Episode 35 - The Stranger
It was dark outside; I could hear the rain pouring and devouring the sidewalks outside my manor.
It was exhausting, honestly. When one loved the rain, after all these years, they certainly could get bored of it.
I sighed as I sat at my desk, gazing further in the room with lowered lashes.
Edward… he said he’d be here tonight, but judging by this rain, he was going to take a while longer.
Not that it mattered, he was a demon. He did as I said but he was not contracted to be on time… nor to do my bidding.
He was dedicated to the cause, not me personally.
Depressing. I’d love to be that little Phantomhive girl with her demon butler. So, very, very depressing.
It was sad that I didn’t get to go to her little party, honestly. I sent the Overtaker there as my presence but honestly… I regretted it.
I wanted to know more about the Phantomhive girl. She was so pretty and blossoming… a truly desired being to be around. And her butler… so dashing and handsome. Irresistible.
I couldn’t care less about her servants. Those low-lifes never get the job done.
I sighed again and gazed down at my watch, checking the time to find the clock ticking past eleven.
I then stood, brushing off my skirt.
It seemed as if I wouldn’t be expecting Edward tonight.
I then walked out from the room, letting out a soft yawn as I extended my arms upward.
But I finally set them down, making my way to my bedroom.
I guess it was time to retire, anyway.
But suddenly the doorbell echoed through my chambers, and I froze, turning and gazing back at the entrance.
Edward?
I bolted and dashed further down the halls until I met the door, and I threw it open.
My shoulders sank.
It wasn’t Edward.
A tall girl stood there. One with blonde, damp hair and a large trench coat. She also had a large briefcase with her, one the size of a suitcase itself.
I then stood straighter, eyes sparkling when I took in her beautiful green eyes and perfectly feminine face.
She was gorgeous.
“Hello,” she said then, laughing nervously as she covered her head with a purse. “I was just wandering the streets and got lost in this rainstorm. It seems as if my phone has no service. Do you mind… if I use the telephone?”
“Of course!” I said then, beaming. “It must be hard, being lost in a storm so heavy. I have a landline! It should go anywhere you wish it to.”
I immediately stepped out of the way and let her into the house, and she stepped in kindly, bowing before standing up straighter. “How kind of you.”
I closed the door behind her and stepped forward, beckoning for her to follow.
She did, and I guided her all the way down to the end of the hall, where a landline rested on a small table.
“There you are,” I said kindly, stepping backward. “I shall give you privacy.”
She bowed again. “Thank you so much, madam.”
I just smiled and nodded, turning away and stepping further down the hall so she was out of ear shot.
My, my! A guest!
I haven’t had one of those in such a long time! Life was so incredibly boring… I missed human interaction. I was stuck in this house all day brooding and doing chores. Edward insisted I never left.
Ugh. That vile demon.
He was a good resource, though.
I just sighed and bowed my head down.
If only I could convince her to stay… I was so lonely. I would love to have a guest for the night. A presence, nonetheless.
But, suddenly, she piped up:
“What do you mean you can’t come until tomorrow? I’m stuck in the middle of nowhere!”
I turned then, eyes sparkling.
She just gritted her teeth. “I don’t care! Drive through the storm then!”
Silence drew out as the person on the other line responded.
“Useless!” She just slammed the phone down, breathing heavily.
I then stepped over to her, pretending to act oblivious. “Is something the matter?”
She gazed up then, cheeks shaded a light red as she bowed her head. “My only ride refuses to drive through the storm. No matter how much I pay him.” She gazed up then. “I have nowhere to go… what should I do?”
I felt myself lighten with excitement.
I just smiled a little and closed my eyes. “Uhm… I can offer a room? I have many open!”
“Oh, no,” she said then, looking a bit embarrassed. “I can’t do that to you.”
“I insist!” I said then, beaming. “I don’t want you out there all night finding a hotel. It wouldn’t do good to catch a cold… and there’s no town for miles. It’s the least I can do.”
She gazed up hazily. “Well… I guess I can. If it’s no bother to you.”
I shook my head, laughing nervously. “Nah. Honestly, I hadn’t had guests in ages. It would be nice to have company on such a cold, rainy night.”
She smiled then and nodded. “Thank you so much. I wish I can repay you.”
“No payment needed,” I said then, turning to the right. “Here… there’s a guestroom right here. So if you need to call someone, walk right out!”
She smiled kindly. “Thank you, madam. This is amazing of you, really.”
I just shook my head, opening the door. “Don’t thank me. It’s the least I can do.”
She stepped in the room then with her giant suitcase, gazing around curiously as I stood at the door.
“Uhm, so there’s a bathroom on the right if you need to wash up,” I said then. “And I keep fresh clothes in every guest room just in case yours are wet.” I smiled kindly. “If you need food or drinks, feel free to call me! My room’s down the hall with giant doors. You can’t miss it.”
Right before I closed the door, I paused and reopened it. “Oh, sorry… in all this rain and excitement, I forgot to ask your name.”
She stared and blinked, but then smiled sweetly. “Oh, my name is Scarlet. Scarlet Manslaughter.”
“My name is Claudia.” I smiled then, excited to have a guest with such a rare name. “I’ve never known someone called Scarlet. It’s always one of those names that seem so common, but you never know someone named that.” I laughed nervously. “Your last name is menacing, too. It’s very chilling.”
She gazed up, looking shy. “I didn’t pick it. People overestimate me, honestly.”
I just gazed up at her kindly. “Anyways, if you need anything. Feel free to call me!”
She nodded once, quickly.
I just closed the door behind her, trotting off.
A large smile spread across my face as I skipped down the hall.
Ahh! A guest with such noble clothing and such beautiful style! Her name was gorgeous, too!
This was so exciting!
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