Hotel Umbra (Started)

Zander Foster

I crossed my arms and slouched in the seat of the golf cart, as we followed another up the path towards the hotel. The place was massive, and lovely, but mostly massive. I can't believe Dad talked me into coming here. This is gonna suck.

"I hope you'll enjoy your stay at the Hotel Umbra, sir," the caddy driver said perkily.

I looked at him sideways, evaluating him. He would be so easy to tear apart...no, I should save my venom up, so I can crush Nevil when I get home.

"Um, yeah, thanks," I said, unsure of how to reply.

"I'm sure you will," He continued happily. "We've got about everything you could want to do- mere minutes away."

"Do you have a farm?"

"What?" he asked incredulously.

"Do you have a farm?" I repeated, "You know, cows, horses, pigs, things of that sort?"

"W-w-wh-pheh-no sir," he stammered.

"Well that's what I like doing."

His eyes were wide. "Oh, well...I'm sorry sir. Had I known in advance, I assure you I would've tried to make accomodations."

He is such a butt kisser...oh well...I guess that's probably what makes him good at his job. I couldn't do it...He probably hates his job. I'd hate his job...I shouldn't be so mean to him; his life probably sucks.

"Eh, that's alright...do you have books?"

The boy beamed. "Yes sir! We have an enormus library, just off the lobby. I'd venture to say that it's got something in it that might interest you."

I nodded. My kindness for the day was used up. I figured I had probably be quiet.

I got out of the golf cart in front of the hotel, dug in my pockets, found a twenty crumpled into a little ball, and handed it to the boy, before I grabbed my suitcase and strolled into the lobby.

A short woman walked past a man, raising her hand to me in greeting. "Welcome!" she called.

I looked around me, and then realized she was talking to me. I eyed her suspiciously- people usually weren't this nice to me. They're setting me up for something.

"I'm Annie Marino, the hotel manager," she said, as she took my hand and shook it. "If you need anything, anything at all, and my employees can't get it for you, come to me right away."

I nodded.

She hesistated. "Are you alright, young man?"

"I'm fine."

"...Oh...Okay. You seem rather...aloof. Would you like to go to the spa to relax?"

"I want to go to my room."

"Oh...alright." She waived her hand and a boy came trotting over to us. "Take Mr.-?"

"Foster." I supplied.

"Take Mr. Foster's bag, and show him to the front desk."

"I'm fine," I said, keeping hold of my suitcase.

The boy looked between me and Annie uncertainly; Annie shrugged, and the boy smiled nervously. "Right this way sir."

I checked in, was shown to my room, and, at long last, left alone. I flopped down on my bed.

So.Many.People.

Viola Murtaugh

I got out of the plane, removing my sunglasses from my face. I smiled to the sigh of the massive hotel. I could see the people near the beaches, having their bit of time. I stepped into the golf cart, to see a bright boy beaming at me. I extended my hand to shake hands and he returned the favor.

We reached the hotel in a few minutes, as the boy explained me the facilities available here in the massive hotel. I was impressed. I stepped out and as I entered, I saw a short lady, all ready to welcome me inside.

"Welcome, ma'am!" she exclaimed. "I'm Annie Marino, the hotel manager."

"Why, hello!" I say. "What a warm welcome."

"Thank you. If you need anything my employees cannot provide, please feel free to come and talk about it to me." she said.

"I'll do that." I say, flashing her a smile. Of course, Hotel Umbra wouldn't dare to disappoint it's customers, would it?

She hands over the key to the boy, and he guides me to my suite - 304. It wasn't on the top most floor, it was just right for me. I'm not too much into heights. Helping me with the suitcase, he places it inside the suite and I look around inside.

"Thank you so much." I tell him, and lend him a small tip. He nods, beaming. He leaves, closing the door slowly behind him.

Lynn Caradean
I stepped off the plane, and looked around--my eyes widening at the sheer size of the resort. I'd never seen anything so big in my life. I slowly walked forward still staring at the hotel. "Ma'm, would you like--" said a man from a golf cart, extending his hand.
"No thanks," I replied, tightening my grip on my suit case and backpack. "I'll walk." The man looked surprised at my answer, but nodded. "As you wish."
The weather was perfect. The sun was shinning, it wasn't humid but it there was a cool breeze blowing. I closed my eyes and stopped in the middle of the path, breathing in the salt air. It was so peaceful. I continued walking, and after at least half an hour of slow meandering, I reached the hotel. When I walked in, a short woman rushed forward. At the sight of me--with my flushed cheeks and rumpled clothes and sweat glistening on my forehead, her lips pursed and her eye brow raised. Taking an instant dislike to her, I glared without meaning too. "Welcome to the Hotel Umbra. Micheal will show you to your room." She said shortly, snapping her fingers. A bell hop approached me and smiled "G'day miss."
"Hi," I whispered back, surprised at the genial young man. I had started to believe, even if I'd only met one person, that everyone would be unfriendly here. I let Micheal lead me out of the lobby, and to my room. Maybe it wouldn't be so bad after all.

I felt every single bump in the road as the bus drove toward the hotel. My father is going to Umbra much later since he was filming, but he sent me now. I had to check us in, see if this place is even worth staying in.

But I could have gotten a better ride than this.

The bus reeked of cigarettes and sweat socks, and I had to survive through it for three hours. God. It wasn't full though, there was only, like, fifteen people aboard out of thirty five spaces.

So, I really can't complain.

The seats weren't comfortable though and you couldn't really open the windows.

I decided to look outside and try to make myself feel better with the view.

I couldn't believe it. I held my breath as I took in the magnificent place. There was a cliff with a hotel on it, golf courses, a spa, everything was here. And right next to a beautiful beach. It looked like a Princesses mansion! The perfect sky of light blue with the perfect estate.

"Magnificent," I whispered to myself.

My eyes were drawn to the landscape. I couldn't feel anything anymore but the beauty of Hotel Umbra.

"Passengers, our next stop is Beach Madrid." The bus driver said.

I guess he can't stop at the hotel.

The bus came to a strong halt, pushing me into the seat in front of me. At least it was leather or that would have hurt. My face was plastered against the seat, my nose squished. I pulled myself together and stood up.

"Only you 'mam?" the driver asked.

"I guess," I smiled.

I pulled my suitcase from the storage above me and went to the open doors. The driver, a sixty year old man, smiled at me.

"I hope you have a great stay at that hotel, heard it's great."

"Thank you sir,"

I hopped off the bus and felt the cool air from the ocean float onto my skin. Shutting my eyes, I let myself get lost in the sound of waves crashing against the shore and the smell of sea salt in captivate me.

The bus drove off with a thump and a scent of diesel.

I opened my eyes and looked at the beach. Wow, the lightest blue I've seen in ages.

Some loud dubstep distracted me as it passed by. Looking up, I saw a white long limousine drive up to the hotel. It had to drive near the beach to get there. It was so close that I could see the passenger's face. He stuck it out the window to look at the view.

He looked vaguely familiar but I couldn't put my finger on it. Short dirty blonde hair, blue eyes... hmm.

"Hey, are you lost?" he yelled.

Was he talking to me?

The limo stopped driving as he opened the door.

"You with the green suitcase. You lost?" He had a British accent.

I looked down at my suitcase. It was green.

"Um, yeah... no, no, not really." I smiled.

"Where are you going?"

"Hotel Umbra," I started to walk closer to him.

"Me too, come with me. You won't have to walk to the hotel, no point."

Coming to a stop, I thought about what he had just said. I can't take a ride with him! He's just a random guy with a limosuiene.

But I don't want to go that far.

"Come on, don't doubt me. Just come, trust me. You'll be fine."

Fine, it better than walking.

I started walking again and he smiled. Pearly whites brighter with the sunlight bouncing off of them.

"Here, I'll take your suitcase, you get inside."

I did what he said and sat on these amazing black leather seats. White lights were along the edges of the interior of the limo. It was magnificent. The floor carpeted in a raggy white rug and a flat screen was plastered onto the ceiling.

He hopped in and we were on our way.

Spoiler

Sorry for making it so long ^^^^ there

Lucy Harold

We walked into this massive hotel, ceilings five stories high and a chandelier hanging off of it, crystals dancing against the light.

"Wow," I sighed.

"Yeah, amazing. Don't you think?" Shane asked.

"Yeah!" I smiled.

After the ride I finally figured out who he was. I was scrolling through my iPod and found him face. At first I couldn't believe it but I did. He was the lead singer of Hung Up. My favorite rock band.

I did scream, freaking out like one of those overly obsessed teenage girls but then I calmed down. I just couldn't believe I was in the same car as him, God, I didn't know we shared a planet! I thought it was that unbelievable to meet him.

He got scared of the screaming but got over it, thank God.

"Hi, welcome to Hotel Umbra. I'm the hotel manager, Annie Marino." A short woman smiled.

Ellie

I get out of the golf car with my three bags. I begin to walk into the hotel. A man takes my bags and opens the doors for me. “Thanks.” I say.

“No problem. Welcome to Hotel Umbra.” He says with a smile.

“Glad to be here. Where do I check in?” I ask.

“Right over here.” he says walking to the front desk with me.

“Thank you.” I say.

“Welcome to Hotel Umbra. May I have you name?” She asks.

“Yes, Ellie Blakely.” I say

“Ah right here.” She says. “You are room 13 just as you requested.” She says.

“Thank you.” I say. The man with my bags begins to take them to my room. I smile and follow him.
“Have a nice stay.” The woman at the front desk says.

“Thank you.” I begin to walk to my room, but am caught up by a crowd of people. "Hi everyone." I say. A few people shoot me a weird look but others wave. "Excuse me." I say making my way through the crowd.

Nora Sato
I land my plane on the runway. Thank god I brought my own jet, I would have hated flying first class. I step out of the plane, carrying nothing. I'd been coming here for over four years and I had bought a room. All of my things predelivered along with other things that I kept there year round. I golf cart pulls onto the runway.
"Joseph!," I call, waving. He gets out of the golf cart and hugs me. He was a rather old man, with big blue crinkled eyes and a big smile. He used to work at my modeling agency, but he worked as a janitor. He had a degree in business and had often helped me when I needed financial advice. He had been nearing sixty years old. I had offered him a large retirement check for his help, but he had insisted that he loved working. I had insisted to Hotel Umbra that he should get a job here. I had fixed him up as Head of Management. He had to work about three hours a day and the rest was just anything he wanted.
He had always insisted on picking me up whenever I stayed. I hopped into the cart and he caught me up on everything that had been happening for the past year. When we got to the hotel I made my way up to my room. I unlocked my door and found all my things waiting for me. Happy to be back I jumped straight onto the bed.

Can I reserve a spot for a male? Sorry if I'm too late.

Spoiler

Yes, that's fine, Catchphrase!

Jade Fairchild

I walked into the lobby and stood in the center of the tiled floor, hands on my hips, surveying the hotel. It was exquisite...well, I would've painted the ceiling differently, but other than that, it was absolutely gorgeous. "Yes," I murmured to myself. "This is going to be fun."

I was standing the middle of a growing crowd. Turning around slowly, I eyed my fellow vacationers. A lot of them were close to my age--a pleasant change from Annie's usual crowd. As I turned to face the main entrance, another girl walked in, and handed her bags to a bellhop. "Hi, everyone!" she said. A few people gave her weird looks, but I waved back, and caught up to her as she meandered through the crowd.

"Hi!" I said, walking up alongside her. "I'm Jade. What's your name?"

Ferdinand Arias

I sat on a marble bench at the edge of the lobby, reading my book. I was almost done with it--I'd have to go visit the hotel's library soon.

Out in the center of the lobby, the crowd of vacationers grew bigger and bigger. A hotel worker led a sulking boy and a few other women to their rooms, but many of the guests stayed and gaped at the lobby. There were two girls, one with very obviously dyed blonde hair, talking to each other, and another girl talking to...was that the lead singer of Hung Up? I think it was! I wasn't a huge fan of Hung Up, but the guy did have a good voice.

I turned the page of my book, but then looked up again. For some reason, the fake blonde was starting to annoy me. There she was, chatting it up with the natural blonde. I frowned--just as she turned around and looked at me. She made a face, something halfway between being confused and being creeped out.

I looked down quickly.

Zander Foster

My phone rang- an annoying tune my mother had set it to, and forbade me to change. I rolled my eyes and pulled it from my pocket- it was Dad.

I sighed. "Yeah?"

"Has your plane landed?"

"Yes."

"Are you in the hotel yet?"

"Yes."

"Where are you?"

"In my room."

"Ah, yes, did they get you that- whatever number from that ridiculous book you like- room?

I gritted my teeth. "42- yes."

"Good...why are you in your room?"

"Because I was anticipating this call, and didn't want people to hear it."

Dad sighed. "I'm not going to fight with you...Is it nice there?"

"Yep- massive and overly decorated. You'd like it."

"But you don't."

"Nope...but I bet Nevil would."

Dad sighed again. "Forget about Nevil. It's not healthy to hate him so much...try to enjoy yourself, okay?"

"'kay."

"Alright, call me sometime tomorrow."

"Yep. Bye."

I flipped my phone shut and sat up. Why was I sitting in my room? The boy said that there's a library somewhere. I bet it'll be polluted with people, though. I sighed, but pulled my hat down and started towards the door. I'd brave people, if it meant getting to books.

I slunk out the door, got turned around a few times in the long halls, and finally found my way to the library. I walked up to the circulation desk.

"Excuse me, ma'am," I started slowly, as the librarian looked up at me hatefully.

Unbelievable. I'm in a hotel- where people are paid to like people- and the librarian still hates me...The librarian bane.

"C-can you show me where the card catalog is? Or the computer catalogs?"

She sighed and pointed between two shelves. "On the back wall."

"Thank you."

I awkwardly walked through the library, trying not to stand out in my Redwings and faded jeans- among these high-class literates. I was half-way down a long shelf, when the titles of the books I was passing stopped me. Intrigued, I pulled one down- and voraciously tore apart the pages, pulling every word deep within my mind. I eventually sat down- right in the middle of the aisle- and surrounded myself with books; reading a bit here- a bit more from that book- trying to memorize the line in that book.

I was alone in the world for hours; I didn't notice the funny stares of people walking by me- or even the people at all- I didn't see the librarian's glares. There was nothing but me and my precious books.

My hand grabbed for a leather-bond book; a hand landed on top of mine. I jumped- startled at another's presence- and looked into the face of another boy who looked a bit older than me. I narrowed my eyes and him and pulled my hand away.

"Who are you?" I demanded.

"Ferdinand...and you?"

I eyed him suspiciously. "Zander...how long have you been there?

Spoiler

Hey people I changed Jake, like a lot.

Ellie

“Ellie, nice to meet you.” I say.

“Nice to meet you too.” She says. We continue to make small talk for a moment until she looks over at this guy. He immediately looks back down at his book.

“Do you know him?” I ask.

“No, but I do not think he like me.” she say. “Oh well, I will get over it.” she says laughing.

I manage to get a look at the cover of his book and find it is a James Patterson book. “I love that book.” I say quietly.

“What?” Jade says

“That book he is reading is really good.” I say. “I know I am a nerd, but no one knows.” I say laughing

“I do, but I will not tell.” she says.

Jake

I made sure Ellie left two hours before I did. I arrived at the hotel just a few minutes ago walk in the doors. I manage to find the front desk and check in. I turn around and see Ellie with her arms crossed behind me. “What are you doing here?” she demands.

“Um I need a vacation.” I lie.

“Go home.” she says. “I do not need you here to protect me.”

“Yes you do.” I say. “You do not know what people here could say about you. I do not want you to be upset.”

“I cannot control what people say. I do control what I think and I do not care what others say.” She turns and runs down the hall way. I grab her hand and pull her back. “Let go of me you creep.” she demands.


“You know you are happy to see me.” I say pulling her closer. She stomps on my toe and runs to her room. “Fine, play hard to get.”

Spoiler

Popping in at last. Woo.

Melinda B. Mercer

I shove strands of hair out of my eyes. First a horrible helicopter ride - the pilot was such an ignorant twit - and now a golf cart? So far, not so great.

Still, it's better than being at home. At least here I didn't have to deal with my manager twenty-four-seven.

"So, what brings you out here?" Chirps the little cart driver, a young brunette.

"Relaxation. Why else would I be at a resort?" I retort, pushing my sunglasses to the top of my head. A stupid question. But I was used to those by now.

"S-sorry," She stutters nervously before focusing her eyes on the road.

That left me in peace for the rest of the trip up to the cliff-face resort. The building, admittedly, is rather lovely. I was also told by the friend-of-a-friend that the accommodations are wonderful. Something to look forward to.

As soon as we come to a halt, I lower myself out of the cart and head toward the entrance, leaving the bellhop to take the two, large, rolling suitcases. As soon as I stepped inside, I strode up to the desk.

"Melinda Mercer. I have room 707 I believe?" I said to the woman behind the counter. She looked up at me, then down to type a few things in, then back.

"Yes, yes. One moment."

As she disappeared behind the counter, I took a moment to look around. Crystal Chandelier, tall ceiling... Nothing I hadn't seen before. Eventually, she popped back up and produced a card key.

I looked over my shoulder once more at the bellhop standing nearby with my things. I nodded once, and he led me to an elevator.

Once inside, I absently drummed my fingers on the wall as the young man shuffled awkwardly. Nothing unusual, not yet. But not too bad either.

Ferdinand Arias

I finished my James Patterson book in the lobby (a quick read, recommended by my sister; not one I would have picked on my own, but entertaining nonetheless) I found my way to the library and started working my way through the hotel's collection of books.

I wandered through the shelves for a while, trying to decide what to read first, and then began grabbing as many Anne Rice novels as I could. I had read my first one just a few weeks ago, and I hadn't been able to put it down. That was exactly what I needed right now--a good book to get lost in for a while.

I checked my watch quickly, sat down at a table, and then read the first book in my pile cover to cover. Once I was finished, I set it down and went in search of something else. I didn't want to finish all my Anne Rice on my first day here, after all.

As I peered down the aisle, my eyes settled on a leather-bound book about halfway up the shelf. I walked over and reached for it--

But my hand landed on top of someone else's. The person jumped, and then pulled his hand back. "Who are you?" he demanded.

"Ferdinand," I answered, gazing at him suspiciously. "And you?"

"Zander," he answered. "How long have you been there?"

I looked down at my watch. "About three hours," I replied. "You?"

Jade Fairchild

I reached out impulsively and slapped the other guy's hand off Ellie's wrist. "Dude!" I exclaimed. "Back off!" I put an arm around Ellie's shoulders and led her down the hallway. "Hey," I said. "You want to know a good place to hide?"

Ellie's face perked up a little, and she nodded.

"The spa," I continued, pointing toward the back of the hotel. "It's right over that way. That spa is so huge that it'll take him days to find us in there. Want to go?"

Viola Murtaugh

I opened my bag and swished out my journal. Taking out my camera, I decided to sketch the chandelier I saw down the hall when I came up. It was pretty hard to do it but I had caught a picture of it. But first, I needed to get fresh. Maybe the spa would help? No. I feel like reading a book! Then, with some inspiration, I could come back, write what happened today in my diary and continue writing that story I stopped a few months back.

Slipping on to my white buckled up with black belt dress which comes only till my knees, I fixed my hair and made my way to the library. God, this place was more than confusing! I asked one of the employees for help.

"Hey!" I say, reaching out for someone. He turned to me with his glistening blue eyes.

"Yes, ma'am?" he responded.

"Hi, there! Could you tell me which way leads to the library? I'm kind of lost."

"Sure, thing. Just take a left, and then the second right from there. You'll find it there."

Carefully listening to what he's saying, I note it all down in my head. I nod, a way for his appreciation. I make my way and find a huge brown door written "Hotel Umbra - Library". Wow. It seemed really huge. I entered and looked around. I think the library would surely have all the books of the world here. The receptionist smiles and I smile back, being polite. My phone rings. Phoebe, who is my best friend and the most kind person to share her flat with me. I pick up excited.

"Hello?!" I say, squeaking a little which makes two guys stare at me. Oops. Hiding my mouth, I go into the corner of the library to get some privacy.

"Heey! Did you reach?" Phoebe exclaims.

"Yes! Oh, Phoebe! If only you had come with me, this place is massive! The rooms are amazing."

"Work comes first, but you make the best of your days, alright?"

"Okay. I'm at the library now so, I'll call you later?"

"Always behind the library? Nerd. You must have read a 1000 books already. I was cleaning your book shelf and believe me, I was shocked! You have almost everything! And you need to read more?"

"Books are fascinating, so get your facts right! They're fun to read!" I say, smiling.

"Oh, your wish. Okay, I have to go now. Bye."

"Bye."

I slap the phone cover down, and search some books from the shelf. I'm looking for realistic ones. Probably, books that tell you that you've had a last life or something. My hand comes to a book that I could almost scream! I have been looking for this book for maybe AGES! I pick it out, and stare at it, amazed. It's Dr Brian Weiss's Many Lives, Many Masters! Oh.My.God.

I run over to pick a chair so I could spent my own sweet time reading it. I was a pretty fast reader. I had my journal beside me to note down some ideas too. I look at the people in front of me who are the two guys who gave me a look when I squeaked down the hall. I raised my eyebrows at them, and one of them chuckled. They look down at the book.

"I've read that one. Its amazing." he says, looking at me.

"Oh. I'm a huge fan of Dr Brian Weiss. His writings are spooky and at the same time, realistic. Don't you think?"

The guy stares at me, shocked. So much for being a nerd. The brown haired guy gazes at the other guy who seems shocked. He shrugs, and introduces himself to me.

"I'm Ferdinand Arias and I think what you said about Dr Weiss is absolutely true. I might have read that a million times."

"I'm--" Before I could introduce myself, the other guy sitting next to Ferdinand, jumps in and introduces himself.

"I'm Zander Foster. I read lots of books too, but maybe not Dr Weiss. But other's yes."

"That's great. I'm Violet Murtaugh. But you can go by Viola." I say, smiling and look down to read my book. I've made friends already which was a good sign.

"So... What're you reading?" I ask them.

Ferdinand shows me a Anne Rice novel and Zander had a leather-bond book which looked interesting. Guess both of them were nerds like me too.

"So, what do you do at your free time?" Zander asks me.

"Me? Well, nothing much. I'm a huge fan of books, nature and photography. Maybe a workaholic." I reply.

They look and me and chuckle. I roll my eyes, and go back to reading. Zander tells me what he does.

"I do farming mostly. But this stupid place doesn't have anything of that sort and the thing that only came into my interests are books. Nothing else."

"You should do some activities. Go to the beach and hit the midair. Its a different experience." I suggest.

"Nah." he says. Silence. Then, for a few minutes I realize, Ferdinand wants to join in our conversation so to make him happy, I ask him the same.

"What do you do, Ferdinand?" I ask.

He looks up. "Oh-Oh. Well, read. And I love history so, I'm always behind that."

"Interesting." I say, honestly. I loved history too. Maybe one of the best subjects.

I scribble somethings onto my journal, as the three of us are reading our books. But all of a sudden, I want to sketch. So, I start sketching and reading at the same time. I'm so weird. Putting the pencil down, I rest my head on the table and get up again, pulling my hair back. So, I've already got some tips which is great. Now, to get all these ideas which seems like a jigsaw puzzle into its right place.