A buzz breaks the silence.
I start to rouse, pulled into consciousness against my own will; I have never felt this tired before.
I just want to sleep but the insistent buzzing, poking, and prodding isn't letting me.
My old mattress may not be the comfiest of places but that doesn't make me anymore eager to wake up.
Isabella?
Five more minutes, Becca…
I swat away at what is nudging persistently at my side.
Come on.
Can't I just get a few extra minutes of sleep today? I promise I'll work hard once I'm up!
A hand lightly taps my cheek, and something cold is suddenly being pressed at the back of my head.
The icy sensation slowly spreads throughout the area, giving me an uncomfortable feeling.
???Oh, dear. Is she alright?
???Isabella? Isabella? Gosh. Can you hear me?
???Isabella?
October 21, Friday | Mansion Foyer | Afternoon
The fog of unconsciousness immediately lifts from my mind, the moment I recognize the voice, and my eyes snap open.
There, looking down at me, is Rose.
Another woman loiters beside her, but my attention is too focused on my co-agent to even ask why there's someone else with her.
Rose's posture just screams worry, although she is keeping a straight face. Or trying, at least.
I can't help but feel bad for making her fret.
A wave of dizziness washes over me as soon as I try to get up, forcing me to lie back down again.
Luckily, it subsides after a few seconds, until only a mild throbbing somewhere at the back of my head remains.
With little assistance from Rose, I push myself upright.
She hands me an ice pack and gestures for me to press it where I suspect a small bump has already formed, if the light ache in the area is any indication.
Rose
Isabella
Alright, Isabella. Where are we?
The Ermengarde Manson. Why?
Ouch, my head.
And the date today?
October 21? Rose—
Last one: can you count to fifteen in reverse order?
Fifteen, fourteen, thirteen, twelveteen ...No, that's wrong.
Why are we dong this?
???She's just checking to see if your injury is in anyway serous.
This time, I curiously regard the woman standing beside Rose.
It's impossible to overlook her. What with the way she towers over us!
And here I thought Rose is already tall!
Who is she anyway? One of the remaining cleaning crews?
But with how primly-dressed she is? I don't think anyone will want to clean in a suit—an expensive suit at that. The gloves alone must've already cost a fortune!
Her eyes slowly shift between me and Rose, considering us with an almost unreadable expression, before finally fixing a sharp gaze on me.
I can't help but fold my arms protectively over myself as she does so.
She may be far from a cleaning crew, but she certainly looks like my supervisor during evaluation days!
Just do it, please?
eye them both warily, but recite everything as she has asked.
Rose releases a breath of relief once 'm done.
You scared me for a moment there. was about to call for an ambulance when you started stirring.
Are you alright?
Exasperation soon replaces the dull ache.
The memory's a little fuzzy, but... the attic? And—
There...there was someone, Rose. in the attic.
Someone? You mean a client? Oh, that's unlikely. It's just probably one of the cleaning crews.
The boss sent a few of them back this morning for some last minu—
No, not any of those. They're… ugh, 'm not actually sure.
Wait, didn't call you? You said you were in the attic when you answered.That's why went there in the first place!
Both Rose and the lady look at me like I've just grown another head.
Did I say something weird?
Rose casts an apologetic smile at the woman beside her before the awkward silence stretches on further.
It's her saleswoman smile—the same one she taught me back when I was still her trainee.
I should show this to troublesome clients or just to avoid trouble in general, she advised.
It's also the one she gives me when I've done something particularly absurd that may cause us to lose a potential sale.
Her eyes are serious when she turns back to me.
She takes both of my shoulders, gently squeezes it, and with as much patience she can muster…
As much as 'd love to have gotten, at least, a heads-up of your arrival, didn't really get a call from you.
You know, the signal here is absolutely horrendous! I was in the garden earlier and couldn't even make a single call!
Isabella, I'm gong to ask again: Are you really alright? What happened?
I don't know? it's all a bit blurry.
I remember was looking for you, but you weren't n the attic and—and there's—whoever it is… then must have tripped on a rug or something on the way down.
Oh. Oh, no. Do you think someone came in while you were out? You left the man door open!
We are so gong to get into big trouble f something gets stolen, Rose!
???Perhaps it is a concussion.
Are you sure you feel fine? We could still call for an ambulance. I could cover for you—
No! I'm fine! I'm okay, Rose. I can work.
Wait, wait, wait. Hold your horses, Rose! I can't just miss an important sale because of a minor bump in the head!
An extremely minor bump.
I've had worse when I was a kid. This is nothing!
Besides if I leave, you'll have to shoulder everything in the open house. Alone! And in a mansion this big?!
Well, there's also the part where I may lose that bonus BRC promised, but that's completely beside the point.
Rose gives me a skeptical look when I return the cold compress to her and push myself off the floor.
I have to use the staircase's railings to steady myself, but otherwise, I feel fine!
See?! I'm a-okay!
The two of them exchange a worried glance and Rose assumes a contemplative look.
I bite my lower lip in anticipation. If she says 'no'—
Alright, you win.
A smile threatens to slip out from me.
But if I see that you aren't feeling well, I'm taking you, personally, to the nearest clinic to have you checked, clear?
Clear as day, ma'am! Thanks, Rose.
You insisted. But remember what I said: first sign of you looking… not okay, and we're off. No questions asked!
It's just a small bump. Don't worry!
You shouldn't downplay these kind of things. It could be a serious injury for all we know.
Suddenly, a small cough sounds against the walls of the foyer, interrupting our banter.
The woman is looking expectantly at the two of us, her stare making me shrink back a little on myself.
She isn't really intimidating.
…
Well, she is.
But not in the scary, negative way!
Far from it, actually; her demeanor simply commands an air of sophistication and respect.
In a different world, a younger me would have probably wished to be like her.
She coughs again, lifting a well-trimmed eyebrow at me in question. Words get caught in my tongue, and Rose, as usual, is swift to catch my own blunders.
My sincerest apologies, Mrs—
~~~~~Miss. Miss McCollough. Marianne McCollough.
She hands Rose her business card.
The words "interior designer" catch my eyes, before my partner flips it over.
Oh. Probably someone interested in the mansion for its 17th-century influences, then? I won't hold it against her, though.
Despite the hearsays and remaining uninhabited for years, the mansion's original fittings and furniture have been kept completely intact and restored to pristine condition.
I suppose some people find that 'trip-to-the-past' feeling appealing?
After all, with what it offers, this place is a definite haven for people looking to live somewhere with a classic, historical charm!
Miss McCollough. I'm Rose Cooper and this is my partner, Isabella Santos. #####We're just ironing out a few things, but we'll be starting the tour soon enough.
In the meantime, we've prepared some refreshments for you in the parlor while you're waiting. If you could please—
~~~~~Thanks. There's no need for it, though. I just dropped by for a quick survey of the place.
~~~~~I thought I should check the estate before I meet with the homeowners.
The confused look on Rose's face is impossible to miss when she glances at me. I return it with an equally perplexed look.
And, against my better judgment, I blurt out the first question that comes to mind.
I'm sorry. Homeowners?
I should've kept my mouth shut.
A flash of irritation crosses her face, but it instantly disappears under a mask of professional detachment.
~~~~~Yes. Hannah Wright? I was hired by her to handle the interior design for their newly-bought home.
~~~~~This is the Ermengarde Mansion, right?
It is. But…
She pauses, possibly trying to find the right words to fix the awkward situation without offending someone.
Rose nudges me with her elbow.
CHOICE 1
Those few moments have given me enough time to clear my head of any nervousness or confusion clouding it.
It is, ma'am. But we weren't aware the mansion has already been sold.
~~~~~What do you mean?
I almost flinch when she turns her gaze on me, but I stand my ground. Besides, it isn't like I haven't dealt with awkward situations like this before.
I may screw up at times, but that doesn't mean I haven't learned a thing or two in the five years I've worked in the business!
The mansion is indeed for sale, ma'am. Today's the open house, in fact.
However, we haven't heard anything from the higher-ups that a deal has already been closed for this particular property.
If—If you'd like, my co-agent and me can check with them right now.
She nods, seemingly in deep thought after I've finished.
She appears to be a reasonable person, anyway. Given the proper explanation she'll likely understand!
~~~~~I thought something looked odd when I arrived here. Excuse me, I think I need to make a call to my secretary.
~~~~~Thank you for your assistance, Miss Santos.
With a slight wave of her hand, she leaves us, presumably to double check with someone on her side.
That seems to be the end of it.
Both Rose and I breathe a sigh of relief.
Disaster averted.
I also don't miss the thumbs up she gives me for doing a good job, and I can't help but swell with pride.
CHOICE 2!
We're sorry, ma'am. We don't really know what's going on here. ``I-If it's okay maybe we can—~~~~~Aren't you the ones in charge here? How can you not know what's going on here?I—um—You see, Miss McCollough, right now the house is... `
Amazing how she can keep her voice level yet still convey utter displeasure with it.
I've dealt with people acting the opposite before, and if I were to choose, it is much easier to handle clients who talk your ear off when angry.
People like her are the hardest to read!
Beside me, I shoot Rose a pleading look.
She returns a glare before taking the reins from me in attempting to smooth out the situation.
There's a promise in it that we will be talking about this later. I am not looking forward to that at all.
What can I do?
She can deal with this situation better than me! Who knows what will come out of my mouth if she lets me handle this on my own!
We're really sorry, ma'am. My partner's probably still a bit winded from her fall.
~~~~~If she's unwell, then she shouldn't be working here right now.
She raises a hand to rub the side of her temple, as if staving off the beginnings of a headache.
~~~~~Never mind that. I just want to know what's going on here.
~~~~~I was led to believe that this house has already been bought by my client, and my services are needed for the house's interior design.
Perhaps there's been a confusion then? We haven't heard anything from our supervisors regarding a closed deal for this property yet.
In fact, today's only the first day of our open house. If you wish, we can call them and confirm for you?
~~~~~That wouldn't be necessary, but thank you for being direct with me Miss Cooper. I already thought something was a little odd earlier.
~~~~~If you'll excuse me, I also have a call to make to my secretary.
With a slight wave of her hand, she leaves us, presumably to double check with someone on her side.
That seems to be the end of it.
Both Rose and I breathe a sigh of relief.
Disaster averted.
CONTINUE
Still, I've already prepared myself to dial the number to our Luxbourne office and check, even if she didn't ask for it.
I will be very frustrated if, for some reason, an agreement has already been decided without my or Rose's knowledge.
That's a whole new level of unfair! We've been working hard on this!
Moments later, Miss McCollough returns, looking a little frustrated but an apology clear in her face.
~~~~~I feel a little sorry for her having to go through all this trouble.
~~~~~There... seems to have been a little misunderstanding with my client. If you'll allow it, I'd like to stay and wait for them here?
~~~~~I was informed they'll be dropping by for the open house today. I figured it would be a waste to just leave after that long drive. I might as well meet them here.
Certainly! You can stay at the parlor in the meantime, ma'am. I'm sure it won't be long before our guests arrive.
And Isabella? I left a few documents in my car. You know where I keep those.
Can you please get it for me?
Rose takes a glance at her wristwatch before tossing me a set of keys.
And hurry! We still a got a few minutes to double-check those papers.
Okay. Got it! Give me a few minutes!
The two of them disappear behind the parlor's door.
Their departure brings with it a hushed stillness to keep me company, neither comforting nor soothing.
This alone, it's impossible not to think of what truly happened earlier.
I wish the memory isn't as elusive as it normally is.
Then again, Rose already said she didn't receive any call from me.
Was it just my paranoia at work? A temporary lapse in my own mind after having heard all those tales about this place?
Probably.
I want to think of it as such.
Better to think of it as such, so I can work in peace.
Except a small part of my mind begs to differ. And if I am going to be completely honest with myself, I want nothing more than to leave this place as soon as possible.
I don't know what's in this house and I don't want to know.
The keys Rose have just handed me dig into my palm; its jagged edges creating shallow ridges on my skin from how hard I am clutching it.
It's a cursory reminder of what I still need to do and why I've taken this job in the first place.
Hugging my blazer closer to my body, I exit the house to get what Rose has asked of me.
Just a few more hours, Isabella.
Sell the house, get the money.
