Eden
Jessica Lee
Published by Jessica Lee at Smashwords
Copyright 2011 Jessica Lee
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Prologue
Matt & Stephanie
The musty room was dimly lit, its archaic dank stones absorbing the light. The Viewer entered, its nostrils flaring at the moldy odor of the room. Silent steps marked its progress to the only furnishing the room possessed. The simple stone table cast a long shadow as the Viewer placed the antique lamp upon its top. The light revealed an ornate glass ball, held tightly in a cast iron fitting. Reaching into a pocket the Viewer placed three blank creamy white envelopes on the table beside the glass. A long deep breath was exhaled onto the glass's surface. The glass began to glow softly from within as the Viewer poured energy into the glass. A misty gray smoke swirled around the interior of the glass. Slowly it settled bringing a room into focus. The furnishing, while all antique and elegant, lent no warmth or sense of home to the space. In the corner sat a high backed settee. Its rich red velvet cushions only accentuated the coldness of the woman who sat upon it. She was stark in her expensive black skirt suit, long soft blond hair pulled into a tight bun. Her expression was one of distain with a hint of disgust as she watched a man pacing back and forth across the room in front of her. His tall frame could have easily made one feel intimidated. However even now laugh lines around his eyes told of a kind nature. His normally pale and freckled skin was flushed crimson with anger. His red hair messy from the course combing given by frustrated hands. He turned to face her, waving his hands around as he talked in what the Viewer ascertained was a harsh tone. It spent a moment trying to read lips, lamenting the visions lack of sound.
The woman just watched him, her expression turning to full disgust at his rhetoric. Her eyes began to roam the room as she tuned out his babble, taking inventory of all the things she would ask for, they both knew the big D word would be brought up shortly. Her eyes fell upon the antique grandfather clock she had just procured from an auction house up state. It was truly unique, the mahogany base carved in an intricate forest scene. A majestic tree reached from the base up to the face, deer, squirrels and rabbits took shelter under its branches. The face of the clock itself was what had drawn Stephanie to it. Instead of having numbers or even Roman numerals, it had celestial bodies. Planets, constellations and moons told the time. The hands of the clock were shaped into wicked looking daggers. It had been amazing find, part of a lot from an estate sale. The only information they had on it was it had been purchased at another estate sale.
She stared at it a moment longer feeling herself pulled in when an angry near shout from Matt cause her to refocus her attention on his drivel. Her eyes narrowed, he was pleading for her to work with him, to go to counseling, to go on vacation. Anything to bring back the love that had held them together all these years. She really had no desire to work anything out however until she could get her assets separated and things hidden away it would serve best to play along with his last ditch effort to save their marriage. So she nodded, placing a fake look of understanding and sympathy on her face agreeing with his suggestions.
The Viewer smiled, perfect fuel for the fire, their animosity would prove to make them very useful. Turning away from the glass a moment, the Viewers’ face scrunched in intense concentration. The top envelope lifted into the air, elegant script wrote itself on the front. The names Matt and Stephanie as well as their address appeared on the creamy white envelope before it faded out of sight on its way to their home.
Rose & Eric
The Viewer stepped back allowing the swirling smoke to rise up again. After a few moments, another breath, another this time a storeroom, full of packing crates of all shapes and sizes. Strings of packing material lay strewn about the floor. Eric grunted as he pried the lid off a large crate. Laying the top aside, he gingerly pulled out a vase that easily came to his waist when he set it on the floor, which was impressive given his height. Rose stood beside him her long hair tucked over one shoulder as she studied the new acquisition. Eric picked it up and carried it out of the room. Rose laid the list aside waiting for him to return to open the final crate. She glanced over her shoulder several times. Her impatience and curiosity got the best of her. Picking up the crow bar she pried the lid off gently.
She began to pull the objects out carefully, pausing to tie her long black mane up and out of her face. Gently pulling shredded paper off of an intricate wall sconce, she frowned slightly as her bare palm connected with the cold stark brass. She suddenly felt eyes upon her, spinning around she saw that was still alone. Placing her other hand on it she took a deep breath, the acrid smell of smoke filled her lungs, she dropped the sconce back into the box. Her body trembled as she stepped back, looking for the cause of such a strong odor.
Eric entered to find a pale Rose staring intently at something in the top of the last crate.
“Eric, where did this last crate come from?” She asked stepping closer to him, enjoying his comforting presence.
Bending down he read the packing label on the side of the box.
“Came from an estate sale out in Oregon” He replied.
“Was it a fire rescue or anything?” She asked twisting a piece of hair around her finger, her face scrunched in a confused expression.
“Not that I know of, why?” He asked picking up the sconce she had held.
“Just caught an odd odor” She replied feeling a bit foolish.
The Viewer smiled, knowing that it was not at all odd; she was gifted with second sight. This couldn't have been better for the plan. She pushed the glass to zoom in on Rose’s face.
In the storeroom Rose’s head jerked up causing Eric to raise an eyebrow. Rose looked around frantically. Once again she had felt someone, a presence very close to her. Unlike last time however she felt that it was of malicious nature. She silently fled the storeroom with Eric on her heels.
The Viewer let out a cruel laugh knowing this one was going to be fun to torment. A moment later another creamy envelope rose into the air. In the same beautiful script Eric and Rose’s names appeared before it too faded out of sight.
Faye & Adam
The Viewer’s form slumped, theses sessions were always taxing, but it had used extra energy to cause Rose fear. Squeezing the last bit of power from within it called forth the smoke one last time. A twinkle returned to the viewer’s weary eyes, as the form of a young woman sitting on the edge of a bed, strands of her long brown hair matted to her face with tears, came into view. Sitting beside her an average man with a similar pained expression, she handed a small stick to him after pointing to a little window on the top. He sighed, disappointment so obvious.
The Viewer chuckled, such faith put in modern technology, when simple symptoms should never be ignored. They were perfect, this time it would work it, it had to. The Viewer poured the last bit of its mystic energy to observe them a bit longer
Adam wrapped his arms tenderly around Faye.
“I was so sure this time” She said her voice laden with unshed tears.
“I know you were honey” Adam said trying to reassure her but grappling with his own disappointment
He couldn’t think of anything to say that did not lay the blame on her and that was the last thing he wanted to do. However given the many doctors they had been to, the trouble in conception laid with her. Not trusting anything to come out of his mouth that would cause hurt he simple pulled her into his arms and kissed her hair, rocking her gently.
“We have been trying so long, and to be disappointed every month is getting to be more than I can take” She said her voice cracking under the pain she felt.
“Let’s take a break. No more temperatures, kits and day counting. I just can’t keep it up” She said at last dissolving into sobs as her husband held her close.
He looked over her head and found himself glancing at their reflection in the new mirror he had purchased at the auction house for her birthday. Its thick wooden frame was covered in unique forest carvings. A large tree adorned the top, its long branches reaching down the sides. It truly was one of a kind piece and he was shocked to see it at an estate auction, he would have considered it an heirloom. Studying the carving he glanced once again into the glass. He blinked as he swore the image rippled.
The Viewer stepped back from the glass noting in its carelessness it had almost been seen. Calling up the third envelope it was addressed and sped off to its destination. The viewer collapsed to the floor, the cold stones feeling good against its fevered skin. As the exhaustion overtook the Viewer, one last twisted smile crossed its lips.
It had begun.
Chapter 1
The hotel appeared from the swirling mountain mist. Faye’s breath caught as they pulled around the final curve into the driveway, she was faced with the soaring façade. The columns were massive, like the great redwood trees back home. The expansive porch wrapped around the building like a protective scarf. The windows reminded her of heavy lidded eyes. Faye looked down at the invitation in her lap, excited with the possibility of the coming week. Glancing to her left she noted Adam's relaxed expression. She was reassured she had done the right thing in talking him into coming. They hadn’t really had a vacation since their honeymoon. Perhaps it would help them get over the disappointment of her not being pregnant. This time she had been so sure, the symptoms where there, she was late, nauseous and exhausted. Sadly, tests don’t lie.
Adam glanced over at her. He still wasn’t sure about this whole thing. Other than the brochures they had been sent, they knew nothing about this place. He looked up at the grand view. It looks nice enough he thought. Perhaps this would help them. Faye had gotten very depressed over the latest pregnancy test and it had become almost an obsession for her after the first six months with no results. He felt they both needed a break in trying.
He pulled the car into the driveway. Stepping out he handed the keys to a young man dressed in a gold and crimson uniform. The man went virtually unnoticed by both of them as they were struck by what was before them. Faye opened the door, stepping into the cool mountain air, oblivious to Adam’s voice as he went on about the neo-classical Greek revival architecture. She was simply lost in the beauty. It was grand, but just a touch domineering. She shaded her eyes as she looked up take in the huge structure with its massive pillars and gleaming windows. She probably would have remained there admiring the hotel, if Adam hadn’t nudged her.
“Faye! We really need to get checked in. You will have plenty of time to explore and gawk later.” he told her with a grin. The lighthearted teasing in his voice lost on her as she followed him, still examining every detail of the hotel.
As they walked up the broad marble steps she took a closer look at some of the guests as they sunned themselves on the porch. There was something about them that caused her to pause, but the glare of the sun obscured her view, making it impossible to focus on them too closely. Adam tugged her sleeve and continued to lead her towards the mammoth set of oak doors. The tall thin panels glinted with cut crystal inlays. The hotel’s name was displayed on the door in gilded gold letters, “Eden” it said simply. Faye thought it a bit pretentious but she could see how such a grand looking hotel nestled deep in these isolated mountains could be considered paradise. Adam opened the door for her and a cold rush of air greeted her, causing a shiver to run its way down her body.
She blinked a few times allowing her eyes to adjust to the dark interior of the lobby. It was as vast as the exterior, boasting a soaring ceiling inlayed with extensive stained glass panels. They portrayed nature scenes, some of the mountains some of forest but each more exquisite than the next.
The reception desk was on the right. It was an antique. Its polished oak finish reflected the light from the green shaded desk lamp. She almost expected to see some famous movie star in a flapper’s dress, a long, cigarette holder dangling between her fingers, leaning over it while she flirted with the desk clerk. Several velvet plush settees sat around a long, all the cushions a vibrant crimson. To the left was an immense fireplace. The mantle was ornately carved with mythical beasts in forest scenes very similar to the ones shown above in the stain glass.
A mammoth fire roared in its hearth. Despite the size and voracity of the raging fire, Faye could neither feel its warmth nor hear the crackle of the burning wood. Before it could truly strike her as odd, Adam pulled at her arm again and brought her up to the desk to check in. He reached out and rang the shiny, golden bell on the desk. A moment or two passed and the desk clerk finally oozed his way up to the counter. Faye took a subconscious step back. He was tall and gaunt, his skin was waxy, his hair perfectly oiled into place, and his mustache looked as though if one wrung it out, it could refill one’s car. He smiled that fake, plastic, used-car salesman smile and spoke to them.
“Good afternoon, Sir and Madame. How may I help you?” Faye shuddered slightly and slid in behind Adam. She slipped her hand into his. Even this man’s voice was greasy, he made her extremely uncomfortable.
Adam held out the folded invitation letter to the desk clerk.
“We received this in the mail.” He said, seemingly not affected by the man’s presence.
The clerk looked over the piece of paper for a moment. He smiled at the couple.
“Ah … yes. You are one of our lucky chosen couples. We are so happy that you could join us for the festivities. It will be an unforgettable time. He glance at a hand written paper for a moment before speaking again
"We always enjoy having people with historical knowledge visit. They tend to have a greater appreciation of what we have to offer here.”
Fay drew back even more, he knew things about her, she didn’t want anyone like him knowing about her.
He smiled again in his plastic manner, his eyes looking Faye over with a curl of the lip and the raise of the eyebrow that showed his obvious appreciation for what he saw. Faye fought a shiver and tried even harder to disappear behind her husband’s back. Adam released her hand, oblivious to her distress, and stepped forward to sign the guest book. As he reached for the pen, the clerk moved with lightening speed to close the book. The couple jumped. For a moment, his greasy calm vanished and a frightening scowl crossed his features. As quick as it appeared however it was gone and the false smile returned.
“Forgive me, sir. We have a different tradition here: we ask guests to sign the book when they check out, and write a few good comments for new people coming in.” He reached for a folded, black piece of paper with a silver string. He turned around and reached for a key off the large board behind him. While his attention was elsewhere, Adam turned to Faye.
“Let’s go. He’s weird.” She mouthed, her expression of discomfort now clear to him.
Adam shrugged and shook his head. His expression was familiar. It was the “Honey you worry too much” smile. He patted her hand reassuringly.
He turned back around just as the clerk was ready to hand them their key.
“You’re key, Sir, and an itinerary for the week’s festivities. I do hope your stay is pleasant. Please feel free to call the desk if you need anything at all.” He said emphasizing the word all with another appreciative look over Faye.
He rang a smaller, silver bell. A young man appeared from nowhere. Faye tried not to stare, however he bore a strong resemblance to a monkey. His brow sloped and his eyes were small and squinted. His overly large lips cracked into a disturbing smile. He wore a crimson and gold, braided uniform. The sleeves were short on his disproportionately long arms. He reminded Faye of the animals you see on TV dressed in human clothing and taught tricks.
“Bartholomew, please take our guests to their room.” The clerk said with a smirk.
The bellhop raised an eyebrow at the pair. He looked back at the clerk, whose smile somehow got even larger and faker. Faye went to turn away from him in discomfort when she noted a strange almost sad look in his eyes. Their eyes met for a single second but then he turned away. She puzzled over it for a moment before the bellhop’s quick movements drew her attention to him.
The bellhop then smiled wider which only; served to enhance his monkey like appearance He picked up their bags and motioned them to follow him down the long hallway. Faye gripped Adam’s hand so intensely her knuckles were white. The hallway was long and full of shadows despite the afternoon sun. The few furnishings that were placed about were made were tables, the bases made of a lacquered ebony wood. The tops were carved of grey marble marred with thick red veins pulsing through it. The significant windows on each side stretched floor to ceiling, but their light was dampened by the thick drapes that pooled on the marble sills like puddles of a thick viscous substance.
There were several small groups of guests seated in the plush looking maroon chairs that looked up at them as they passed, their faces showing expressions of mild interest. Faye stared at them-- they all appeared rather pasty and gray. Her mind wrote it off as an effect of the lighting and held on more tightly to her husband. At the end of the large hall was an antique cage elevator. Bartholomew pushed the button, and the three of them fixedly watched the hand descend to the ground floor to avoid conversation. It bonged loudly as it arrived causing the pair to jump slightly. Bartholomew opened the gate and they all stepped in obediently when the inner doors swung open with a bang. The monkey in the bellhop suit pushed number 8 and the elevator rose upward.
The doors opened to reveal a dimly lit hallway. The walls were wood paneled and gas light sconces lined the walls like soldiers marching off to battle the darkness. The doors to the guest rooms were a bright white, a sharp contrast to the dimness of the hallway. Bartholomew stalked silently down the hallway and came to an abrupt halt half way down and turned to a door on the right. The golden numbers read 821.
He slipped the key soundlessly into the door and pushed it open with a sigh of the hinges. The carpet inside was the same dark burgundy as the downstairs drapes. There were several large windows that were only covered with a white, filmy curtain. Dominating the room was a large, wooden, four poster bed which had the same ornate carvings as the fireplace downstairs. It seemed a common theme here. Off to the side was a black, wrought iron vanity table with a matching stool. Along the far wall was a grey marble fireplace Faye stared at the red veins. She could swear they seemed to be pulsing. A stack of fresh wood sat in the grate but appeared as if it hadn’t been lit in quite some time.
Faye looked around as Adam tipped their guide and asked a few questions about the hotel, food and other things. She was busy checking out the claw footed bath tub and the exquisite view of the mountains from the bathroom window when she heard the outer door shut. Walking back into the other room, she saw Adam shudder slightly and wipe his hand on his pants as if it was soiled from shaking Bartholomew’s hand.
They looked at each other a moment, then Adam burst out with a sigh as if he had been holding his breath.
“Well, I will say one thing: the hotel is magnificent but they really need to screen their employee’s a little better. They both looked like rejects from a horror movie.”
She nodded, sitting down on the bed. “That desk clerk made me want to take a shower after being in the same room with him.”
“He wasn’t too bad, but the monkey boy, geez.” He said as he joined her. “Let’s look at this week’s itinerary they have set up for us “lucky” invited couples.” he finished, air quotes and all.
Adam pulled out the black booklet with the silver string. It was made of a stiff paper bound with the silver cord. The cover read Midnight Masquerade in a fancy script and silver ink. Adam raised an eyebrow as he opened it. The information inside was obviously handwritten. It had a list of days, times, and rooms, but no dates.
“Hmm …” he murmured. “They must only be doing this particular theme for this set of invitations. She nodded in agreement as she read over his shoulder.
“It seems there is a cocktail party tonight, a dinner tomorrow night, and then nothing big planned until the costume ball Saturday night. The only big planned activities are at night. That’s nice-- it gives us the daytime to explore and relax.” he said, examining the book. “They have a few tours planned in the early evenings that might be interesting, but for the most part we are on our own.” he added absently showing his lack of interest in those activities.
Faye responded, still lost in thought, “Aren’t you the least bit curious as to why we received invitations in the first place?”
Adam looked up from examining the book’s spine “I guess it has something to do with your work at the historical society or even at the University. They probably want some experts here, to tell them how authentic their decor is. That’s my guess as to why they wanted you to sign in at the end of the weekend so you can add comments on how impressed you were with their historical accuracy.” He punctuated his feelings on the matter with a roll of the eyes.
Faye nodded slightly, in the last 2 years she had spent a considerable amount of her time helping at the San Francisco Society for the Preservation of Culture. She really didn’t care for the group as a whole, but in his later years her father had been quite devoted and she felt obligated to continue to help them. It was possible that her growing name in that community had garnered her invitation here, but there were much more logical candidates she could see being picked. Either way they were here.
“Indeed.” She replied. “I’m just glad I had enough time to get costumes made and our masks finished for the costume party.”
Adam rolled his eyes again, this time looking down at the bed as to avoid her notice.
“Well, we have about 6 hours until the cocktail party. What would you like to do?” He asked standing and stretching. He moved the curtain aside to gaze out on the thick, green lawn.
“Correction,” she said, standing to join him by the window. “We have about 4 hours until it’s time to start getting ready for the party.”
“Right, I forgot.” He sighed.
“So, let’s head outside and get some fresh air. We can look around and maybe we can meet some more of the other “lucky” guests for the weekend.” She suggested mimicking his air quotes.
He nodded in agreement. After a quick stop at the vanity table, Faye was ready to go. They headed back down the hallway toward the elevator. There were several side tables with silk flowers in vases along the way. The walls were bare of decoration, their stark dark surfaces soaking up the light from the sconces, making the hallway darker. Adam and Faye waited for the elevator, watching it come up from the lobby.
The elevator once again greeted them with a bang. As the door slid open, they were surprised to be again faced with Bartholomew. He was leading another couple to their room. Adam smiled and greeted them and Faye mumbled a hello as she studied them intently. The gentleman was tall and broad shouldered. His hair was a shocking flame of red, which was in need of a good combing. The woman beside him was a petite thing with shoulder-length, blond hair. Her eyes were a pale green and she seemed a little washed out. As they walked past, Faye glanced over her shoulder to see what room they were in and noted that they would be their neighbors to the left. Faye and Adam entered the elevator, pulling the noisy gate closed behind them. Faye shuddered slightly. The elevator made her feel as if someone had just locked her in a great, gilded cage. She slipped her hand in Adam’s and he squeezed it gently and they watched the old-fashioned hand count down the floors.
They exited the elevator into the mostly deserted lobby, a few guests sat on a far couch. Adam walked slower examining the portraits on the wall. Most were of antique automobiles while others were of mountain views. This time is was Faye tugging his arm to get them heading back toward the front door. Faye was relieved to see that the desk clerk was not visible and they hurriedly slipped out the door to avoid another encounter with the unlikable man.
The warm sunlight contrasted so much with the dim interior that they both reached up to shield their eyes against the bright onslaught of light. Walking out onto the expansive porch, Faye looked down towards the previously occupied rocking chairs. She was disappointed to find them mostly empty aside from a huge gray feline taking advantage of one of the chairs in the sun. Adam took her hand and they headed down the front steps and out onto a lawn littered with a few croquet balls and some discarded mallets. They made their way to the right, heading for the garden entrance. Standing in the shade of a large oak tree, Faye took in the panoramic view as Adam examined the water garden that was the entrance to the palatial flower spread beyond the iron gates.
The garden wrapped around the side all the way to the back of the hotel. It must be at least five or six acres Faye thought as she surveyed the luscious spread. The gates themselves were covered in thick ivy, which spread itself onto the nine or ten foot hedges that were used as walls. She wandered over toward him, looking to see what he was studying so intently. He was examining an antique sundial which sat on a tall pillar in the middle of a small pond. As she got closer, she saw instead of numbers there were symbols. In the twelve’s place was the symbol of an hourglass. After a moment of intense studying, she spoke.
“That is defiantly odd.”
Adam looked up. “Odd is one word you could use. Have you ever seen one like this before?”
She looked at it a moment longer, leaning in more closely.
“I can’t say that I do. It’s nothing I’ve seen before.
They both stared at the dial, each trying to puzzle out the symbols. After a few minutes, Adam shrugged.
“Who knows? It could just be some of that new wave nonsense. Let’s look at the rest of the garden.” he finally replied.
Faye stared a moment longer. Something was tugging the edge of her mind. She knew she had seen something similar, but it lingered in the back shadows of her mind, shying from the light of discovery. Adam gently tugged on her hand; she reluctantly let herself be led through the tall arch in the garden. She was instantly struck by the silence and stillness of the air inside the garden. The tall, thick hedge blocked out any sounds from beyond, making this little patch of the hotel grounds a retreat. On either side of them were little theme gardens: one roses, one a water garden, several were done by color. Adam and Faye pointed things out to each other in awe as they walked around. Following the path, they came into a small round clearing with a large fountain in the center.
Adam sat on the stone bench, shaded by a beautiful weeping willow tree, but it was the fountain that drew Faye’s attention. It was very large and slightly out-of-character and proportion to everything else they had seen in the garden. It was an exact replica of the hotel with a large hourglass on top. Instead of sand flowing downward, the water flowed upward until it shot out of the top. Words were inscribed across the base of the hourglass. She leaned in closely to read them. The script scrolled, and was difficult to make out. Faye got as close as she could without falling into the pool. Straining her neck and turning her head slightly, she was finally able to make out the words. It read: Time is as eternal as water; one only need replenish the pool to live forever.
She reread it a few times. It made the hair on the back of her neck stand up. Shivering slightly, she backed away from the fountain and quickly walked over to join Adam. He sat reading a small rock bearing the names of the founders and a brief history about the hotel. Normally, that would fascinate Faye but she was still inexplicably spooked by the fountain. He seemed totally unaware that anything was amiss.
“Hey, honey, listen to this. It says that this place has the most extensive flower maze in the state.”
Faye nodded absently. She really just wanted to get out of there, the beauty of the garden was now lost on her. Adam rattled on for a few more minutes and noticing he was getting no response from his wife, decided she was probably bored and it was best to move on. He stood and stretched. Taking her hand, they walked quietly toward the gate to the garden. Faye relaxed as the fountain faded farther and farther behind them. Just as they reached the edge of the hedges, a croquet ball rolled through. It was followed by a pretty little girl in a blue and white checkered dress. Her long golden hair was bound up in two long braids with ribbons that matched her dress. She picked up the ball and turned to look at them. She smiled widely, but Faye noticed that her eyes remained sad. She walked towards them.
“Hello, I’m Emily.” she said cheerfully.
“Hello, Miss Emily. I’m Adam and this is my wife, Faye.” Adam said, getting down on his knee to be on the child’s level.
“It’s very nice to meet you.” She said with a curtsy.
Faye smiled. The child was charming and very cute, like something out of a Norman Rockwell painting. Her eyes, however, were a startling blue. They just seemed so sad.
“I’m playing croquet. Would you care to join me?” Emily asked.
Faye looked at her watch. It was getting rather late and more time was lost in the garden than she realized.
“I am sorry, Emily. We have to go get ready for tonight’s party, perhaps tomorrow?” Faye asked.
She was instantly sorry as she looked the little girl’s disappointed face. Adam shot her a look that said that he felt just as bad.
“Honey, why don’t you go ahead and start getting ready? It doesn’t take me long and that way you will have the room all to yourself. I will stay and play one game with Emily.” Adam said.
The little girl’s face positively lit up. Faye nodded, kissing Adam on the cheek and headed back to the hotel. Adam had a true love of children. They had been trying for almost two years to have a child but the fates seemed against them in that aspect. Faye was regretting her decision to come alone when she stepped into the cool lobby to see the clerk returned to his post. Much to her relief, he simply waved as she hurried past. She was thankful she did not encounter the monkey boy either. Back in her room, she looked through the dresses she had brought trying to decide what she wanted to wear. However she was unable to focus her mind drifted back to the fountain and she began to feel uneasy and nauseous. She pushed it back to the recesses of her mind.
Faye flipped through the dresses several more times. She was terribly distracted. She gave up in frustration and headed into the bathroom to begin to get ready. She emerged just as Adam was shutting the door behind him. His face was slightly flushed and he was smiling broadly. His shirt sleeves were rolled up and his top button undone. Several grass stains adorned his khaki pants. He walked over and kissed Faye’s cheek. He looked at her perfectly done makeup and hair which was slightly amusing with the bathrobe and pearls.
“Couldn’t decide on a dress, huh?” he asked as he slipped his shirt off and headed for the shower.
She shook her head no.
“Any suggestions?” She asked as she headed back to the closet.
“The black, velvet sleeveless is my favorite.” he said, as he disappeared into the sound of running water.
Nodding in agreement she pulled out the dress and slipped it on. She was seated at the vanity when he came out of the bathroom dressed in his dapper pinstriped suit. She whistled and his face broke into his boyish smile that had won her heart nearly five years before. He held out his arm she took it with a dip of her head.
“Why, thank you, sir.” she said, a giggle in her voice.
They left the room and headed down toward the elevator. He checked his watch as they were waiting.
“Looks like we will be right on time” He said.
“Good.” she said, “After tonight, we can be fashionably late. I must confess a serious curiosity about the other guests here having seen so few and met only one so far, and I doubt she will be in attendance.”
Adam nodded in agreement. The elevator dinged … Adam reached for the gate and Faye shivered. She couldn’t get over how much it reminded her of a cage. Just as he was pulling the gate closed, a male voice from down the hall called.
“Please hold the elevator!”
“Sure.” Adam called back and stopped the gate.
Faye moved over to allow space for the new arrivals. She smoothed her dress and subconsciously fixed her hair as she peered down the hall. The couple they had encountered earlier was headed towards the elevator. He was dressed in a somber gray suit and his wife wore a simple, gray, silk gown. Faye shook her head and clucked silently as they slid into the elevator. The color was all wrong for her complexion.
“Thanks! This thing seems to be rather slow in returning.” The man said, extending his hand, his voice genial.
“I’m Matt, and this is my wife Stephanie.”
“I’m Adam, and this is my wife Faye.” They all shook hands and murmured pleasantries.
The elevator started to descend as Adam started a conversation.
“So what do you think of the hotel so far?” he asked.
“It’s lovely.” Stephanie replied.
Faye turned her face to the wall to hide a smirk. She sounded as washed out as she looked and Faye’s self-confidence moved up a notch. Faye had a nasty habit of basing her opinion of herself on how she looked and on the females she was surrounded by. So far she was feeling good. It was habit she had no need of. It was left over from her low self esteem formed by a less then kind mother in her teenage years. She was a truly beautiful woman, with full lips and remarkable eyes.
Faye, lost in herthoughts, was oblivious to the conversation going on between the men.
The elevator shuddered to a stop and the loud bang brought Faye back to reality. The couples exited with each wife on the arm of their husband. Candles lit the long hallway and Faye found it very romantic and she snuggled closer to Adam as they walked. Other couples walked past them and Faye studied the outfits. Adam looked more closely at the people’s faces. Something was off, but he just couldn’t place it. They seemed somehow faded, like they just popped out of an old photograph. He shook his head and blamed it on the lighting. He turned his attention back to the small talk going on between the two wives. Something deep in his gut told him to stay close to Matt and Stephanie. They entered the smaller Ballroom and were stuck speechless.
Faye drew in a breath, glad that she had worn the black dress as the room was done in a black and white 20’s theme complete with the band on the stage in white tuxes, playing smooth jazz. The wait staff wore half and half uniforms. The room was full of people and Faye was amazed that with so many guests, she had seen so few of them during the day. They walked forward and the desk clerk stepped out from the maitre d stand. He was dressed similarly to the band, but his jacket was black with a stark white bowtie. He looked only at the ladies, that same oily grin crossing his face. Faye tried not to grimace but his complexion was so pasty it appeared unreal. Everything about him set off alarm bells in her mind. He slithered across the floor to them. Both ladies slid in unison behind their husbands, using them as shields.
“Good evening, Gentlemen, Ladies.” He gave a short bow and Faye was surprised oil didn’t spill onto the floor from his hair.
“Good evening.” Matt and Adam said in unison.
“If you will follow me, I will show you to your table. You will be sitting with the other invited couple.” The clerk said, and started to turn away.
“If there are only 3 invited couples, why are there so many guests here?” Faye blurted out.
He turned back around, his smile widening.
“We are a luxury hotel. We do have regular reservations as well as guests who are here for extended periods.” He said, emphasizing the words ‘are’ and ‘luxury’.
He turned and started to walk across the floor. Faye’s face turned a light shade of pink as she had just insulted the hotel and the staff without meaning to. Adam squeezed her arm reassuringly and followed Matt and Stephanie to their table. Faye, still embarrassed, kept her eyes down as they crossed the room so she was unaware of the disconcerting stares coming from the other guests. Some looked inquisitive, some looked bored, but a few looked openly hostile. Adam pulled his wife closer, unsure of what to make of the attitudes he was seeing. Finally, they reached their table. Thankfully, in Faye’s opinion, it was against a wall and mostly in the shadows. It gave them a wide view of the room. The lights were already dimmed and the spotlights were trained on the mirrored ball hanging above the checkerboard dance floor.
As they settled in Faye turned her attention to the other couple seated at the table to her left. Her heart sank as she realized how exquisitely beautiful the woman was. She was of a middle eastern decent. Her eyes were almond shaped and a soft brown. Her hair was a long mane of thick, black tresses that fell to her waist. Faye’s hand fluttered to her own chestnut locks and she was suddenly conscious of any hair that might be out of place. Her husband was very handsome with his broad shoulders, his short, dark hair, and his bright green eyes. He extended his hand to the other gentlemen.
“Hello, my name is Eric. This is my wife, Omorose”
“You can call me Rose.” she added hastily, extending her hand to the ladies.
“Omorose, what a beautiful name, that’s Egyptian isn’t it?” Faye asked. She was eager to show off her intelligence, to perhaps bring her a little closer in standing to Rose’s beauty. Rose nodded.
“I was born in Egypt.” She said smiling. Small talk ensued for a while appetizers were brought on silver platters silently by the wait staff. Rose was fascinated by the fact that Faye was an Anthropologist and they became engrossed in conversation about Egyptian traditions and customs. The men talked about a variety of things-- sports and other manly topics. No one noticed that Stephanie was completely ostracized until late in the evening when she crossly informed Matt that it was almost midnight and she was tired. Her comment was followed by a rather uncomfortable silence.
Faye stretched a bit and made an exaggerated yawn.
“My goodness, look at the time. Adam, we didn’t even get to dance!”
Everyone else murmured similar comments, all of them feeling a bit embarrassed as they realized that no one had been talking to Stephanie all night. They stood up and gathered their jackets and purses, finishing up the conversations they were having. They started walking toward the exit with Matt and Stephanie leading the group. Faye could tell by the grip Stephanie had on his arm that he was in the doghouse. She turned to look at Rose who was also looking at the lead couple. She caught Faye’s eye and nodded in agreement at Faye’s assessment of Matthew’s state. They both suppressed a bit of a giggle as they walked out the doors of the Ballroom. The desk clerk smiled and thankfully just waved. The men nodded and the women gave polite, stiff little waves. The silent lobby awaited them, the departure from the music to the deep silence put a damper on their mood.
As they walked across the marble floor, the sounds of their heels were like gunshots and each woman winced as she stepped down, not wanting to make such a noise. Unconsciously they all picked up the pace to get to the long, carpeted hallway. As the thick carpet muffled their steps, everyone let out a small exhale of relief. The group huddled closely together, unnerved by the silence and the thick shadows crowding their path.
The golden elevator loomed at the end of the hall. For once it looked like a savior instead of an encasement and they all crowded in. With six people it was just on the edge of uncomfortably close. Everyone watched the little gold hand pass the floor numbers. The friendly atmosphere they had experienced at dinner had completely evaporated. Matthew pulled the gate open as it shook to a stop on their floor. They hurried for their rooms, lined in a row with Faye and Adam in the middle. Faye turned and looked at Rose.
“Meet you in the dining room at nine am for breakfast?” She asked.
Turning, she quickly looked at Matt and Stephanie.
“You guys in?” She added.
Matt started to nod his head yes, but Stephanie’s voice cut through his response.
“No, we have other plans, but thank you.” Her voice was cold as she opened the door, pulling Matt in after her.
Matt shrugged, smiling apologetically to them before the door slammed in their faces.
Faye looked over at Rose, who shrugged.
“We will see you in the morning.” She said as she entered her room.
Adam opened the door to their room and they both went in. Faye sat down on the settee, removing her shoes and pantyhose with a deep frown on her face. Adam hung up his jacket and undid his tie. He turned to look at his wife, noticing her expression …
“What’s wrong, honey?”
“I feel bad for excluding Stephanie, but I think her attitude is a bit much.” She said as she slipped out of her dress and placed it back on the hanger.
Adam nodded as he got into his pajamas.
“Well, let’s try to make it up to them tomorrow. We can invite them to dinner or to do something in the afternoon.” He said.
“Probably a good idea, but if her attitude keeps up, I’m not spending my vacation week soothing her pride.” She said, putting on her nightgown and sliding into bed.
“And Rose is so much more interesting. Her family is Egyptian royalty. She has tons of knowledge about the history and customs of her country.” She said her voice portraying her excitement. Adam chuckled.
“I thought this was a vacation. It sounds a lot like work to me.” He said as he reached over and turned out the lights.
“Humph.” She said playfully, as she snuggled into the pillows.
“I would be a fool to pass up talking to her. You are always saying I need to make friends with live people.” The last part of her statement was jumbled by a yawn.
“That you do dear, and Eric seems like a pretty nice guy as well.” His voice was thick with sleep as he leaned over to kiss his wife goodnight.
He rolled over and within moments was asleep. Faye lay there awhile longer staring at the ceiling. Her mind wandered over the details of the day then drifted to the costume ball at the end of their stay. She smiled to herself, knowing that they would have the most elaborate and beautiful costumes.
She faded off to sleep with a contented smile on her face. As dreams found her, the contentment was stolen from her. She was dressed in the costume she had fallen asleep thinking about, however the carefully sewn fabric hung in shreds, her longhair was gnarled the tiara tangled in the strands. Running toward the entrance to the garden she lost her footing several time on the slick grass. The burning in her lungs was almost unbearable as she made it to the gravel path. The gravel cutting into her stocking feet, she tried to keep up her pace feeling the rocks become slick with her own blood. She cried out in her sleep from the pain she felt. Her mind was filled with numbing terror and the dire need to escape though she knew not from what. The thundering footsteps grew louder, too terrified to see what was chasing her, she simply stumbled on, leaving bloody footprints on the white stone path as she ran through the garden, blind to the beauty around her. She broke free of the hedges to be confronted with the fountain. A scream escaped her lips. The likeness of the hotel was ablaze. Thick, red blood spouted from the top where once the clear water had flowed.
Her feet ached and her lungs burned. Falling to her knees she simply could not go on. The frightening image before her was just too much. She heard the footsteps coming closer. She resigned herself that any moment the danger would be upon her. Frigid hands grasped her shoulders tightly, shaking her and she knew she had to fight for her life.
Struggling, she clawed at the hands on her, desperately trying to free herself, but the hands were immovable, holding her firmly and shaking. Her eyes flew open, slowly realizing she was in the bed and the strong hands gripping her where those of her husband. His scared face stared at her intently. She shook her head, desperate to lose the images that plagued her. As Adam pulled her close, her body shook violently. He stroked her hair gently, rocking her.
He was used to her nightmares, but this one had taken an exceptionally long time to wake her from. She always had them when she was deeply involved in some kind of project. He wondered what could be pulling her in here. He watched her for a long time, even after she had drifted back to sleep in his arms. He laid her back down, gently covering her up, tenderly brushing the stray hairs from her face. Kissing her softly, he lay back down beside her and closed his eyes, worry creating deep furrows in his brow.
Chapter 2
The alarm clocks shrill bell woke them at eight. Faye sat up and stretched, leaning over to kiss Adam gently.
“C’mon sleepyhead, we have to get ready for our breakfast date.” She said as she stood up and headed for the bathroom.
Adam groaned. He had a hard time falling back to sleep and really had no desire to get out of bed. He wondered if he should tell her about her nightmare, but it was obvious by the bright, well-rested smile on her face that she didn’t recall her nighttime throes and he didn’t feel like spoiling her mood. She stewed over her nightmares, especially when she didn’t remember having one. She would spend days trying to remember something she had probably forgotten before her head hit the pillow again. He pulled himself out of bed, following her into the bathroom.
At eight-thirty, they emerged wrapped in the thick white robes the hotel had provided for them. Faye sat down at the vanity and immediately went to work with her colored jars and tubes. Adam sighed slightly, ran a comb through his hair, and picked out a pair of khakis and a maroon polo shirt. This was always the longest part of the day for him. It took him five or so minutes to get ready for the day. Faye, depending on what the day’s schedule held, could take up to an hour. She always made time for this. One of her pet peeves was being more than fashionably late for anything. He chuckled to himself knowing her idea of fashionably late was five minutes tops. She liked to have enough people present so she could make an entrance but not too many that she couldn’t watch the people who were really late. She chose a long red and black flowered skirt with a sleeveless red top. She glanced at the clock almost compulsively as she finished with her lipstick.
“Where are we supposed to meet them?” He asked, as he started to head for the door.
“Apparently the restaurant has a patio and Rose said it seemed like a lovely place to take breakfast. I told her we would meet her there.” Faye replied.
She ran the brush through her hair one last time and she was ready to go. They headed out the door, glancing down the hallway to see if perhaps they would run into the other couple since they were only next door. The hallway however was empty. Faye looked down to the far end of the hall. She shook her head blinking a few times because for a moment, the end of the hall looked fuzzy, almost like a mirage. The harder she stared, the more it came into focus. Adam followed her intense look, seeing nothing out of the ordinary. He assumed she was checking out the decor. Gently taking her elbow, he led her down the hallway to the elevator. She laid her head on his shoulder as they waited for the cage to ascend to their floor. The elevator arrived and they stepped inside. Adam was just pulling the gate across when a voice from down the hall called.
“Please hold the elevator.”
Adam and Faye exchanged looks. They hadn’t seen anyone in the hallway when they headed for the elevator nor had they heard any doors open or close. He just shrugged as the couple entered the elevator. Both of them were of average height and build. She was dressed in white shorts and a black sleeveless blouse. Her long, black hair was tied back with a white ribbon. Her complexion was so pasty it was almost gray and she wore no makeup. His complexion mirrored hers. He was dressed in black slacks and a white golf shirt and his black hair was styled in a way that reminded Adam of a 50’s sitcom. They both wore simple silver wedding bands but no other jewelry. Faye tried not to stare but she couldn’t help it. Something was definitely wrong with them. It was not hard to get a good look as they stood uncomfortably close to them. They said nothing and stared at the floor, but if Faye or Adam moved a step away they shifted to be closer. It seemed like an eternity waiting for the arrow to pass each floor, but thankfully the elevator finally landed in the lobby.
Adam and Faye edged out around the others, who had them pressed up against the side. Faye glanced back at them. The couple walked slowly out of the elevator. It must have been the lighting in the elevator that caused them to look so gray, Faye thought to herself. They still appeared pale but their color looked better now than it had inside. She took Adam’s hand and they walked toward the restaurant. As they walked through the door, Rose stood up from her table on the patio and waved at them. Faye smiled broadly and waved back. Her excitement overcame the uncomfortable encounter they had just experienced.
Walking out into the bright sunshine erased any lingering ill feelings either one of them had. The patio was a wide, flagstone terrace. Each stone was a varying color of rose, blue, or grey. The tables had black, wrought iron bases with glass tops. The tops were bare to showcase the hourglass symbol that was etched into the glass. The chairs were tall, fan backed wrought iron to match the table and they were adorned with thick, blue cushions. Rose was wearing a long white sundress. Her hair was bound up in an intricate braid. Eric wore khakis and an emerald green polo shirt.
Faye leaned in and gave Rose a conspiratorial wink.
“So, would you like to lay bets that Matt spent a rather long evening trying to sleep on the settee?” she asked, grinning.
Rose grinned and laughed.
“Now Ladies, let’s be nice” Eric said, lightly.
“Yes, those things look damned uncomfortable. I hope the poor bugger managed to amend her feelings before bedtime.” Adam added.
The group laughed and the conversation over the menu commenced. The waiter approached the table and Faye watched him intently. It wasn’t hard because he also was standing very close. He seemed to be suffering from the same drabness as the couple in the elevator. He was grey, like a faded black and white photograph. He took their orders in an efficient manner, but when it was Faye’s turn, she was still puzzling over his appearance. He looked at her and her curiosity did not go unnoticed. His face had been polite but it became cold and his look became hard.
“Ma’am?” he asked, his tone portraying his annoyance at her scrutiny.
It caught her off guard and she was flustered, taking a deep breath she regained her composure. She ordered, but she stared at the table as she spoke, her cheeks flushed with high color. He walked away leaving an uncomfortable silence in his wake. They all watched him until he had entered the kitchen.
“What was that all about?” Eric asked.
“I’m sorry.” Faye apologized. “It’s just his appearance threw me off. He’s like the people in the elevator. They all seem washed out and I feel like I’ve been thrown into an old black and white TV show.” She said, sighing softly and fiddling with a strand of her hair.
“I really wasn’t trying to be rude.” She said, her voice beginning to show emotion.
Rose, sensing she was upset, patted her hand gently.
“Of course you weren’t dear. I can’t say I overly noticed, but I was so wrapped up in the menu, I didn’t do more than glance at him.” She said with a reassuring smile.
The men nodded in agreement, offering reassuring comments.
“So what would you like to do today guys?” Rose said, changing the subject.
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(Pages 1-23 show above.)