Chapter 5 - The Since Mansion: The Unforgettable Room Part 2

The co-owner of the Since Resort toured them in the whole place the moment they arrived at the front gate. Their baggage was unloaded and taken care of by the butlers awaiting them.

Riding a six-seater golf cart, Madame Brenda d’Abbadie accompanied them sight-seeing the hilly mountains at the east and west sides, the extensive fields in the north, and the rocky cliffs and white sand beach at the south all in just half a day. The last part, in the afternoon, would be the mansion situated at the center of the resort where Jen and Lianne would stay.

Madame Brenda d’Abbadie is the duchess of the capital, Sireix, where the Since Resort is located. She became the co-owner of the resort after an auction in which she was second to Mr. Gillard Rafael, the highest bidder. He envisioned the mansion to be the finest resort in the world, so he proposed a plan to Madame Brenda. For eight long years, she had been constantly supervising the resort since Mr. Rafael was preoccupied with other matters.

It was Lianne’s first time visiting the resort so she felt very excited. They were planning on staying there for five days since it was summer break. Jen’s two cousins had already arrived two days earlier and booked for the two of them. The resort is mainly owned by Mr. Rafael, a good friend of Jen and her cousin’s uncle, Sir Frederic. It is one of the finest resorts in the world including the frequently-remodeled mansion which had become a world heritage site but still used as a commercial five-star hotel.

When Lianne saw the facade of the mansion, she instantly felt that déjà vu feeling again. She was sure she has not been in this mansion before but felt as if she had. Stepping inside it, she found that there were certain areas in it that really draw her attention. Her emotions became stronger though when she entered her own room. A room that was assigned only for her.

“We are saving this room for any high-positioned or royal people who come and visit the resort, but it seems you’re lucky enough to be able to stay in here Miss Dievin. There weren’t any more vacancies in other rooms so we decided to situate you in here. The owner specifically wanted you ladies to enjoy your time here; relax, unwind, and pamper yourself; thus separate rooms of your own are provided.” The co-owner explained honestly.

“Ah... um.. You really didn’t have to Madame.” Lianne exclaimed. “I’m very much fine with sharing Jen’s room really. I kinda find this room rather too big and glamorous for me.” She added timidly while facing the co-owner.

“Oh! Nonsense Lianne! This room is perfect for you! Although I’m a bit jealous you get to stay in here, but what the heck! You’re my best friend! You deserve to have the best that suits your beauty!” Jen clarified. “Anyway, I’m not really sure if you would not get irritated if you find me sneaking in that hot jock’s room late at night would you?”

“WHAT?! Ahrrgggg! JEN! You wouldn’t do that!” Lianne yelled at her with widened eyes. “You little-” she abruptly stopped after seeing Jen showing her most effective pouty lips and cute puppy-dog eyes.

“Ahh! Alright! I’m staying here. For my sake.”

“Yes!” Jen bellowed in happiness.

“Well then, it’s fixed. You enjoy your stay here alright? Make this stay memorable.” The co-owner said while giving both of them a nice sweet smile.

***

Right after Jen left, Lianne proceeded to unpack her bathroom essentials planning to take a shower. They were just given two hours to unwind and unpack before dinner is served on the first floor. Her travel bags were neatly placed in a corner of the living room. She scanned the area and thought that it was truly a magnificent room. Indeed fit for a high-ranking official or a royal blood.

The velvet curtain drapes were from floor to ceiling, a color of lavender with gold flower embroideries. In the center of the living room is a huge glass chandelier illuminating a yellow light and directly below it, an old-fashioned coffee table, with a Victorian-style set of furniture around it. The carpet was fresh, dirty white in color, exquisite to the eye that Lianne found it hard to step on it. And the fireplace. The fireplace was indeed fundamental in the room, especially during winter months. She stared at it and in an instant, her mind could register only one thing.

‘The fireplace in my dream!’ she strongly announced.

Then, she quickly sauntered across the room, opening the next door into her bedroom and was greatly astonished.

“How? How could this be? It’s perfectly the same!”

Standing at the bedroom door, she slowly probed every detail of her room. Although, the gems, rubies, and diamonds outlining the edge of the ceiling were gone; the furniture and the queen-size bed changed; but still, the fireplace and the balcony were extraordinarily the same. She darted inside and went towards the balcony opening the french glass door and saw the same scenery she saw in her dream.

“The sunset in the mountains....” she gently whispered while touching her chest. The wind blew her hair softly bringing the ocean scent.

Detecting the next scene in her dream, she then faced back towards the bedroom. She didn’t really understand what she felt at that time but somehow, she was expecting something to happen. Seeing no one other than herself at the balcony made her feel empty. She bent her head down looking at the tarnished marble floor and noticed drops of tears from her eyes.