'Sookie, do you mind taking over the reception for a few hours? My mother needs a ride to the hospital,' Alexei asks in Greek. 'Sure,' Sookie says and goes to the reception. She straightens her shirt and goes to the reception. 'Καλή μέρα,' a young man says. Sookie greets him the same and asks him if he has a reservation.
The young man takes his dictionary English-Greek. 'Errr... A moment please,' the young man says in an different accent. 'You can say it in English if you want,' Sookie says, opening the reservation books. 'Oh! You're American,' the man says surprised. 'I am and you are neither American or Greek,' Sookie smiles. 'Ha, you caught me,' the young man smiles.
'I would like a room, for one,' the young man eventually says. 'And for how long would you like that room for one?' Sookie asks looking in the book. 'I don't know yet.' 'Ah we've got another runner,' Sookie says. 'A what?' He asks confused. 'Don't worry about it. We've got a room for one. It is possible that you need to switch rooms during your stay. Your room number is 7, now I only need your name and ID.' 'Erik Svenson,' Erik says and hands over his ID. 'Sweden,' Sookie says and writes down his name. 'Yeah,' Erik awkwardly says.
'I'll show you to your room if you can wait for a few minutes. Another person is coming to cover the reception. You can gather your luggage in the meantime.' Sookie says, gives back his ID and does some other shores. After fifteen minutes Erik sits in the chair at the reception with his stuff. 'So what's your name?' Erik asks after a while. 'Sookie.' 'Sookie? Original. Who came up with that?' 'My mother. It's from the Japanese word "suki" which means you love something or have a taste for that thing.' 'Special,' Erik nods. 'It is,' Sookie smiles.
Maria walks into the reception. 'Finally,' Sookie mutters irritated. 'I understand your language,' Maria says in English. 'You're five hours late,' Sookie says in English since Maria understands. Maria scolds some words in Greek and takes over the reception. Sookie rolls her eyes and takes the key to Erik's room. 'Mr. Svenson, follow me,' Sookie says formally. 'Now I feel old,' Erik laughs. Sookie takes one of his bags and leads the way.
After tree flights of stairs Sookie opens a door with the number 7. 'That were a lot of stairs,' Erik says out of breath. 'Try it with a vacuum.' 'What would a receptionist do with a vacuum?' Erik asks and puts his bags down. 'I'm not a receptionist. Maria was late so I had to take over her work,' Sookie says putting down the bag and opening the curtains. 'You got ocean view, you're lucky,' Sookie says and turns around to leave. 'Enjoy your stay,' she says.
'Wait!' Erik shouts as Sookie disappears out of the room. Erik runs after her to see her standing with her arms crossed at the stairs. 'Are you free tonight?' Erik asks, nervously scratching the back of his head. 'Why?' Sookie asks with a smile and raised eyebrow. 'Err... Would you like to grab a drink? I don't have any friends here.' 'Well of course you don't, you just got here,' Sookie says.
Erik looks at the floor in disappointment. 'I can't tonight, I have to babysit my brother,' Sookie says. 'But tomorrow is my day off.' Erik smiles. 'I'll see you tomorrow then,' he says and returns to his room. Sookie goes back downstairs.
Later that day, Alexei returns. 'We have one new guest,' Sookie says. 'Oh, great! The season is beginning again,' Alexei smiles. Maria joins them. 'Can I leave early?' She asks annoyed. 'No,' Alexei says. Another boss would've fired her, but she's his niece. 'Sookie, you can leave early, you have worked for two today,' Alexei says and writes something on a paper. 'Thank you!' Sookie says and takes off her apron.
Sookie takes her stuff and goes outside. She decides to take a walk on the beach before going home. She breathes in the salty air and smiles. She wiggles her toes in the sand. The wind goes trough her hair and she starts feeling the peace again. She has found the peace again, she has found it several months ago. She opens her bag and takes the letter from Thomas that came in this morning.
Sookie,
I have lost hope you will ever answer my letters, but it feels good to just write them. I can tell you the things I want to tell you, it's up to you if you read them and answer. Anyhow, Ophelia is doing great in kindergarten. She has stopped asking everyone what 'the special place' is where her mother went to. She misses you too. She keeps asking where her auntie Soo is and the candy she would bring. We all miss you.
Paul is excited he's going to his last year. It's a lot of practice, so he won't have to study so many theoretical things anymore. I hope he can breathe now. Mom is doing great. An artist from Italy has found her and wants her art on a convention in Napels next month. Valentine has a new cat, Donut. I keep wondering why he names his cats after food. He still wears your aprons. Maia is doing great. Mateo is definitely the perfect man for her, she is so happy every time we see her and talk to her.
I got promoted at work. I now make $200 more than I did. It's not much, but I'm happy. I am truly happy, sister. Paul makes me happy, Ophelia makes me happy. I want to marry Paul. I know it's not legal, but maybe a ceremony can be held? But if I ask him, and if we marry, I want my damn sister with me. I want Paul's best friend here. I want auntie Soo here.
I know you said you had a dark cloud in your mind, but to me you were always the sun. You made the room sparkle with joy. I miss you dear sister. Please give a sign of life.
Love,203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCzs9v0xRFf
Tom.
Sookie wipes away her tear and puts the letter back in her bag. That's the twentyfifth letter she's received. She takes another deep breathe and goes home.
'I'm home!' Sookie yells as she enters the house. 'Sookie!' Adrian says happily and hugs his sister. For the time Sookie has been here, she got fond of her little half brother she used to hate.
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJIuX54YwVo
