Stuck in Time

Chapter

One

    I awoke, startled by the sudden pounding on my door. I slowly sat up in bed and cleared my eyes. I hung my feet over the end of the bed and slipped on my moccasins. Every second that went by that the door was not answered, the knocking got louder and more intense. I stumbled, trying to walk quickly to the door. Before reaching the door, I looked quickly at the clock, 9:13 A.M. I turned the door knob slowly. The door let out a slight squeak as I opened it. “Mornin’ mail delivery,” the postal worker said, in a dull manner. “Thanks,” I said, as he handed me the mail. I swung the door shut and walked over to the kitchen table. I threw the mail down, sending it sliding across the table. I sat down and started reading the mail envelopes; bills, bills, and more bills. I picked up the last envelope. It was sent by an anonymous sender. I slid my finger into the corner of the envelope to unseal it. I pulled out a black piece of paper. The paper was folded over and fastened with a golden seal. I lifted up on the seal and unfolded the paper. The paper read,

An illuminated hall, distinctive and grand

The clock ticked away its last second of time

Ominous somehow, it appeared to be,

but in order to know

You must come and see

Soho Grand Hotel

10 P.M.

Chapter

Two

Ringggg, Ringggg, I jumped, alarmed by the sound of my phone. I folded the paper back up as I hurried over to answer it. I reached for my phone as I laid the paper down on the stand. I glanced down. The caller ID read mom. I hesitated briefly before answering.

“Hello?” I said

“Honey! I’m glad I could reach you.  I thought you might be at work”

“We got off for the holiday,” I replied.

“That’s great! So you will be at the family dinner?”

“Uh..” I said, as I picked up the invitation, “I can’t make it.”

“It’s New Year's Eve, David, you really should be with family.”

“….Something came up… job related.”

“I thought you were off for the holiday?” my mom asked.

“It’s more of um..a... side job.”

My mom paused before saying, “Well that’s too bad. Give me a call later? I love you.”

“Love you too mom, Bye.”

    Before putting my phone away, I checked the time, 9:35 A.M. I could still hear the faint footsteps of the postal worker. He must have been finishing up delivering. I kept thinking about the letter. So many thoughts ran through my head and I needed answers. I grabbed a coat from the closet to cover up my pajamas. I stuck the letter in the pocket and walked quickly for the door. I swung it open and slammed it shut behind me. I looked down the hall for the mail man. He wasn’t anywhere in sight. I took the stairs, hoping they would be faster than the elevator. I went down to the main lobby and was greeted by the front desk clerk. I kept on walking until I reached the doors. I peered out of the glass sliding doors. I could see the mail truck. I jogged out of the doors, hoping to catch him before he left. The bitter wind hit my face. I could see my breath in the winter air. I shoved my hands in the pockets of my coat, grabbing on to the letter. I approached the mail man. He was moving mail from the truck into his carrying bag. I noticed he was wearing a gold watch that was very distinctive. “Excuse me,” I said. He turned around and said, “Can I help you?” I pulled out the letter and handed it to him. He laid his carrying bag down in the truck and examined the letter. I said, “Do you have any idea who sent this? Maybe it is a mistake.” He answered, “No, no mistake.” “That letter was addressed to your apartment.” “I just deliver.” He handed me back the letter. "You have to know something" I said, staring blankly. “Look," he said, "I know It’s a party, a masquerade party.” “Invite only.” He picked up the bag and started heading to the driver’s side. “What do I do? ” I said. He continued to walk without looking back. "Hey!!" I yelled out, trying to get his attention. He climbed into the truck and pulled away. The truck vanished into the busy streets of New York. I walked back into the apartment building. Ding, the elevator doors slid open. I walked into the elevator, deep in thought about the letter. Something was up with that mail man. I swung my coat over my shoulder and tucked the gloves away into the pockets. I arrived back to the 3rd floor. I approached my apartment door. I noticed a small package. It was wrapped in black paper with a golden bow around the box. I looked around to see if anyone had left it. There was no one in sight. I grabbed the package and hurried inside. I went to the kitchen and checked the time, 9:55 A.M. I carefully put the package on the table. I decided to wait to open it. I collected my clothes and took a quick shower before returning to the kitchen. I examined the package. Something wasn’t right about it. I don’t usually get this type of mail. After having a five minute staring competition with an inanimate object, I decided to open it. I carefully pulled the ribbon off and then the paper. I uncovered a plain brown box that was taped shut. I ripped back the tape. Slowly, I opened the box. Sitting in the bottom, was a golden watch.