The crew continued on the old interstate 81, it travels mostly north, and a little east. The next major city they had in front of them was Wilkes-Barre/ Scranton, a combination of two cities that had grown into each other in the late 1900's. They were a very industrial couple of towns back in the day, now it was mostly a crossroads for travelers. There was a pretty good market set up near where they had to turn onto another highway, interstate 84. They decided that this would be the best place to stay while they resupplied. They saw no sign of the dead in the couple of days journey through the lush Smokey Mountains. The smells of summer were intoxicating in the woods that hosted the interstate.
They crested the final hill leading into Wilkes-Barre and were amazed at how nature could reclaim what used to be a very densely populated area. Trees were growing right up through houses. Vines climbed the walls of the formerly grand bank and factory buildings. Crumbling brick had given way to tall green grasses and all manner of wildflowers. Gone was the acrid odor of rush hour, replaced by the beautiful perfumes of flower and green.
Wilkes-Barre was all but a ghost town. Rose could see some small settlements dotted in some of the suburban areas, but the city proper was apparently deserted. Most of the place was a green mound, with an occasional building thrusting up through it's canopy. The former thriving city was barely discernable from the highway.
Dusk was almost upon the group as they left Wilkes-Barre-no-more and entered Scranton. The difference was palpable. There were houses lit with electricity everywhere. The city was aglow even in the early twilight. There was a lot of movement everywhere they looked. Three cars passed them coming the other way within two minutes time. There was a bustle about this town that was different than in Boston. The attitude here was brighter, almost gay.
Rose picked an exit and they rolled to a stop at the bottom of the ramp. There were signs painted in bright colors pointing to places of business or interest.
One said: Market-->
Another said: <-- Worship
They followed one of the many that said: Lodging-->
It was carved into a surfboard, of all things. The letters on it were neat and precise and they agreed that, since it was the same direction as the market, it would be the best bet. Also, it was the most interesting of the several lodging or hotel signs, whimsical, yet, somehow stern at once.
The hotel itself was what appeared to be a refitted brick mansion. There was a long, dramatic driveway of crushed sea shells leading into a circle at the front of the main building. The walls of the expansive building were half covered in Ivy. The curved, red-carpeted front stairs were accompanied by tall, bright-white, marble columns. There, in front of the steps, stood a valet in full uniform.
Larry was chuckling softly as they pulled the deuce and a half to a stop in front of the valet. "Bet this is the first time he ever valeted one of these," he laughed, "I'm gonna have to teach him to drive it."
"I think you should just park it yourself." Rose agreed, laughing along. "I have been watching you the whole time, and, I don't think I could drive it." She opened the passenger door and hopped down onto the driveway, not seeing the offered hand of the valet. Miss Vivian followed her out, accepting the valets help. Rose and Vivian climbed the stairs arm in arm, the men stayed in the truck as Larry pulled off towards the designated parking spots.
The interior of the hotel did not disappoint. I had a crystal chandelier hanging three floors above. There were intricate carvings in the plaster of the domed ceiling. Small, sliver-like skylights lent sunlight to the chandelier, a myriad of colors shining onto the opposite wall. There was a mahogany desk with a very well dressed man standing behind it. He was about six feet tall, with short trimmed brown hair, greying at the edges. He was watching the women as they looked around at the antique chaise and Tiffany lamps with a neutral expression. He smiled at them as they turned their attention to him.
"I am Steven," he said, poining to a placard on the desk that said: Fran, and, under that: night manager. He grinned at Rose and said, "I know who you are, you are that lady that helps.We hoped you would pick us as your hotel."
"How do you know me?" Rose asked, truly confused. They were more people. They were in a different vehicle. They were headed north now instead of w...
"I can tell because you glow." Steven cut off her thoughts.
"I what?" Rose asked, looking at herself. She couldn't make out a glow of any kind.
"I can see it, Rose, I thought you knew, so, I never said anything. The boys see it too, they asked me about it and I told them to mind their manners." Miss Vivian explained.
"We saved a guest house for you and your friends," said Steven, never taking his gaze off of Rose, "I expect your brothers have been shown the way, let me take you."
Thank you for reading!