The Mansion

Chapter One-Good News

"Claire-Marie.Mr Williams is awaiting your presence."the red-headed secretary said out loud.I nodded and stood up from the comfortable little chair.This is it.

I've been dreaming of this moment for three years now.I am a Historian.I've been working for Williams cc for eight years.

Every year,one of the best Historians and a crew of their choice,are sent to investigate,find information and write about a certain place the company picks.Last year,Quinn Anderson was the chosen one.She was sent to some ruins that were located in Zimbabwe.She earned a raise,and now she's one of the richest Historians in town.

I've always wanted to be sent to a special mission.It's an honour to be the chosen one.I've always done my work perfectly well and with a lot of dedication,and this year,I might have a chance.

I opened the door and went inside.Dr.Williams was sitting behind his desk,rearranging some paperwork.

I cleared my throat.

"Oh!Why hello there Ms Gregory.Take a seat."he greeted.I nodded and took a seat.I'm nervous.I really want to be the chosen one.

"I have called you here to announce something very important.I have noticed your improvement over the past few years."he compliments.

"Thank you."I said gratefully.

"Anyways you have been very dedicated and I've loved your previous work.I think you are ready for the special task I am about to give you."he said in an excited tone.I was literally smiling like an idiot.I'm chosen,I am the chosen one this year.

He handed me a brown envelope.I opened it and inside it,there was a printed page and a picture.I picked up the picture and what I saw made my mouth hang open.

There was a beautiful castle,more like a mansion,with grey walls and a lovely garden surrounding it.

"Where is this?"I asked in awe.

"It's castle Van Scheinberg.It belonged to Viktor van Scheinberg.Built in 1718.Situated in Northern Amsterdam."he explains.I nodded,this is going to be a very exciting journey,full of adventure and hopefully we'll discover new things.

"Well,you know the rules.You can pick six more people to accompany you during your mission.Anyone you'd like."he said to me.

I knew exactly who I was going to choose.First of all,my best friend and coworker,Laura.She's always wanted to go to a special mission,and she worked hard too.

Secondly,Matt Derek.He's a close friend and we've been working together for five years.He won't let me down.He's a professional Historian.

Thirdly,Christina Sampson.She's the most organized Historian in the company.She was the best in 2005.Her work is always accurate and she never gives up easily.She's also a motivational speaker and she's trustworthy.

My fourth choice will be Roger Simons.He's one of the best and he's also a very close friend.His confidence inspires people into doing their jobs and I think we'll need someone like him.

The fifth one will be Eric Darren.His height and compassion will make things easier for us.He's also a professional in everything he does and he has a good sense of humour.He's a close friend too and he's been dreaming of this too.

My last choice will be David Gray,the man I've been dreaming of each and every night.The man I've been 'crushing on' for years.He's the most handsome man she ever met in all her life.He's a man that cares about womens' protection. He's the types of man that has self-respect.He's perfect.

David and I have been friends for two years now.We've been coworkers for three years.We get along well and he actually cares for me.He's liked by everyone.He's also one of the best here.

"Yes,sir.I already know who's accompanying me."I said to my boss.

"Very well.You'll be leaving at ten am tomorrow.I won't be seeing you anymore.I believe you'll be successful.Good luck."

I exited his office and walked down the long corridor.It's 10:30 am,which means it's lunchtime.

I walked into the lunchroom and I saw my usual spot occupied by my six closest friends.They were laughing and eating.Laura was eating her green salad,as usual.

I walked over to our lunch table and took a seat next to Christina.

"Good morning."I greeted.

"Morning."they all replied at once.

"I have good news."I said out loud.

"Care to share?"Eric asked.

"Dr.Williams called me.And guess what."I smirked.

"What?"Laura asked,filling her mouth with lettuce.

"I'm the chosen one for this year."I said cheerfully.They all looked at me with widened eyes and mouths hanging wide open.

"You're kidding right?"Matt smirked.

"Nope."I grinned.

"I cannot believe it."Eric said,dropping his plastic fork on his plate.

"Well it's true and I chose you guys to be my crew."I said cheerfully.

After a few hours,we were sitting in my living room,discussing the journey.We were all so excited for the special mission,it's all I could think about.

"We'll leave tomorrow.I can't wait."I said as they walked out the door.It was six pm and I decided to take a long bath.

I sat on the bathtub,scrubbing my body with Lavender shower gel and thinking about my mission.I still can't believe I was picked.It's a dream come true.I can't wait for tomorrow.

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