Chapter 13: Evening Balm
Alexandria Hotel stood at the fringes of civilisation. It was flanked by a waterfall and a forest reserve. Although remote, the place screamed of luxury with its quality and understated elegance. A sanctuary to the rich and famous, it guaranteed a place of leisure, rejuvenation, and privacy. Everyone abided with the unofficial rule that no one would breathe a word about its guests to an outsider. It was the main reason Fred booked a room at the hotel.
An abstract painting drew his eye when he first entered his room. He quickly scanned the rest of the area. Spacious and satisfactory, Fred decided. He swung the balcony doors open, letting in the sound of the falls wash over him. He breathed in the fresh air and sighed.
No, it wasn’t satisfactory. It was excellent. No wonder it was so expensive. They had given him one of their best rooms. The view before him was an expanse of green and the surrounding mountains. It felt like he had left civilisation for good, when in truth his room faced the back of the hotel.
Not a sole human being was in sight as he enjoyed the scenery. Fred realised how much he had longed to be alone after five years in the limelight. He wished for the impossible: that time would stand still even for just a day.
Fred left the doors open and retrieved a metal tube from his bag. He pressed the power button on its end and laid it on the desk. Specialised air hissed softly from the slots that ran parallel on the tube. It produced a hologram for a screen and a keyboard.
On the top-left of the screen, an envelope icon blinked red. He tapped on it. The message was from his secretary. It said: “Where are you?”
Before he could formulate a reply, a dialogue box appeared. Fred tapped on “Accept.” A new window opened. A woman sporting an orange fringe said, “Hello, Doctor.”
“Ms. Janine”, he said.
“Mrs. Williams called this morning.” The secretary’s formal address of his mom meant trouble.
“And?”
“She wanted to remind you about the importance of having a secretary – who is me. That was after I told her that I didn’t where you’ve gone.” The secretary lifted a brow at him.
“My apologies, Ms. Janine. I can’t give you my exact location. I’m trying to enjoy my vacation without people pointing and staring at me.” His mom would definitely have flown to him if she discovered his whereabouts. With her presence, she would draw unnecessary attention to the. His plans would be ruined before it even started. “Besides, don’t you feel sorry for me? My mom wants me to date Ms. Horse-face, who is a snob and a bore.”
He pouted and was rewarded with the desired effect.
“You’re right”, she conceded.
“Just tell my mom I met someone and wish to get to know her during my leave.”
“What’s her name?”
“Her name?” he repeated, fishing for the paper in his pockets.
“Your mother will ask about her.”
“Fair enough.” He glanced at the paper. The stewardess’ name and mobile number was written on it. “Her name is Eliza. She’s pretty, smart and very charming.”
“Sounds like trouble”, she commented, giving him a knowing look. They both knew he married his career.
“I like trouble.”
“Careful with what you wish for.” She grinned. “Have a nice holiday, Doc.”
“Thanks, Ms. Janine.”
YOU ARE READING
Lemuria: The City of Mysts
Fantasy"Anything and everything is possible in the Mysts." Dr. Fred Williams has a secret. He fears its discovery when a daughter of his patient starts asking him about the City of Mysts. Fred is led to a website where a story about his past is...
