Short Stories

One Witness

There was a flurry of activity as we prepared for our guests, washing being done load after load, shades thrown wide to let in the light, windows cracked the tiniest amount to freshen the stale air while protecting the rooms from the bitter cold. The tiniest patch of sunshine became my refuge. Hurry there and do that, back to the sunshine...hurry here to do this...back to the sunshine. The Grandfather clock in the hall keeping time with the regular swing of the pendulum. Tick. Bathrooms Clean. Tock. Meals Prepared. Tick. Bedrooms Ready. Tock. The Counter bell rings.

Francine rushes to greet our guests. Why does she always make things looks so urgent? Walk at normal pace woman! I stroll gracefully behind to ensure a proper inspection of the new arrivals. A tall male who looked to be built like a bull, probably had the temper of one. He wore a plaid shirt and jeans but no jacket. This man was insane walking around with no jacket. Standing next to him was his opposite, a small male who could be easily taken for a woman. He looked as though someone dressed a twig in heavy winter apparel.

"Welcome to Westend motel" Francine greets, "Do you have a reservation?"

The smaller male spoke up. "Yes, under the name Lexi Hunt" Squinting her eyes Francine looked through her dusty guest log. The woman forgot her glasses are around her neck... again, what would she do without me. Walking behind the front counter I tap her lightly, as she turns to look at me, I gesture with a subtle swipe to her neck.

She stared at me blankly for a few seconds before it clicked. "Oh, my glasses. What would I do without you?" She chuckled, putting her glasses on. "Ah yes that's better, Lexi Hunt. Your room is number 2" She handed Lexi a bronze key that had a red tag attached to it with a large 'TWO' written on it.

"Thank you ma'am" Lexi smiled. Why is he so cheery? His friend certainly doesn't look happy to be here.

"Do you need help with any luggage?" Francine asked.

"Oh no, Adam here got it all" Lexi said, patting the tanned male on the shoulder who agreed with a disinterested tone. mood.

"Long drive?" Francine asked.

"Yes, very long. The snow made things hard to see" Lexi said. "At this rate we might get snowed in" he continued with an oddly high pitched off kilter laugh.

"Indeed it does, now before you go off to your room I do have some house rules" I was waiting for her to bring those up. "No loud activities, no shoes on the carpet, there are slippers for the rooms. And no guests in the kitchen. Enjoy your stay"

"We shall abide by your rules. Thank you again ma'am" Lexi smiled once again. I wounder if his face hurts. The two guests walk off to their room and once again I was alone with Francine. Despite her being a strict old woman she really loves meeting new people and what better place to do that than a motel. Francine scurried into the back of house telling me to mind the counter. Sitting on the high stool I watch the pendulum of the grandfather clock swing side to side, although it was quite mind-numbing to watch it was oddly satisfying. My ear twitched once I heard the motel door slam open then shut. I should go get Francine.

Hopping on the seat lightly I make my way back to the house where I see the old woman shorting out plates for the fourth time today. She really needs to hire someone else. Making a type of coughing sound I attract the attention of Francine, who puts down the china plate. "Aren't you meant to be manning the counter young man?" She smirked. Ding, Ding, Ding, Ding, Ding. Ugh who was spamming the bell!

"Hello! Is there anyone here!" A female voice called out. What a drag.

"Ah it appears we have a guest" Francine makes her way back to the front counter apologising for the delay to which the customer rudely rolls her eyes.