Hotel Umbra (Started)

Zander Foster

Ferdinand looked at his watch. "About three hours. You?"

I shrugged. "A while."

Ferdinand rolled his eyes. "I'm sure you think you're very clever."

I shrugged again. "Usually- yes. Right now, however, I simply do not know how long I've been here. I mean, I could lie-make up a number- but...that's not really my style."


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.

A girl stopped at the aisle. She was beaming, and answered a phone, squeaking in excitement. "Hello?"

Ferdinand and I stared at her- making her flush a pretty pink color, cover her mouth, and scuttle off to a corner. We watched her go, mouths dropping in amazement.

"Dang! She's fine." I say, staring stupidly.

Ferdinand nodded in agreement. "She sure is pretty."

"For sure...I'm going to talk to her."

"Me too."

I glare at Ferdinand. "I saw her first."

He shrugged. "It's her choice."

I snort, knowing I couldn't argue with his reasoning- he was right, after all. I cockily stride down the aisle, and turn towards where the girl had disappeared to- she was sitting in a chair, beginning to read a book. She looks up at us and raised her eyebrows.

I chuckled nervously.

"I've read that one. It's amazing," Ferdinand says, gesturing at her book, gazing into her face.

Zander-0
Ferdinand-1

"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 girl asked sweetly.

I stared at her stupidly- shocked that she was so much deeper than most girls I knew. Ferdinand looks at me, shrugs, and turns to the girl. "I'm Ferdinand Arias and I think what you said about Dr. Weiss is absolutely true. I might have read that a million times."

Ferdinand was two up.

"I'm-"

"I'm Zander Foster." I said quickly, being sure to get into the conversation before it was too late. "I read lots of books too- maybe not Dr. Weiss, but others- yes."

"That's great." The girl smiled. "I'm Violet Murtaugh, but you can call me Viola."

She looked down at her book, but, a moment later, looked back at us.

"So... What're you reading?" Viola asked.

Ferdinand showed the girl an Anne Rice novel and I held up the leather-bound book, which I had gotten- not Ferdinand. The girl nods.

"So, what do you do at your free time?" I ask.

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

I laughed nervously. She rolled her eyes and went back to her reading. No! I've got to get her talking about something...

"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." I say, hoping for her to invite me to do something with her.

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

"Nah."I say slowly- really hoping she'd try to convince me to go. Silence.

"What do you do, Ferdinand?" She asked.

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

"Interesting." Viola said.

She begins to scribble something into her journal- I sit down in a chair next to her, and begin reading my book- Ferdinand sat on her other side. We sat in silence for a long time- her furiously scribbling into a journal- before she sets her head down on the table. In a moment she picked it back up, pulled her hair back into a pony tail, and stood.

I jump up. "Do you want me to carry your books? I don't mind at all."

She smiled. "No, that's okay..."

"Oh, okay...are you leaving?"

"Yeah...I think I'm going to my room for a bit."

"Okay...You said the midair was pretty cool?" I ask.

She nodded.

"I might have to try that."

She smiled. "Good."

I felt my stomach flutter with her pretty smile. "Oh god you're pretty." I whisper.

"What?"

I cleared my throat, my face flushing red. "I-um- uh... Do- do you want to go on the midair with me, later? I don't know how to get there- and- well..."

I watched her hopefully.

Ellie

“Um yes, anything to get away from that creep. Lead the way.” I say.

“Great, so why is she so obsessed with you?” She asks.

“Well we dated for like three months and I did not like him very much.” I say.

“Why not?”

“He is a jerk and thinks he is so cool and he is kind of controlling. It got old fast, so I moved on and he has not.” I say.

“Oh. Well he will never find us in here.” she says leading me into the spa. We tell the lady our names and go change into our robes. Once we change, we go sit in the pedicure chairs, while they put facials on our face and rub our shoulders.

“Yep this is great.” I say.

Melinda B. Mercer

Eventually, I follow the bellhop out of the elevator and to the door of my room. I hand him my key and he opens the door, rolling the suitcases inside.

"Thanks," I say, taking the key back as he leaves.

Now what to do? I stand there a moment, trying to remember what there was in the brochure. Not able to come up with much, I shrug my shoulders, then proceed to open one of the suitcases. Inside lies a white acoustic guitar with gold detailing.

I smile. It was a graduation present from my father, and something I cherish. Not that I would tell anyone that, of course. I do have an image to keep up. After a moment of thought, though, I remove the instrument and sling it over my shoulder.

A number of minutes later, I'm out of my room and back in the ground-floor lobby. There, I find a fairly secluded corner, seat myself in a cushioned chair, and adjust my guitar. A few chords, and I'm feeling better.

And that's when a song pops into my head - an older tune by Switchfoot, something most people have heard. I tap a few beats out with one foot, then begin strumming the opening notes, followed by quiet singing.

"Welcome to the planet, welcome to existence..."

Lynn Caradean

As soon as I entered my room, I knew I was going to like it here. The room was light and airy, the window was already open with the curtains closed against it--causing the curtains to flutter like fairy wings. Everything was so clean and spacious. It was the perfect room for a person like her. Dropping her bag on the bed, she decided her first order of business would be to change into comfortable clothes and go exploring. She slipped out of her room and walking down the hallway, looking around at the pictures hanging on the wall. Before I got very far though, a guy around my age exited his own room and turned towards me. I blushed and tugged at my braid. I was about to continue walking, but he said something that stopped me. "Hi, I'm Shane."

Nora Sato

After staring at the ornatmental swords on my wall I jumped out of bed. I was done taking in my room, so I decided to go get my surfboard which was stashed in the library office. I dressed in a black bikini and just walked through the halls with nothing on but that.
No one here really cared if you wore clothes here, so I never really bothered. I walked into the ridiculously large library and into the office where Krystal, the librarian, was texting with someone. I assumed her boyfriend. She was a nice girl, about twenty, with Heather blonde hair, and huge brown eyes.
"Surfboard?"
"Right over there," she responds, pointing at the wall behind me.
i thank her and take my board. I walk out of the officeI see two boys and a girl. One was fumbling over her nervously while the
other just watched, amused.
The one that seemed nervous appeared to be asking her out on a date.
I snorted, it was louder then I expected and it carried the whole way across the room.
He drops his book out of nerves and I walk out.

Lucy Harlod

I looked at the plump woman as she stood behind a marble counter. There were key cards stacked in a box on the desk, waiting for their tenants. A Bellhop held our bags, counting them. Six all together.

"Can I have your name please?" she asked us.

"I'm Lucy Harold,"

"Shane Delowski,"

With a smile, she handed us our room card keys - pulling them out of the box.

"You have 256 Ms. Harlod... and Mr. Delowski you have room 378."

I grabbed my key card, slim and silver. It looked like a credit card but into a room of relaxation. Finally away from my dad's rants about which actor did the scene wrong and why this script won't work.

He thankfully gave us separate rooms from each other, knowing that I'm tired of the complaining and hard work.

Looking around the lobby, I saw how magnificent it was once again. The linoleum floors, marble walls and exquisite chandelier. It's irreplaceable. Dad should record this place, not the beach.

I saw a group of people our age invading the lobby, engulfed in the beauty. But one boy was sitting on a marble bench reading a James Patterson book. Not like I read them myself, but my father is fond of them. He took a glance at the room before landing his eyes on a fake blonde.

"Want to play Tennis with me?" Shane disrupted me.

With a jump, I replied. "Ye-yeah,"

"Did I scare you?"

"Maybe a little..." I smiled.

Shane Delowski

This place was the perfect spot. Relax and ease. Away from the starlight. It's just odd that many people here were my age and not very known... sorry but I'm used to the celebrities.

Lucy. Lucy Harold. I knew that name from somewhere. But once I found her on the beach alone, I knew she was a good person. Maybe she was one of those Unicef people or something.
But if she were that then why would she be stranded on a beach going to the same hotel as me? I don't know. But she seemed really nice. I don't know why I even picked her up! I mean, I don'y do that to random people.

After getting our key cards, we went our separate ways to get ready for Tennis. The elevators were awesome. All glass so you could see the amazing views of Beach Madrid, and quick so you could make it to the top in point two seconds.

I reached my floor and stepped out, pulling my bags with me. Linoleum floor just like the lobby but white paneling, it looked like French Doors but they were walls. I saw my room number, three-hundred-and-seventy-eight.

Shane Delowski

Warm. Brown. Eyes.

That's all I saw. I felt hot all over as my heart sped to a million beats per second. I couldn't help it.

"Hi, I'm Shane," I smiled.

Her face flushed to a shy pink.

"Hi, I'm Lynn,"

I even loved her voice. I didn't know what else to really say. The hall felt claustrophobic now, closing in on us as the tension got stronger.

"I like your hair..." I said, scratching the back of my neck.

"Oh," she looked at her own braid, her tiny fingers playing with it. "...thanks," her blush grew.

"Um..." I swung my Tennis racket back and forth.

Why am I holding a Tennis... racket. Lucy.

"Wanna come down and play Tennis with me?" I tried.

-Teddy-

I arrive late to the hotel , I walk over to the check-in desk , and check in , They give me my room key , just as I was about to walk away , I turn back to ask the lady where my room is , but she is gone , I wonder around the hotel for about half an hour going floor to floor , looking for my room , only to find my self lost , I think to my self "how many floors does this place have!" , I wandered around for about another hour , finnally I mange to find my room , I dump my stuff , in my room, and get changed to head for the pools , On my way to the pools , I notice , someone slinking around the hotel ,a Guy I think it was , I pass through a few corridors to get to the elevator , when I get in , I pressed a random number.

Viola Murtaugh

I got up with a bunch of books on my hand so, that I won't get bored. I told the receptionist, and as I was about to go out, Zander slightly jumps and came quickly jogging up to me, smiling.

"Do you want me to carry your books? I don't mind at all." he says, offering which was really sweet of him.

"No, that's okay..." I reply, smiling. I really didn't want to bother anyone on the first day itself. It would be mean.

"Oh, okay..." he said, pretty bumped out. "Are you leaving?"

"Yeah... I think I'm going to my room for a bit." I say, nodding.

"Okay... You said the midair was pretty cool?" he asks.

I nod, smiling. I place the books on the reception table as the lady takes down the names of the books I'm borrowing.

"I might have to try that."

Yes! Got someone convinced to hit the beach.That was a good sign. I smiled again. Why was I smiling so much? "Good." I respond.

I take the books again and hear him say something under his breath. I'm very sure I heard the word "pretty". I frown in a nice way, and turn back, chuckling a little.

"What?"

I can see Zander trying to find his voice somewhere inside him. Oh, god, he was so sweet. Maybe someone I haven't met in a long time. A different guy, who likes reading books. Enjoys farming. A very different guy and I'm kind of starting to like him.

"I-um- uh... Do-Do you want to go on the midair with me, later? I don't know how to get there- and- well..." he says.

I laugh a little, with books on my hand as we make our way out of the library. I wave at Ferdinand who seems to be deeply into the book. I look at him, and he's waiting for a reply.

I sigh. "Is Zander Foster asking me on a date?" I ask, raising my eyebrows.

"Wha-What? No! It's just, you know. Just wanted to try out what you said. Teach me how to enjoy the midair." he says, his face going red a little.

"I'm just joking. Don't worry. Of course, I'll come. The thing is, even I don't know how to get there, but we'll find out, yes?" I stop at the elevator.

"Yeah... Sure. So, I'll pick you up at 7 in the evening?" he asks, hopefully.

"That would be great. Thanks." I say, stepping to the elevator. "I'll meet you there, then! Bye!" I say, waving.

"Wait! What's your room number?" he yells to me before the door closes.

"304!" I yell back, giving him one last wave as to see all my books drop down, and the door closes. I pick them up again, balancing it, and make my way to the room, struggling to unlock it. I somehow manage and enter.

Placing the books on the desk, I sit on the bed. Now... What do I wear to the beach today?

Jade Fairchild

The pedicurist had just finished painting my toenails, when I heard footsteps. "Ellie!" a voice called. "Ellie!"

"Oh, no!" Ellie exclaimed. She hopped up, pedicure sandals and all, and looked about wildly for a place to run.

"Come on, this way!" I said, grabbing her wrist and pulling her into another room. "Here, grab a robe!" I snatched two robes from a shelf, and tossed one to Ellie. "Put that on over your clothes," I instructed as we ran. "We can hide in the sauna!"

Ellie and I slung our robes on and jumped into the nearest sauna, closing the door tightly behind us. Ellie ran all the way to the back of the room, and I stayed near the front, to block that creep's view. I peeked out, hoping he wouldn't recognize me from earlier.

Ferdinand Arias

I frowned as Viola left, silently cursing myself for not speaking up. And I had wasted such a good conversation starter, too--I was a huge Dr. Weiss fan.

"I'm gonna go," Zander said, picking up his book as he stood. "See you later, I guess."

As he walked out, I stared at the back of his head. Idiot, I thought to myself. You just let farm kid get a date with Viola. I scowled, replaying their awkward conversation in my head. I sure hope he doesn't stammer that much all night...

Shaking my head, I opened my book again. Zander was one problem that would have to wait until tomorrow. I started reading the introduction, but then closed it again, to look at the cover. I thought I recognized the writing--it was a Dr. Weiss book. Imagine that.

I opened the book again--and I heard a loud crack, followed by a series of deeper booms. Just seconds later, rain started pelting the hotel, filling the echo-prone library with noise. There was a bright flash--lightning--

And then the lights went out.

Mercedes (Rachel) Rienders

~I watched as the girl left after being asked out by one of the guys. No one had noticed me, hiding here on top of the book shelves. Honestly it's one of my favorite places in this place. Another is the forest up in the trees, and the chandelier in the dance hall. The sad thing is that no one looksup anymore. Ever. It's sad, but useful in my case.

So cute I thought as the guy as he sat back down. They reminded me of one of me story-lines, the one with Annabeth-Rose and Marcelo. I smile as the characters and events came rushing back to me, sweeping over my mind body and soul like a warm blanket.

Then the lights went out.

I knew the guys bellow me started shouting, but I didn't pay attention. This was perfect. I stood and ran across the top of the shelf and jumped to the next and the next, making my way to the ginormous window. I stand on the ledge, looking out at the storm. Images flash through my head of Marcelo collapsed out in the middle of a storm, unable to go on without Annabeth-Rose. My smile gets bigger as the scene plays out, becomeing more prominent and playing with my emotions.

Beautiful.

I turn behind me to see if the guys have seen me. No, they haven't. Immedietly reach into my bag to pull out my note book to write this down. I frown. No. My hand flies around the bag, frantically searching for it. It's not there. But I had it when I came down. . . I stood and ran back across the shelves, going back to where I was. The two guys had a flash light now, and were waving it around.

They hadn't spotted me yet, but. . . There! It was at the edge of the shelf. I reached for it but one of the guys must have bumped into the shelf because it went over the edge. It landed on the ground with a loud 'Plop!'. The guys immedietly turned the light at the book. One of them bent to pick it up and opened it.

D**n it! They can't look at it!

I picked out one of the books and lobbed it at the guy picking it up. There was some exclamations, then the light flashed up at me.

Uh-oh, didn't think that through.

I quickly ran across the shelves, finding a place to hide. I'll have to get it back later, and make sre they don't steal any of my ideas.~

Ferdinand Arias

As I picked up the journal, another book toppled from the shelf--Volume P of the Encyclopedia Britannica. One of the other people, the guy with the flashlight, pointed up at the shelf, where a pair of shoes was just disappearing. There was a person up there!

"Hey, wait!" I shouted, stuffing the journal in my back pocket. I ran down the aisle, listening for the person's footsteps. The library had a strange way of echoing, though, and after just a few seconds of chasing, I had no idea where the person had gone.

I froze, listening for the footsteps again. At the front of the room, the glow of the flashlight bobbed up and down, and then disappeared as the person ran out. The library was plunged into darkness.

I crept forward, still listening for that person's footsteps, but all I could hear was the rain and the occasional thunderclap. Outside, a giant fork of lightning lit up the sky, the thunder that followed making the building shake.

Then I heard a series of soft taps--close by. I spun around and looked up at the bookshelves, but no one was there. Slinking forward as slowly as I could, I glanced around wildly, trying to see where the person had gone. I normally wasn't skittish like this, but the noises were starting to creep me out...

Then I froze, and listened carefully. Was that...breathing?

I turned around slowly, and looked up at the shelf behind me.

Melinda B. Mercer

I glance up as the lights flicker out around me, leaving the lobby cloaked in black. One of the women at the front desk lets out a little squeak in surprise, and then a few other voices are chattering about what to do now.

I strum a few chords from memory, then sling the instrument onto my back, stand up and maneuver my way to the counter. Not the easiest thing to do in the inky darkness. I almost trip a few times on the way there - plants, chairs, and even once I think over a floor tile.

"Excuse me," I call, gaining one person's attention, "What's going on?"

As if to answer me, a fork of lightning momentarily lights the room, followed by a loud peal of thunder.

I shake my head, choosing another question before the first can be answered, "How long till the lights come back on?"

"Well, that depends."

"Depends on?" I practically growl.

"How long the storm lasts." She chirps back, ignorant to the growing annoyance. I'd never liked the dark much - it wasn't that it scared me, so to say, just that it made me a bit uneasy.

After a moment, a flashlight flips on and is handed across the counter. "Here. Don't trip."

I nod a silent thank you, then start walking off. May as well explore while everyone else is probably cooped up in their rooms.

After wandering down hallways, up and down stairs, I finally come to a door. "Library" proclaims the sign hanging over the entrance.

As I stepped in, lowering my light to the floor, another person with a flashlight ran out. Were there people in here? Did I really care?

No, not really.

With a sigh, the sound of footsteps in the background, I find a table near the front and take a seat. Soon after that, my head meets the table. Tired, that's all. Just tired.

Nora

I was riding a wave when the first flash hit. The rain came first, only getting in my eyes a bit, nothing I couldn't handle. But then lighting struck, and a wave came and broke my board. I fell into the water, and swam to the shore as fast as possible. I sprinted towards the hotel, kicking myself for not visiting my trainer earlier this week.
When I reached the hotel the power was out, though an employee brought me a towel.
Storms happened a lot here, but this one was ridiculously strong. I glanced down at my leg.
There I was, standing in the hotel, my entire leg gushing blood. Then I blacked out.

hey guys. Sorry I have not posted in a long time. My stupid charger for my computer broke and it has not came yet. The I pad is hard to type on so sorry for all the miss spellings and stuff. I have also been super busy.

Ellie

The lights go out in the sauna. "Jade we need to get out of here." I say.

"He is still out there though." She says.

I sight. "This creep." I tell you. "He won't leave, so we might as well just walk out of here." I walk to the door and open it. It is pitch black. There are no windows in the spa. I whisper is Jades ear and tell her to run for the exit.