As Sandra and Lou got comfortable in the family room, Brandi and Charley looked around. Brandi turned on a lamp that she found in the hallway while in search of a bathroom. Charley observed all the portraits that hung on the wall while he followed Brandi.
“If these are pictures of the people who live here they sure look like an interesting family,” Charley said.
“Found it,” Brandi walked into the bathroom.
Charley admired all the portraits while Brandi was in the bathroom. In the family room, Lou and Sandra discussed what they were going to have to do in the morning.
“I’m sure that we are fairly close to a town now so, in the morning we can look into and call a mechanic,” Lou looked at Sandra on the sofa.
“I hope so. This certainly isn’t a very good start to our vacation,” Sandra yawned.
“I know babe, but at least we found this place for the night,” Lou said.
When Charley finished in the bathroom, he noticed that Brandi had wandered into another room.
“Brandi, come on, you shouldn’t be in there.”
Brandi walked back into the hallway, “what’s the big deal, I was only looking.”
When they made their way back to the family room, they plopped down onto two different chairs.
“I’m tired but not tired enough to go to sleep yet. Should we play a game or something?” Brandi asked.
“No, let’s just talk for a while,” Sandra said.
After what seemed to be about an hour, Lou looked at his watch, “well, it’s eleven-thirty now. I don’t know about you guys but I think we should try and get some sleep.”
Before anyone said anything else to each other, they suddenly heard voices coming from the front of the house.
“What do we do?” Sandra whispered.
Lou put his finger in front of his mouth as a motion to be quiet. The four of them sat completely still and quiet hoping that the people wouldn’t come into the family room.
“Did you leave a light on in the parlor? I see light coming from there,” the female voice asked.
“I didn’t think I did. But I’ll get it, I need to check the patio door anyway,” The male voice said.
As the tall, thin, man in a black suit walked into the parlor, he quickly stopped when he saw Charley sitting in the nearest chair.
“Hey, who are you and what are you doing in my house?” The man glanced at all four of them.
Charley got up, “I’m sorry sir but my SUV broke down and we just happened to find your house. We rang the doorbell first but no one answered.”
“We just need a place to spend the night and a mechanic in the morning sir,” Lou said to the man.
“Harold, who are you talking to?” The female voice walked up behind him.
“It looks as if we have a few guests here for the night,” Harold stepped aside.
“Guests? Well, good evening and welcome. I’m Virginia Holt and you already met my husband Harold.”
There before them stood a tall, slender, blonde-haired woman in a long red evening gown.
Brandi quickly stood up, “we are so sorry for our intrusion Ma’am but we have been walking for miles and are exhausted.”
“Oh, don’t worry about it my dear, our home is your home for the night,” Virginia smiled.
“Thank you Ma’am. We promise not to be a bother and we’ll call for some help right away in the morning,” Sandra said.
“No need to worry dear. We will all get a good nights sleep and have a big breakfast in the morning. Come now, we have spare bedrooms where you can sleep,” Virginia turned around and walked into the hallway.
Harold walked over to the patio door and locked it. Comforted by her welcoming nature, Sandra, Brandi, Charley, and Lou followed Virginia down the hallway. Virginia then flipped on a switch by the stairs and gracefully glided up each step. Harold turned off the lamp in the parlor and then quietly followed the group.
“You have a beautiful home here,” Brandi observed the red wallpaper on the walls and the chandelier above the stairs.
“Thank you dear. It has been in my family for generations,” Virginia said.
At the top of the stairs and to the left is where the first spare bedroom was.
“What is your name dear?” Virginia looked at Sandra.
“Sandra, Ma’am and this is my husband Lou,” Sandra motioned for him to come to her.
“Well, Sandra and Lou, I think this room will suit your needs,” Virginia reached in and around the corner for the light switch.
The large 20 x 30 foot bedroom and was decorated in three shades of blue. It even had deep blue velvet drapes on the windows. It had it’s own sitting space with two chairs, and the bed was a king size with four beautiful wood posts layered with luxurious pale blue bed linens.
“This is amazing… Thank you Ma’am,” Sandra smiled at Virginia.
“Yes, thank you and goodnight,” Lou said.
Virginia smiled, “the bathroom is right across from the staircase if you need it,” she pointed in the direction that she was going to be heading.
Brandi and Charley followed Virginia past the staircase to the next bedroom on the left. Virginia reached in and flipped the light switch on. Brandi and Charley walked inside and saw a king size bed with a huge fancy metal arched headboard. The bed was covered with a flower printed bedspread and fancy pillows. This bright yellow room was 20 x 20 in size, and had a dark green leather chaise and table in one corner of the room.
“This is breath taking,” Brandi looked around.
“Mine and Harold’s room is at the end of the hall if you need anything,” Virginia said.
“Thank you so much for your hospitality,” Charley smiled at Virginia.
“Our pleasure. Sleep well,” Virginia turned and walked toward her room.
Charley closed the bedroom door and smiled at Brandi, “this might be nicer than the cabin.”
“I’ve never stayed in a room so beautiful before,” Brandi plopped on the bed.
“Do you think that we have anything to worry about?” Harold asked his wife.
“No, these people seem pretty nice,” Virginia smiled and walked into their bedroom.
Please join me again for chapter three of: The Guests.
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