Popular Galinda: 'Jerkin' I… like it! And I am now determined to incorporate it into my daily life by using it whenever I speak. Tiger Lily21 and Leader of Lost Destinies: I find your enthusiasm for Alexander very encouraging. It means the semi suspenseful environment I'm trying to create is working! I'm excited that you're excited. Thanks to everyone who favorited, reviewed, and read.
Chapter Six
I walked quickly down the hall towards the staircase, sconces between each door lighting my way. If I hadn't been in such a hurry to go down to dinner I would have noticed how still everything was, the only noise that could be heard was that of my sneakers moving through the carpet as I passed door after door and then tip-tapping on hard marble as I stepped onto the staircase. Sliding my hand across the banister I began to look around at the paintings and decorations I was passing by, but stopped as I lunged slightly forward, my foot going straight down and not onto another stair step as I had thought. I looked up and realized I had reached the ground floor.
Turning left I walked through an open doorway and into a large sitting room with blue couches and a large fireplace. Two women in Grecian dresses supported the mantle on either side of the grate. A large mirror framed in burnished gold above showed a tall girl with dark circles under her brown eyes. I bit my lip as I surveyed my appearance and hoped that it was just poor lighting that accounted for my current sallow look. I had always been pale and while I didn't mind my fair skin the dark circles were always more evident after a late night than if I had had a more bronzed complexion. I shook my head; there was no help for it now, I was already late. I quickly smoothed out some of the wrinkles in my shirt, turned, and preceded on into the dining hall.
I was greeted by a long rectangular table, the kind you see in period dramas that could seat a hundred guests, piled with mounds of food. The aromas mingled together and filled the hall. Steam rose from various dishes. My rumbling stomach making me realize how hungry I was. Walking over to the table I realized that, while dozens of chairs were placed in neat rows side by side all the way down the table, only one place had been set. I let out a sigh and sat down. It was silly, but I had at least hoped I would be seeing Jonathan again. The thought was impractical though; even if he worked here he probably had a home and family of his own. I didn't blame him for wanting to sit down to dinner with them instead of me. I picked up my fork and tapped it lightly on my plate. Potatoes, chicken fillet, and a warm bun had already been served for me. If I was home right now I wouldn't be sitting in a big dining room eating by myself, but in my own tiny dorm; slurping soup and nibbling oyster crackers with my friends, or even snacking on the couch at my mom and dad's since it was the weekend. My stomach rumbled once more, refusing to wait any longer with food so close at hand. I put my musings aside and lifted the soft bread to my mouth, everything was delicious. The biscuit light and airy, with butter melting through the bread, the chicken wasn't too chewy but not flimsy either. I laughed softly, feeling like Goldilocks: "Not too hot, not too cold, but just right." looking up I noticed three bottles, one with clear sparkling water inside, the other two containing a golden liquid that shimmered in the lamplight. Reading the labels I discovered one was champagne and the other sparkling cider. Putting my fork down I reached for the cider, the bottle still ice cold from the refrigerator it had no doubt been in before the meal. While the champagne was probably the best that money could buy I left the bottle unopened. I had never really been one for alcohol, and didn't exactly relish the idea of the headache I would no doubt receive from it the next morning.
The only sound in the room was of the fork and knife scraping across the china as I ate. It was odd to be in a place so quiet, I had always been surrounded by noise before, whether it was the steady hum of the television a couple rooms away or the voices and laughter of my friends and family as we talked and told each other stories. Here there wasn't anything, not a cough or a murmured voice to be heard, just the silence. My ears strained, and I waited for some small sound to emanate through the house. A door softly closing or a silent curse as someone dropped a book or a pan. But nothing ever came. Finishing my meal I looked around, waiting for someone to come silently in and start taking away the uneaten food. Nothing happened. I stood up and moved to look through some of the doors in front of me. After going through a couple and finding no hint as to where the kitchen might be I returned to the dining room to find that everything had been cleared away in my absence. I blinked a couple of times, my mouth hanging open. Well you can't say they aren't efficient. I thought to myself. Moving closer I eyed the cream-colored table cloth, not a crumb or wrinkle was to be seen. It was as if no one had ever eaten there at all. It shouldn't have been weird, but it was. If the work staff was that quiet who was to say that they weren't around all the time without me ever knowing? I pivoted around quickly; half expecting to see someone dart back through a doorway, but there was no one there. I forced my muscles to relax. I didn't like the idea of someone watching me without me knowing. It was creepy. Not wanting to stay in the room any longer I fled back upstairs, wishing to see someone, anyone. Just so I could know that I wasn't the only one here. You're not the only one here. A voice said soothingly. Alexander is here too. The thought was only of minimal comfort. At the moment I needed visual proof. Stepping back into my room I remembered that I wasn't totally disconnected from the world, I still had my phone, and I had brought my laptop along as well. I pulled it out of its case and set it up on my bed. Laying down on the mattress I typed in my password was relieved to find that there was a fairly good Wi-Fi connection out here. I had promised my family I would email them as soon as I could after arriving. Checking my account I saw that my mom had beat me to the punch.
Hi Sammy,
Did you have a good flight? I hope you made it there okay. Be sure you get some sleep tonight, I know how exhausting jet lag can be. How's Alex? I won't keep you too long, I'm sure you both are excited to see each other. Email me back as soon as you get this!
Love, Mom.
I smiled and clicked 'reply' then stopped abruptly, my fingers hovering over the keys, thinking what to say. I couldn't exactly tell her that I hadn't seen anyone since arriving because Alex had quarantined himself in his room. Deciding to keep the subject of Alexander out of the message entirely I started to type.
Hey Mom,
The flight was long and I was super tired afterwards, but don't worry, I'll go to bed early (if I don't accidentally fall asleep writing this, that is). My room is really great, it's got its own library and everything, plus the view is amazing. I miss you guys a bunch! Tell everyone I said hi.
Love, Sam.
Too tired to go into detail, even if I'd wanted to, I hit 'send' and closed my computer. Hopping off the bed I stretched and yawned. Looking forlornly at my suitcases I threw my previous idea away of unpacking tonight and instead pulled my pajamas out, and quickly changed into them. Deciding to risk the wrath of my dentist I jumped into bed without digging out my toothbrush. It was gross, yes; but travelling, whether it was to another state or another country always messed up my daily routine; even the basic preliminary ones. Turning my head, so I could easily see out the window, I fell asleep, moonlight casting shadows all through my bedroom.
I haven't updated in soo long and I apologize, my teacher's are just laying on the tests. But there will be updates! How soon they come is still up for debate.