Chapter 2
Escala's Secrets
August, 2 months later...
Phoebe stood on her tip toes, reaching up to grab the last box on the top shelf. God, if only I wasn't so short I might actually be useful, She though to herself. Sadly Teddy had gotten her fathers height and charming looks, She happened to inherit the gray eyes and her fathers signature pout. Just as her fingers touched the box, Mr Rodriguez reached over and picked it up for her, smiling his usual crooked grin.
"I had that." She stated and he laughed in response.
"I'm sure you did kiddo." He chuckled and ruffled her hair like he used to do when she was a kid. Her father says they only put up with Jose Rodriguez because he's a friend of her mother but either way he's still a nice guy. In fact he's even helping her move into Escala this weekend. Which explains all the boxes that were stacked across the living room. Phoebe took a moment to survey the living room and for a small moment felt a sting of remorse for leaving their cozy little home. Then her father entered the room, carrying the last of the many boxes.
"That's the last of them" He stated, setting it down on top of the rest. "Its a shame Carlos couldn't have helped, the kid could have been useful for a change." Phoebe giggles as both men look at her with kind hearted smiles. Jose smiled shyly and rubs the back of his head nervously.
"Yeah, but considering how Hana's health hasn't been the best, Carlos preferred to stay with her this weekend." Hana was Jose's ex wife who had recently come down with pneumonia, and there son Carlos has been staying with her for some time now. It's a shame he couldn't have helped me move, its been awhile since we last saw each other. Ever since they moved away after the divorce. Phoebe thought idly before helping her father and Mr Rodriguez move her boxes into the moving van and set off toward Escala.
Walking out of the elevator and into the penthouse she gazed at the old place. Faint memories of her being there as a child appeared and made her smile. Sure she'd only stayed here once or twice before, but she remembered most of the layout. Mr. Rodriguez stepped out behind her and gave a low whistle.
"Wow this place hasn't changed a bit since I've last seen it" he says appreciatively.
"Yeah, it's been awhile hasn't it?" Her father mutters. Phoebe walks around the living room, and gives her father a hopeful smile, and he nods, silently giving her permission to explore the place. She takes off, nearly running down the halls, into the library, she wouldn't go bored with the vast collection of books, though she hoped at least some of them were more modern.
"Yo Phoebe you gonna help us get the last of the boxes or what?" Mr. Rodriguez calls, making her chuckle.
"Yeah, I'm coming, give me a minute" Phoebe called back. She took a last look around and her eyes rest on a set of keys sitting on the small table in the center of the room. They must have been left by the new housekeeper. She quickly swipes the keys and places them in pocket. Then joins her father and Mr. Rodriguez
She helps bring in the last of the boxes, and the next thing she knows they've finished unpacking, and it was time to say goodbye. She gives her father a hug, and thanks Mr. Rodriguez, offering a small wave as they headed down on the elevator. Sighing she realizes how much energy unpacking had taken, and heads towards the master bedroom. Walking down the hall, she passes a door and faintly remembers her father saying it was "off limits" curiosity gets the best of her and she trys the door, but it's looked. She frowns, but then remembers the set of keys. It doesn't take her long to find the right one, and she opens the door, she's the red carpet and then.
"What the-"