Chapter 10

Molly had went to work the next evening. She had to go in early because there was an employee meeting. Once she arrived she was greeted by Vesta and Michael.

"Oh hey guys! What's up?"

"You same 'ol shit ... different day." Vesta told her.

"So have you been kissing any wax dummies lately?" Michael asked her with a chuckle.

Molly gave Vesta a look that could kill.

"Oh come on girl, you gotta admit it was kind of funny, watching you lock lips with the hot elf." Vesta said as she giggled.

"Oh girl, don't worry, your secret wax obsession is safe with us." Michael said.

All three of them headed to their seats and sat down. The room was full of employees from different departments of the museum. Everyone was engaged in their private conversations, some were even laughing. A lone man who was about in his 50's entered the room. He had long white hair tied on a pony tail with an equally long white beard and mustache, he kind of looked like Gandalf only dressed in grey three piece suit with round glasses. Everyone fell silent as he took the podium and spoke into the microphone.

"Good evening fellow employees. I am Mr. Grey, the owner of this establishment. And I want to welcome each and every single one of you to our employee meeting this evening." He said as he spoke in his thick British accent.

He continued to speak.

"As some of you know, starting tomorrow the museum will be closed for three weeks, and I know some of you were concerned about pay during this time of closure. As you know, today is pay day and when you see your checks you will that it will all be taken care of." He said with a smile.

He then left and everyone was talking in hushed tone among themselves. There was a hint of confusion in the air.

"I don't know if I like the sound of that." Vesta said nervously.

"Well you never know." Molly told her friend.

"Well it was nice working with you guys, let's go get our checks and get drunk." Michael suggested.

"The three of them went to Human Resources to pick up what seemed to be their final checks. To their surprise, Mr. Grey was there.

"Ah hello! I have been expecting you!" He said with a happy tone in his voice.

He was looking directly at Molly. He handed the three of them their checks and almost in unison the three friends took a deep breath as they opened their envelopes. First Vesta's eye got huge, followed by Molly's and then Michael.

"I hope that will be enough to cover your living expenses during the closure." Mr. Grey said.

"Oh ... uh ... yes sir." Was all the three of them could say.

"Good I will see you in three weeks." Mr. Grey said with a smile.

They left the office and all they could do was stare at the amount on the checks that they were given.

"I don't know about you guys, but I'm goin' shoppin'!" Vestsa said estatically.

"Well I think I'm going to buy some really neat and nifty toys at RingCon." Michael said.

Her two friends turned to her.

"So girly, what are you going to do with yours?" Vesta asked her.

"I don't know yet." Molly answered.

Not too long after that, Molly had to report for work. She was doing paperwork at her desk. A few moments later she was greeted by Mr. Grey, the owner.

"How are you this fine evening?" He asked her.

"I'm great." She answered.

"As you know, you are the last shift until we re-open again. I was hoping that maybe you could do a special favor for me."

"Uh, yes sir?"

"Well you know the Lord of the Rings exhibit right?"

"Yes Mr. Grey?"

"I was wondering if you could keep an extra special eye on Elrond for me during the closure."

"I would love to Mr. Grey, but that would probably require me taking him out of the museum to do so."

Like she didn't already.

Mr. Grey gave her a knowing smile.

"I am sure you will find a way my dear. Besides, something is telling me, our elf is taking quite a fancy to you. Good night Molly."

"Good night Mr. Grey."

And then the old man made his exit. Finally she was alone and made her way to Elrond.

"Hello." Elrond said as he reeted Molly with a kiss.

"I've missed you." She told him.

"And I missed you too."

"I have good news and bad news. What news do you want to hear first?"

Elrond had to think for moment.

"How about you give me the bad news first." He said.

"Okay, the bad news is the museum is closing for three weeks."

Elrond looked a little sad.

"But the good news is, Mr. Grey, the owner has instructed me to keep a very close eye on you."

All a sudden a grin crossed his face.

"So what does that mean?" He asked.

"After my shift, you're coming home with me."

"I think I like that idea." He said.

"Yeah me too."

She continued with her duties until the end of the evening. Finally it time to lock up and go home only this time she took Elrond with her. They got in her car and drove to her apartment. It was still a little dark outside and no one was up that early. Once inside, Elrond looked around his new surroundings. Everything seemed quite alien to him as he looked at the television, VCR, and DVD player in the corner. And in the next corner was her computer.

"These are strange devices."

"I will show you how to work them later, you must be hungry."

He looked into her eyes.

"Not really hungry." He told her.

"So you must be tired from standing around then."

"Tired, maybe a little." He said as he still looked into her eyes.

She took his hand and led him to the bedroom.