Dark mansion

Her first step inside the mansion was overwhelming. There were what must have been hundreds of candles burning, giving off that mysterious, yet sexy aura to things. 1

Some lithe woman came and took her bag. This being a permanent journey she had brought very little. Angie had escaped.2

The little hand in hers was re-assuring. He looked up with eyes so big and in one sentence summed every thing up “It will be ok now mommy.” he whispered. Her eyes welled with tears because she knew he had wisdom beyond his short four years.3

Her room was blue. A melancholy blue, that suited her mood perfectly. She turned on the light and put their things away. The toy chest in the corner had been furnished with old cars, chevys fords and others of eras long past.4

With that accomplished she turned off her light, only the guest rooms had them and laid on the bed. Looking up, she saw stars. They were in swirls...and shapes. 5

She had one more bag to unpack. This one she handled with care after her little one had turned in. The box she took out was battered, from years of use. Inside it was a coffin, and in the coffin was her heart.6

She left the room then, locking it behind her. The monitor was on her hip so she knew he would be safe. Walking down the hall and into the library she looked on the shelves for something to succumb to. Romance, Western, Practically Porn, Classics everything you could desire was represented. Scanning the titles her fingers lightly touching each one, she came upon a volume of “not quite love” stories.7

Thumbing through the pages she breathed deeply as the smell of something burning caught her attention. Closing her eyes she inhaled again and caught the scent of cherry-soaked tobacco. Turning she saw a man, and his pipe with a coffee cup in his hand. 8

Interesting she thought, and so quiet. Now though she couldn’t remember if he had been there when she came in...or if he was a new edition.9

She was not afraid of his presence. Though maybe she should have been. Curiosity got the better of her and she walked to where he was.10

Royal? He asked.11

Yes she said and he handed her a coffee mug with a concoction in it.12

That will help you sleep. He said re-assuredly.13

Women with courage come here you know, to the dark mansion. We take all kinds, and you are our type. Noone here cares what you were doing last week or even yesterday, only today matters for we are not promised tomorrow. Welcome to my abode. Treat it well, and it will return in kind.14

With that she turned to leave, book in hand. Drifting down the hall, she wondered, what had she gotten herself into.15