Chapter 5: Resolution
In @The Town House Master Bedroom, Alex heard the Master Bathroom door creek open. He caught two figures out of the corner of his eye and decided to address them without turning. "So, uh, are you two, done, with whatever you needed to do in there?" He asked Michael and Emily , who had just emerged from the bathroom, looking slightly disheveled. They exchanged a glance, a silent conversation passing between them before Emily spoke up.
"Yeah, we were just... discussing some things," she said, her voice casual, but her cheeks flushed pink. Alex raised an eyebrow, but he didn't press further. He had a feeling he knew exactly what they'd been 'discussing,' given the state of the bathroom when they'd entered - towels strewn about, steam still rising from the mirror, and the faint scent of sex lingering in the air.
But he kept his thoughts to himself, as he opened the hinges that the fake painting hung from wider, revealing four numbers written on the back of the frame paper. "I found this just after you entered the bathroom," he stated stoically as he turned the handle of the safe.
The mechanism clicked open, revealing a small, leather-bound book nestled among some old photographs and yellowed letters. Alex carefully extracted the book, brushing off the dust that had accumulated on its cover. He flipped it open, revealing pages filled with neat, handwritten script.
Michael was incensed, "So we actually had the code for the safe right in front of us? Isn't that a little too easy?" he asked, but Emily pushed past him.
"What is it?" Emily asked, leaning in to get a better look. Her arm brushed against Alex's, sending a jolt of electricity through him. He cleared his throat, trying to ignore the sudden heat that had spread through his body.
"It looks like a diary," he replied, his voice gruff. "Rachel's diary and she blatantly gives 'all who reads this' the code for the metal door downstairs." he said with a frustrated sigh as he closed the diary with a dusty snap, "I'm beginning to agree with Michael. This feels too convenient."
Emily looked thoughtful, her finger tracing the edge of the diary. "Maybe it's meant to be. Maybe the Host wants us to find something specific downstairs."
Alex raised an eyebrow. "And what makes you think that?"
Emily shrugged. "Just a hunch. Besides, we haven't explored the rest of the house yet. We might find more clues down there."
Michael, who had been quietly observing their exchange, finally spoke up. "I agree with Emily. We should check it out. Besides, we need to stick together if we're going to figure this thing out," Michael added, his voice steady and sure. Alex looked at the two of them, their faces filled with determination. He sighed, knowing they were right. They needed to explore the house, to find out what else the Host had in store for them.
"Alright," Alex agreed, tucking the diary into his back pocket. "Let's go downstairs and see what we can find."
They made their way down the grand staircase of @The Town House, the wooden steps creaking under their feet.
The air grew colder, heavier, as they descended, the weight of the unknown pressing down on them. At the bottom of the stairs, they found a heavy metal door, just as Rachel's diary had described.
Alex stepped forward, his heart pounding in his chest as he punched in the code - 2-5-8-1. There was a loud click, and the door swung open, revealing a dimly lit hallway stretching out before them. The walls were lined with more paintings, these ones depicting scenes of debauchery and depravity that made them all blush.
Emily's eyes widened as she took in the explicit images, her cheeks flushing a deep shade of red. Alex, ever the stoic, merely raised an eyebrow, while Michael let out a low whistle, impressed despite himself.
"This place is... something else," Emily muttered, her voice barely above a whisper.
Alex nodded, his gaze sweeping over the artwork. "Looks like our host has some interesting tastes."
They continued down the hallway, the air growing thicker and more charged with each step. The sound of music reached their ears, a sultry, seductive beat that seemed to pulse through the very walls.
They followed the sound, their footsteps echoing in the narrow corridor. The hallway opened up into a large, opulent room, dimly lit by flickering candles. A grand piano sat in one corner, its keys moving of their own accord, playing the haunting melody that filled the air.
The center piece of the room was an opulent banquet table, but with modern food from a buffet , set for five. The silverware gleamed under the candlelight, and crystal glasses sparkled with what appeared to be champagne. The table was set with such precision, it was clear that someone, or rather, something, wanted them to sit down and partake.
Alex, Emily, and Michael exchanged glances, a silent conversation passing between them. They had no idea what awaited them, but they knew they had to find out. They took their seats, the plush chairs enveloping them like velvet clouds.
As they settled in, the music stopped, a man stood frustrated at the piano. "Finally! Why did you guys take so long to complete it this time? I practically gave you the code to the safe!" he snapped, his voice echoing in the vast room. His eyes darted between the three of them, his frustration palpable.
Alex raised an eyebrow, a smirk playing on his lips. "And who might you be?" he asked, his voice casual, as if they weren't in the midst of a bizarre situation.
The man at the piano rolled his eyes, running a hand through his disheveled hair. "I'm the Host, obviously," he said, as if that explained everything. "And you three are the guests. Or rather, the players in this little game," the Host continued, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Now, I suggest you eat up while I explain. It's probably already cold, but I assure you, it's quite delicious," the Host said, gesturing to the food on the table.
Alex, Emily, and Michael exchanged another glance, then shrugged and began to fill their plates. The Host watched them, a satisfied smile on his face. "Good. Now, where to begin..." he mused, tapping his chin thoughtfully. "Ah, yes. Welcome to 'The Great Reset.'"
He paused, letting the title sink in. "You see, this house, and eventually this whole town, investors willing, is my take on an escape room. But instead of puzzles and riddles, you have each other. And instead of a timer, you have a ticking clock in your minds - your memories."
Alex leaned forward, his eyes narrowing. "What do you mean, our memories?"
The Host smiled, a predatory glint in his eyes. "Exactly what I said. When you arrived here, you were all given a little something to help you forget. A gas, if you will. It's wearing off now, and soon, you'll remember everything. Who you are, where you came from, and most importantly, your prior relationships."
Emily frowned, her fork pausing mid-air. "So, we're all amnesiacs? That's your big twist?"
The Host chuckled, a low, humorless sound. "Oh, darling, you have no idea. You see, this isn't just any escape room. It's a chance for you to reset your lives. To make different choices, to become different people."
"But what about those prior relationships?" Emily retorted, "Me and Michael made... what if I was married to Alex?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
The Host's smile faded, replaced by a cold, calculating expression. "The elephant in the room. Or rather, the husband in the room," he said, his gaze shifting to Alex. "You see, Emily, in this game, nothing is off-limits. Not even marriage vows. In fact, those are often the first things to go."
Alex's jaw tightened, his hands clenching into fists on the table.
"This is ridiculous. I'm not playing some twisted game where I cheat on my husband," Emily said, her voice firm. She pushed her plate away, her appetite suddenly gone.
The Host leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers beneath his chin. "Ah, Emily, always the moral compass. But tell me, what if your husband was Michael. What better proof of your love than to choose him again, knowing what you know now?" The Host's eyes gleamed with a dangerous curiosity, relishing the tension building at the table.
Alex's gaze shifted from the Host to Emily, his expression unreadable. "Wait..." he paused as if there were a tremor in his mind, "Emily, Michael, you are married." Alex exclaimed, his voice barely above a whisper. Emily gasped, her eyes widening in shock.
Michael's face paled, his grip tightening around his glass until his knuckles turned white. The Host leaned forward, his eyes gleaming with satisfaction.
"Surprised, aren't you? But don't worry, that's just the beginning. Your memories are coming back, and with them, all the choices you've made, all the people you've hurt, and all the loves you've lost." He let the words hang in the air, allowing them to sink in.
"Alex, you are my brother!" Emily exclaimed, her voice shaking with emotion. "We grew up together, played together, fought together. How could I not remember that?"
Alex's eyes softened as he looked at Emily, a warmth spreading through him at the mention of their shared history. "I don't know, Em. But I'm glad you remember now."
Michael cleared his throat, drawing their attention back to him. His face was still pale, but his eyes held a determined gleam. "I remember too," he said, his voice steady. "I remember meeting Emily in college, falling in love with her, marrying her. And I remember you, Alex. You dodged a bullet Bro-Cephus. We were coming out of that bathroom to invite you to join us in a threesome," Michael said, a hint of amusement in his voice.
Alex raised an eyebrow, a smirk tugging at the corners of his mouth. "Is that so? Well, I must say, I'm flattered." he said, but inwardly he was surprised. He never expected that kind of invitation from his brother-in-law. He glanced at Emily, who was blushing furiously, her eyes wide with embarrassment. She hadn't expected Michael to reveal their secret so bluntly either.
"Michael, really?" she hissed, her voice barely audible. "Was that something that needed be shared... ever... all things considered?"
Michael just shrugged, a mischievous grin on his face. "I figured since we're all here, playing this... game, we might as well lay all our cards on the table."
Alex chuckled, shaking his head. "Well, I appreciate the offer, but I think I'll pass. At least for now," he added, winking at Emily.
She rolled her eyes, but a small smile played on her lips. Despite the situation, she couldn't help but feel a flutter of excitement at Alex's response. She had always harbored a secret crush on her brother, and the thought of acting on it, even in this twisted game, sent a thrill down her spine.
The Host, who had been watching their exchange with keen interest, clapped his hands together, breaking the moment. "Now do you see the appeal?" he asked, his eyes gleaming with mischief. "This game, it's about pushing boundaries, exploring desires, and making choices that would otherwise be unimaginable."
Alex leaned back in his chair, his arms crossed over his chest. "And what happens if we refuse to play along? If we decide we want out?"
The Host's smile faded, replaced by a cold, hard stare. "Then you lose, parting with both your money and the opportunity for a unique experience. But sadly, this investor run has proven you yahoos don't actually want out. As in, never solving the damn puzzle," he seethed haltingly, his voice laced with venom.
Emily furrowed her brow, "How long have we've been here, anyway?"
The Host checked his watch, a vintage Rolex that gleamed under the dim light. "About six hours, give or take. Time flies when you're having fun, doesn't it?" he quipped, his eyes twinkling with amusement.
Alex scoffed, "Six hours? Emily and Michael only took a few minutes to..." he started but was interrupted by Michael.
"It was fifteen minutes buddy!" he interjected, "And besides, we were doing more than just talking in there," Michael said, a hint of defensiveness in his voice.
"Oh, really? And what exactly were you doing?" Alex asked, his voice laced with innuendo. Emily blushed furiously, burying her face in her hands.
"Alex, stop it," she mumbled, her voice muffled. "It's none of your business."
Alex chuckled, leaning back in his chair. "But my point stands, it wasn't exactly hours. What gives?" he asked, his gaze on the Host.
The Host waited for all to be silent for a beat, then answered, blowing air through his lips, "Repeated applications of the gas, of course. The first one was a complete failure to solve the puzzle, and the lead investor demanded another go. The other reapplications were.... requested by the rest of you." he said, his eyes scanning the group.
"Who is the lead investor?" Michael asked, showing a surprising level of insight, "I'm broke." He looked at Alex, "You're not, are you?"
Alex shook his head, "No, I'm not. But all my money is locked up in the family trust, just like Emily's. Only mom..." he paused, memories flooding back, "Mom, she's the lead investor, isn't she?" Alex said, his voice barely above a whisper.
The Host's eyes widened briefly, betraying his surprise. "Well, well, well. It seems someone's memory is returning faster than anticipated," he said, his voice laced with a newfound respect. "Yes, your mother is indeed the lead investor. She's the one who funded this little... retreat. She wanted to give you all a chance to reset, to make different choices." He paused, his gaze sweeping over the group. "But don't worry, you're not here out of charity. Each of you signed a contract, agreeing to participate in this... unique experience." He emphasized the last two words, a wicked gleam in his eyes.
"Jill, the old woman, is your two's mom," Michael said, nodding his head with pride that he pieced it together long after the other two had.
Emily patted Michael on his knee. "That's why she was so insistent on us coming here. She said it was a 'unique opportunity' to grow closer as a family." She shook her head, a bitter laugh escaping her lips. "I can't believe she manipulated us like this."
"Family values... count me in," Michael said approvingly, but Emily shot him a warning glare.
Alex sat thoughtful, "Mom always did have a problem with my marriage to Rachel. Too much of a live wire for her, I think..." he muttered, then his eyes widened as he remembered something. "Hey, where is Rachel, anyway? I haven't seen her since we woke up." Alex looked around the table, realization dawning on their faces.
The Host lowered his head in realization, "Shite! Not again. Which room were they exploring when you fools split up... as you always do?" he asked with a hiss.
"Uh, the south bedroom, opposite the Master Suite, why?" Michael confirmed and asked, not grasping the implication like the others. "Why does it matter which room they were in?"
The Host's face paled, his eyes darting nervously between the three of them. "Because... because that's where the... the trap is," he stammered, his composure cracking for the first time since they'd met him.
Alex's heart pounded in his chest, a cold dread washing over him. "What trap? What are you talking about?" he demanded, his voice harsh.
The Host swallowed hard, his Adam's apple bobbing nervously. "I suppose you could say that Jill, set a trap for Rachel, and they keep springing it..." he started as Alex and Emily bolted towards the stairs, "Wait! You can't just barge in there! It's not safe!" the Host called after them, his voice frantic. But Alex and Emily were already halfway up the staircase, their hearts pounding in their chests.
Michael hesitated for a moment, looking back at the Host. "What kind of trap is it?" he asked, his voice steady despite the fear that gripped him.
The Host ran a hand through his disheveled hair, his eyes darting nervously. "It's... the sexual kind..." he said with a sigh as Micheal bolted to witness the chaos that was unfolding upstairs. The Host slumped back in his chair, his eyes glazing over as he muttered to himself, "This is not how it was supposed to go."
Meanwhile, Alex and Emily burst into the south bedroom, their eyes scanning the room for any sign of Rachel. The room was a mess, furniture overturned, clothes strewn about, and the air was thick with the scent of sex and something else, something metallic. Alex's heart pounded in his chest as he took in the scene, his mind racing with possibilities.
On the bed he saw one naked body slowly thrusting into another, the rhythm slow and deliberate. The sight of Rachel, her long blonde hair splayed across the pillow, her eyes closed in ecstasy, sent a jolt of jealousy coursing through him. Beside her, Jill, her short gray hair disheveled, her stern expression replaced by one of pure pleasure, was the one doing the thrusting.
Emily gasped beside him, her hand flying to her mouth. "Oh my god, is that... is that mom?" she stammered, her eyes wide with shock.
Alex nodded, his gaze fixed on the scene before him. "And that's Rachel," he said, his voice tight with emotion. He felt a surge of possessiveness, a primal urge to claim Rachel as his own. But he also felt a pang of guilt, remembering his conversation with Michael earlier. Rachel was his wife; they had a life outside of this twisted game. Yet, here he was, unable to tear his eyes away from Rachel's naked form, her body writhing in pleasure, by the hand of his own mother, Jill.
The sight was both grotesque and strangely captivating, a twisted tableau that seemed to defy all logic and reason.
Emily, however, was less entranced. She stepped forward, her voice sharp with anger. "Stop this, right now!" she demanded, her hands clenched into fists at her sides. Jill and Rachel froze, their eyes snapping open, startled by the intrusion. For a moment, time seemed to stand still, the only sound the ragged breathing of the four people in the room.
Then, Jill recovered, her expression hardening as she pulled away from Rachel, her body glistening with sweat.
She looked at Emily, her eyes cold and unapologetic. "This is none of your concern, Emily," she said, her voice steady and calm, as if she hadn't just been caught in a compromising position with her daughter-in-law.
Rachel, however, looked mortified. She scrambled to cover herself with the sheets, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment. "Emily, I... I can explain," she stammered, her eyes darting between Emily and Alex.
Alex, still struggling with the conflicting emotions surging through him, finally found his voice.
"Mom, what the hell is going on here?" he demanded, his voice barely concealing the turmoil within. He gestured to the disarrayed room, the evidence of their tryst still evident.
Jill, unfazed by Alex's outburst, calmly adjusted her blouse, the only piece of clothing that remained, smoothing out the wrinkles with meticulous care. "This, Alexander, is a result of your inability to discipline," she replied, her tone dripping with condescension. "You left Rachel without guidance, without direction, without discipline. Someone had to step in."
Rachel, now fully covered, looked at Alex with a mix of shame and defiance. "We didn't remember until after the second orgasm, I swear." she explained unconvincingly. Alex's eyes widened, a mixture of shock and disbelief warring within him. He looked at Rachel, then at his mother, his mind racing with questions.
"Second orgasm?" Emily echoed, her voice incredulous. "How many?" she asked with a pause.
"The third and fourth came after we remembered who we are. Apparently, the effects of the gas dissipate faster with physical activity." Jill explained as if she was discussing the weather, not her sexual escapades with her son's wife. "And besides, I was merely helping Rachel explore her... darker desires."
Alex's jaw tightened, his hands clenching into fists at his sides. "Her darker desires? Mom, this is Rachel we're talking about. My wife. And you... you took advantage of her." His voice was low, dangerous, a stark contrast to Jill's calm demeanor.
Jill waved a dismissive hand, as if swatting away a fly. "Took advantage? Oh, please, Alexander. Rachel is a grown woman. She knew what she was doing. Besides, it's not like I forced her. She enjoyed it, didn't you, dear?" Jill turned to Rachel, her eyes cold and calculating.
Rachel squirmed under Jill's gaze, her cheeks still flushed. "Yes, mother," she murmured, her eyes cast downwards. Alex's heart ached at the sight of Rachel's discomfort, her usual fiery spirit dampened by whatever spell Jill had cast over her.
Emily, however, was not so easily cowed. She stepped forward, her eyes blazing with anger. "This is sick, Mom. Whatever game you're playing, it ends now."
Jill's gaze shifted to Emily, her expression hardening. "This is not a game, Emily. This is a lesson. A lesson in control, in power dynamics, in understanding one's true desires."
Alex scoffed, "Control? Power dynamics? No wonder we keep resetting the game!" he said with a bellow just as the Host entered the room, panting and sweaty from his hurried ascent up the stairs. He took in the scene before him - Jill, composed and unashamed, Rachel, huddled and embarrassed, Emily, fuming with rage, and Alex, a storm brewing in his eyes. The Host sighed, running a hand through his disheveled hair.
"Alright, alright, let's all calm down," he said, his voice surprisingly soothing considering the chaos unfolding. "I should have warned you about the... side effects of the gas. But in my defense, I didn't expect you lot to be quite so... eager to explore your fantasies," he said, casting a pointed look at Rachel and Jill. Rachel blushed furiously, pulling the sheet tighter around her, while Jill simply raised an eyebrow, unfazed by the Host's rebuke.
Alex, still simmering with anger, rounded on the Host. "Eager? You call this eager? This is fucked up, man. My mom and my wife... Jesus Christ, what kind of twisted shit are you running here?"
The Host held up his hands in a placating gesture. "I understand your frustration, Alex, Emily..." he paused as he surveyed the approving expressions of Jill, Rachel and Michael. He then nodded, then continued, "But there's always the option of more gas, to start fresh. Or you can choose to embrace these new experiences, learn from them, grow."
Emily scoffed, "Start fresh? After what we've just witnessed? I don't think so" she said then left the room in a huff.
Alex followed her, leaving the Host, Jill, Rachel, and Michael behind.
Once they were out of earshot, the Host lowered his head in resignation and sighed, "So, I guess I'm not getting my funding?" he asked Jill, who turned her gaze toward him with a smile that sent chills to everyone in the room.
"Fully funded," Jill answered slowly, her lips curling into a smirk. "Though I must admit, I didn't expect such... enthusiasm from my children."
The Host's shoulders relaxed, relief washing over him. "Well, that's good to hear. Any other retreats you have in mind, want me to schedule?" he asked, his eyes gleaming with renewed vigor.
Jill nodded her head slowly in thought, "Oh my, yes. There are so many board members that I want to... have a second chance. Especially if that second chance leads to something recorded, something persuasive," Jill said, her eyes gleaming with a sinister intent.
The Host nodded eagerly, taking notes on his phone. "Absolutely, I'll make sure to set up cameras in strategic locations for the next retreat. Now, what about our current guests? Shall we administer more gas, or do you want them to continue exploring their... newfound desires?"
Jill looked at Rachel, who was still huddled under the sheets, her eyes downcast. Michael was chomping at the bit to be picked for the next retreat. Jill simply patted his chin, appreciating his enthusiasm.
She replied, "Leave them be for now. Let them stew in their own juices. Perhaps they'll come to their senses and realize the potential in this... unique experience."