Never As It Seems

Chapter 30

Sitting in the car on the way to London, Amber was amused by the fact that she was actually looking forward to this holiday. It had been the first time she had felt a sense of optimism in a while. She wondered if, at last, she was getting over Jay. She quickly pushed that thought away, she didn't want to think about Jay at all while she was in London. She hoped the change of scenery and the fact that there would be nothing to remind her of him, would be exactly what she needed to finally move on.

The mood changed however when they approached the city. Erin had seemed fidgety the whole way but now that the traffic was increasing and their progress slowing, she seemed almost inconsolable.

"Isn't there a different route?" She suggested.

Their father shook his head. "I said we should get the train."

Sarah let out a big sigh. "You know why we couldn't get the train. It would have been too complicated and anyway what's the rush? We don't have to be anywhere, we're on holiday."

Silence followed but only for another ten minutes, by which time Erin had obviously had enough.

"Seriously. How much further?" She whined.

Amber put a hand on her sister's shoulder. "Relax. We'll get there eventually."

"Not at this rate." Erin mumbled.

Callum huffed and turned the volume up on whatever he was listening to.

"Why are you in such a rush anyway?" Amber asked Erin.

"I'm not." Her demeanour changed although Amber could tell it was an act. "I'm just tired of the car."

Another twenty minutes passed and finally they pulled up in front of an immaculate looking hotel. They tumbled out and stretched as porters took care of their luggage.

Erin studied the scene. "Looks nice." She reported. "Let's get inside!"

Her parents shared an amused glance. Their youngest daughter was acting strangely out of character. Sarah put it down to the fact that Erin had been heavily involved with the holiday plans this year and had picked this hotel herself. She assumed the teenager was anxious for her family to approve of her choice.

As the car was driven away to the valet parking, the family ambled up the marble steps towards two men in top hats, who opened the doors for them. Amber tried not to giggle as she was suddenly made to feel far more important than she felt.

Her amusement was momentarily interrupted by her brother's exclamation at what awaited them inside.

"Woah!" He exclaimed, failing to close his mouth as he took in the hotel lobby.

The marble theme continued on the inside with romanesque pillars reaching to the high ceiling and drawing the eye to the extravagant chandeliers. There seemed to be elaborate plants in every spare space, creating a feeling of airy luxury.

"This must have cost a fortune." Amber whispered to her father, who was as mesmerised as she was.

"Well we cut a lot of cost by staying in the country and your sister was adamant it had to be this place."

They were both distracted by the receptionist's welcome and it wasn't long before key cards were distributed and they were pointed in the direction of the elevators.

Their suite was everything they had expected, judging by the lobby. It wasn't as elaborate in decoration but it was certainly comfortable. The door from the hallway opened into a vast lounge, with more couches than they would ever need. Two steps led down to a dining area that overlooked a huge window that opened onto a balcony, which ran the length of the suite. Various doors led to three bedrooms, all en suite and a small but very well equipped kitchenette.