Page 9 of Semblance

“Who are you people?” I boldly asked. “I’m almost convinced you guys are twinkling vampires with all your secrets.”

Abraham made no reply.

“You’re not vampires are you?” I asked.

There was still no reply. Suddenly I began to panic. Oh God, what if they were some crazy sect of blood suckers, ready to feast on my not-so-virgin blood, transforming me into one of their kind? Call me odd if you will, but vampires didn’t do it for me. I found their pasty white demeanor creepy as hell.

“I want to suck your blood,” Abraham’s voice echoed through the speaker in a cheesy Transylvanian voice, followed by a hardy laugh.

“You jerk!” I shouted. “You scared the hell out of me for a second.”

“Not to sound insulting but aren’t you too old to believe in monsters?” Abraham asked.

I sighed. “Well you can’t blame me for being paranoid. Everything about this event is so secretive. For all I know, this could be some kind of serial killer soiree.”

“As I said before, I swear on my daughter’s soul that no physical harm will come to you tonight,” Abraham said. “There is no hidden agenda aside from you blessing us with your beautiful music.”

At that point, I should have sat back and relaxed, but I was too inquisitive in nature. I continued on with my questions.

“Is this organization of yours legal?” I asked.

“Do you have skeletons in your closet?” Abraham asked me.

“Well yes,” I said. “Doesn’t everyone?”

“As does our group,” Abraham replied. “One collective skeleton buried six feet under.” There was finality in his voice that told me yet another topic of discussion was over.

I felt like a terrible conversationalist along with the gnawing suspicions that I was into something way over my head.

The remainder of the drive was in silence, though at one point Abraham did ask me if I enjoyed Jazz music. I told him I did and all of a sudden, the eclectic sounds of Miles Davis filled the limo, which, along with the champagne I discovered in the icebox, calmed me a little.

Eventually the limo rolled into a stop and I felt my composure under attack as my nerves melted into puddles of overwhelming anxiety.

Abraham exited the limo and opened the rear door for me.

“We’re here Aria,” he said with a pleasant smile. “Tonight your life is going to change forever.”

#

Chapter Three

Yup, I was definitely in way over my head. I realized this the second I stepped foot inside the stunning mansion.

Everything within was overwhelmingly luxurious. The ceilings were at least eleven feet high with crystal chandeliers hanging from them like long diamond earrings. The glow from the twilight sun flooded the rooms through the tall windows while gentle orange rays glistened against the glassy surface of the indoor pool.

Abraham led me deeper into the estate. Every room we passed by blew my mind with its extravagance—beautiful custom furniture, glorious modern works of art, and elegant and vintage décor. I felt like I was in a resort rather than someone’s house.

Finally Abraham stopped in front of a room on the second floor. “Here at last,” he said as he pushed open the large cream-colored double doors. “This is where you’ll change. You can find your complete outfit inside the walk-in closet,” Abraham said, “Along with a unique piece of attire that you’ll be required to wear for tonight’s festivities. There is also a piano in the room if you wish to warm up until all the other guests arrive. If there’s anything else you need, feel free to page me on the intercom.”

I was astounded by the sheer size of the room. It was larger than most condos or apartments I’ve seen. At the centre of the room was a baby grand piano; a Yahama from what I could tell.

“You guys sure know how to live it large,” I said.

“I do admit, we tend to violate many of the seven sins; greed, vanity, and pride at the forefront,” Abraham said, glancing at his golden watch which I figured to be worth more than all my measly possessions combined. “Oh darn, I’m running behind of schedule. If there’s nothing else you need, I shall take my leave. I’ll have someone send up some snacks and beverages within the hour.”

When I was finally alone, I did what any other curious girl would do. I began to touch everything—the glorious bed, the mahogany dresser, the full-body mirror, the bathroom’s glistening marble countertops—I ran my fingers across it all just to make sure it was all real.

It was.

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