BlackJack

Chapter Five

Did you know that Maine is the most boring state? I hadn't even landed on the ground and just by looking down there was nothing to do at all. Thank God, I had brought my cellphone. I was about to land in East-port Maine. It looked petty and there was the ocean right next to it.

I heard the captain come on and tell us to fasten out seatbelts and get ready for landing. I listened quickly and got buckled back in. I held my breath as we descended down. I wasn't ready for when we did though. I let out a sigh of relief and my ears were filled with people cheering and screaming at the landing.

"We have officially landed at East-Port Maine at 7:23am. Please have a safe journey. Thank you for riding with Spirit airlines."

I was quick to grab my bag from overhead and make my way out behind everyone else shoving and bustling out of the cramped and tiny aircraft. When I finally got off and waved a thank you to the stewardess, the reality of the situation hit me once and for all.

I was alone, in a state I had never been to, I knew nobody and only had 500$ for the next 2 weeks. I had already paid for the hotel and was ready to make my way there. The hotel was cheap, about 60$ a night. It was only 3.5 stars, but it would have to do.

I was ready to take a nap as the jet lag hit me full force. I flagged down a taxi and told him the hotel's name. He was quick to start going there and the ride was silent. I didn't mind it though and looked out the window at the passing scenery.

Soon enough we were there, and I paid the man 50$, including a 10$ tip. I got out, making sure I had my bag and heading towards the front door. The building was slightly run-down and looked old. I pushed open the door and was met by the smell of old must and dust. The carpet was an old dingy Red. The wallpaper was one you would find in the 60's in a grandma's house.

I walked up to the front desk and a woman in a pale red uniform and Black hat greeted me with a smile.

"Welcome to Hazy Side, what can I do for you today sir?" The woman's voice was sickeningly nice and sweet. I almost wanted to puke at the voice.

"Um-, I have a reservation under the name Lucas Wright?" She smiled and went on to the computer next to her. I worried when she didn't say anything for a second.

"Ah! Yes, sorry here you are. Room #223, floor 3. Here is your keycard. Please enjoy your stay and if you need anything feel free to come down here and ask!"

I quickly nodded and made my way away with the key card in hand. It was an old, chipped blue key card. I went to the elevator and pressed floor 3. As I got into the elevator the woman smiled at me and I was slightly creeped out.

I shook my head and waited as the elevator ascended up. I felt the floors go by and I gulped down every time it dipped when we reached a floor. I finally heard the ding as the doors opened to a hallway going straight down.

The wallpaper was a pale yellow and everything looked the same. I made my way out as the doors shut behind me. I walked down counting the doors till I found mine almost at the end of the hallway.

I inserted the keycard, and it turned green. I pulled it out and twisted the old metal handle. The door opened with a creek, and I cringed at the sound. I shut the door behind me and slid the chain lock in. I wasn't trying to get robbed right now.

The room smelled of old people and must. I gargled at the smell, but I had to ignore it. There was a simple twin bed in the middle of the room. There was a boxed TV in front of it and a door to my left. I walked up to the bed and threw my bag down. I flopped down on the bed and almost fell asleep then and there.

The bed was stiff though and creaked when I flopped down. I decided to see what else this room had to offer. Afterall I was going to be stuck here for 2 weeks. I got up hesitantly, already missing the bed.

I made my way to the door I had seen when I first opened the door. I twisted the old wooden knob and was met with the sight of a pale white bathroom. There was a small vanity on my left with an even smaller mirror.

On my right was a small, cramped shower with pasty white curtains that were made of a flimsy plastic. There was a shelf with hotel shampoo, conditioner, and body wash amenities. I didn't plan on using them. I had planned on going shopping to get hygiene and food before exploring East-Port Maine.

I decided that a nap was in place first though. I was still jet lagged and about to pass out on the tile if it came to it. I turned off the light and shut the door. I walked back to the bed and flopped down again, resulting in the same sound as before.

I grabbed the TV remote off the nightstand and decided to turn on the TV as I slept. I flipped to the news to see if anything about me was still on. Believe it or not there was. I was still the talk of the nation.

There seemed to be nothing about me leaving the state though and decided that I could sleep in peace. I slowly felt my eyes drop as I scummed to a deep sleep. I was trying to stay awake a little and pay attention to the news though.

Soon enough though my eyes dropped, and I fell asleep. The news reporter talking about how Jack Vance was going to search the USA for me was a distant and unimportant thought.

You'd think that by now I would get some beauty rest without being scared. But you'd be horribly wrong. I don't remember my dreams but all I know is that I was scared, and they were anything but unicorns and rainbows.

I had twisted and turned in my sleep a lot and was now facing the other end of the bed. I yawned, still tired and not fully rested.

The TV was still playing the news over and over again. I didn't pay attention to it and decided that I could sleep for a few more hours. It wasn't like there was going to be somebody at my door. Jack Vance couldn't just show up in East-Port Maine out of nowhere. Only Venessa knew where I was.

And I could only hope that she didn't mutter a single word about me or where I was for the rest of my life and hers. But once again I succumbed to sleep, and I fell back into restless nightmare plagued dreams.