The Doll Room

Everything in life is all predestined to happen, the families we are born in to the persons we marry. There’s no luck or miracles. That’s what I used to believe but now i’m starting to reevaluate my stance. Out of the thousands of applicants my essay just happened to be the one that landed me an internship at the Veridit Manor. Being from a line fortune tellers I hadn’t foreseen this. Now I can stop telling people that my greatest achievement was getting into Henly technical college on full Scholarship.

The admission rate for the hospitality program being only ten percent. At least it’s not the fashion department. El my favourite well dressed zombie of a best friend, in her own words, ’there’s not enough foundation and eyeshadow to hide the burkins under her eyes.’ All because the fashion department had a high drop out rate due to students unable to bare the pressure from the constant backstabbing to sabotage. Not even their dorms are safe, El has had one too many of her projects ruined by her fellow fashionistas. It’s unprecedented. Everyday I fear for her mental health but on the bright side the psychology majors had many viable research paper subjects. Sorry, ’paitents’ aHilary would call them.

Hopefully it’s not as bad at her internship at the fashion house in Milan. I should probably call her to make sure she’s alright. Hopefully the time difference is not too much. And maybe I could use a check in as well, my palms are starting to sweat and I can hear the blood pounding in my ears. Just from the door alone it screams aristocrat. White stain glass in the center, delicate pearl and white tulip glass pieces. What did Aunt Livida say again? My hand has reached it’s way to the amethyst necklace around my neck by the time I remembered. Aunt Livida gave it to me as a congratulatory present, she told me as long as a wore it that i’ll achieve anything. Plus she always told me that purple is my most confident colour. Which she’s right but i’m not sure that it is working right now.

I take a few deep breath before ringing the door bell, I straightened out my silk top. The classiest outfit I could throw together with some trousers following El’s guide. She thought a pencil skirt would’ve been make a good impression of put together professional. But if i’m going to be on my feet everyday i’d rather look professional and comfortable. I almost forgot to breath when the door finally clicked open.

As if my luggage wasn’t already threatening to slip out my sweaty palms enough. What greeted me was a middle aged woman who’s face looked like it’s never seen a smile. Her attire like that of a finishing school teacher from that one historical drama movie that the girls and I watched once. I never cried as much as I did since that day. I wouldn’t be surprised if she were much like her as well. She eyed me and my luggage with an unreadable expression.

“You’re Miss Peridine I presume?”

“Yes, you must be miss Winston nice to meet you.” I stretch out my hand for a handshake, and she just looked at it without an inch. A heavy feeling hang between the both of us or maybe just me. Should I have walked away from all this? Maybe I should’ve followed El’s advice and wore the darn skirt. But then again that girl would use any excuse to use me As her personal mannequin.

" You’re a few hours earlier than expected. That’s good.” I lower my hand awkwardly rubbing my even more sweaty palms against my clothes.

Miss Winston led me inside, the walls plasted in pastel green Victorian wallpaper and cherry wood edging. Beautiful crystal lights along the hallways and Oriental frames with pictures of the manor and landscaping. I’d have to say this place is probably older than my grandmother. Did I apply for an internship as a museum curator?

I’m almost too afraid to touch anything in this place. Breathing too hard might cause this place to crumble. I’m not trusting the pristine, well kept-ness of this place to test it. At the reception area it had a giant sparkling chandelier. How much in tuition would that be worth? I’m asking on behalf of Stephanie.

“You’ll be expected to follow a strict regiment that we here have great expection that you’ll follow. You’re allowed to take a look around for today. Do you have any questions?”

“not at the moment no”

Miss Winston takes me up to the second floor, she explained it is splint into two quarters the west and the east wing. The west wing where i was staying and MY GOD. This place is so beautiful it would be an insult to use regular words to describe. The room attached to it’s own bathroom and what you’d expect a room in Downton Abbey or Jane Austen’s Emma would look like. If my room is like this, what are the rooms for the guests on the east wing like?

I set down my bags, miss Winston said that she will give me a tour of the manor. I’m well aware how rich the family who lived here was. But I never knew they were old money rich. This place consisted of a tennis court, a pool, two gardens, a greenhouse, upper and lower floor kitchen, dinning hall, medical room, ballroom, music room yes they were separate and an art gallery. I felt dizzy trying remember what was where, unluckily for me I have a bad scene of direction. By the time miss Winston finished showing me around it was dark outside.

“Starting today you are to wear the uniform provided in the wardrobe for the next 6 months. And if you need anything my room is stationed on the third floor.” She says about to walk away but turns around again. “One more thing your not allowed to use your phone during traing, so i’m going to need to confiscate it.”

“Ah, sure but can you confiscate it tomorrow I need to check in with my friend.”

“No, but depending on how well you do in your training you’ll be allowed a phone call once a month.”

I reluctantly fished my phone out of my pocket handing it to her. Once I got in the room I flooped on the bed. This place is just too big and with 3 floors to boot. But life seems to have said lets give good ol’ Leorena a challenge. Hopefully Miss Winston can’t hear me squealing with delight in my pillow. Who am I kidding? i’m on my way to becoming a Effron Hotelier in no time. It’s a known fact that the best of the best and hoteliers from there had once worked or interned at the Verideit manor.

With this on my resume i’m sure to get hired, that’s enough excitement for the day. It’s best I take a bath and head to bed. Too bad I don’t have my phone to tell the girls about this place.