I have tried to write a fanfiction on the Shining before (Did You Hear about the Torrances?), but I soon realised mid-writing it that I had skipped parts, and not developed some aspects enough, and that it would end before there were any real dramatic stakes or anything. So that's why I've ditched that attempt and I will start anew. This time I'm trying to actually plan this story in advance, because I have a horrific habit of doing everything on the spot and not having any plan. So hopefully this will be a huge improvement.

"For God's sake, Dad! I'm seventeen now! You can't just do this!" Charlotte 'you better call me Charlie' Ullman hated her life. No joke. She was raised by an absolute dick of a man, Stuart Ullman, and the only friends he ever had were creeps that stared at her whenever she was in the room. Her mother was six feet under, and she never had any siblings, or friends to think of it. In fact, the only reason she could really carry on was her dreams. Charlie loved musicals. Her only aspiration in life was to be on the stage, acting her heart out. And now that was being taken away from her too.
"Actually, Charlotte, until you're eighteen, I can! I don't want my only child throwing her life away to play dress up! You will run the Overlook just like I do, and like my father did before me, and his father before him!" Stuart Ullman, luckily, gave none of his genes to Charlie. In fact, not just in looks, she was nothing like him. And she'd be damned if she ever ran this bloody hotel. No pun intended.
"Oh, that's just great! Decide my life for me, why don't you? I guess you might as well lock me up over the winter like fucking Rapunzel if the hotel means that much to you!"
He paused. Shit. "The best idea you've had- actually, that's the best idea you've had, period. You are officially grounded, missy, and you'll stay in the Overlook from now until I return next summer."
Charlie froze, and her mouth dropped open. "What the fuck is wrong with you?"
He laughed, a bitter chuckle that pulled his mouth into a frown. "Wrong with me? You're the one that wants to spend her life on stage, dressing up! You're the one that wants to make a living pretending!"
"Then what do you call your job, dad? Dressing up like a genuine businessman, sweeping all the blood and guts of the Overlook under the rug, pretending like nothing bad ever happens here! You, if nothing else, are a disgusting hypocrite. Before I'm sentenced to solitary bloody confinement, I just want you to know that I absolutely hate you!" Charlie was shaking with anger. It wasn't fair! She had so many auditions that she'd now miss out on because of this. Charlie didn't know if her father knew, and decided to punish her anyway, knowing what she was losing, or if he had no idea, which would mean he just didn't ever listen to her. She didn't even know which one was worse.

Her father had left her in the suite above the office where they lived. He apparently had an interview with a potential candidate for the caretaker job. 'Potential candidate' being her father's words. She knew everyone hated this job. No one ever did it twice. So potential candidate was a bit of an exaggeration, because chances were, he'd hire this person anyway. Charlie just hoped this caretaker was friendly. Maybe they even had family or friends that were staying with them.
She could hear the murmur from below, in the office. It sounded like a man. It usually was, of course. Charlie sighed. This guy would probably be her only companion for six or so months. Great.

Below, Mr Ullman adjusted his nameplate as the candidate spoke. John Daniel Torrance, his name was, and he seemed like an alright fellow. Mr Ullman knew he would ultimately hire this man, but he couldn't help but love watching him squirm, anxious to impress. A mutual friend had recommended this Mr Torrance, and Ullman had heard about his history. Recovered alcoholic, trying to write a play after he got kicked out of a school for assaulting a student. Interesting stuff.
Normally, Stuart wouldn't dream of tainting the reputation of the hotel for this sorry sucker, but since it was the caretaker job, it didn't really matter. Besides, after the Grady man killed his family, and everyone got over it really fast, Ullman just couldn't bring himself to care if this man would off his family or not. Not his business.
Ullman could hear shuffling from upstairs. Charlotte. Which reminded him of his…deal. Interrupting Mr Torrance, he smoothly said, "Another thing I should warn you about is my daughter."
The man furrowed his eyebrows. "Your daughter, sir?"
Stuart huffed. "That's what I said, yes. We have an arrangement. She'll be staying here with you and your family over the off season. I'm sure she'll be no bother to you. I'll make sure of that."
Torrance laughed, relieved. "Oh, no, sir! That's fine, just fine! I'm sure Wendy will enjoy having another female in the place, and Danny loves making friends. How old is she?"
"She's, uh, six- seventeen. Seventeen."
"Right."
An awkward silence ensued. Ullman cleared his throat. "Well then, I'm sure you'll be wanting to call that wife of yours and tell her the good news."
"Good news?"
"You're hired, Mr Torrance. Don't let me down."

A ring was heard. Wendy wiped her hands on a dish towel, to clear off the soap from washing the dishes. She walked over to the phone and picked it off its handle. "The Torrance home," she shifted the phone between her ear and shoulder and began folding washing. "Wendy here."
"Wendy!"
Wendy smiled at her husband's voice. He sounded really happy; she supposed he must've got the job. "Jack! How's it going up there?"
"Uh, real good. Listen, I've got some papers and stuff to fill out, and some more things I have to go over with the manager, so I might not make it back for dinner."
"That's okay. Sounds like you got the job, huh?"
"That I did, Wendy. I have to go, but say hi to Danny for me, alright? I love you both."
"Love you, hon. Bye now." A beep sounded, and Wendy put the phone down. She sighed. There was a long winter ahead.

Please feel free to review, or like, or anything. I'm not the type of person to expect a certain amount of something to post the next chapter, but it is really great to read what you think of the story. However, I'm also not great with schedules, so if you want to keep up to date on this story, it's maybe best to follow the story, so you know when a new chapter is released. I do have the entire story planned, but not written, so hopefully I can find the time between school, work, and my social life :)