Ascension (The Ascension Series) Read Online Free PDF Page A

tracks.”
    “The other side of the tracks? T here’s nothing out there,” Charles said.
    “Exactly!” Clark told him. “It’ll be like that movie ‘Dazed and Confused.’ An outdoor party at night. Lots of music and kegs of beer. We won’t be around any houses so no one will crash.”
    “Okay,” Charles said, “That actually sounds good. Sounds like a plan.”
    “You think so? Sweet.”
    “Hell yeah. But Clark, I’m on a date. We’ll discuss this more tomorrow.”
    “Alright, Charles. Catch you later.”
    Charles ended the call and soon enough, his car pulled into a driveway. But this was no ordinary driveway. It was an unwinding driveway that encircled a marble fountain and stopped at the column-adorned entrance of a massive white mansion.
    “Have I ever taken you home before?” Charles asked.
    “No, this is the first time I’ve been to your place,” Kristina said while awestruck.
    Charles opened his car door and was greeted by two butlers. One of them opened the passenger door for Kristina while Charles handed the other his car keys. Charles took Kristina by the hand and led her between the white columns and up the steps that stopped at the golden double-door entrance. As Charles and Kristina reached the top step the ornate gold doors swung open and they were greeted by another butler.
    “Good evening, Master Walsh,” the butler said.
    “Evening, my man. Beautiful night, isn’t it?” Charles smiled.
    “It certainly is,” the butler nodded in agreement.
    “How many butlers do you have?” Kristina asked him.
    “Hell if I know, ” Charles shrugged.
    They entered the mansion and Kristina’s jaw dropped as she peered around the foyer. Above them was a crystal chandelier surrounded by a fresco of oil-painted angels. Straight ahead was a lavish room that featured a clear grand piano as the centerpiece. And on both sides of the foyer was an ornate winding staircase laid with red carpet and a white marb le banister. As Kristina was gazing in amazement, she noticed two individuals emerge down the stairs of the foyer.
    “Those are my parents,” Charles told her.
    The man, wearing a tuxedo, was tall and masculine with a defined jawline. With jet black hair, he looked like an older and more mature version of Charles. The woman, wearing a black ball gown and pearls, was a short brunette. Her heels made her appear several inches taller and she gave off an aura of sophistication. They stepped off the staircase and made it to the front entrance before greetings were in order.
    “Mom, dad, this is my date, Kristina.”
    “Hello, I’m Paul Walsh,” his dad said.
    “And I’m Jennifer,” said his mom.
    They didn’t shake her hand; they merely nodded before Paul addressed his son.
    “Alright, Charles, you two behave. Your mother and I are going to a benefit gala tonight hosted by Bill and Melinda.”
    “Sounds great, have fun,” Charles told them.
    “If you’re hungry, he ad to the kitchen,” his dad told him, “All the chefs are still here. As always, they’ll prepare whatever you like.”
    “ Lovely,” Charles nodded.
    “We’re taking the ivory limous ine tonight,” Charles’s dad waved to a butler.
    “Oh goodie,” said his mother. “We haven’t taken that one in a while.”
    “I was having the interior re-done,” his father told her. “You’re going to love it. Just love it.”
    “Charles,” the mother turned to her son. “Are you enjoying the car your father gave you?”
    “Yeah, mom,” Charles smiled. “It’s pretty nice. And I’ve gone three weeks without a single speeding ticket.”
    “Great,” his mother smiled. “Keep it up . See you soon.”
    Charles and Kristina moved aside as the butler opened the front door. His parents made their exit and the butler shut the door behind them. Charles took the young woman by the hand and headed down a corridor filled with sculptures and busts. They took a left and arrived at the first floor kitchen. Charles told his date