Alrightie, a revie!

FlyinSolo365: Thanks for the cool idea, but I think Marie would be too high-strung for someone like Bubbles. She's probably only get half (or less) of Bubbles's smart-butt comebacks and would be so freaked out by Bubbles she'd probably throw a chair or shoe or something at her and then Bubbles would pwn Marie with muffin bombs. End of story. And you know what else? That is great advice you gave and I quote "do NOT let reviews rule your life". So there all you non-reviers. I don't need you.

But revies would still nice if you did happen to have an opinion.

PS: I'm trying to avoid the Mary-Sue trap, but if Marie starts to get on your nerves, tell me. FAST. But at the same time, give her a chance.

PPS: I would give Marie a snotty accent. Just a little one.

Now, on to our feature presentation:


Ch2

"Hello Marie, by the look of your outfit, I see you've taken the news not too badly."

"Oh, thank you, Calvin," Marie beamed, "I found these in the back of my closet."

"It's nice to see you've adapted well. While your parents were visionaries, I can't say they were entirely good at being parents."

"Too true, what news did you say you must tell me?"

"Ah, thank you for reminding me. You may want to sit down for this. You may be in for a shock," he motioned toward the sofa.

They took their seats and Marie motioned for some refreshments, and then looked expectantly at Calvin.

Calvin took a deep breath and began, "You already know of your parent's rival company Oxytell Industries, right? Well, today, not soon before the explosion, Oxytell industries announced the development of a method of recycling oxygen through their new filter. With this filter, there will be no more need for new oxygen, which is what OceanAir provides. Do you see the problem here?"

"Yes, well, sort of. So, because of Oxytell, OceanAir isn't needed. Does that mean we don't have any more money?"

"I was just getting to that point. We have some funds, but we can only stretch them so far. To stretch them as much as we can, we're going to have to downgrade your lifestyle. We're probably going to have to fire all of your maids and sell the house. I've arranged for you to live at one of your parents' investments, a retreat spa in Canada. Angie, my wife, works there so I plan on asking her to watch out for you. If you want an extra allowance, will you be alright with having to work at the hotel for it?"

"If that's the only way I can earn money, I guess I don't really have a choice. Ugh, work," Marie made a sour-lemon face as she said the word.

"If it's settled, we'll move you there next week. For now, you should just enjoy what you can while you're still here," Calvin finalized as Olivia brought in refreshments of coffee cake, straight coffee for Calvin and milk for Marie.

"I will most definitely be doing that," Marie added, digging into her cake.


A week later, Marie arrived in Canada, at the entrance of the hotel, named Celia's Retreat, in honor of her mother.

The weather was fairly warm for August and the gardens in the large premise were home to acres thriving green plants. Outside the gates, the land was covered by thick forests of pines, maples, and other shrubbery.

Though it was still hot, the first signs of fall were beginning to show on the garden and some of the taller trees were starting to transition from green to red and orange and there were squirrels running everywhere, gathering nuts to store for winter.

Marie pulled a leash out of her huge pink suitcase and pressed a button, causing her luggage to float up like a balloon. She tugged her bag along with her to the front door of the hotel and stepped inside.

Inside she was greeted by more greenery as well as the regular furniture associated with lobbies. There were ferns and aloe veras and bamboo stalks located at choice locations, making the room seem airy and relaxing. On desks there were deep purple irises and colorful Birds of Paradise and adorable little blooms of Frangipanis. The whole floor of the lobby was raised so there could be a small trench with running water flowing around the room to a bubbling waterfall in the corner. Though Marie was not accustomed to seeing so many plants, having spent most of her life indoors and in cities, she wasn't bothered at all by the change. The plants made Marie feel more relaxed and welcome here, than she had ever felt in her old home.

An oriental bridge led Marie over the water and to the counter. The room was fairly empty, other than the concierge at the front desk and the lady she was helping out.

Marie walked up to the counter and pressed the little bell on the counter. "Hello, you must be Marie. Please wait just a moment, I'll be right with you, I just have to check out Mrs. Holander first," the lady at the counter told Marie.

Marie was surprised, but at the same not really. She's been told the exact same thing be her parents practically every time she had tried to talk to them, but never by anyone else.

The woman finished her work and turned to Marie, "Hey, I'm Angela, but most people call me Angie," she introduced warmly.

"Oh you must be Calvin's wife. Calvin told me you work here," Marie recalled, as well as the rest of their conversation, causing her to grimace at the thought of working.

"What's wrong?" asked Angie.

"Oh, nothing. I just have a few questions about the work I'll have to do."

"I see, I wouldn't worry too much. You will only be a waitress and one of the under-gardeners. You don't have to start work right away, but we would like you to start as soon as you can."

"I have TWO jobs?" Marie was appalled; having one job was already a bad thought.

Angie laughed and rolled her eyes at the same time, "The work staff here is extremely small, only around 10 workers, but we don't usually have too many residents, so almost everyone has at least two jobs. Most of us actually have three. For example, I am the head maid, concierge, and also a waitress."

"There are waitresses at hotels?"

"Yes, there are usually a few, but this hotel has more, because we are also a five-star restaurant. The restaurant is actually how we earn most of our income. People fly in from all around the world to dine here. The chef here, Clara, is world famous. I hope you'll meet her soon."

"That sounds nice," answered Marie stiffly.

"Good to hear. Also since we don't get a lot of residents, the staff members each get their own rooms. I can't leave my shift for another hour, but if you go to the staff room, down the hall and to your third left, there's usually at least another person in there. Ask them to take you to E-31. Everyone's been waiting to meet you and any of them would be happy to help you. Here's your key," Angie instructed, handing her a small, bronze key.

"Alright, thanks."

Marie followed the hallway and took the third left to find a room clearly labeled "Staff Room." Inside was a large room, with HUGE gothic windows covering the opposite side, causing the Marie's eyes to water from the extreme brightness. "Hello!" called a voice from the white light.


Kind of a cliffhanger, but i already wrote the next chapter and i'm gonna publish it right after a read over it a couple more times, so hold tight. For a few minutes.

Sooooo, anyhoo. Whatcha think? Please feel free to correct my tiny random mistakes if you notice any and elaborate on any parts you disagree with.

Please also comment on my new characters, NEw CHaRActEr DaNCe!

REVIES... drool.