Only Exception

Chapter Four: Phillip

“Your turn to handle them.” I mumbled, dodging behind his slim figure.  He threw up his arms in surrender.

“Lets go sign in.” he said, not stopping.  I couldn't help but giggle. 

The lobby was totally empty aside from one crabby looking woman behind the check in counter and Phillip, who had just gotten his key and was headed for the elevators on the opposite side.

It had the clean, welcoming smell of any hotel, and was actually really nice.  The floor was black and white tiled, and there was a small, cozy, sitting area in the far left corner.  A large chandelier hung sparkling from the red ceiling.  In the middle there was a group of tables and chairs.  And there were four elevators.  Four.  I could hardly believe the size of the place.

“Yeah, we're with American Idol.  Our flight was delayed...” Colton was saying.  I was relieved that he decided to do the talking.

“Hun, we've only got a few rooms left.  And there are more people that we're still waiting on.” The lady seemed like she was on her final straw of patience.

“What do you-” he began.

“What are you names?” she interrupted, sighing as if she couldn't spare the time.

“I'm Colton Dixon,” he pointed at Sky, “That's Schyler Dixon,” he looked at me, “That's Natalie...  And then Maggie.”

“Clarke and Young.” I said.  But I don't think she heard me.

“We have a pair of adjoining rooms on the top floor we can put you in.” she said, eyes not leaving the computer in front of her. “One of the rooms has two beds, the other has a two beds and a pull out couch.”

“Perfect.” Colton said quickly.  I figured he was probably afraid we'd end up sleeping on the street if he didn't accept the offer.  I knew I was.

The lady sighed again, and scribbled something.  Then she handed Colton two sets of keys.

“Have a nice stay.” she said, sounding like she actually hoped that we'd drown in the ocean.

“Thank you so much, ma'am.” he smiled gratefully, accepting the key cards.

“Mhm.” she turned back to the computer.  Colton turned towards us, making a face at me.  I swallowed my giggles.  Maggie followed us like a zombie as we walked towards the elevator.  Schyler kept pace with me and Colton.  When we reached the elevator she impatiently hammered the up arrow.

“Sky, abusing the button won't make the elevator come faster.” Colton said matter-of-factly, throwing an arm around her shoulder and squeezing.  She leaned into him tiredly.

Finally there was a beep, and the doors slid open.  We piled in, and Colton pressed the top button.  Twenty-five.  A few minutes later the doors were opening again and we trundled down the dark hallway.

“Here it is.” Sky said, shining her phone light on the door.  She took a key from Colton and unlocked the it.  She disappeared into the room.  Maggie, still half asleep, followed.

“I guess I'd better get the other door.” I was starting to feel like Maggie looked.  Colton offered me the key as we took the few steps to the second door, the last one in the hallway.  I slid it into the reader, and it flashed red.  I moaned and tried again.  Red.

“Nat...” Colton was looking between me and the card, squinting.  “I think you... You have it upside down...”  I could tell he was trying not to laugh.  He took my hand and flipped it, guiding to try the key.  There was a flash of green.  I was too tired to even be embarrassed as I turned the handle.