Whisper (part 11)
The next morning Mark awoke refreshed and rejuvenated. He felt purpose and direction in his life. Suspense and excitement energized his body and sent currents whizzing through his muscles and bones. He whipped his bed sheets off with a swish and pounced towards the bathroom. He showered quickly and rushed over to the closet nearby. He opened the oak sliding doors and shuffled around inside looking for his clothes.
“Nice!” he exclaimed as he produced a fine neatly ironed Italian suit jacket and rich maroon dress shirt. He discovered a chest drawer with gold handles and rich lacquered oak. He dug through the drawer hurriedly and picked out a matching pair of pants. Lastly, he donned a pair of extravagant black leather shoes, shining with polish, to complete his attire. He paced the room in thought trying to remember if he had missed anything. He was about to leave his room when he noticed a black folder with a gold eagle emblem embellishing the cover.
Mark flipped the folder open and removed a sheet of paper from one of the pockets.
“Breakfast is at 9:00 am sharp every morning. The meal is served in the dining room connected to the main atrium. If you have forgotten how to get there, exit your room and move down the hallway. Take a left and continue down the next hallway and you will be at the atrium. One the left side (assuming entry from the main entrance) you will discover a large open doorway leading directly into the dining room. I hope you will join us. The food is excellent.
Sincerely,
Lexington
Mark read the note with consideration. He realized he was famished and decided to acquiesce and attend the breakfast. He clamored down the lavish halls holding the note before him. He read over the note as he walked to memorize the directions and then stuffed it into his pocket. He turned left, walked down the hallway into the atrium. His second visit was as awe inspiring as the first and he marveled at the decor as he found his way to the dining room door. He took a deep breath to relax himself and knowing he had pictured the scene accurately, moved inside. There were exotic plants of all shapes sizes and colors. The room was open and bright with tall windows of glass. There was a magnificent oak table 30 feet long at the center of the room. Velvet and silk cushions of crimson rested upon ornately crafted chairs.
Mark sensed wonderful fragrances and focused his attention on the platters of steaming deliciousness. There was a wide variety of people seated around the table. Some joked and talked among themselves, others prepared the meal and some were content soaking in the experience. Mark’s attention had shifted to Raine. He smiled and waved in greeting.
Lexington looked up from a plate heaped with bacon, eggs, fried potatoes and French toast. He smiled widely and intercepted Mark’s attention. “I saved you an excellent seat next to myself” he said with pleasure. I am glad you decided to attend. Come, sit and eat.” With that he introduced Mark to the throng of people about the table. Mark was grateful for his hospitality and outgoing personality. It was a welcome distraction. Mark hated being the center of attention in large groups.
Mark took his seat and food was heaped onto plates before him. His two glasses were filled with pomegranate and orange juice. Mark decided this was all spectacular and began devouring his breakfast in earnest. He attempted to enter conversation between bites of powdered sugar and cinnamon toast but was thwarted by the delicious sensation of the meal.
He finished his breakfast, feeling ill from the hurried eating, but entirely satisfied. Raine was in conversation with Markov and seemed preoccupied. Mark was emboldened by the friendly atmosphere and decided to entertain the poor woman. He felt confidence rushing through his veins and stood up so quickly he almost knocked over his chair. He held his glass partially filled with red pomegranate juice before him and proclaimed, “I would like to propose a toast to all who would listen! You’ve been excellent hosts, the food was wonderful and I am delighted by your company! Cheers to all and I look forward to a new chapter in my life with you all!”
He finished the silly proclamation with relish and caught Raine’s eye. He smiled at her and noticed a short look of embarrassment followed by empathy cross her face. These expressions were abolished by a look of serene composure when Markov became aware of the exchange and glowered.
People filtered slowly out of the dining room eager to begin their daily plans. Mark halted Raine haphazardly as she worked her way towards the door. He looked curiously into her eyes and stammered, “Raine, I feel like you are the most amazing woman I have ever met. I suppose this is strange to say, especially here, but I cannot explain it except to say that I feel an aura of awe and wonder in your company.” Raine looked surprised as if she had received a harsh slap and not quite realized it yet.
She composed herself quickly and said, “Maybe you don’t meet enough women Mark.” She smiled mysteriously. “You’re a strange dude but, I can see, you have a pure heart.” Mark was grateful for her subtle recovery from his hastiness. “I am going to read a while before the day’s training. Would you care to join me?” Mark thought for a moment, mental preparation was necessary, before he made any decisions. “Umm, yea sure! That sounds pretty great to me!” he said.