Comforting Darkness

Chapter 18: The Tutor, Excellent Performance

When they finally reached the resort Sunny Sands, it was well after ten o'clock and Selina was very tired, since she had to walk quite a distance from the station to the resort, after spending her day sitting in the train or fending off Sebastian's advances. However, the beauty of the resort's location was a worthwhile reward. It was a simple yet elegant building of four stores with big balconies and arches at every room; it was not far from the sea, actually it was so close to the beach that the lulling sound of waves reached the rooms helping the guests relax and sleep deeply.

Entering the building, Selina was left speechless because it was exactly like the wealthy resorts she had seen in Hercule Poirot's films, with big, sunny spaces and light, warm colours welcoming everyone. It was obvious it was a place more for the nobility than for anyone else, and that made Selina wonder what kind of newly-weds – not belonging to aristocracy – would have the money to spend even a night in this place.

At the reception, Sebastian took over the process of confirming the reservation of the honeymoon suite for Mr. and Mrs. Michaelis under the Phantomhive name. In the meantime, Selina was observing everything she could; after a while she came to a somehow strange conclusion and approached Sebastian, who was waiting for some final paperwork to be prepared, and absentmindedly hugged him around his waist to get as close as she could.

"This is not a resort for everyone as the Queen might think. Booking the honeymoon suite for a week, let's say, would be quite expensive for young married couples of the middle class. Plus, this looks like more of an elderly care house; not really suitable for young people." She whispered to the demon.

Sebastian lovingly wrapped his arms around her and leaned his chin on top of her head while scanning with his eyes the big sitting area further from the reception. "Yes... and it seems there is a preference to old ladies, really old ladies." Selina nodded on his chest.

"Oh my, how beautiful!" An elderly, cheerful voice was heard making butler and tutor turn around. An old lady leaning on her walking stick was approaching the reception. "Two gorgeous young people in love, melting in each other's arms... how lovely! What are your names? Sebastian and Selina... Oh how cute, they fit perfectly together." She almost squealed once the couple introduced themselves; her blurry, faded eyes and smile were so honest and brightened the wrinkled face. She approached them some more. "You remind me of myself and my dear husband so many years ago, when we too had come here for honeymoon in such a beautiful, peaceful place..." She suddenly seemed lost in her memories.

Selina and Sebastian exchanged glances and Sebastian nodded slightly. Selina took the look of a scared young deer and squeezed herself closer to the man. "Yes, the place is beautiful and peaceful, but I have heard that newly-weds from this resort have gone missing quite often." Her voice was trembling with fear.

"Oh please, do not be so naive, my love." Sebastian said running his hand up and down her back soothingly. "I am sure they are clearly terrible accidents caused by wild animals of the area; furthermore, police is always on guard."

They both saw a shadow of worry and fear clouding the old woman's face and she seemed ready to say something, but then a middle-aged man appeared beside her cutting her off. The old woman looked somehow scared of the man all of a sudden.

"Indeed sir, you are right. That exactly is the case and you, my lady, have nothing to fear, our resort is perfectly safe. Right, Mrs. Ackerman?" The man said and gave a light, friendly pat on the woman's shoulder; she nodded and smiled although a little forced. "I am Herman Bates and I welcome you to our resort, Mr. and Mrs. Michaelis. I wish you have a great week and do not hesitate to ask us for anything you wish at any time. Tom here will lead you to your suite." Mr. Bates said handing Sebastian all the filled-out paperwork and then pointing to a young bellboy, who smiling brightly took their luggage and led them on.