Room 93 (FIRST DRAFT)

Present

Delilah sits silently, listening to Elizabeths next part of the story. Although she hadn't been listening to the previous parts of the story the look on her face suggested she had understood every word of what Elizabeth had been saying. How much has Elizabeth told Delilah about the Room, Room 93? Had Delilah heard this story many times before or was she only part the way through the story like I am? I turn and stare deeply at the tall, silent woman sitting beside me. The idea of posing the question to her herself seemed preposterous. It wasn't my business what she had been told and what she hadn't.

'It's late, Liz. We better be moving soon if we want to get to Eric's any time soon.' Delilah informs Elizabeth after briefly scanning the kitchen clock. How long has it been since we arrived? An hour or two at the latest. Elizabeth nods her head in Delilah's director and slowly rises to her feet, her face contorted with the pain of movement. Being only twenty-six I don't yet understand what it feels like to be old and broken and I don't wish to find out.

Delilah hold Elizabeths arm and guides her go the front door. I don't think the support is for Elizabeth though. Like Samantha in Elizabeths story I think that Delilah is trying to distract herself from something. I passively follow in Delilah and Elizabeths foot steps, allowing myself to be gently removed from the house so I stand before Delilah's yellow mini.
'Are we going in your car?' I ask as politely as possible. It feels strange to be leaving it here whilst we go off on our travels without it.
'Yes. I got the feeling that it would be quicker, more efficient and more comfortable driving in my car and mine alone. After all my car is newer and quicker than your car and driving both wouldn't be anywhere near as efficient as taking just one.' She bends down and sits in the drivers seat, allowing Elizabeth to climb into the passenger seat. I feel uncomfortable being without my car but she is right. My car is old and won't travel anywhere near as quickly. I reluctantly open the back door of the car and sit behind Elizabeth. The door slams shut violently and I hastily apologize to a annoyed looking Delilah. She scowls but softens her expression as she turns to the road. The car starts up and once more the rolling hill tops glide past.

I examine the scenery closely to distract myself from the awkwardness of being here. When I agreed to do this interview I was expecting a quick interview with this woman, not a multi-day expedition with a crazy old woman and her buddies. My head aches from lack of sleep. I turn on my side and tuck my hands under my head to form a sort of cushion with my hands. I can't imagine how I will sleep like this but soon enough I am fading away.

***

The car stops abruptly and I am flung forward. My eyes open and I stare out the window. A tall, red bricked house lays before the car. The drive way is covered in autumn leaves that litter the ground a crimson sort of colour. The steps up to the door have a few leaves but someone has recently brushed the steps to clear of the falling leaves. The source of the leaves is a huge oak tree that hangs over the front yard. A few leaves still loosely hang onto its many branches. The tree hangs directly over the drive which would explain the large quantity of leaves covering it. The front door appears to be made of oak wood and is polished to a much darker and shinier coat than it would have originally been. One window on the lower floor is open and a fire roars behind it.

I climb out the car and watch Elizabeth waddle up to the door. I twist round and look at Delilah. She is still sat in the car, her fists clenched against the steering wheel that I am worried she is going to crush it. I stare pointedly at her and raise my eye brow. She catches my eye and releases her grasp on the wheel before waving me on with a quick flick of her hand.

Elizabeth presses the black doorbell carefully before stepping back out of the doors way. It watch as a tall white haired elderly man comes into view. He doesn't seem to have a problem walking like Elizabeth, although he didn't have to climb up all those stairs to get out of that ghastly underground graveyard. He grins and steps out the doorway, allowing me and Elizabeth in.