Hyde Road - Start a conversation
From Create Your Own Story
"Thank you for this," you blurt out in desperation to end the silence.
"You are welcome," he says not breaking his concentration on the road ahead you can see trees passing you on the left but on the right it's just a throng of snow swirling around in the dark. A man of little words this one is.
"I'm Carla," the conversation is like drawing water from stone. He just nods still not looking your way. "So, have you stayed out here a while?" You ask hoping to encourage a response.
"Not really."
"Okay," Trying to keep your reply upbeat. "So you have moved here recently then?"
"Yes." He looks up into his rear view mirror for a moment, which has been his only break in concentration of the road for some time. He frowns a little. "I've recently moved back here, I have been away for a while." He rounds a fairly tight corner before continuing. "Which is suppose lucky for you."
You purse you lips a little ashamedly, "I suppose that is true." You really don't know what would have become of you had he not driven by. "I really can't thank you enough." It really is just small talk.
"Yes, well, like I said it's a pleasure."
The car is silent again, he rounds another corner. The road is less smooth now, the forest is visible both sides of the car again.
Another five minutes pass, in silence, the car climbs quite steeply before flattening out and suddenly you see a large building in front of the car. A garage door opens and the car pulls inside. As the door closes behind you the noise of the blustering wind dies down. It's quiet now, the engine shuts off. "Well Carla, here we are." You can see him properly for the first time, as he looks your way you see his eyes they are deep set and dark blue. You can't help staring at them for a moment. He has thick eyebrows and it hooks you. He lets the gaze last for a couple of seconds before looking away as he opens his door and gets out the car. He opens your door inviting you to follow him. You do.
It is a large garage, large enough to park at least four cars but the four-by-four is the only car currently inside. He leads you through the exit into a hallway, a double volume area with a wide sweeping staircase, a large wooden front door with glass panes. The ornate detailed carving work in is quite eye catching. Across from the front door is a pair of sturdy mahogany doors, which he opens revealing a sitting room. There are some smoldering embers in the fire place but the room is still warm. He strides across toward the hearth, his heavy feet on the stone floors. Picking up a large log he tosses it into the grate and setting some sparks flurrying about and few flames appear. "Why don't you sit hear and get warm while I bring in your things?"
You walk over to the fire, your skirt and stockings are still wet from sitting in the snow, so sitting down just feels too uncomfortable. He takes off his coat and throws it over a chair as he exits the room. He is a fairly tall man, with strong broad shoulders and you think he must be in his late thirties but you aren't all that sure. He has a few grey hairs but it makes him look a little more sophisticated. There is a definite appeal to him, and you can't help watching him as he walks back into the hallway.
You look around the room, there is a book case flanking each side of the fire place, the room has rather high ceilings. And heavy curtains cover most of the wall opposite the door you came in through. There is a wide couch and an occasional chair at either end, one now has a blue coat hanging on the back. You sit down in the edge of the coffee table close to the fire as you watch the new large log start to catch flame. The heat is comforting. There is and old clock standing on the mantle piece, it's almost nine.
At least ten minutes have passed since you handsome rescuer disappeared and you are beginning to wonder about his where abouts.
