The Old White Mansion

Driving down the country road, I stopped when I noticed the weather beaten crooked For Sale sign. It was unbelievable. The old white house stood empty. It's wrap around porch yearning for children to play on it. Or even just someone to sit in an old rocking chair relaxing. The large turrets with the blank windows staring back at me. It was For Sale now. I had had my eyes on it for years. Dialing the number quickly I waited for a few minutes before someone finally answered. A cheerful voice on the other end replied Granich Reality , this is Stephanie, how may I help you ? Yes, I spoke My name is Jessica Whitdale. I am sitting here outside the house on Apricot Road. I was wandering if it would be possible to see it today? As I waited for her to answer I could hear someone else mumbling in the background. Finally after a few seconds of silence she spoke. Miss Whitdale I would be happy to show you the house. I can be there in about fifteen minutes. Great I replied saying goodbye and hanging up. Clouds danced in the horizon as I sat in the car waiting. Pulling out little black book out of my bag I began writing. I always had it with me for times like this. Just in case a story idea popped in my head. Lost in thought I must of filled a few pages when a car horn honked behind me making me jump. Closing my little black book I placed it in my bag. Climbing out of my SUV I just shut the door as she came up behind me. Miss Whitdale I presume, Stephanie replied sticking out her hand. Shaking her hand I smiled back at her. This is a beautiful old house, with alot of history, she told me as she fumbled with the cluttered keychain attempting to find the right key. Something did not seem right. Are you alright, Stephanie? You seem a bit nervous. I am fine, she mumbled laughing a bit. It's just been a busy day. Shall we head inside. Nodding my head I followed her up the creaking steps, to the double glass stained doors. My heart pounded with excitement. An old porch swing rocked back and forth in the gentle breeze.

Placing the key in the lock I heard it click as she turned both silver knobs clockwise. The hinges groaned with displeasure as she pushed the doors open. A musty smell invaded our nostrils as we stepped across the threshold. Nobody has been here for years. Stephanie explained. I could tell. Dust covered the furniture as cobwebs danced across the corners. I am sorry. I should of had it cleaned up a little for you. It's alright I said. Just to let you know all the furniture and appliances go with the house. Really? I questioned. I thought maybe I had not heard right. I was beginning to think this place was going to be way out of my price range. She must have read my thoughts. Laughing, she told me, the owners only want forty six thousand dollars for everything. Now I knew I was hearing things. I had to have her repeat it. Laughing she repeated it again. Stephanie was serious. This was a deal I could not pass up, but I needed to see the rest of the house. Touring the first and second floors I smiled before blurting out, I'll take it. I could feel my face turn red as I never act like that. I usually think about major decisions like that a little bit. Good! Stephanie chuckled. Let's go back to the office sign some papers and make an offer.

In a matter of weeks I had moved in. It seemed a little quick but I was happy. Scanning the rooms to my new home I shivered as a cool breeze blew past me. A voice mumbled in my ear. I could not understand what she was saying. Giggling to myself I blamed it on my vivid imagination. Looking around I noticed small repairs I would have to make which were expected. Moving from room to room I took my new house in. It was beautiful. Treading over to the curving staircase I jumped as a voice whispered my name. Jessica Jessica it kept saying. I knew I was the only one in the house. Get a grip on yourself I tried to tell myself. Shaking it off I ran up the stairs to find the five bedrooms I had to choose from. Walking down the hall I glanced in each one. They were nice but something was drawing me to the back room at the end of the hall. I could feel two icy hands pushing me gently. Instead of fighting it I went along with it. All the bedroom had walk in closets, balconies and bathrooms so it did not matter which one I took. I just liked the last one the best. Heading through the doorway, dropping down on the bed a few few feet away I smiled. staring at the ceiling for a minute before raising back up to look around. Climbing out of the large bed I decided to check out my bathroom a little bit more. Stepping inside I flipped the light switch on looking around. Suddenly my eyes locked on an old wooden door in the back. I had not really noticed it earlier. Jessica, open the door. the voice murmured . Ok, now this has to stop I said out loud feeling a little brave. I thought I was losing my mind. More curious then afraid I jiggled the doorknob. It would not budge. Then it dawned on me. I bet the key was on the keychain that Stephanie gave me to the house. Trying each one I was beginning to get annoyed when none of then worked until I came to the last tiny key. Unlocking the door all I could see was a bit of sunlight peeking through the crusted dirty windows. In the middle of the room stood a tall cherry dresser, Three oval mirrors attached to the top. As the sunlight bounced off it appeared in a white light. Look under the top drawer! the voice I was beginning to become familiar with. What? I asked feeling stupid talking to someone I could not even see. Again, she begged, Look under the top drawer. Pull the top drawer out. Obeying her command I walked over touching the dresser gently before pulling the top drawer out. Lifting it out I was shocked on how heavy it was. I almost could not hold onto it. Out of nowhere it was like two invisible hands pushed hard knocking it out of my hands. That was not possible I thought. In slow motion I watched the drawer shatter into pieces. Gasping I bent down to pick some of the pieces up when something stopped me. Underneath the rubble large bills appeared. To many to even count. I could not believe my eyes. There must have been thousands and thousands of dollars there. Where did it come from? Who did it belong to? Laughing and crying at the same time I was not sure what to do. It's your, Jessica, the frail voice told me. Enjoy it! You deserve it!