The Princess Groom

Ch.5: Arrival

I often think of that Saturday. The previous night, as I went to sleep, Charlie appeared. She said nothing, but only smiled and waved a hand in a chopping fashion. I sighed a bit, rolling over away from her as my things, sans the bed and my TV and Dresser, were teleported away. Charlie sighed but accepted it. I would be okay. I had to be.

Anyways, the next morning, I awoke to seeing a note next to me. After my praying, I read:

Hi David,

There is coffee waiting for you upstairs. Knock on the counter three times, and a Pentagram will appear for you to come. Don't worry about your old bed, dresser, or TV. I bought you new ones as a welcoming present.

I can't wait to see you again. Hope you slept well!

-Charlie

I sighed, taking off my glasses and rubbing my eyes. Making a decision, I shuffled my way upstairs. Having already said my goodbyes the previous night (Which included some 420-stress therapy) I smiled a bit, smelling the coffee flavor. Hazelnut.

30 minutes later, the coffee was drunk, and I chuckled as my sister's cat Skyla nuzzled me. I picked her up, petting her. "You take care of Lexi, okay?" Skyla meowed and bounded downstairs. I stood, stretching, and walked over to the counter, knocking three times.

My life forever was changed. The Pentagram appeared, and I stepped through...

I landed calmly, my shoes brushing on the sidewalk in front of me. I looked around. Charlie had said for me to look for a hotel- a massive one. It was funny. It was right beside me. As I went up to the steps, a demoness brushed past me. "Scuse me, hon" she said, a cigarette poking out of her mouth.

Sighing, I went up to the door. Now, Charlie had said I could just come in, but I did not feel right about that. So, I knock.

Inside, I heard voices and feet shuffling, the door being opened by Charlie herself. She wore Blue Pajamas, and well- let me say she looked cute in them. The time was 8:30 AM. Charlie beamed.

"I'm glad you got here safe. Did you drink the coffee?" She beamed more as I nodded. "I got it from a coffee shop I like nearby. Come on in."

Gazing around as I logged my first steps in the Hotel, I confess to be impressed. The Lobby was huge. On the left was a staircase. The lobby was filled with furniture, including a pool table and a 55 Inch 4KTV. To my right up around was a grand fireplace, still burning from the previous night. Ahead on the right still was Charlie's office. Straight ahead was a bar.

"It looks good, Charlie" I finally said. "Sorry, I'm not awake yet" I said, releasing a small chuckle.

"I can help! Sugar? Creamer? What flavor?!" I heard, as Nifty raced up to me, spooking me with a hug. "Oh no! I should go make sure your room is nice and set!" she said, rushing upstairs. I blinked. "So" I said after several seconds. "That was..."

"Weird? Yeah, we're all used to it" a somewhat gruff voice said from the left couch. I looked to see Husker, who was drinking coffee. The TV was tuned to a channel called 666 News. "Names Husker, kid. You ever need a perk up, bars always open."

"Oh, thank God" a voice interjected, walking down the stairs, talking on a smart phone. This was Vaggie. "That will be a nice sur- can I call you back?" she asked turning to us. "Okay thanks" she said hanging up and walking over to us.

Looking back, I tend to laugh. Vaggie, with her spear, and her intense demeanor, terrified me. I stood still as she walked over. She finally stopped inches from me, finally speaking.

"Charlie is my best friend. I don't like guys. Men even. Hurt Charlie once- "

"I got it" I said quietly. Vaggie frowned and turned to Charlie. "Your Dad called. The you know what is getting delivered today for David."

"What, a body pillow?" came a wisecracking voice, as a spider hand rested itself on an unamused Vaggie's head. "Names Angel Dust" he smiled, before frowning and rubbing the back of his head. "By the way- I'm right down the hall from ya if ya ever need to talk" he said, extending his hand. I shook it, nodding.

It was here that the hotel front door opened. There was a grunt of struggle. Charlie rushed over, opening the door to highlight Alastor, the Radio Demon.

"Ah, thank you Charlie. I got the items you wanted" he smiled. His eyes then turned to me. "Oh hello! You must be Charlie's admirer! My name's Alastor. Quite a pleasure."

I nodded again, yawning. "say Charlie. Can you bring me to my room? I... I need to rest for a while."

"But didn't you just wake up?" Charlie asked confused. Vaggie shook her head, frowning at Charlie, communicating with Charlie with her eyes. Charlie nodded, now understanding, and led me upstairs.

Vaggie sighed once we were out of earshot.

"Poor David. Angel?"

Angel had walked over to assist Alastor. "Yes?"

"Keep an eye on David. There's something he's not telling us."

The walk upstairs was more comfortable. This was not to say I knew Charlie, but I knew her more than the others. "So, Alastor. Is he a radio host?" I asked, genuinely interested. I had a fondness for the radio.

Charlie smiled and nodded. "Was, actually. When he was a human. He doesn't say much of it though."

We turned a corner on the 7th floor, arriving at room 777. I noticed there was quite a space between this room and the others. Charlie noticed. "I wanted you to have some comfort. Luxury even. T-that's okay, right?"

I smiled and nodded. "No problem!"

Smiling, the Princess opened the door, and my jaw DROPPED at what I saw.

To my left was a massive closet, with it already immaculately filled with my shirts, totes, shoes, and such. Further on down was an impressive entertainment center, silver in color with a 75-inch TV. A Cable box, along with something akin to a Roku were connected to it, along with my Play Station 2.

To my right was the bathroom, which was marble floored, and had a sprawling bathtub and shower. Further on down was my new bed- King sized with Red and White linings.

I gasped, counting down from ten, and gave a genuine smile. "Thank you, Charlie!" I said hugging her. She smiled and hugged back.

"No problem! Have you eaten?"

I shook my head. She smiled. "I'll have Nifty bring you some breakfast in a bit" she said going to leave. "Oh, and David?"

I had turned back to her, having headed to the bed. "Yeah?"

Charlie smiled warmly. "Don't be a cute stranger, okay?"

I blushed and nodded. After she closed the door, I sat on the edge of the bed. Tears filled my eyes as I looked out the window.

This was my life now.