I continue my way through the first floor, still a barren sight in my view. It's dark and quiet, and the floor is cold which makes me shiver but I continue.
Walking down a wide hallway and seeing a lightly lit room. The door is cracked every so slightly which gives me a little glimpse inside. I can spot round bags of potatoes, kitchen utensils, and loose vegetables. A faint smell of something taking its place in my nose as I open the door.
"Smells like some kind of soup..." I shut the door behind me, glancing around at the area. I haven't been in the kitchen myself in a while but it always did remind me of a cottage kitchen from a book of some sort. Just less homey and fancier items, my hair rolls on the side of my face as I turn my head. I don't see anyone in here, "Hello", I whisper, "I-is anyone here?"
I rock to the side spotting a slice of cheese in the corner of my eye, it appeared to be moose cheese almost. A ruffled slice with a yellowish coloring, almost a light color of lemon chiffon. It sat on a tan board surrounded by different fruits, it was like it was the star attraction of the charcuterie board.
My eyes fluttered around one more time, but still no one, so my delicate fingers wandered back to the board, plucking the fancy cheese from its audience and taking a careful bite. Smooth, and creamy with a high butter taste that was quite nice.
I nod to myself pushing out a little smile that soon fades, still, this doesn't make that mystery person come back. I still missed them, a frown is replaced with my once smile. My eyes burn at the disappointment I'm going to leave with but even then that smell of soup lingers. Making me turn to it, on the stove with low heat still going despite everyone gone from the kitchen.
I wonder if it was done yet, I find myself going over to the pot, steaming pouring through the top.The smells of tomato and arugula are strong, which makes me wonder why they're still cooking at night anyway. Are they making food for themselves? I shake my head leaving the pot alone, I'm not even supposed to be here anyway, I quickly rush toward the door but not before tripping over a basket.
I fall hard my knee staining my dress with red blood, onions are everywhere but also a letter is close by me. On the ground, staring me dead in the face, was this basket always here or was it placed there so conveniently?
I tuck some loose hair behind my ear wincing, it burns like fire but I squeeze my eyes tight pushing through. Throwing the round vegetables back into the basket and pushing it to the side.
The letter, it's crumbled a little now but still in decent shape and I grab it, holding it tight in my sweaty hands. It's so warm in here, but cold in the hallway. I hear a popping of something and it makes me jump. It's the soup but still, it's enough to make my still rise so I get back up and head out.
This time being careful not to run into anything and once I'm out I take a deep breath of relief for once I didn't burst into tears at the sight of another failure. I was calmer moreover despite my lucky encounter, maybe it was the cheese that helped me or the warm smells of the soup. Either way, I guess it was a nice trip other than my small injury.
I look down at it, pushing my dress out of the way to see it clearer, its bruised and red liquid leaks down my brown leg. It hurts so much but I bite my lip going down the same wide hallway. Just got to make it up to the elevator and then to my room. I can deal with that then.
I continue my walk until I see the elevator again, a smile coming on my face at the metal doors. I was so excited to get back.
STEP...STEP... I freeze before I can press the elevator button, loud steps echoing in my ear that aren't mine and it makes my heart drop into my stomach. My whole body stopped at the noise to glance up.
It's not that brought upstairs but it's bright enough to see someone a figure that stopped walking just as I did, peer at me and stare down with all curiosity. Waiting for me to say something or make another move but I don't, dangerously engaged in this stranger's game.
The staring contest, the more I stare the more I seem to notice more features about this character. Piercing ocean eyes and seemingly shaggy hair, an almost familiar description but I can't seem to bring a name to mind... Who are they?
I stare for a little more before they turn away, continuing down the hallway. Breaking the staring contest as I quickly press the elevator button in response, having a huge sense of relief from this. I'm just glad the little game ended I don't know how long I could have stayed there.
Ding! It's here, and I get in, pressing the second floor, the doors close behind me and I almost slip down on the floor. My heart is beating so fast and my face is sweating so much. The letter tightly crumbled in my hand as the metal box starts to move soon opening again and when it does I'm met with that mystery blue-eyed stranger.
It was Charles, "Charles?" He puts a finger to his lips, his eyes looking over to the right, it's quiet...Maybe a little too quiet, but why?
That's when I hear a door open and yell bellow out, "Then go then! All of you! Go back to your post and leave me be! I hope that bitch you're working for is paying you good!" I shudder at the thoughts as Charles takes my hand, pulling me down the hallway as several footsteps come toward us.
Everyone is going back to their positions now, my father is no longer distracting them it seems. Which means I need to hurry back, now.