I told her as we drove down the street.

  “I’m sure the insurance company will figure things out soon. But until then I’m happy to be your chauffeur.”

  “I know mom, it just feels like I’m a pain in the ass.”

  “Never. I enjoy any time we spend together.”

  We got to the grocery store and started walking up and down the aisles. I really had no clue what I wanted to make. We tossed a few ideas around and I eventually settled on steak, twice baked potatoes, and asparagus. I didn’t own a grill, but I planned on making the steak the way dad does when it’s too cold out to grill. We got all of the ingredients I needed and checked out. Mom drove us back to my apartment, so I could put everything away before having lunch.

  There was a small café close to my apartment building that we decided we’d try for lunch. It was a quick walk, only a couple of minutes. We sat down and studied the menu. We decided to try the special which was a bowl of French onion soup and a turkey club sandwich. Both were extremely good, and we agreed to come back and try more of what they had to offer.

  I walked mom back to her car and went up to my apartment. I decided I wanted to marinate the steak, so I looked up simple marinades online and found one I liked and had all the stuff for. I whipped it up and put the steaks in the fridge.

  I really wanted to make a good dessert but wasn’t sure what to make so I went to my cookbook shelf and got one of my baking books. I went to the couch to flip through it. I found a chocolate mousse cake that look really yummy. I thought I had all the ingredients so that was a bonus. I went to the kitchen and got to work. It was a three-step cake, so it would take me the better part of the afternoon to complete it.

  By the time I was ready for dinner the chocolate mousse cake was done. It was three layers of chocolatey goodness. The bottom layer was cake, the middle layer was mousse, and the top layer was ganache. I added some fresh raspberries to the top for color. It was beautiful. I took a picture of it and sent it to mom. She texted me back and said it was pretty enough to go in a magazine. That made me laugh but at the same time I thought that it would be awesome if that could actually happen.

  After spending all afternoon making the cake I didn’t feel like cooking, so I put a frozen pizza in the oven. While I waited for it I Googled “taking pictures of food”. Who knows, maybe I could do that in my spare time. After a few different searches the one thing that kept coming up was Instagram. After my accident I’d let all of my social media pages go. I’d had better things to worry about than who was doing what online.

  When I looked into Instagram I thought it was cool that it was all pictures. I’d never had an Instagram account before, so I decided to make one and dedicate it to food. I really had no idea how it worked so I called my brother. Yes, he laughed at me, but he told me what I needed to do and how to use it. Seemed simple enough. I created my account and chose the username ‘eve.c.eats’ and posted a picture of my chocolate mousse cake. I spent a few minutes finding a few people to follow and shut it down. I decided that it wouldn’t bother me if no one followed me. I liked making food and now I had a place to share that.

  My pizza was ready, so I put in a movie and got comfy on the couch. I’d just taken my first bite when I got a text. Curious, I checked my phone.

  Ellis: What are you doing?

  I smiled and replied immediately.

  Me: Eating pizza and watching a movie.

  Me: I thought you had a client dinner.

  Ellis: I do. I’m there now.

  Me: Shouldn’t you be dealing with them then?

  Ellis: I was thinking about you, so I excused myself to text you.

  Me: Aww, that was sweet. I’ve been thinking about you too. Now get back to your client!

  Ellis: Ok bossy. See you tomorrow.

  I was grinning like a fool. He was thinking about me! I wanted to do a little dance, but I settled for finishing my dinner and watching the movie, but Ellis was right there on the edge of my thoughts.

  After the movie was over I had a nice long bath and settled into bed with Molly and my book. The bath had relaxed me enough that I was able to concentrate on what I was reading. I read until I was tired and fell into a deep sleep.

  Chapter 24

  I was roa
ming the halls of the castle looking for Princess. She’d run off this morning and I hadn’t been able to find her. I finally heard her meowing in the room with the fireplace. I walked in to find her playing on the floor. “There you are Princess, I’ve been looking for you everywhere. What are you doing in here?” She came over to me and started rubbing on my ankles. I picked her up and went to sit on the couch by the fire. I sat there for a while enjoying the warmth from the fire and the sound of Princess purring in my lap. I heard footsteps and turned around expecting to see Jackson, but instead I saw Ellis. I don’t know how I knew it was him since they were pretty much identical, but I knew. Jackson was the only one I’d ever been in the castle with and now that Ellis was here, I wasn’t sure what to do. He walked around the couch and sat with me. Princess left my lap and went to investigate Ellis. He must have passed inspection because she nudged his hand for him to pet her. He reached out with his other hand and ran the back of his hand along my cheek. I sighed at his touch and the look on his face. No words needed to be exchanged. I tucked my feet up and leaned into Ellis. He put his arm around me and I snuggled into him. This was perfect. This is what I’d been missing.

  I woke up with the feel of Ellis’s arm around me. I felt confused and content all at the same time. I figured that the dream was my mind telling me that I’d moved on from Jackson and that Ellis could make me happy. But I think I was getting ahead of myself. We’d only been on one date, and not even a whole one at that. I needed to slow my mind down and just focus on the now.

  I got up, made my way to the bathroom, and fed Molly. I looked at the time when I got to the kitchen, it was 8:33. Over ten hours until Ellis arrived for dinner. I was nervous and excited. What was I going to do for the entire day? I didn’t need to start cooking until around 5:00. The potatoes were going to take the longest. I decided on a shower and go from there.

  After my shower I did my hair the way I normally wore it and put on some comfy clothes. During my shower I thought I’d give my apartment a thorough cleaning, plus it would take my mind off my dinner plans for a while.