Creative Vacation part 1

I am proud of my work. I am the Editor-in-Chief for the biggest social blog in the Midwest, known as The Connection. Oh, did I say I was the Editor-in-Chief? Sorry, I am the assistant of the Editor-in-Chief.

I would be better at this job than my bimbo boss is. Daisy Parks. She is constantly sending me on journeys to make sure we have the best stories and hottest topics, making sure she has food, coffee, foot rubs and whatever else she requests. I work day and night busting my ass to make sure we stay on top while she smiles and gets all the credit. She is invited to the most exclusive parties and the most lavish dinners. Living a good life. A really good life, unlike me.

My thoughts are rudely interrupted. “My coffee isn’t hot enough. Fix it!” I look up from my laptop when a few drops of espresso land on my keyboard. Daisy. She isn’t even making eye contact with me. Her nose is glued to her phone and arm extended for me to take the cup. As I get up from my chair to fix her urgent issue that only her assistant can solve, I think about how I would treat my assistant. Nothing like she treats me of course.

I reheat the coffee but when I turn around, I see she has already made it into her office. I glare at her through the giant glass that surrounds her space. The entitlement. I knock on her door and she motions me in without looking up. “Hurry up! I need my caffeine immediately. Do you know how much shit has to be done by the end of the day? I have to sign off on the designs by 9am, a meeting with the board at 11am, lunch with our new investors at noon..” I stop her and say, “Yes ma’am I am fully aware of your schedule today, seeing how I created it. I have already gotten started on tossing the designs I know are not a part of your vision.”

Daisy is finally looking at me now. Her face scrunched up like she smells something sour. “Sure. What did the help do to assist me this morning?” The help. I absolutely hate her. “I have narrowed down the designs, I have your presentation ready for the board, as well as cue cards. I also went ahead…” She stops me, “That is quite enough. You are dismissed.” I turn to walk out and roll my eyes in the process. “By the way,” Daisy begins, “You will be accompanying me to the writer’s retreat this weekend.”

I must look confused because she began to explain. “Every few years our biggest investors take a few of us to a luxurious island and shower us with gifts, massages, amazing food, open bars at any hour of the day and so much more. I decided you are going with me.” I can hardly keep from blowing my top. I can feel the excitement burning from my toes and up to my ears. I am smiling ear to ear. “Have your bags packed. We leave Friday. I will send a car to your shack you call your home.” She must feel the energy I am giving off because without even seeing my face she says, “Stop smiling and leave my office NOW!”

I ran out, shutting the door behind me. I can’t believe she is really taking me to this retreat! I definitely need this. If I could make my own connections to the investors maybe I can stand out and start putting my name in the hat for Editor-in-Chief. Networking. I can do this. It’s about time she acknowledges me. I deserve this and I will make sure Daisy knows I am a force in this company too.

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Daisy sent me a really nice limousine with complimentary champagne. As much as I despise her, the woman has class. I enjoyed half the bottle before making it to the airport. Hopefully Daisy won’t notice, I just have to remember not to let my ankles seem too weak. Maybe she won’t care. Maybe she invited me as her plus one because she actually wants to get to know me as a person. She may want to take me under her wing and show me the ropes of the Chief. I can’t decide which scenario I like best so I can’t wait to find out.

From the moment I arrived, I have been on a high! A man opens my door and tells me, “Daisy hired me to be your chaperone. My guys will get your bags and I will walk you to your gate.” I step out of the car but I have many questions for this guy. “Hey, wait! What was your name? Where am I headed? Oh, and where exactly is Daisy?” He looks at me sternly. “The only thing I am supposed to do is get you on that flight.” He leads me around the airport until we get to my gate. He hands the woman my boarding pass and she asks for my ID. When she reads my name she smiles and says, “We are pleased to have you. Enjoy your flight.” I look to my chaperone and he nods towards the narrow hall hinting that I should get moving.

Once I boarded the plane, the flight attendant escorted me to first class. What an absolutely beautiful experience! “Enjoy your flight, miss” the tall, sleek woman says to me. I sit in my seat where there is already a glass of champagne and a bowl of strawberries. I can’t believe I am actually here! I deserve this! What took Daisy so long to recognize my genius? Anyway, I am glad she did. The plane begins to take off and I sip out of my glass and enjoy my snack. Soon, I am fast asleep.

I was awakened by the same flight attendant. “Miss, we have made it. Your bags will be in your room. Your chaperone awaits right outside.” I feel a bit confused, trying to process everything she is saying to me. “Where exactly have we made it? Who is my chaperone?”, I ask, trying to look out of the window near me. “You’ve made it to The Writer’s Retreat, darling!” She seems excited for me but I still have no idea where we just traveled. I look at my phone but without any signal I can’t verify the time is correct. My clock reads the exact time it read when I left my home for the airport. Oh well, I guess I will find out soon enough. I unboard the plane to see a familiar face, my chaperone.

He is standing straight up with a single rose. He nods at me and asks, “How was the flight”, as he hands me the rose. I roll my eyes and look back at the plane, “No complaints here!” He gives me a half smile and opens the car door for me. I slide inside and he goes around to the other door and hops in himself. “5455, on the Upper Mountain please”, he says. The driver nods and pulls away from the hanger. “How did you make it here before me? Were you on the same plane?” He doesn’t look at me and says, “Unimportant.” He’s a hard one to crack isn't he. I push the rose up to my face to get a good whiff. “Okay, well if you are going to be my chaperone for the weekend, don’t you think I should know your name?” He looks at me seriously, “I am called..” he hesitates, “Chap.” I turn my nose up and repeat, “Chap? What kind of name is that?” I hear a small sigh, “It’s short for Chaperone. No more questions, miss. We are arriving at your bungalow.” He points at my window and I turn to look.

We stop in front of a beautiful, secluded cabin surrounded by what looks like hundreds of rose bushes. I walk up to the door and notice the growing palm trees. I can smell and hear that the ocean is nearby. I look back at Chap who is bringing my bags up to the door. “This is beautiful, Chap! Where are we?” I guess I was expecting him to be more excited. “We are at The Writer’s Retreat, miss. This is where you will stay. All you need is your thumbprint to get inside. Your print will be the key for anywhere you wish to enter on the island. Anywhere you are permitted to be.” I have more questions but for now, I am anxious to see the inside of my new home for the week.

It is even more glorious on the inside. Ceiling to floor windows, a huge chandelier glistening in gold right above me. The kitchen could fit three football teams. The room has stainless appliances and marble countertops, reminding me of those cooking shows I see on T.V. Even a breakfast bar! I have a reading nook hidden in the corner where the light is shining perfectly through. The living room has a massive wall-to-wall flatscreen that looks like it was taken from a movie theatre. When I see my bedroom, my jaw drops. The bed is the size of four king beds. There is a small sitting area where I can see steam rolling from the golden teapot on the tray. I could get used to this. I run and jump on the bed landing smackdown on my face. I sink in.

I can hear Chap setting my bags down nearby. “This is Heaven”, I mumble through the blankets. “I am glad you like it, Miss. You are expected to be ready for dinner in an hour. Get yourself cleaned up. Your uniform is hanging in that closet there.” He points at the large french doors on one side of the room. I run and swing the doors open. This closet is bigger than my apartment! It is full of elegant dresses and tops. The shoe rack holds about fifty pairs of shoes varying in high-heels, sandals and sneakers. Everything looks extremely expensive.

In the middle of the room stands a mannequin with both hands on her hips and legs apart. Like a model at the end of a runway. She wears a ravishing red dress. It is strapless with roses around the bustline. Her leg is peeking through the fabric showing an incredible thigh slit that I would never be able to pull off. Her feet are resting in heels with straps up the ankles and tiny roses on the underside of the shoe. On the table next to her is an elegant bag that flawlessly matches the shoes on the mannequin's feet. The jewelry on her looks like it costs more than my entire wardrobe. The huge diamonds in the ring and necklace are almost blinding. I am in awe.

Behind me, Chap clears his throat. “That is the attire you are expected to be seen in at dinner tonight.” My eyes bug. “No way! I can’t afford to wear this! What if I spill something on it! What if I lose one of the diamonds? I’m not even sure I can walk in these heels!” He laughs a little. It warms me inside. I haven’t known him long but it feels good to know he’s actually human and has emotion. “ Miss, you have nothing to worry about. Everything is taken care of here. Time is ticking, so get ready. I will return in an hour to be your chauffeur.” He turns to walk out of the room.

“Wait! What if I need something? How will I get a hold of you” I ask. “Follow me.” He leads me back into the master sized bedroom and points out the window. There is another cabin. A bit smaller but still seems luxurious. “I will be staying in your guesthouse. All you have to do is pick up this phone and dial 7673. That is the direct line to your guesthouse. Your cell phone will not work here so you can lock it in the safe in the closet.” I start looking around, “I need to write that down.” Chap puts his hand on my shoulder and says, “7673 it means ROSE. You can remember that.” He waits for me to respond but before I get the chance, he nods and walks out. Rose. Rose.

An hour later, the doorbell rings. It’s Chap. I am dressed in the outfit left for me, nervous about walking in these shoes and not knowing what to expect next. He smiles. A real smile. Like he’s looking at his prom date or something. It makes me blush. “You are absolutely breathtaking, Miss.” He puts out his hand and I take it. In a swift movement, his head lowers and I feel a soft kiss to my hand. “Are you ready? Everyone is waiting for you.” I look into his soft brown eyes, “for me” I ask, “Why me?” In an instant, he is back to the scolding chaperone. “Let’s go,” he says, pulling me through the door.

The ride over was silent. Chap sits in the back with me looking straight ahead the entire time. I watch the scenery as we pass by palm trees and other cabins I imagine the other guests are staying in. I wonder if we all have chaperones or is it just me? Daisy probably feels like I need to be watched otherwise I’ll screw something. I notice each cabin has its own unique flower planted out front. Dahlias. Tulips. Sunflowers. Azaleas. Roses…Rose. A group of seagulls fly past my window and soon after the ocean is in view. I sat up in the backseat. “Wow, this is truly amazing. I’ve never seen a view like this before. Where did you say we are again?” I turn to look at Chap. “We’re here”, he says pointing ahead.

As the car pulls into the circular driveway. I peer up as high as I can. A palace! This is the biggest home I have witnessed in all of my years. Chap opens my door and lends me his hand. “You will need this. Just slip it into your waistband, Miss. Good luck.” Chap hands me a small but heavy blade and smiles genuinely. Before I can ask what it is for, he hops back into the car and it speeds away.

I am in awe. I notice this place is five times the size of my cabin. The gold trim is dazzling and the doors are built for giants. The daisies along the front pillars are… daisies. The door opens and a man in a formal suit steps out. He looks like a butler straight out of the Victorian era. He ushers us through the corridor before speaking. “The others are waiting for you, Miss. Right through these doors. Please follow me.”

He pushes open the double doors. I see many faces line down both sides of a refectory table. Every seat is full except one. The one at the head of the table. I don’t recognize anyone until Daisy stands up at the other end of the room. “Good evening, we have been waiting for you. Please, sit.” She motions to the empty chair next to her. I slowly make my way across the room. All eyes on me. The room is magnificent. The walls are curved in deep mahogany wood. The two chandeliers still shine bright in the dimly lit room. I finally sat in the chair and let out a long breath, still looking around the room. Roses. The room is covered in roses. I remember the outside was full of daisies. This place must belong to my boss. I look at her still standing, a glass in her hand.

Daisy raises her glass. “A toast to our guest of honor.” The table joins in lifting their matching glasses. I do the same. Something is familiar. Everyone seems to be wearing a flower inspired outfit. I match the cabins I saw earlier. Dahlia. Tulip. Sunflower. Azalea. Daisy. Rose. “Tonight, our guest of honor will be performing a task. She will be rewarded with gifts and a promotion if she is able to complete the task.” She motions to the butler and he grabs a gold tray hiding something under the large gold lid. He walks up to me and reveals a number pad. “Please type in your cabin number from the Upper Mountain. This will tell you your task”, Daisy says to me. I pause for a long time before remembering what Chap told our driver when I got off the plane. There’s a loud click in the air and I look up to see my hand and the phone projected on the wall for all to see. I type 5455.

I watch the large monitor above the fire. The numbers I typed are juggling around the screen until they morph into letters. K I L L.

Kill? What does that mean? “Wonderful! There it is folks”, Daisy continues, “Tonight we will witness our lovely guest kill someone in this very room.” She smiles at me. I push back in my chair and jump up. “What? You can’t be serious?” With a waive of her hand the butler moves to the door and swings the latch. The locking of the door echoes in my ears. “You had better kill them before they kill you.” The looks on the faces around the room have become dark and evil. Everyone is now holding some sort of weapon. I reach for the knife Chap gave and stare at it. Daisy’s voice is cold. “Good luck taking my position, Rose.” Rose. That’s me. I am Rose. Rose is to take my boss’s position. I have to survive this. I have to kill Daisy.