The Hidden Diaries of Charleigh Blaue

Chapter 2: The Key... To What?

{Hey everyone! First, I would like to apologize for taking so long with this update! Thank you for your patience! How have you liked the book so far? What do you think of the mysterious beauty with the blue eyes, hmm? What about the "dogs"? What do you presume I'm going to make of them? Please feel free to comment! Thank you, and enjoy!}

Chapter 2: The Key... To What?

The door to the manor creaked open loudly upon my entrance. By that, I mean I didn't even have to touch the shining bronze door knob for the door to swing open, as if it had a mind of its first own. Creepy much? Taking in a deep and shaky breath, I uneasily made my way across the threshold.

I took in the interior and wasn't even phased, given how crazy the exterior was. The walls were all painted a hazy green colour, contrasting terribly with the marble floors. The furniture was in numerous colors, shapes and forms, scattered about in front of one of those classic TVs that you don't see anymore, antinae and all.

"I will let you get settled for the night." I jumped and wwipped around to find Rick standing in the still open doorway. "Tomorrow I will be here around 6am to prepare breakfast and take you on a tour. It will take all day so be prepared."

I quickly nodded. He smiled/grimaced (I think I'll call it a "grile" from here on out) at me, gave me a swift bow, and strode out the door leaving me alone in the luminous manor.

Sighing, I made my way through the maze of assorted china, old sets of film, stacks of ancient books, and strange furniture; long hallways, spiraling staircases, and rooms of all shapes, sizes, and colors. Finally, I reached what I assumed was the master bedroom, which, by the way, was gorgeous. The large king sized bed sat in the middle of the room, creme coloured silk curtains hanging from the frame. The same creme colors were plastered on the walls and ceiling. At least the designers of this place made one room right. Intricate furnishings were placed perfectly throughout the room, so many I couldn't tell you about them all in detail; but the one thing that caught my eye was the ancient brown chest shoved into a corner of the room.

As if an invisible force was pulling me forward, I slowly approached the chest, not once taking my eyes off of it. Upon closer inspection, the chest had intricate carvings of flowers and vines with great thorns. The corners were all bound in worn black leather, as well as the belt-like latch that held it closed. Crouching, I fingered the latch delicately, and noticed that it was practically molded to the ancient chest; impenetrable.

With a sigh, I stood up and dusted my jeans off, then turned to walk out of the room to continue my "small house" self-tour.

2 hours later...

I had found the kitchen. It was of the most glorious finds I had come across the entire time I cluelessly wondered the manor. The number of rooms in the place was seemingly endless, and endlessness led to hopelessness, which eventually led to extreme thirst and a snarling stomach.

It was crucial.

So, imagine my complete and utter happiness when I stumbled upon a room that had a refrigerator, classic oven, and double-doored pantry; I was ecstatic.

With newfound energy, I strode to the refrigerator with a hop in my step. I opened the steel incased heaven and peered inside, immediately pleased with what I saw. There were many pre-prepared meals, just waiting to be heated in the microwave; cheese burgers, chicken strips, pasta, cake, pizza - you name it. It was all there and it was a glorious sight.

Licking my lips hungrily, I pulled out a platter of what appeared to be chicken alfredo pasta. I was walking towards the microwave, plate in hand, when it happened.

"Hazel."

Fear clutched my heart and the plate slipped out of my hands.

Glass shattered at my feet and pasta flew everywhere, but I didn't care. I whipped my body around and. Frantically searched the room, but there was nothing or no one there. I was alone.

"Hazel. Come."

A woman's voice was speaking so loudly and clearly that she could've been right next to me, only there was no one there. Goosebumps rose on my skin and sweat started to form at my brow.

"Follow my voice Hazel."

And so I did.

Heart pounding, I stepped around the glass that was hazardously spread across the once clean tile floor, and began to weave through the halls and up staircases. My brain was screaming at me; pleading with my heart and soul to stop, but my heart and soul followed the woman's voice that seemed to originate from the air itself. My feet moved on their own accord, and I soon found myself in the main bedroom that I had just 2 hours ago sat my luggage in.

"Open it Hazel Levesque."

My eyes zeroed in on the chest in the corner of the room; my room. "But it's sealed..." I whispered under my breath as I slowly made my way across the room. But as I rested on my knees before it, I noticed that the leather latch that had previously kept me from opening the chest was no longer there. Had I imagined it?

With shaky hands, I lifted the lid and peered inside.

There was a sparkling golden key resting in the center of the box and that was all.

A key.

As I picked it up, and ran my fingers along the red jewels beautifully placed on the gold, I knew it wasn't just a key. It was more than that.

What did the key open?

I was determined to find out.