Chapter Twelve
The Thornley Hotel
Author's Note: I'm really sorry, folks, for the long delay in posting the next chapter but life has been busy, and I just haven't had the time. I will try to be more regular in updating! Thanks for your patience x
Things often seem brighter and more hopeful in the morning after a good night's sleep, and so it was with me when I awoke the next morning with the thoughts of handing in my C.V. at the hotel. It was a Saturday, and so the time was practically my own. Sure, I had revision to do in preparation for my exams, but I had the whole day ahead of me, and so I decided upon going to the hotel first to hand in my C.V. After a hasty breakfast, I started out on a brisk walk with a lighter heart and in more positive spirits than I had felt for days. The sun stretched its warm fingers and massaged by body, and the sweet melody of the nearby songbirds wafted to my ears as they were carried on the wings of the slight breeze on that bright May morning. It was a pleasant walk from the school to the hotel, for once I had passed the busy main roads and the hustle and bustle of the streets, I took the path that led onto the country road, and slowly snaked its way into the English countryside. It was a good three mile walk to the hotel from the school, but that didn't bother me. I relished walking, especially on beautiful Spring mornings such as this, and with my prospects being as hopeful as they were now. I had made up my mind to not mope and fret about my lost opportunity of entering Plymouth University – after all, they say all things happen for a reason. I was resolved to be positive and be content with my situation – after all, I would still remain in Plymouth and live relatively freely at my own will and pleasure.
My heart began to quicken in beat as the brick-work of the grand hotel loomed up in view before me. It was a very stately, lofty-looking establishment and extremely large in size and shape. The hotel was made of red-brick and clusters of ivy spread itself firmly against part of the walls. A magnificent archway of black steel welcomed its visitors over the gravel walk-way, with the large words of The Thornley Hotel written majestically across the top and intimating the name of the lodgings. It was quite a breath-taking sight! The gravel path leading to the hotel was grand enough in itself, with a fresh-green lawn and springy to the touch on either side of it. The grass seemed to rear off on either side of the hotel and stretch to the back, meeting in one lavish green lawn with extensive gardens that complimented the hotel grounds. Returning to the front of the hotel, I was quite taken with the exquisite water-fountain that was planted in the middle of the gravel before one ascended up the granite steps to the front door that led to the Reception. It was a large, ornate fountain with a chubby Cherub in the centre spouting water from its mouth. Various other Cherubim and Seraphim ordained the outer rim of the fountain, and were all variously portrayed playing harps or positioned as in flight. It quite took my breath away. And yet all this did not prepare me for the interior of the hotel.
I gasped in wonder and awe as I walked through the front door. It was quite beautiful! The floor was of the finest quality wood, varnished and polished to perfection, and a regal, enormous chandelier overhung from above. The furniture was quite lavish and sumptuous, with an elegant seating area on both the left and right sides. A grand, elaborate staircase extended on both sides of the Reception desk, and led guests to the first floor, where another staircase (and also an elevator, for those who could not manage the stairs) led to the second floor, and again similarly to the third.
If this is merely what the Reception area looks like, I thought in wonder, how on earth are the hotel rooms themselves furnished?
Looking to the right, I saw a large doorway that seemed to lead to the spacious dining hall where hotel guests enjoyed their meals, and also a luxurious lounge where visitors lazed away the evenings after a good meal, either watching the Television or just merely relaxing. The left side of the Reception area also afforded a door, where a gold plated sign to the side of it indicated that this hallway led to the swimming pool, a fitness room, a spa and a games room.
As I drank all this in, I slowly advanced to the Reception desk. A woman who appeared to be in her mid thirties was manning the desk, and I approached her, with some slight trepidation.
"Excuse me," I began, in a voice more confident and sure than I actually felt, "May I see the manager, please?"
The woman looked up at me, and smiled. "I'm sorry," she said, "but she's away at the moment. Can I help you?"
"I understand that there is a job vacancy here," I continued, "and I came to hand in my C.V. as I'm interested in the position. The owner, Ethan Richards, said that I could hand it in here."
"Of course," came the friendly reply. "I shall file it away in the office for you. I believe that Ethan will be conducting interviews within the next week or so. I'm the one who's leaving, you see, and while the manager is away Ethan will be the one who organises the interviews. I expect you'll hear from him within a day or two if your C.V. is in order."
I smiled gratefully as I handed the document to the Receptionist. "Thank-you very much for your help."
"Not at all," she replied kindly.
And that was that. I walked out of the hotel with my spirits lifted and my heart soaring. Before I wasn't entirely sure if I wanted a job as a hotel Receptionist, but now that I had taken a glimpse of the beauty and grandeur of The Thornley I was ready and raring to go! It had totally mesmerised me, and I was enraptured with the exquisiteness and splendour of the place. I would certainly be very blessed to be able to have a job there . . .
I glanced at my watch. Eleven o'clock. Hmmm. I have some time to myself before I have apply to revision, I thought. After all, it is a Saturday, and I'm pretty much prepared for my exams!
Excited, hopeful and content I made my way towards the Centre of Town. Time was my own for a couple of hours, and I happily walked along the main street singing softly to myself. I always sang or hummed to myself if I was happy. Right at that moment, I felt carefree and my prospects looked bright.
I looked to my right. There was a buzz of activity as crowds of people pushed their way along into the local leisure centre. I glanced at the board outside the door, and two words instantly arrested my attention: Ice-Rink. I stopped for a moment, as I turned the idea round in my head. Why not? I thought, and then determinedly turned my steps towards the Leisure Centre.
I had never been ice-skating in my life before. It was not that I had never had the opportunity. Many times had my friends tried to persuade me to go to the Ice-Rink with them, and each time I had said, 'No!' I was afraid of slipping and sliding all over the place and making a fool of myself in front of my friends, who I knew were excellent skaters and could glide along the ice with ease. I believed that I was clumsy in comparison with them, and had always declined to go before, even though deep down I longed to try it, even if it was only once. What was stopping me now? I was on my own, with no friends to watch me fall over and laugh at me, and I had the money in my purse. I wanted to try it so badly, and just this once.
That was my reasoning, and that was how I found myself cautiously stepping onto the ice, whilst uncertainly gripping the side-bar around the Rink. I had no idea what I was doing – no one had ever taught me, although I knew from catching bits of conversation from my friends, that it was best to turn the feet out, and ensure that I lift up each foot properly so I could glide along more easily. I think Tammy said that to make oneself stop you had to dig the edge of the blade into the ice.
Nervously and unsure, I ventured out onto the ice, wobbly and uncertain. My feet felt so different under me – it was like I couldn't control them. The whole Rink was crowded, and I watched the others as they skated along effortlessly, in the hopes that I could imitate what they were doing and latch on to how it was done.
The first twenty minutes I spent getting used to moving along the surface, familiarising myself with controlling my movements and keeping my balance, whilst holding on to the side. Gradually, my fears drained, and I began to feel more confident. Now and again, I would skate a few steps without holding onto anything, which began to boost my confidence.
After half-an-hour, I thought that I would take the plunge and skate the whole length of the Rink, without holding onto the side at all, though I did not stray too far from it. I wasn't yet ready nor brave enough to venture out into the middle of the Rink. Self-assured, I began to skate, warily at first, and then more boldly and faster as I gained confidence. It was stupid of me to do so, but I relished the feeling of rushing past everyone – it was such an elegant feeling to glide along swiftly. I increased my speed, and almost at once wished I hadn't, for at that moment, I felt my legs beginning to give way under me. I was speeding out of control, and I began to panic as I felt I just couldn't stop. I gasped as I saw a skater up ahead of me, skating my way. He saw the trouble I was in, but before he or I could do anything about it, I had crashed right into him, knocking both of us over!