KNOWN MYSTERY LADY

*Sethrony*

I woke up to the sound of rustling dishes and an alarm clock in the far background. The ringing in my ears makes me wince at the pain of it.

My eyes were sore and my back hurt. I slowly opened my eyes and waited for things to come into focus. The room was unfamiliar to me. The windows were open and the earthy smell mixed in with the scent of roses filled my lungs. I looked around to get a closer look up of where I was.

The big mahogany bed felt sturdy and comfortable. The comforter smelt of fabric softer, it smelt so good I couldn't resist sniffing it a little longer holding it closer to my face. I loved it. The sheets were a pristine white and soft to the touch.

I looked down at myself remembering yesterdays ordeal giving myself a self pat-down in a panic making sure nothing felt off. My back gave out in an instant. I remember getting hammered to the ground in the parking lot. That son of a bitch. The pain was there but not as intense as yesterday.

"I bet the pain is less severe as compared to yesterday because of the pain medication" I convince myself glancing at the box of Tylenol on the bedside table. Someone must have given it to me when I was out of it, but I don't wanna presume and overthink things.

I breathed out a sigh of relief when I realized everything was okay, except for the fact that my clothes were missing and were nowhere in sight. I was also wearing strange pajamas that were obviously way too big for my size. I'm still grateful its something.

The door creaked open from the far side of the room "you're awake" A woman wearing a black and white double-breasted checked housekeeping uniform said as she peeked in through the door.

"I brought your breakfast." The housekeeper said with a warm smile. She walked towards the bed and placed a tray of food on the bedside table.

" Who are you? where am I? Who brought me here? Where are my clothes and my stuff?" I looked at her anxiously waiting for an answer to be given.

"Firstly, my name is Susan Brown, but you can just call me Susan. I'm the housekeeper" she says as calmly as possible. " You're at the Smith residence and you were brought here last night by Mr. James Smith, the owner. He said not to disturb you after the doctor took a look at your injuries and left. Luckily enough, it was nothing too serious." She takes a few steps towards the door and opens it.

" well eat up, everything will be explained to you once you have rested and taken your bath." She said as she walked out the door. I sat up against the headboard as Susan left the room.

I stepped out to the side of the bed at looked curiously at the tray of food. It was filled with a plate of scrambled eggs with cream cheese, buttered toast, a small bowl of mixed berries and a glass of orange juice.

It's been so long since I'd last had breakfast like this excluding my usual oat bars. The difference in it made me tingle. It was way better than that.

*******************************

*James*

"Good morning James, how are you?" Ms. brown greets me while placing my breakfast on the dining table.

"I had a little bit of trouble sleeping but I'm as good as it gets." I try to flash my most convincing smile at her. "By any chance, have you checked in with our guest?" I asked her while taking a large bite of my scrambled eggs."

" she woke up about an hour ago, she seemed a little frightened when she woke up but I think she'll be okay." She tries to reassure me.

"Then I'll go up to check on her. She should be done right?" I look up to Ms. brown questioningly but she's nowhere to be seen.

I always wondered how she managed to disappear and move in stealth mode in broad daylight. For someone who has been with her for over 15 years, I will never get used to it.

I briskly walk up the stairs and head straight for the guest bedroom. I try to knock as softly as possible to not scare her. I knock again.

I don't hear anything, I try knocking once more but still nothing. I slowly open the door and peek in awkwardly. She's not here.

"Hello, miss?" I call out but there's no answer. The bed left in perfect condition like she just disappeared into thin air, like a ghost. The bed left with a damp towel with the wardrobe door open. I guess she found her belongings.

I sit at the edge of the bed partially disappointed I didn't get to see her. I try to remember how she looked yesterday. Her ebony hair fell in cascades from her face when she laid in the backseat of the car. Her lips a rose pink like the softest of the rose flower petals.

I internally scold myself for thinking such thoughts of a woman who needed my help and not stare at her like some sort of perv.

"Ms. Brown!" I call out to her while I walk out of the room into the corridor.

"By any chance did you see her leave the house?" I ask her as she walks up the stairs coming in my direction.

"No, I haven't." She walks past me and into the room. She looks around the room and heads straight for the bedside table.

"Seems she left a note here for you." She walks up to me and hands me a piece of paper.

Mr. Smith...

I can't thank you enough for saving me yesterday. Sadly I can't stay long and thank you in person. Please accept this for now. Hope we need on better terms next time.

Sethrony.

"Sethrony," I whispered to myself "what a peculiar name for a lady. At least I got a name." I say to myself as I fold the note and put it in my pants pocket.

" what does it say?" Ms. Brown asks me while peeking from behind trying to get a good look at the note.

" Seems to me, we have a known mystery lady." I chuckle as I walk past her and head down the stairs. I grab my car keys and walk out the door.

I can hear my phone ringing inside my jacket pocket. Seeing the caller ID, I realize today will have more than one surprise.

"Hello.".....