“Mom, I have to pee,” Rosie whispered.
“Dad, Rosie wants to pee!” Tommy announced loudly.
Rosie looked at him, clearly stunned that he had even heard her.
“Okay, princess. A Mickie Dee’s coming up just up the road. You can use the bathroom there,” Wade said.
Mira lovingly tapped her daughter’s hand that was still resting on her shoulder.
“You should go too,” Norma told Tommy.
“But I don’t wanna pee yet.”
“Just go. You’ll be able to let some out,” Wade inserted. “In fact, we should all go. It’ll cut down on the next stop.”
“Makes sense to me,” Sara said.
They pulled into Mickie Dee’s moments later. The popular kids’ restaurant, about a good six thousand square feet, was situated on two acres of prime, commercial property and boasted a twenty foot high slide, four sets of swings and three face painters under a fancy, colorful canopy adjacent to the outside patio. It looked more like a playground with a fast food joint smack dab in the middle. The place was crowded, as usual, and for a moment Rosie and Tommy started to veer off towards the slide until Mira sent them inside to the restroom.
“Can we play for a while on the slides?” Rosie pleaded as she headed to the back of the restaurant with her mother.
“I’m sorry, honey, but we really need to get to Sogog before dark falls. Uncle Wade would rather not have to feel his way around the area at night. It’s an eight hour drive, but it could take longer if we get off track somehow.”
“Are you sure we can’t just go for a few minutes? I don’t think a few minutes will be too long?”
Mira sighed, knowing that Rosie was about to win yet another argument. “Okay, I’ll let your Uncle know that you and Tommy have five minutes, not a second longer! We’re going to Matthew Town for five days. You and Tommy will still have another few days to come here before they go back to The Bahamas.” She pushed open the restroom door.
“Okay, Mom. You’re the best!” Rosie hurried into a vacant cubicle as Mira headed to another one.
A minute later, Mira heard the cubicle door creak open, then the rush of flowing water.
“Mom, I’m going to catch up with Tommy!” Rosie’s voice soared just slightly above the sound of the hand dryer.
“Okay, be careful.”
As the door swung open, Rosie almost ran into Sara and Norma.
“Where are you going in such a rush, Pumpkin?” Sara asked.
“Mom said me and Tommy can go on the slides for five minutes. I have to hurry before our time is up!” Rosie expressed before dashing past her grandmother.
“I told her not a second more.” Mira exited the cubicle and headed over to the wash basin.
“I plan to bring them here for a couple of hours when we get back from the trip anyway,” Sara noted.
“Great idea!” Norma said.
Having left through the main door, in her haste, Rosie noticed a man sitting on the lower brick side-wall near the ramp.
“Hello, young lady.” The old man smiled with a single, long front tooth bearing prominence.
Rosie slowed her speed significantly. “Hi.”
“Good girl. You don’t wanna hurt yourself going so fast. You’ll get to your destination on time – plenty of light before dark.”
Rosie stared at him more than she would have liked, but knew the frail geezer whose frame she could see right through was not among the living.
Picking up speed again, she continued on to the slides where Tommy was already playing.
“You and your family take care now, little one! And do be brave, ya hear?”
Rosie brushed off his last words, recalling what her mother had said about not feeling obligated to converse with spirits she felt uneasy about.
“Mom said we have five minutes!” She told Tommy who had just slid out the chute.
“Five minutes?”
Rosie mounted the stairs. “She says we have to make it to town before nightfall.”
“Aw, that sucks!” He was right behind her.
Wade kept an eye on the kids until Mira and the others returned from the restroom.
As they pulled out of the parking lot, the old man waved at Rosie as she gazed at him through the rolled up window. She waved back.
“Who are you waving at?” Tommy asked, leaning over to have a look.
“Nobody.” She sat straight up and looked ahead.
Mira glanced back at her. She knew Rosie had seen someone her little cousin was unable to see.
5
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Norma and Mira relieved Wade during the roughly eight hour drive. He was behind the wheel again when at 5:53 pm, they arrived at Matthew Town, a picturesque community located at the eastern end of Sogog. As the van rolled slowly by, the Cullens’ focus was primarily on the immaculate surroundings, including buildings which all appeared to be freshly painted or newly constructed.
“Everything seems so perfect here,” Norma said. “I can’t wait to see the lakes and winding rivers people have gone on about.”
“They may be the highlight of the trip,” Mira suggested, thinking that other than that, the place seemed fairly regular except for folks who took extreme pride in keeping their surroundings clean.
“The Marietta’s not far from here according to this,” Sara noted on the map.
Less than five minutes later, they pulled up in front of the beige and white hotel.
“We’re here, folks,” Wade said; fatigue had settled clearly on his face.
They couldn’t unbuckle their seat belts fast enough and proceeded to exit the van.
“I’m so glad we’re finally here!” Mira yawned.
“So am I,” Norma added. She looked at Wade who was heading to the trunk. “I know you must be exhausted, honey. How about we just freshen up, grab dinner, then head to bed? It’s been a long day. We can start our little tour in the morning. What do you guys think?”
“I think it’s an excellent idea, sweetheart,” Wade replied. “I doubt I’m gonna shower tonight. I could use a nice, steamy bath and just soak for a while.”
“Sounds tempting,” Sara inserted as they each grabbed their bags from the trunk.
“I agree it’s been a long day,” Mira said. “Dinner and relaxation is about all we can fit in tonight.”
A porter appeared moments later and quickly assisted them by piling their luggage on his trolley.
“I’m Sam,” he said, as they walked to the front entrance.
“It’s really nice to meet you, Sam,” Wade replied. “I’m Wade Cullen. This is my family.”
“A pleasure meeting you all. Will you be staying a while?”
“About five days.”
“Well, I hope you have an enjoyable time here and will get to see what this beautiful town of ours has to offer,” Sam said cheerfully.
The men arrived at the reception counter just ahead of everyone else. Rosie and Tommy barely left one another’s side as they strolled along.
The hotel was nothing fancy, and would probably fit into a comfortable three-star rating. There was a mini waterfall situated further to the right of the foyer, the water of which sparkled with a mixture of purple, blue and green highlights. It looked like something out of a fantasy or science-fiction tale and was subtly alluring. The walls of the foyer were light gold with strips of dark brown aligning the top near the ceiling and also the bottom about a foot off the floor. The ceiling was comprised of polished cypress with an arch that reminded Mira of the little church she used to attend as a child. Apart from a glossy, beige porcelain floor and several chairs scattered throughout, there was nothing much else to be admired in that space.
While the adults went to check in, with Sam waiting nearby, Rosie and Tommy sauntered over to the mini waterfall. They were mesmerized by the various hues that seemed attached to the water itself.
“How can I help you folks today?” A bright-eyed, slender lady greeted the Cullens
at the Reception counter. Her silver name tag neatly pinned to the lapel of the navy blue coat she wore read: Doris Black. “Checking in?”
“Yes, we are. We have reservations,” Wade said.
“Great! Just give me your name and I’ll check the system.” She went straight to the computer.
Wade and Sara gave her all the required documents.
“Well, you’re all set!” Doris said, handing Wade a couple of keys. “Just take the elevator right over there to the fourth floor. And if there’s anything you need, please don’t hesitate to call front desk.”
“Thanks so much.” Sara smiled.
Mira summoned the kids, who immediately joined them.
“Enjoy your stay!” Doris waved behind them as they headed for the elevator. Sam accompanied them up to their rooms, leaving with a large tip.
Thickly carpeted with a medley of dark fibers, the fourth floor had the same gold and dark brown wall paper as was seen in the lobby.
Wade, Norma and Tommy were taking number 407 and Sara, Mira and Rosie would be right next door in 408.
As Norma ran the bath water for Wade, he took a bag over to his mother’s room.
“So, we’ll wash up for dinner and head downstairs?” Sara said.
“Yeah. I think I’ll need about an hour.”
“Perfect!” Sara replied tiredly. “I can use a good soak myself.”
“You and I both,” Mira chimed in. “Wade, have Rosie come over for her shower please. It’s best she goes first since it’ll be quicker. Mom, I’ll go after you.”
“Sure thing. I’ll get her,” Wade said.
* * *
Rosie quickly headed into the bathroom and started the shower.
Mira walked over and stood at the door. “Make sure to stand on the rubber mat,” she said.
“Okay, Mom.”
Moments later, Rosie peeped from beneath the cascade of warm water. “Mom, why are you still standing there?”
Mira seemed to have drifted into space. “Do you have everything you need, honey?”
“Yes. Could you please go now? I’m not five anymore. I’m not going to slip down.”
Her comment brought a smile to Mira’s face. “Okay, okay. I’m outta here.”
After her shower, Rosie walked over to the oval, glass table in the corner of the room near the sliding door. From the door, she could see a double-lane bridge situated over a mass of water a distance away with various vehicles going and coming. She stood there thinking how cool it was that she could actually see the bridge from her hotel room. She glanced at her grandmother who had been watching television for a while, but now it was apparent that the roles had been reversed and it was watching her. Sara was lying down with her eyes closed, possibly well into dreamland.
A single glass sat on the table, which appeared to contain a small amount of water. Rosie picked it up and quickly gulped down the colorless liquid, then grimaced at the aftertaste. She went over to the other bed where Mira had set out a pair of clothes for her to put on.
Minutes later, Sara peeled her eyes open and saw Rosie sitting quietly at the foot of her bed. “You’ve had your shower, Pumpkin?”
“Yes, Nana,” Rosie answered.
“Where’s your mom?”
“In the bathroom.”
Sara sat up. “Are you okay? You look a little pale all of a sudden.”
“I don’t feel so good.”
Sara got up and immediately felt the child’s forehead. After rummaging through the luggage, she slipped out a thermometer from the medical kit and placed it in Rosie’s mouth.
“Hold it there under your tongue and we’ll see what’s going on, okay?”
Rosie nodded.
As Sara retrieved the thermometer, Mira entered the room in a long, white bathrobe. “What’s going on?” She was drying her hair with a towel.
Reading the gauge, Sara said, “Pumpkin’s not feeling so well, but she’s not running a fever.”
Mira rushed over and instantly saw the ailing look in her daughter’s eyes. She grabbed a flashlight and tongue depressor from the medical kit. “Honey, look at me.” She inspected her eyes, then checked her throat.
“I’m really sleepy and I feel like I wanna throw up,” Rosie said.
“Gas could be a part of the problem,” Sara suggested. “We haven’t eaten anything hot for a while.”
“When did you start feeling like this, honey?” Mira asked.
“Only after I drank the water from over there.” She pointed at the table.
Sara and Mira observed the empty glass.
“I don’t remember seeing that there. Mom, did you use that glass?”
“No, I didn’t,” Sara replied.
Mira went over and smelt the inside of the glass. “You drank out of this?” She looked at Rosie.
“Uh huh.”
Mira looked at her mother. “This isn’t water. It smells like alcohol.”
“Rubbing alcohol?” Sara began to worry.
Mira shook her head. “No. Either some type of champagne or vodka.”
“What? We don’t have anything like that in here, which means it must’ve been left there on the table by a previous guest.”
“Which also means they didn’t do a proper cleaning of this room.” Mira sighed. “How much of this did you drink?” She asked Rosie.
“It was just a tiny bit. It wasn’t even half full.”
Mira took the glass over to her and had her indicate the approximate amount of liquid that was inside.
“I’m gonna have to dash to the pharmacy and get her something, Mom. If she doesn’t feel better after several hours, we’d have to get some tests done. Hopefully, it wouldn’t come to that.”
“So, you don’t think we should take her to the hospital or clinic, or whatever they have around here to run the tests now?” Sara asked.
“It may not be necessary. If it’s just the alcohol that affected her this way, in a few hours, it should wear off. From what she’s indicated, it was a very small amount. I’ll get something for her stomach just in case she needs it.”
“Come and lie down.” Sara settled Rosie into bed. “You’re going to be just fine.”
“I feel a little sleepy,” Rosie said softly.
“I know, honey. You just get some sleep. Nana will take good care of you.”
Mira quickly got dressed and grabbed her small, leather purse. “I’ll find out where the closest drug store is.”
“Are you gonna get Wade to go with you?” Sara asked.
“Mom, I’m sure he’s exhausted. I’ll manage.”
“Are you sure, Sweet Pea? You’re in a strange town.”
“Don’t worry, I’ll be fine.” Mira headed for the door.
“Don’t forget to take your cell.”
She patted her purse. “I’ve got it!” Then quietly closed the door behind her.
6
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“I need to speak with the manager please,” Mira said.
“Is there something I can help you with, ma’am?” a younger lady she hadn’t seen at the front desk when they arrived, asked her.
“Are you the manager?”
“No, ma’am.”
“Then, no. You can’t help me,” Mira frankly asserted. “This is urgent, so please get him or her now!”
The lady quickly picked up the phone to summon the manager. “She’s coming right now,” she said to Mira upon hanging up.
Mira waited anxiously.
“Miss Cullen,” someone said behind her. “Is there something I can help you with?”
Doris Black, whom they had all met initially at the counter had appeared from the direction of the entranceway.
“I hope I didn’t keep you. Just getting back from a short break.”
“Look, I have a complaint,” Mira said. “As you know, we’ve just arrived here.”
“Uh huh.”
“Well, a glass was left in our room, I suppose from the previous guest, and without
our knowledge, my daughter drank whatever remnant of alcohol was left in the glass. How in the world can housekeeping be so careless as to leave something like that behind?”
“Ma’am, I am terribly sorry to hear that. Do you have the glass with you?”
“It’s upstairs.”
“Can I accompany you upstairs so you can show me the glass?”
“Right now, I need to find a drug store to get something to calm my daughter’s stomach.”
“Oh my! Does she need to see a doctor?” Doris asked worriedly.
“I am a doctor.”
“Oh, I see.”
“Can you tell me where the nearest pharmacy is?”
“Ah, yes. Go ahead and take the exit there on Roman Street and several yards up on the left is a pharmacy. You can’t miss it.”
“Thanks.”
“Is there someone in the room now, ma’am? Perhaps they can show me the glass your daughter drank out of?”
“My mom’s there. She’ll be able to show you.”
“Okay. I’ll be right up. Miss Cullen, I truly am very sorry about this. I’ll be sure to file a report and investigate this matter, and I’ll get back to you on it. Would you like for us to move you to another room? I’m sure we have another one available a few doors down on the same floor.”
“Actually, I think moving to another room is a good idea if you can ensure that it was cleaned properly.”
“I will inspect it myself. I can assure you of that. It’s horrible that your daughter got sick. I feel so bad about this.”
“All right. I’ll call my mom and let her know you’re coming.”
“Okay. And please, Miss Cullen, if you need anything at all — any type of assistance for your daughter, please let me know right away. We’ll get that all taken care of.”
“Thanks.”
Mira slid out her cell as she exited the hotel and headed over to the van. Wade had given her a spare key before they headed out for the trip. “Mom, the manager’s coming up to take a look at the glass Rosie drank from and she’s also going to move us to another room a few doors down.”
The Cornelius Saga Boxed Set Page 25