Beyond Darkness

Renaissance and Roses

Michael~

“Let's Go?” They turned to head inside and for a moment Michael was left in awe of what was in front of him. The wide drive way lead to the most beautiful bunglow he had ever seen…or was it a mansion? It was unclear.

Following the driveway were short stairs, black granite. The main entrance was itself grand, however what drew Michael was the vintage architecture. The doors were wooden, fitted in an arch with real vines climbing the arch. The whole mansion was made with the 19th Century Picturesque influences of the famous Italianate Renaissance Architecture.

It made Michael remember things he didn't want to recall, or better yet he wanted to forget. It somehow had looked like home. With creamier walls and the high arched windows and pillars. The only difference was the way it was presented. This was much fresher, it was surely planned and then built. While Michael's home, No! Michael stopped the rendezvous down the memory lane. He was done with all the nightmares lately under 24 hours. He did not want to think about it anymore. Not his home, not the people.

They made their way inside and were greeted with a rather clean and crisp old man. He introduced himself as Mr. Caputo, Michael had taken a risk and had introduced himself in his native, Italian. He was sure to lose out his heavy accent and kept his American laced with the words. The butler as it seemed just smiled and corrected his words.

The interior of the house was just as impressive as the exterior. It was warm, well planned and homey. With wooden flooring, white walls and welcoming decor, it was almost peaceful. Michael looked at Orion. To search for a distinct emotion on his face, he was met with the same harmless exterior but his eyes were sharp and alert. His shoulders were straight and firm. Michael placed a hand on his shoulder and Orion had barely reacted, but Michael did not miss the slight elevation of his form. He looked over and gave him a tight lipped smile. Michael read between the lines. Orion was uncomfortable. He was wary. Michael hand slid from his shoulder to between his shoulder blades and then to his lower back, tracing small circles, he felt Orion's form loosen.

“Where is Jacob?” Michael asked. “Mr. Spieler has a meeting” Mr. Caputo answered without looking back. They made their way down a corridors and came into a room. Mr. Caputo finally turned to Michael. “Dr. Angel, I have prepared all the medical arrangements as I was advised. if you want anything else please let me know. You can dial 7 to reach me. However, I suggest that you have dinner first, there is food on the dining table, there would be someone to serve you.” with that the butler turned and left. The butler had left them at the entrance of the dining room. They looked at each other and Michael could swear that he could hear their grumbling stomachs in unison. They smiled at each other and Orion pushed open the door for Michael. He gave Orion a look and scrunched his note at him and entered the room. Orion scoffed behind him and then gasped when he saw the room, It was a beautiful ball room, the ceiling, false, painted like a renaissance art work was high, the walls a beautiful pastel shade and the pillars had carvings, but the long wooden table stole the show, wooden, could easily seat about twenty people, was adorned with all kinds of dishes on one half. Candles were lit, and two chairs were pulled out for them, They sat on the chairs and as it seemed out of nowhere two servants came in and served them. They were served on the basis of courses, like that in vintage times. A deliciously creamy tomato soup first with some breadsticks and small blocks of butter sprinkled with oregano and chilli-flakes for starters. There were also sandwiches, salads, even falafel to snack with. Michael witnessed Orion scoop a little hummus and then licked it all clean. He waited and a second later Orion's discomfort flickered on his face. Michael started giggling trying to control the bark of laughter rising. Then Michael received a flying piece of bread and it hit his nose. He was too stunned to avoid the other piece this one doused in butter hitting him. Soon there were bread pieces flying across the table landing all over the place, it stopped when they heard a cough of the servant who was carrying something get his by a bread piece. "It is said to be good luck..." Orion muttered, making Michael snicker and then feel shy about the mess they had made. The servant nodded and placed the dish he was carrying. The aroma registered in Michael's conscience like a long lost memory. Lasagna. His mouth started to water on the sweet smell of baked cheese. He turned to the servant, "Does it have broccoli?" He asked lacing hope with his words, He could see Orion raise one of his eyebrows in his peripheral vision. The servant nodded and Michael's happiness unfolded like the layers of cheese and vegetables of the lasagna that was now on his plate. Haven.

After eating more than they could stomach, They were led down the halls and were shown their room, The room was pretty decent. A king size bed was positioned in the very middle of the room, with two small nightstands on the each side. One of them adorning a beautiful lamp. A LCD screen on the opposite side of the bed, a small love seat, Michael spotted the glass doors leading outside the very first instant. He wanted to go check it out first. If he was correct he had spotted roses in the garden, but first he had some important things to take care of. He looked over at Orion to find him inspecting the cart that held first aid, towels and other things. He turned to Michael and raised his eyebrows.

Michael took the opportunity and smirked,“Str…”