Hotel Berlin - Chapter 1

End of the 60's.
Time...What can time do...
As time was passing, life went on. Tears from Heaven were falling on the steps and were forgotten as if they were a lost memory that everyone wanted to get rid of.

It was sunny in Bucharest, since it was July. The burning rays were just a part of the people's days down there. Everyone was too busy to notice the heat; they all had their own universe and never cared about others. Just a big city's drawback.

In the middle of Bucharest there laid Hotel Berlin. It was a 6-story building made of black marble, a very expensive material for that place and that time. Moreover, Berlin was the most modern and the only one 4-stars rated in town. The hotel attracted tourists from all over the country.

A black, luxurious car parked nearby. The slim man in costume got out of it and headed towards the hotel.
He broke the silence by entering. The young businessman seemed in a hurry. He went to the reception desk.
-Oh, Mr. Deschamps, you came here again..., the receptionist said, confused.
-I'm not willing to listen to you, Deborah. I need a key.Please.
-Oh, sorry...The woman put on her glasses and picked up a silver key from a frame above her. Room 501, sir.
-Thanks, Deborah. And I'd also like someone to carry my luggage upstairs.
-I can arrange that! she said excited. With a cruel smile, she called the young woman cleaning the floor. Danielle! You heard what Mr. Deschamps said. Go!

She rised up and did what she had been told, following Deschamps to his new room. Danielle was such a humble person, that she didn't even dare to look at something else but the stairs she was stepping on.
When they got out of Deborah's sight, she felt a sudden touch on her right hand.
-Please, let me help you.
Deschamps took the two pieces of luggage out of her hands.
She stared at him in surprise. How could such a rich, fine man do anything for a servant?
-If you excuse me, I must go back now..., she said in a trembling voice.
Danielle wanted to go, but the man stopped her.
-Wait! What will Deborah think if you came so quickly back?
She remained silent for a moment, then agreed.

He stopped in front of Room 501, let down the two pieces of luggage and opened the door. Almost instantly, he told the woman to enter before him.
Danielle was amazed by the view. She had never seen such luxury before. It looked like a king's apartment, and servants aren't allowed to enter and stain the walls and carpets. Danielle felt like it hadn't been her place in there.
After he had a general view of the apartment, he turned to Danielle.
-Why do they treat you like that?
He walked to her and lightly touched her cheek.
-Danielle?
-I'm just the woman who does the cleaning for money. I'm nobody to them.
-Why do you avoid watching me?
She was really afraid of that question. In spite of the unexplained fear she felt, Danielle dared.
Deschamps had the most beautiful deep blue eyes she had ever seen, the most beautiful dark, curly hair and the most beautiful smile ever. Now she could barely speak fluently. She took off the net that covered her hair, showing a long, reddidsh, curly hair.
-Mr. Deschamps, I...
-Please call me Richard. Oh, I understand. Everyone dislikes me. You see, even Deborah the receptionist treats me as you have seen just because I have power over businessmen here in this city.
He invited her to sit down.
-I'm just a countryside girl, sir. I came here to look for a job since I don't have any money, I don't own any house and I don't have any parents. I never knew who they were, I was found in the village when I was a few weeks old. I never had a happy life as you had. My duty is to work continously to live. It's just...no, I really don't understand what I'm doing here. It's been a long time since I came in here. Miss Williams must be wondering what I'm doing.
She hurried towards the door, but just before leaving, Richard told her:
-Promise me you'll still come to speak to me.
Turning to see him, she replied:
-I do.
*
Richard Deschamps remained alone in the room. He thought he was an excellent actor indeed...
-What a beautiful person, he cruelly laughed at himself. She believes everything I say to her. She will be mine, at any cost.
*
She hurried downstairs. There was another half of the floor that needed cleaning, but, she didn't know why, she was now glad for the first time in her life.
A pure, young, fresh smile came from deep inside her soul.