Victor woke up to the sound of whispers. He couldn’t understand a word they were saying because it was Latin and they were speaking very fast.
Once he started to move and groan, the voices stopped. Victor opened his eyes only to close them back a few moments later. The light was too strong and he needed time to adjust to his surroundings. He heard someone say something and the curtains closed giving him the chance to try again and successfully open his eyes. His vision was still a little blurry but he could make out who was around him: on his left were two men, looking the same yet wearing different clothes. As his vision became clear, he noticed the color of their eyes: they were blue but the way they were staring at him made Victor feel like they were icicles. And then he turned to his right where was a petite and plump woman holding an empty tray in her hand.
“You shouldn’t move too much or your head will hurt.”
Her French accent was really heavy but he managed to understand what she said.
Victor shifted and leaned his head against the wall. He was in a bed and the others were staring at him like he was a ghost.
“Where am I?” His voice was hoarse. The petite woman handed him a glass of water and he gulped it down in one go, “How did I get here?”
“He asks a lot of questions, doesn’t he?” One of the men said to the other, getting a light punch in the shoulder as response.
“You’ve been in an accident. You’re lucky they found you or else you would be dead.” Explained the plump French woman, her eyes widening as she spoke.
Victor frowned, not because he barely made out what she said but because he couldn’t remember a thing.
“An accident?” he asked, “Who found me?”
She turned and pointed at the two boys.
“We only carried you here. The one who found you was Mistress.” The first boy said as the second boy nodded along.
“She took care of your head wound. You were lucky. She doesn’t do good deeds just for anybody,” explained the second boy.
Their accents sounded very different from what he imagined. It was quite clear to Victor that none were Italian. Besides, those two pairs of icy blue eyes held so much intensity that holding in their gazes was overwhelming. It was impossible not to feel intimidated under those eyes.
“Well, thank you then.” said Victor meekly, avoiding the twins by looking at his hands.
The twins glanced at each other before they both turned to the woman, having some sort of muted conversation.
“How long have I been here for?” Interrupted the guest.
“A year.” The woman responded softly.
Victor’s eyes widened and he jumped out of bed fast. He looked down only to see he was wearing unfamiliar clothes; they were comfortable and seemed very expensive. Now, that he was taking a closer look at his surroundings, everything was expensive. His eyes stopped on a painting before he walked in front of it and gasped.
“That’s a Michelangelo,” whispered Victor in bewilderment.
He turned towards the strangers quickly and looked at the bed. It was located close to the windows and had a wood table right across. The room didn’t have a TV but it had a gramophone. He walked towards the bed and touched the sheets. They were natural fabric, very soft too. He knew how expensive and old fashioned it was.
“Where am I?” He asked again.
“The Moonflower Hotel.” Was the answer that formed on their lips.
That was both strange and entrancing. Themselves, as human beings, looked and acted very strange. He didn’t know them but he was getting the feeling that he didn’t want to know more about them. The woman left quickly after she smiled softly at him but the twins did not.
“What’s wrong?” Victor asked warily.
The taller twin dressed in a red uniform walked closer and stared at him with a blank face.
“My name is Abel and that’s my brother, Kain. We are in charge of rooms and accommodation here, at the hotel. If you ever need something, we will come to you.” He cracked a charming smile and walked out, his brother following close.
Once he was left all alone in the room, Victor sighed. He looked for his bag or something that he supposedly had with him before the accident but couldn’t find anything; not even his clothes. He spent another two hours standing and inspecting his room. It was magnificent down to the smallest detail; he couldn’t believe he had never seen that hotel before.
The room was medium in size and contained nothing that could stand out from the rest of the room. The bed was set in the middle, in the far back, with two small bedside tables on each side. As Victor stood facing the bed, on the right side, near him was a coffee table where was a round vase with fresh flowers and on the right of the table was a brown leather armchair. On the same side was an old, high-rise wardrobe with mirror doors. Very interesting were the handles and corners of this wardrobe, having a strange curved shape. The wardrobe was located on the opposite wall of the entrance door.
On the left side of the bed, right in the corner beside the nightstand, was the door to the bathroom. Another room that shrieked of cleanliness and class. On the left wall was a long table on which was a gramophone, gorgeous and well maintained, and around it were either books or discs. Above was the gorgeous painting The Burial of Atala by Anne-Louis Girodet-Trioson. Mesmerizing, intense, it gave him a state of contemplation on life and love, a subject that seemed very vague and confusing to Victor. Next to it was an armchair like the other one, and in the middle of the room, above, was a crystal chandelier, not too big and not too flashy. The daylight came through the red curtains that would normally cover a huge window, right next to the bed.
But of course, as any other human, he got bored. He had nothing to entertain himself with therefore he ventured outside. The halls were so long and complicated, each having its own style; just like a labyrinth. There weren’t many rooms but of course, he could imagine why that was.
“One room must cost a fortune and the material invested in it must be even more,” He mumbled as he touched the wall.
He didn’t know for how long he wandered around but he entered yet another corridor. It was simple and had more rooms than the others which meant it was more used than the rest. At the end of it, he found an empty space- a clearing in that labyrinth- where only a white piano was standing proudly in the middle.
“I see you went for a look,”
He flinched when he suddenly heard the French accent. He smiled at the woman and nodded.
“My name is Pauline. I’ve been part of the staff here for a very long time.” She explained, staring into his eyes as if she was staring into his soul, “Very long time, Mr. Abbot.” She repeated.
Victor nodded and smiled, finding nothing wrong with her statement. She must have been pretty old too if she had worked so long, the man thought. Pauline smiled at him and bowed her head briefly before she left.
Now by himself, Victor couldn't help himself but open the lid and trail his fingers along the white keys of the piano. He smiled softly when he pressed on a few keys and the sound resonated in the whole corridor.
“Do you know how to play?”
He raised his head and looked into a pair of beautiful green eyes. He was surprised and truthfully speaking, caught in the act. However, the person who found him was not strict and not icy, like the twins. The guest couldn’t express how beautiful was woman in front of him. She wasn't very tall but not small either, her eyes were soft yet he could see a mix of sorrow and childishness in them, her hair was red and very long, reaching her mid-back and she was dressed in a simple white dress, much like those in the 16th century.
“Oh, pardon me. Did I interrupt you?”
She seemed genuinely embarrassed, turning around ready to leave when he stopped her.
“No! No.” He coughed his shame away and walked to her, “Are you part of the staff here, as well?”
The woman chuckled, sounding like music in Victor's ears, and shook her head.
“No. I am only a guest.”
He could feel the corner if his lips rising no matter how hard he wanted not to.
“I’m Victor Abbot. Nice to meet you, Miss-”
Her eyes widened and she took a step back when he grabbed her hand and kissed it.
“Amelia. Amelia Corelli.”
“You’re Italian,“ he noticed.
“You sound surprised.”
He chuckled and grabbed a hand through his hair, trying to act as a suave young gentleman.
“I met some people from the staff already and I was surprised that they’re not from around here.” Explained Victor.
Amelia’s eyes glinted in the light, her warm and bright face growing very tense for a moment.
“Oh, Mr. Abbot. You have no idea,”
Victor stared at her with amusement. She seemed like a sparkle of life in the hotel and he was glad he met her now rather than later.
“Would you like to accompany me to dinner?” she asked, tilting her head to the side elegantly, her hair falling back showing her long neck.
“I'd be delighted.” answered Victor. “Have you stayed here for long?” He asked as he followed her down the stairs.
“Not exactly. I come and go as I see fit.”
He nodded and kept that in mind.
“Do you live in Rome?”
She glanced at him over her shoulder with a little smirk.
“Why? You want to visit me?” He laughed and ignored her question, “Actually, I live in Sicily. I come here to rest and forget of everything at home. This place gives its guests a certain comfort.” She looked ambiguous while saying that.
Victor liked her smile, it was soft and brightened her whole face yet there were moments when her face would express different emotions from what she was saying.
“Are you a guest?” She asked curiously.
“I guess. I don’t remember well what happened or how I got here but I'm thankful to my savior.” He admitted, having no idea what happened.
“What room are you in?” She suddenly asked, her eyes wide and tone colloquial.
He narrowed his eyes at her playfully and leaned closer to her.
“Why? Do you want to pay me a visit at night?” He teased seeing her immediate reaction as very fresh.
“N-no,” she stuttered with a heavy blush contouring her cheeks.
Victor laughed loudly and wrapped an arm around her shoulders. That definitely surprised her but she didn’t protest.
When they got downstairs, Victor realized just how large the hotel was. It had only three floors but they were incredibly long and they forked at each end. Down the stairs, the walls were a lighter shade than the ones in the corridors, they were simple and didn’t have anything on them; except the last one. There was a huge mirror at the end on the L shaped stairs.
Victor stopped and looked at his reflection. He was dressed in a satin robe and he had a bandage wrapped around his head; he had scars on his legs and face. He touched the scratch on his cheek and flinched. It was still fresh, somehow. His head hurt suddenly and he remembered the moment the two cars collided. It was almost like he saw death with his eyes, which he probably did.
“Mr. Abbot?”
Behind him walked Kain. He was dressed in his normal clothes and was staring at him with that blank face of his.
“Where did she go?” Victor asked after he realized Amelia was gone. Kain raised an eyebrow, “I was with a lady,” the guest clarified.
“Dinner will be served soon.” Kain announced and left, no other words exchanged.
Victor sighed and descended the stairs very slowly. His eyes widened when he faced the most amazing sight of his life. The furniture was antique yet it looked like it was crafted yesterday; the carpet had a mosaic model and the column that was separating the front hall from the restaurant was a masterpiece. The light was dim but it was enough to create atmosphere. Everything was very unique and intimate.
As he walked in the hall, he met the receptionist. A young man who didn’t seem to be very talkative from what Victor noticed. The receptionist looked up, taking in his face before he looked back to his work. Victor passed him silently and stopped at the column, never imagining he'd see so many people inside.
“You can’t enter like that.”
Victor jumped in surprise when he heard the receptionist address him.
“I don’t know where my clothes are.” Victor answered sincerely.
The boy blinked twice before he pointed at a back door.
“There is a uniform you can use. You can dress inside.”
Victor nodded and complied vigorously. After he dressed, he smiled thankfully at the receptionist who didn't sketch a single sign of apprehension.
The noise inside the restaurant was refreshing. The hotel had great echo but that could also be a negative point. That was the problem with old hotels; they'd give a bit of paranoia, nothing being worse than feeling like someone could be watching you through the walls.
Victor got through the crowd and sat at the bar. He saw a woman smiling at him and couldn’t help but chuckle; he was still wanted, even after a year of convalescence.
The British man waved at her and she blushed in return. It was nice to have the power of seduction without doing much; Victor was a blessed man.
Victor’s smirk fell when he felt a hand touching his shoulder quite firmly. He turned his head in order to meet the stranger and gasped.
“You’re not from around here, are you?”
If Victor ever thought of himself as handsome, this new man was far above him. He had a deep husky voice that complimented his face. He looked like one of those models that have aged well and were still working in the branch. They'd make you feel common and laugh into your face, at least that was the first impression Victor got.
“No. No, I’m not.”
The Adonis in front of him cracked a small smile and sat down. He asked for two drinks and placed one in front of Victor.
“Welcome to the Moonflower Hotel, guest.”
Victor nodded a little uncertain and the two clinked their glasses.
“My name is Victor Abbot.” the new guest stuck his hand out, expecting the other to shake it. He glanced at the hand before his eyes went up on Victor's face and laughed.
“No need for formalities. Evan McAllister at your service. I come here from time to time.” That sounded strangely familiar, “How did you find this hotel? Not many do.” Evan added before he took a sip from his scotch.
“I didn’t. I was brought here under some circumstances.”
Evan raised an eyebrow and leaned towards Victor.
“So then, the hotel found you, huh?”
Victor nodded and grabbed his own glass of alcohol.
“But most guests aren’t from around here. Not even the staff.” The young man added.
Evan glanced at the crowd over his shoulder with a grimace.
“Yeah. We’re in Italy but most of them are foreigners. Well, that’s good for us. They speak English.”
“You’re Irish, aren’t you?” Victor asked already knowing the answer.
“I am, indeed. And from what I can hear, you have a Manchester accent.”
“Yes. That’s correct.” Victor answered, happy that he found someone easy going to talk to.
Evan laughed loudly and patted the younger man on his back. It oddly felt like an old man's encouraging pat.
“Take care around here, Victor. You never know in what room you might wake up in the morning.” Evan advised before he winked and waved at a woman from the far corner, “Oh, I think I know what room I will end up tonight.”
Victor chuckled bemusedly as he watched the older man leave with the said woman.
“Mr. Abbot,” Amellia walked up into the sight, “I lost you on the way.” She stated innocently as she approached Victor.
“Mrs. Corelli! I’m sorry. I was amazed by the mirror at the top of the stairs and then when I turned around, you were already gone.”
She chuckled and sat in Evan's seat next to the new guest.
“It’s very crowded.“ Victor continued, his blue eyes wandering around.
“Yes. At this hour especially. After dinner, some guests leave so we always gather here to say goodbye.”
Victor took a long look around and sighed.
“So everyone knows each other?”
“Of course. Most of them are important people all around the world. This is a place of opportunities.”
Victor glanced at her and smiled. She did too when she noticed.
“What?” she asked seeing how he was visibly staring at her.
“You’re beautiful, Amelia.” he said, being extremely sincere but also using his charm on her.
She hit his arm playfully and covered her cheeks.He chuckled and took a sip of his drink, content with himself.
The room grew quiet when Kain entered and rang the bell.
“Madames et monsieurs, dinner is ready! Please take your seats.”
After the announcement, Kain left and the guests walked to their designated tables. Victor was a little confused where to go.
“Youcancomeandsitwithme, if you want to.” Amelia asked so fast that Victor wasn’t sure if he understood correctly, “Come sit with me.” She repeated slowly.
He nodded and followed her to a small round table near the window. That was probably the first time he got the chance to see what was outside. His eyes widened when he saw snow.
“It’s winter!” He exclaimed in shock.
“It’s almost Christmas.”
Victor’s eyes widened and without realizing it, he stood up. That grabbed attention since he was the only man who raised so hastily. Once he saw the strong stares, he bowed his head in apology and sat down.
“Are you alright?” Amelia asked in worry.
“Yes. Just, it’s December. The last time I remember, it was the mid of July.”
Amelia understood and didn’t pry since she didn’t want to make him feel uncomfortable.
Dinner was a true feast at the Moonflower Hotel. All kinds of meat and vegetables; expensive dishes and even more expensive wine. That was definitely the second most delicious food he ate in his life, the first being his mother’s cooking.
It took exactly two hours before the restaurant became empty. It felt like everyone was eating in sync because they finished at the same time. They laughed and drank wine, they talked and even asked for this and that but at 9 o’clock sharp, everyone raised and walked out of the restaurant. Only he remained, with Amelia. In the crowd of people, he noticed Evan. He did too because he winked at him and wrapped his arm around a girl. Victor chuckled and shook his head disapprovingly.
“I have to go back now. But I will see you tomorrow.” She said softly.
Victor caressed her hair kindly and nodded. She bit her bottom lip and thought how to say goodnight. In the end, she kissed his cheek and left quickly. Victor was taken aback by such a childish and pure action. He couldn’t help but laugh softly and touch the spot she kissed.
He was feeling wonderful. That kind of joy was special and it made him realize he’s been around older women for too long. He needed something refreshing; something young.
When he walked in the hall, he first stopped in front of the reception. The young man was talking to someone but he saw Victor from the corner of his eye. The receptionist shook his head once before he ignored Victor completely.
“Does that mean I can keep them?” Victor wondered out loud since he couldn’t quite understand the reply.
He shrugged and walked up to his room. As he was ascending the stairs to the third floor, he heard the soft sound of a piano. He remembered the one he visited not a few hours ago. Victor closed his eyes and leaned against the wall. The playing was magnificent; it was so clear and with the right amount of emotion.
When the song ended, he opened his eyes, unconsciously noticing the painting across his spot. The details were impressive and the facial expression, which was anger, was portrayed very well. Victor tilted his head to the side and smiled. He was in a place of art and he had all the time in the world to discover it fully.
All the time in the world.
ns 18.68.41.179da2
