Carlton Manor: The Secrets Within

Chapter 1: The Arrival Party

It all began on an unusually cold summers eve. I hesitated in my car, the engine still running. I stared just beyond me at a glamorous mansion that had aged greatly but still kept perfect, like it was brand new.

I sighed taking off my glasses, "Always was a show off." I mumbled to myself, cleaning my glasses with the handkerchief I always kept in my pocket.

I put my glasses back on, turning off the engine as I did. I got out of the car and made my way towards the towering mansion. Climbing up the steps I realised that it had speckles of gold sprinkled through out it all the way up to the door. I scoffed at the sight of them. Once I was at the door I went to knock but hesitated for a moment.

Why am I here?I thought to myself I don't even like him.

I sighed once more and focused on why I was really there. Not for Carlton but for her. I knocked the door three times, the knocks echoed throughout the building. Almost immediately the door opened and a woman with brown shoulder length hair held back by a white bow, greeted me. Her uniform was one of those black and white ones that you'd find on a waitress at a fancy restaurant.

"Hello sir," She greeted me with a gentle smile, "do you have a invitation?" She had a very strong British accent.

I rolled my eyes and reached into my coat to grab the invitation.

"Here you are Miss, in all its gold incrusted glory." I said handing it to her.

She took the invitation out of my hands, glanced at it then put in a side pocket she had. "Thank you sir, come right in." She smiled as she stood aside, gesturing me inside.

I inhaled deeply and took a step inside. As soon as I stepped in I was greeted by an assortment of colours, woven within a beautiful architecture.

"Why hello Damian." Said a deep voice.

I turned to my left to see Carlton walking down a massive gorgeous staircase.

"Carlton." I greeted with a nod.

Carlton finished walking down the stairs and made his way towards me.

"I thought you wouldn't make it my friend, how was your travel?" he asked with a smile, putting out is hand as he did.

I knew that smile was fake. He always was a terrible actor, despite making a career out of it. I knew he only did that because the others were there, so I grudgingly smiled back.

"Greetings Carlton, and my travel were fine." I said as I forced myself to shake his hand.

"It's been too long friend. Come, come the others are in the living room."

He guided me to the living room, which to no surprise was more spectacular than the entrance. But the first thing I noticed was the people. My friends. Scattered across the room were Henry and Keith, even the girl who greeted me at the door was there. Henry was in a blue armchair by the overwhelming fireplace, staring into the flames while whirling a glass of wine in his hand. Keith was smiling next to the girl, no doubt trying to flirt with her. As I entered the room further Carlton gestured me to a couch in an L shape in the middle of the room, next to an oddly small coffee table. Once seated Carlton grabbed a glass from the table and shoved it in my hand.

"A tost!" Carlton proclaimed as he raised a wine glass. "To old friends meeting once more."

"Here, here." Chanted my friends.

"Here, here." I mumbled as I took a swig of my drink.

"Now I have a few small errands to run, but feel free to start the celebration in the next room whenever you feel ready." Carlton pronounced gesturing towards a room that went of to the side of the room.