Mystery Island

Part title

Meeting Jesse was never supposed to happen. I came to the island to get away from my life. It had been six months since I lost my husband to this blasted war. A war none of us understand. Luckily it hadn't come to our continent yet. Mourning my husband had taken its toll. My life was filled with darkness. Every where I looked he was there. Reminders of a life that would never be. Mother insisted I come here. Even paid for my trip. Two weeks away, she said, would do my heart good. Did she know what would happen? Did she know what was coming?

Decked out in my black mourning clothes, I stepped out of the cab and walked into the hotel. The driver insisted on bringing my bags inside for me. I thanked him, gave him a tip, and waited for my turn at the desk.  When asked if I had a preference for a room, I asked for a water view and an easy numbered room to remember. The attendant finished up and handed me my key, room 222.

"We have a buffet, which is right next to the casino, or you can have food delivered to your room for no extra charge. Please enjoy your stay, Miss Victoria."

I turned to gather my bags, but another attendant was already holding them for me. We took the elevator to the second floor in silence. Reaching my room, I let him enter first. It was a habit my husband ingrained into my mind. All seemed safe so I followed him in. He put my bags down and walked to the windows. When he pulled them back I realized I'd been given the perfect room. The view was magnificent.  "If you wish to listen to the ocean at night, please remember to close the screen doors. If you need anything, please don't hesitate to call the service desk. There is someone there to answer 24-hours a day." I handed him a tip and he bowed over my hand. "Have a wonderful vacation Miss Victoria." Then he was gone.

I followed him to the door to double the lock. One could never be too careful. Going to my bags, I opened them to find my mother had changed out some clothes. My personal items were still here, but now there were dresses and skirt outfits. I picked up my phone and texted her "I love you mom. Made it safely to my room. Thank you again."  As of she were waiting for me, her reply was almost immediate. "You're welcome baby. Try to enjoy yourself. See you when you get back."  Since I would be here for two weeks, I unpacked and settled in. Ordering room service also seemed like the best idea since it had been such a long day.

I was sitting on the balcony when my dinner arrived. "Pardon the intrusion Miss Victoria, but I have your dinner. I am Selma and I will be your personal attendant for the duration of your stay." When I looked at her with a shocked expression she continued speaking. "Yes you double locked the door, but I have a special key allowing me in when I don't get a response."

"I'm sorry, I didn't hear the door. You definitely surprised me though." I tried to laugh it off but my fear was still there. "Are there others with this special key?"

"No ma'am. I am the only one that can come into your room now. Please do not worry. I promise you that you are safe here. When I leave, the double locks will reset. And I am here for your every need. I can handle anything, even fixing your hair if you wish to dine in the dining room."

"Oh I doubt that will be necessary, Selma but thank you."

"This island is magical. You'll feel rested before you know it." She set out my dinner on a table that hadn't been beside me before now. I doubted the island was magical, but I didn't argue with her. I doubted anything could heal my broken heart.

"Thank you Selma. I'm not sure there's anything else tonight. Unless you can find me a delicious piece of chocolate cake." I looked at her with pleading eyes.

"Would you like ice cream and a decaf coffee with that also?"

"Ah you've read my mind, yes thank you, Selma." At the blink of an eye she was gone. I looked into the room for her, but it was dark. It had to have been my imagination. I settled in to eat my dinner and enjoy the sounds of the crashing waves.