Trapped : The Island of Torment

Chapter 43 : Time Off

Taking my bag I left the living hall and reached the staircase, climbing the steps to reach my bedroom. The staircase was simple but had an ornately decorated handrail, metallic black and in patterns of flowers and scrolls. It resembled the staircases of Wayne Manor but my great-grandfather opted for a classical design, typically seen in British palaces or the stately houses of the British aristocracy. Bruce walked alongside me as we climbed the stairs, as lamps illuminated the steps. "It was and still is, a fine house." he said. "Maybe we don't have to just stay at your family's countryside mansion." 

"We would normally travel there when we needed some time alone from the buzzing city." I smiled. "But this is the latest version of the house." 

"Where's the guest rooms?"

"The guest rooms are downstairs, by the ground floor. Our rooms are on the first floor onwards." I say. My room was on the second floor, the first door to the left, Candice had her room next to mine because we were the only granddaughters my grandparents had, and after our rooms were allocated, the men received their rooms. A velvet carpet covered the hallways of every floor, and turning the door knob I entered the room. 

The room had a simple decoration, white walls and white curtains. A double bed was placed at the left end of the room, with two rooms, which are a bathroom and a walk-in closet. My study desk was next to the dressing table, just outside the walk-in closet. A footstool was at the end of the bed, to which I placed my bag on it. An electric fireplace was built opposite the footstool providing warmth and comfort on both cold nights and rainy days. I normally rest my head on a lone cushion instead of taking the whole set of pillows on the bed. 

Feeling tired I flopped onto my bed for a rest, while Bruce looked around. As it was growing dark the curtains were drawn. "It seemed simple, compared to your room at the Duke's residence." he remarked.

"My granduncle and grandaunt were doting parental figures if you will." I smiled. "They sought to provide me with the best designs and furnishing." 

"What was your great-grandfather's reaction when she married him?"

"Shocked." I smiled. "Because he did not expect that she had married an Englishman, let alone a duke." 

"But it seemed to be well for her, them both." Bruce said, climbing into bed and lying next to me. He moved in, brushing a hand against my face and we shared a kiss, while wrapping the same arm around my waist. He got up and rested on top of me as we continued to kiss, his lips soon finding their way to my uninjured shoulder. But a knock on the door interrupted the moment and Bruce had to lift himself off from me. We sat up in silence, to hear who it was by the door. 

"Mommy?" a young girl's voice was heard outside. I knew it was Victoria's and hopped out of the bed immediately. Tears streamed from my eyes as I beheld my first child, dropping to my knees to hug her as she cried in my arms, having been unable to see me for days. 

"I'm here now my sweet." I say, comforting my crying daughter. "It's okay." More and more children came running in my direction and we were all huddled together, with hugs and kisses as I greeted our remaining children. Bruce had a smile on his face as he watched the encounter unfold, just as mom and dad climbed the stairs, each holding Amelia and Matthew. He took the sleeping infants from my parents, holding them in his arms as they slept. 

Later

Dinner tonight was a luxurious affair, just like the traditional banquets held by my ancestors. Bruce and I sat together, even though I encouraged him to sit with his family. "How long would you be staying here Elizabeth?" Aunt Sophia asked. "I hear that your workload is demanding back in the United States." 

"Roughly a week." I reply. "I'd like to reconnect with the place that I have spent much of my years growing up in." 

"And I'm polishing my helmet for that." Se-hun said. 

"I prefer to drive the Hyundai." I smiled. "I don't feel ready to put on my riding boots, even though I can take her out for a spin." 

"Your motorcycle is still in the garage Elizabeth." grandfather said. "Even though Philip had to trouble himself from ferrying the vehicle from here to the United States and sending it back once you were rescued from the island." 

"I didn't ask for it." I say. "I barely touched it since the accident." Grandfather had a long sigh, while underneath the table, Bruce reached for my hand. "But... I might be able to do so, if Uncle Xavier can clear me." 

"I'm afraid that you're still unable to play the violin." my uncle said. "The shoulder might not be able to cope with the strain." 

"I know." I say, taking a sip from the glass of water. Uncle Lucas had disappointment written on his face when he heard this. I understand him however, as he was my mentor when it comes to playing the violin and piano, but he can be consoled in the fact that I can still play the piano. 

"But the doctor advised caution should you decide to drive any vehicle yourself." he said.