Subj: Dark Sanctuary -- 2
Date: 10/30/98 2:22:43 AM Central Standard Time
From: Melody

Dark Sanctuary
Chapter 2


Meg and Gabi were silent, their eyes wide with wonder as they looked at the grounds. In the distance there was someone riding on a horse at the edge of the woods. The air smelled of sea with an underlying hint of lavender that probably came from the gardens. Meg looked up and saw that Collinwood had a tower.

"Gabi, Look!" She exclaimed, "There's even a lookout tower. This place -- I can almost feel the history emanating from it. It's going to be so exciting staying here!"

"What I want to know is, will there be enough heat." Gabi replied

"Where's your sense of adventure?" Meg asked

"Meg, I nearly relived 'my own version' of 'The Titanic!" Gabi reminded her. "I have had 'enough' adventure to last me two life times."

"Okay." Meg relented. "But will you at least try to enjoy it?"

"All right." Gabi grumbled. "I'll try. But the minute I see anything remotely strange we're out of there."

"Gabi." Meg laughed. "You have seen too many horror films. There's no such thing as haunted houses which is what you were implying weren't you?"

"Meg with all you been through you don't think its possible?"

Hallie came out before Meg can answer. "Girls, I've arranged everything! You can stay as long as you want for $100 a week to cover your meals.All you have to do is do the cleaning chores assigned to you. When you are done, you are free to do what you want."

"Sounds great!" Meg was eager to get inside.

"Wonderful!" Hallie smiled. "Come in and meet Marissa."

Hallie opened the door and they walked in to see a woman in her mid 50s smiling at them. She was dressed in a cashmere sweater and slacks, her salt and pepper hair arranged in an upsweep . She reminded Meg of one of those aged film stars, eloquent and poised ,yet there was something different about her. It was in her eyes, although they conveyed a look a warmth, there was an emptiness about them, a sadness that can never be remedied.

"Welcome to Collinwood!" She said graciously. "My name is Marissa Collins. Please call me Marissa as I have never been one for formalities. And you are?"

Meg and Gabi introduced themselves and shook Marissa's hand. She led them to the parlor where tea and sandwiches were waiting for them.

"Sit down." Marissa invited.

Meg suppressed her urge to look around and sat down.

"This is really the quiet season. We get maybe 3-4 visitors a week and most stay for a day or two, so the cleaning is fairly easy." Marissa explained.

"We'll follow any schedule you give us Marissa. I have to thank you for letting us stay and work for our rooms. That was really generous of you and here is the money to help cover our meals. I promise we won't be any trouble at all." She handed Marissa several bills.

"I see you intend on staying for awhile." She smiled. "And I know you won't be any trouble. May I ask what brings you to these parts?"

"No reason really." Gabi said. "We just wanted to see the east."

"My dear, if you were planning to see the east, I would think you would have been more prepared, 'financially'. " Marissa smiled at them

"It was the spur of the moment thing." Meg admitted.

"Oh my dear, you are suffering from a broken heart aren't you?" Marissa patted her hand. "You needed to get away, to think, to heal and Gabi , a trusted friend has accompanied you on your journey."

"Well, kind of." Meg said. "Its a long drawn out story."

"Meg, I want you to know, you two are welcome to stay as long as you want but if you love this man which I feel you do, don't give up. Never give up! Because, when you do change your mind, it can often be too late, take it from someone who knows."

Meg was at a loss for words.

"Your rooms are on the third floor, the first two doors to the right in the west wing. Dinner is served in the dining room promptly at the six. You'll meet Julia and Willie then and I'll give you a work schedule. Now if you'll excuse. I have some things to attend to. Feel free to explore or help yourself to any of the books in the library."

"Thank you." Meg and Gabi both said. They watched her as as left the room.

"That was intense!" Gabi remarked

*****

Marissa watched as the departing housekeeper yelled at Willie as he handed her an envelope that contained her final pay.
"This place is a haunted freak palace!" She screamed. Marissa shut the door so that no one could hear.

"Very well!" Marissa told her. "Please use the kitchen entrance to leave."

"Both of you should be committed!" The scared and angry woman bellowed before storming out.

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