The Dragon of the Well

***********************************Edited*************************************

Chapter 1

Pulling up to the house I had just bought, I sighed with relief. Owning this was real. This home was my reward for years of hard work and saving. After seven long years, I was finally out of the one-bedroom trailer I rented and could buy a home from a tax sale. This home came as is and was loaded to the brim with old items. When I went to the auction, I did not think I would get it, but when the house was up, everyone seemed to lose interest except for me and a man in a dark suit. Halfway through the bidding, he asked, "Do you know the history of that house?"

Laughing as I bid again, I said, "I don't care. It's in my price range. If you stop bidding, I can finally have something of my own."

He stopped bidding, and when the house was officially mine, he walked up to me and said, "I am not offering you more money to get the home, but I would feel bad if I didn't tell you about the home history, now that it's yours."

Intrigued, I said, "There is a coffee shop across the street. Meet me there once I get the keys from the auction people and sign all my papers."

He nodded and said, "I will get us a table."

I finished all the legality and paid for my house. After completing the paperwork, I  joined the mysterious man at the coffee shop. When I sat down, he waved over a server, and we ordered coffee. After she left, he said, "My name is Donald Mitchel. I am a state historian."

"My name is Gabriella," I said, "So what type of mystery are you going to tell me?"

"Gabriella, the home you purchased has many mysteries surrounding it," He said. "Multiple deaths for over five hundred years. There are also rumors that young women on the property have gone missing for the last few hundred years. Always at night and always when they are alone. I want you to take caution and be safe."

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Nodding I said, "I can assure you I will be very careful in the house. But no worries I am also a owner of stabbing items and freedom delivery devices and quite trained how to use them."

He chuckled and said, "I am glad to hear that. The deaths on the property were all at night and centered outside the home. As a Grandfather I would not feel right if you were not warned. The property is over run and the house needs a good hand but I am guessing you are up for the job."

"When I saw the house last year I was shocked someone let it get so run down," I said. The plus of the property is that there is a gated fence and brick walls all around it. But I am also a believer in not looking for trouble and I have a few friends who have lived on reservations that give me warnings. I assure you that I will be very careful with the land and the house. This weekend hopefully will be a nice one and I plan on working on the forest attached to my home."

He chuckled and said, "Well its supposed to be raining part of the day from what I saw but I am sure you will get something done. So what is your plan now?"

"Going to the house to see if I can move in right away," I said. "I don't live in a great area and I want and need to move. If I can do that this week as we are slow at work I would love to. I have to be out of my trailer by the end of next week."

He nodded and handed me a card, "Well Gabriella I am glad you have the home. If you need anything I am local and I will be glad to answer questions about any items you find."

"Thank you Mr. Mitchel I appreciate you giving me the heads up," I said. "I will be glad to have you come by and look at the property."

He paid our bill and he left. I took the keys and drove over to the house. When I pulled up to the gate I unlocked it and pulled up to the main house. I looked around and sighed as I had a lot of work ahead of me. The brush is almost as tall as me. The wind blew through and I shook a bit. The first cool weather in September was starting to blow. As it was the last week in September we would be having snow soon enough. Snow comes early here in northern Maine. 

Going to the door I unlocked it and walked in. The house was stuffy so I left the door open. Walking to the master Bedroom I saw there was plenty of room to pile my stuff into the room. As I walked through the house  I called the electric, cable, and water company to get the utilities on. Opening the fridge in the kitchen I was happy to see there was nothing in it or the freezer. I hoped it worked. I arranged for them to come out the following day as I paid for the services to be put on at this house. Sitting at the table in the kitchen I looked my bank account and saw I had enough to still do whatever I wanted to in the house. 

While sitting there I also called a chimney sweep for the next day. I made a list of things I needed to get for the house and I decided that wood for the fire would be a must as well. Looking up I also called a roofing company I knew and arranged for the owner to come and check my roof. I wanted to make sure there would be no leaks. I may have to hold off on a new roof but spot repairs would work for now. 

Standing up I walked to the front door and headed to the store to buy moving boxes. Once I loaded my cart I headed to my rental. Pulling up I went in and looking at the house I realized I did not have much. I went to the outdoor shed and started loading everything into the truck. After a few trips to the new house I realized I did not have as much room as I thought but was able to fit things into the spare bedrooms. 

Going back out to my truck my phone rang. Looking at it I sighed it was my mother. Answering I said, "Hello Mother how are you?"

"Your cousin shawn said he saw you moving from your trailer," She said.

"Yes Mother I bought a house and I am moving what I can in now as I have utilities being put on tomorrow," I said. "Why does it matter."

"You bought a house?" She asked.

"Yes I did," I said. "Why?"

"You will be able to loan me money then," She said.

"No mother I spent the last of my money buying the house," I said. 

"Well what am I going to do I want to see your sister and do not have the money to go there," She said.

"Mother do you realize you only call me when you want money," I said. "No I am not loaning you money as you never paid me back any money I loaned you over the years."

"Well can I stay with you in your new house," She asked.

"No," I said. "You know that will not happen you are toxic and I do not want you living there with me."

"Your so selfish," She said. "That is why I only call you when I need help."

"Give Bethany my best," I said. "I am going now so I can get more moved before it gets to dark to see."

Sitting in the car I hoped on my bank account to see how much I had left after the sale of the house. I paid for the house and the taxes for the next three years for a discount on the taxes. I had plenty of money for repairs and decorating. I was about to leave the house when my phone rang. Answering it I said, "Hello?"

"Is this Gabriella?" The voice said. 

"It is," I said.

"Hey Gabriella my name is Mike from duke electric," He said. "You were added to my work load for tomorrow but I am in the area now and can come put your electric on if you want to move the appointment."

"Mike yes that would be great," I said. "I am almost at the house now. How long till you get here?"

"My partner Amy and I will be there in about ten minutes," He said. 

"Alright I will open the gate for you," I said.

Walking down the driveway I opened the gate. While I waited I did an order for the house for the following day. Ordering the basic staples I needed to get started. I knew the first room in the house I wanted to do was the kitchen. The fridge was vintage and I hoped it worked. While I was waiting I looked in the pantry and found a large amount of jars and old food. I also found a box of garbage bags. I took a bag and started to take the food out of the pantry and throw it in the bag. When I filled the first bag I went outside with the garbage I thought why not bring it back to the dumpsters in the community I lived in. Placing it in the back of my truck. I heard a honk and looked up to the electric company truck pull up. 

Amy stepped out and said, "Hey Gabriella thank you for letting us come today."

"No," I said. "Thank you now I can move more in tonight. I have everything else getting turned on tomorrow and also the chimney sweep as well as the roofing company to check the roof."

She smiled and said, "Well if you can show us the electrical panel we will get started."

We walked in and Mike said, "I thought you said you were moving in?"

Laughing I said, "Well I am but the house came as is. This was all from the previous owners. The electrical panel is in the laundry room."

Amy asked, "Where will you be?"

"The kitchen while I was waiting I was starting to clean out the pantry," I said.

They got to work checking everything and I went back to the kitchen. I had filled another bag of old food when the lights in the kitchen and pantry came on. I gave a silent cheer. After a few minutes they joined me in the kitchen and Amy said, "Well you are all set and once the water is on you should be able to check the washer. We tested the dryer and girl it is good and dry's well for an older model. We also checked all the lights around the house. And they came on. You have a lot of work ahead of you. Also we saw the pool kicked on. We shut off that breaker so the garbage in it does not bust your filter system. We put a pool sticker on it for you."

"Thank you," I said. "I am going to start the clean up on the property this week but the pool may have to wait till the spring. We will see."

I walked them out and added another bag to the truck. When they left I shut and locked the gate I did not want any visitors I did not invite. Going back in I continued to clean the pantry enough that I could place groceries in the pantry to start. After I cleared four feet on one side of the pantry I took the bag and loaded it into the truck. Locking the house I locked the gate and headed home. 

When I got back to the community I dropped the garbage and went to the mail box to check if I had anything. I pulled back up to my trailer and my cousin was sitting on my stairs. He looked at me and said, "So your moving?"

"I am," I said.

"Your Mom said you will not let her move in with you," he said.

"That's right I bought a house and she is not moving in with me," I said. "You know her and I do not get on and you know as well she will try to take over my home. I will not allow that I have worked my ass off for seven years to save and buy this house. I will be moved out in a few days."

"Can I move in with you?" He asked.

"No," I said. "I am moving into this house and no one is living with me."

Standing up he said said, "Wow really Gabriella you are so selfish."

"Selfish," I said. "I have owned the home for less than a day and you all want a piece of it. Besides you do not work and you are not living with me rent free. Sorry you will have to stay with your mom."

He called me a bitch and walked off. I loaded the rest of the shed and went inside starting to pack the house. As I packed there was a knock at the door. Opening it there stood my Aunt Maggie. She smiled and said, "Hey kid I hear your getting shit."

Laughing I said, "Come on in."

She came in and sat on the chair in the living room. She said, "I hear you got the house."

"You heard right," I said. "Are you here to tell me Shaun or my mom needs to move in with me?"

"Hell no," She said. "My sister thinks your a bank and spoils your sister. My son needs to get a job or he is going to be looking for a place to live. Do not tell him or your Mama where you live. Before you go back stop back at the post office and have them do something so no one but you can use that address. You know your mother and Shaun they will do something."

"Good idea," I said. 

"So what can I pack for you?" She asked. "When your moved in you let me know and I will come and visit."

Pointing to the pantry she started to pack it up for me labeling boxes as she went as I kept bringing things from the living room to my truck. When I had that and the back and passenger seat of the truck filled she said, "I will swing by when you get back and help you pack some more. You deserve the world Gabriella."

Hugging her I said, "Thank you."

Going to the post office I spoke to them about what had happened and they said they charge two hundred for a three year period. I paid for it and went to the house. Pulling in I locked the gate behind me and as I got into the truck I saw Shaun's car slow down and stop in front of my house. I got out and he called and said, "There is no way you own the house."

"I do," I said. "Also no one can change their address to my house. I paid the money to prevent it. So you and Mom can not try anything. The gate stays locked when I am in here or when I am gone."

"You will get yours Gabriella," He said and hung up.

Moving everything into the house I went back to pack more and Aunt Maggie was waiting. She said, "Your mom called and whined to me. I told her to leave you alone. Shaun called her and said that you blocked any new people being added to your house and she was pissed. So go add more to your truck and I will pack your kitchen up."

She helped me pack as I loaded boxes and items to my truck. Every time I came back she helped me pack more until it got dark. I dropped the last of the items off as the sun was setting. I stopped and got food on the way home for Aunt Maggie and me. She helped me pack and load more items to the truck after we ate. When it was loaded I locked the truck and armed it. She headed home with her leftovers.

Taking a shower I set an early alarm as the water company was coming around eight thirty in the morning. When I got up the next morning I got dressed and headed to the house. Letting myself into the gate I locked it behind me and started unloading the truck. My phone rang and it was the representative from the water company. I let him in and he said, "Is the pool shut off."

"Yes the electric company made sure it was off due to the condition," I said. "I am sorry the house is in this condition but I just bought it yesterday."

He chuckled and said, "Girl I have seen worse. So I can break back branches to get around the house?"

"You sure can," I said, "Oh do you know when its garbage day?"

"Monday and Thursday," He said. "I arranged it when I got your order this morning. Everything must stay in the bins. Your allowed up to three garbage bins. Yard trimmings are on Tuesday. But in all honesty as tall as the grasses are and how dry they are you could braid them and use them in your fire place along with the wood."

"Thank you I plan on cutting branches as well so I will definitely braid and use it as a fire wood," I said. The front door is open and I will be in the kitchen after i finish unloading the truck."

Checking the fridge when I walked in with kitchen boxes I felt it was cold and the freezer froze the water bottle I put in it the night before. Walking into the library I saw a cable hook up next to the desk. Walking over to the desk I cleared it off and decided it would be where I would work. The water company technician came in and said, "I am going to test your faucets and your water to make sure you don't need a flush."

"Thank you," I said. I grabbed my laptop and placed it on my desk. 

After another ten minutes he said, "Your good to go. You should run a couple towels a few times to really flush the washer but everything works and flushes. You are good to go."

"Thank you," I said. When I let him out I went to lock the gate as the chimney sweep and cable company pulled up. I directed the sweeper to the fireplace and the cable technician to the office. The cable tech had me set up the new internet on my laptop and once we had everything ready he left. The sweep took a while longer as he said the fireplace was filthy. When it was done he said I was good to go but if I use it a lot over the winter to have him come back to do a clean. I scheduled an appointment for the beginning of December and added it to my calendar on my desk.

I called Aunt Maggie to tell her I was ready to finish moving everything out. She laughed and told me she would meet me. Right after lunch I finished packing the last of my items into my truck. Doing one last check of the house I had everything and went to the managers office and turned in my keys. The office worker walked over with me and thanked me for leaving the house move in ready. She had me follow her back and she counted out the deposit I originally paid and I told her the electric would be shut off later tomorrow. She thanked me and I went to the house. 

When I got back to the house the house the roofing company was waiting. He looked over the roof and said he could do the repairs while I unpacked. Five hundred dollars later he said, "The repairs will get you through the winter. Call me back once the snow thaws and we will look at it again. If you have any issues give me a call and we will come back out."

I unpacked my remaining items and took off the one mattress in my room and placed my mattress on top of the box spring. Making my bed I took my laundry and took it to the washer. Starting a load I let it run while I unpacked the few items I needed. Since I gave Aunt Maggie all my perishable and frozen I had to go to the store plus pick up the order I made. After the load stopped I left it in the washer as I knew I needed to run it a second time. Going to my truck I went to Lowes and bought a wheel barrow, snow blower, lawnmower, chain saw, weed Wacker,  A tree pruning saw, a lot pre mixed gas, a gas can for the lawnmower and a hand saw. I also bought a plastic porch shed to hold the wood for the fire place. I then grabbed two large square totes for the braided grass and smaller branches. On the way out I also grabbed a clearance fire pit. After I was done with Lowes I went to Walmart and did three trips into the store for things I wanted for the house and food. Making sure I had more garbage bags and a new garbage can I headed back home after stopping for take out for dinner and gas for the lawnmower.

Pulling in I put my take out on the stove and my purse on the table. Starting the load of laundry again I started bringing everything in from the truck. Unloading everything in the truck I noticed a slight chill in the air. Smiling I thought I would be able to start a fire soon enough. Going into the house I put all the groceries away where I could put them for now and sat down at the table for a moment. My boss sent a text looking for people to come in the following afternoon for three to six pm. I was so happy that I had money put aside in case. I texted back and said I would be in and she added me to the schedule.

Going into the bathroom I cleaned the shower stall, sink and toilet. Walking to the washer I washed the laundry a second time then switched everything to the dryer and started it. Setting up my TV for my bedroom I was ready to stream some shows and relax. Going into the bathroom I took a shower and headed back to the laundry room and started another load of laundry. Taking the dried laundry I folded it and placed it in my room on top of a pile of boxes. Going into the kitchen I grabbed the take out which was staying warm in the oven and took it to the bedroom to eat. After I ate what I could I placed the leftovers in the fridge. 

Laying in bed I fell asleep to the TV playing. During the night I could have sworn I felt someone looking at me but I knew the house was locked as well as the gate. I fell back asleep and slept till dawn.

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When I woke up the following morning there was a chill in the air. Grabbing the load of laundry from the dryer I folded them and placed it on the boxes in the bedroom. Making myself a quick breakfast I Started another load of laundry, then I grabbed the weed wacker, hand saw and wheel barrow and headed to the start of the driveway. Going between the flower bed I tried using the weed Wacker to start cutting back the over grown dried out brush. I filled the wheel barrow with dried grass and braided it making logs to burn. A few feet in I came across my first fallen limb and I ran inside and grabbed the chainsaw. I cut up the wood into one foot sections and then cut each of the sections up. I made a huge dent in that section the first day. Wheeling another wood pile up to the house my alarm went off. Stacking the cut wood in the bins and I cleaned up what I had done so far and put the equipment on the porch to get ready to start work in the library. Washing up I grabbed a drink and logged into work.

During my work shift I was glad that I cleaned up as I saw a storm come in through the skylight in the room. My boss sent a message to see who wanted to work tomorrow from noon till three and I took that shift. She side chatted me and said we should be getting more hours soon and thanked me for holding on and working as the hours and work appeared. I told her that I need the work but can hold on for a bit longer. I thanked god I had the money in checking and items to sell here. 

Clocking out I went to the front door and looked out at the storm starting. Sighing I pulled the garbage can to the porch. Going inside I realized I forgot to switch the laundry to the dryer and restarted the load. Looking at the basket I knew I would be doing laundry on and off all weekend. I put the light on in the kitchen and looked into the pantry. I saw full mason jars and took a basket and filled it with the jars. Since I did not know the person that canned the items they all had to go. Grabbing a strainer I would open a jar either drain it and wash the jar and lids. After I filled my drain with clean mason jars I placed the rest back in a box on a chair. 

As I organized and cleaned out the pantry I added more full mason jars to a pile of boxes. Clearing one full side of the pantry I was happy I was making progress. Cleaning the shelves I decided before I added anything to the shelves I would get baskets for organizing the food and paint to freshen the room. Looking at the curtains I took them down and decided they were stained with time and had to go. Setting up a card table in the dining room I placed the food I bought into boxes and started to pull out items I was keeping and started a box for the items I was going to bring to the antique store I spoke with that morning to see what I could get for the items. When I started to get hungry I looked over the pantry and realized after I get the paint, curtains and some baskets I would finish the pantry. 

Switching over the laundry to the dryer, as I heated my food up I took my garbage can and took it to place outside the fence. Running back into the house as the rain began to fall I grabbed my food and went to watch some TV in my office.

I placed a new order for the items I needed to pick up this evening before the store closed. Sitting at my desk I ate and decided that eating would be better in the kitchen or my office instead of eating all over the house. When I finished eating dinner I checked and made sure the order was ready. 

Getting in my truck I headed to the store and picked up the online order. Checking my list it was everything I needed to finish the pantry. The worker said, "Remodeling?"

"Yes," I said. "I am remodeling my pantry. I figured I might as well work on it top to bottom, That way I do not have to worry about anything else later. Especially with the holidays coming before we know it."

The worker said, "I hear that. Everything is here so you have a great night."

When I got home I brought everything inside and looked at the items in the pantry still. I grabbed a few boxes and filled them with all the items I had to sort. Once everything was out and under the pantry I used the sander I bought to sand all the shelves. When that was done I worked on taping the shelves so the new white paint would not stain the shelves. By the time I started getting tired I had painted all the walls and stained all the wood shelves.

Tired I took a quick shower and streamed some YouTube. I checked my phone and it looked like there was supposed to be rain this week and getting outside may be difficult. Sighing I said, "Well I guess I will be getting the house ready. At least I can get this stuff sorted and sold."

Laying in bed I dozed off. When I woke up the next morning I awoke to the sounds of thunder and saw lightening flashing in the distance. Getting up I went to the kitchen and started making a pot of tea. I set a alarm for me to get ready to work and opened the curtains to the kitchen watching the storm pass. Going into the pantry I looked over the paint and stain on the shelves and saw everything was dried. I picked up the curtains I bought for the pantry and hung them up.

Taking all the baskets, crates and totes I got for the shelves I organized everything that was ready to go back inside the pantry. As I placed the washed and empty mason jars into the pantry. When I noticed I had an over abundance of mason jars I took the over abundance and placed them in boxes for the retail/antique store. Organizing the food I discovered I had enough room at the end of the pantry for a small deep freezer. I ordered one from Lowes for delivery and found out they could deliver before dinner.

I had just finished washing more of the mason jars I was not keeping and emptied the drain basket my alarm went off. Pouring another cup of tea I grabbed a snack and went into the office. Sitting down I logged in and my boss messaged me and said, "We may be slow but you are guaranteed these three hours. If you do not get calls do not worry about it. We do have some hours coming up for Saturday morning from nine till one. Would you like them?"

I replied, "Of course and if you need me in the mean time just text me. If I have enough time I should be able to come in and work."

Since my headset was wireless I went into the kitchen and grabbed a crate. I started to sort some of the boxes of books stacked around the room. Using one box I labeled as keepers I filled two boxes of books I did not want. By the time I finished work I got through a few boxes of books. Taking the boxes to the truck I saw I was filling it nicely. Going back into the house I worked on the pantry items again and when my phone rang it was the delivery people. I buzzed them in and met them at the door. The delivery people looked at the grass and trees. The older one said, "Miss you need to get this handled people could break in and you would not see them until it was to late."

"I know," I said. "I am working on the property but with the rain today and yesterday I could not get to it. I am hoping to get out here later if the rain stops as I want the wood and branches. I was hoping to use the grass and  make burning braids."

He said, "Take this number. Its my son Mike he works by the job or by the hour. Tell him you spoke with me. Its my side business and we would be glad to make the braids and stack them and the branches for you. I see you set up your wood crate and bins for the braid and starter branches."

"I did," I said. "I just bought this house and I am working as fast as I can but there is a lot."

"If you want help call us," He said. "We will even help you when you get things done."

"Thank you," I said. "I will see how things go after tomorrow and I may hire you by the hour. I would love to have this done by Halloween."

"Well we understand rain," He said. "No pressure just give us a call. But your freezer is installed and that pantry is done up nice. Remember any cardboard can be put in the grass bin to burn along with the small branches." 

When they left I continued to work on the pantry items. I was looking in the fridge and was deciding on leftovers when my phone rang. Seeing my Aunt Maggie's name on the screen I said, "Aunt Maggie did you miss me already?"

"Always child," She said. "I was wondering if you could do me a favor?"

"That depends Aunt Maggie," I asked. "You alright?"

"Yes and no," She said. "I am pissed as hell and I am waiting for the police."

"Wait why are you waiting for the police?" I asked.

"Because that son of mine stole my car and took off," She said. "Yesterday I told him he needed to find a job because I am not supporting him anymore. He said he would do what he wants and would leave me to deal with all his bills as well. Gabriella I am not asking you for money but can you please drive me to a few places because that child opened a bunch of credit cards and store credits in my name. I need to work on everything and still go food shopping."

"Of course Aunt Maggie I am off tomorrow," I said. "I can take you in the morning and then food shopping."

"Thank you," She said. "I would not bother you but I tried to call my sister and from what I am seeing on the store cards that some are in her name as well."

"Oh no," I said. "Listen I am going to send you a link. Go sign up for this site the first thirty days is free. But They lock your credit so nothing can be opened in your name. They can also access all the cards that were opened recently and you can dispute the cards if they are not yours. I discovered this site when mom tried to steal my identity."

"Okay sweetheart I will see you in the morning," She said. "Do you have plans for tomorrow?"

"I am calling someone to come work on the lawn," I said. "But I will message you a bit later to see when I will be there. I have to go to the resale and antique store I am selling things to."

When we hung up I called the phone number on the card and a guy answered, "Hello."

"Hi may I speak with Mike," I said.

"This is Mike how can I help you," He said.

"Hi Mike my name is Gabriella and your Dad gave me your card as I need a lot of work on my property," I said.

"Oh your the gal my Dad delivered the freezer to," He said.

"Yes," I said. "I will be honest I was going to do the work myself. But family drama has started and in all honesty I want to get the outside done before the snow hits."

He chuckled and said, "Dad mentioned you want the wood and branches. I do not do the braids but I will save the small branches for wood starter. That and get the branches cut back and the grass cut low enough to make it easier for you. I will even remove the grass. Best part is I even have my own equipment."

"Let's talk money Mike," I said. "How much per hour?"

He said, "Twenty an hour and that includes me bagging and placing everything in your containers or storage bins. Dad said you only had 2 small branch bins and 1 small storage shed. I am telling you you will need more. But that can be solved with crates and boxes as well."

"When can you start?" I asked.

"Tomorrow at 7am," He said. "Now if you need me to be gone at any time I will leave early but I can work sun up to sun down. I bring my own drinks and food. All I ask is you leave me a way to use the bathroom and maybe a microwave I can heat my food up in."

"Done and done," I said. "I will be out of the house for a while as my cousin screwed my aunt over and I need to go help her. But you will be able to come in and out if you need to."

After giving him the address and my phone number I called Aunt Maggie back and she said, "I just talked to the bank can you get me there for ten in the morning?"

"Yes I can," I said. "I can pick you up and then I can drop you to the bank and go to the resale store after I drop you off."

"Thank you Gabby," She said. "I am still looking over everything and making lists of everything that was opened that is not mine."

"Love you see you in the morning," I said.

The rest of the night I worked on more of the pantry items. By the time I got tired and heated up some dinner I had placed more items in the truck and had another pile of mason jars in the sink drying. Sitting at the table I worked on my banking and was ready for the next morning while I ate my dinner. Going to bed I was exhausted and ready to sleep.

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When my alarm went off at six in the morning I felt like I needed another few days to sleep. Getting up I made a pot of tea and sat down at the table to eat a bagel for breakfast. At 7 the gate alarm went off and I buzzed Mike in. He walked up and said, "I am staying parked so you have room to pull out. But I am going to start along the front of the house."

"Perfect," I said. "Well if you come up here this is the containers I have and the woodshed I bought. I will be leaving at nine and will be back later today. But listen I need to tell you if anyone comes up saying they are here to visit tell them to call me. My Mom and cousin are assholes and want to steal from me. Hence the reason I am going out today as they stole from my aunt and I am taking her everywhere to open cases."

Shaking his head he said, "I do not get how people can do that. Do not worry I will be here and I will keep people away. So I am thinking You have these three big trees starting here. I will start here and cut up the wood as well so you can use them in the fireplace. No worries all small branches will be saved and I have a lawn debris bags for everything to get tossed. I will bring the bags with me so you will not need to worry about lawn waste. If you need anything you know where I will be."

Going into the house I worked on the pantry items some more and stacked the last of the items into the table along with the food. Taking the garbage out and placed the last box of stuff for the resale store in my truck I went to pick up Aunt Maggie. When I pulled up she came out and climbed in the truck. She leaned over as she hugged me and said, "Maggie your a blessing. So you are aware we have quite a bit of places to go to and be aware your cousin and Mama may be arrested after this."

"It is what it is," I said. "I will not be bailing her out at all. Now while your at the bank I am going to the resale store. But I will be back and forth to take you everywhere."

She nodded and said, "Okay good."

Dropping Aunt Maggie at the bank I drove over to the store and I met the buyer. She smiled and I explained what was going on with Aunt Maggie and she said we can go box for box incase I have to leave and come back. She had me pull around the back and she started going through everything. She went through the first five boxes and made her first offer. I agreed and took the cash and signed off on the receipt.

We went through the next box and Aunt Maggie called. The owner said, She will be here when I get back and I closed the back of the truck. Picking up Aunt Maggie she had me drop her off at a shopping mall and she said, "This may take a while I will call you again so you can get more done."

Dropping her off I went back and the seller was finishing with another customer. When it was my turn again she said, "I hope everything is working out with your Aunt."

"My Mom and Cousin opened up four credit cards with the bank," I said. "They will be arrested as the amount purchased is well over 20 grand. The bank was able to see that the applications were not done at her IP and the police are heavily involved."

She went through another four boxes and put the offer on paper. I signed it and she handed me cash. Sitting on the back of my truck the buyer asked, "You started with a pantry didn't you?"

"Yes and I do have some more jars," I said. "The house had a lot of canned food. I just did not know the people so I am throwing it all out and saving all the jars I could. I have a massive card table full of the last of the pantry items. I am redoing everything and Finished the flooring and am now putting everything back in. The kitchen will be interesting as the cabinets are in bad shape and ninety percent of the kitchen is holding boxes. But I can get to the stove fridge and part of the kitchen table. The kitchen is next and I think the top cabinets are coming down and floating shelves are going up. I just want to clear around the fireplace so I can use it. Its between the kitchen and the living room."

She chuckled and said, "So we will be seeing a lot of you?"

"Yes," I said. "In all honesty this is just a small dent and is basically paying for my lawn guy helping me make a dent in what needs to be done."

She nodded and said, "Well I got you Maggie."

My phone rang as the buyer Gail was on the last box. She finished as I told Aunt Maggie I would be there and I was taking her out to lunch. Signing my receipt I said I would see her soon and went to get Aunt Maggie. When I went to pick her up there was a officer with her sitting on the bench of the last store. I asked, "Aunt Maggie what's going on?"

The officer said, "Your Aunt tried to fix the issue with her credit card for the store but they said she did not look like the person who opened the account. She had to call us over to confirm the stolen identity and to get the account closed."

"Don't you worry none Gabby," She said. "Your Mama is going to be going to jail along with my son. Officer thank you for assisting me in that matter. I think that was all the stores and I followed my nieces advice and have the credit block put on my account and I paid the extra to have everything for the last two years reviewed. Now that the bank and these four accounts are handled I know nothing else can be opened the company is going to handle the rest for me."

"Well," I said. "Lets go get some lunch. I was thinking the Chinese Buffet?"

"Oh that sounds wonderful Gabby," She said. "But I can pay for myself."

"You could," I said. "But its my treat. Then we can go to the stores you want to shop at. I can take you where ever you need to go as work is still slow."

"Thank you Gabby," Aunt Maggie said, "I appreciate your help today."

We went out to lunch and then I took Aunt Maggie to the stores she wanted to go to. I shopped for a while myself and when I got home I saw the large dent Mike did on the front lawn. Grabbing my bags I saw the totes were stacked and the one on top was almost halfway full. Mike came out of the house and said, "Hey did you get everything you needed done?"

"I did Mike," I said. "What you did looks awesome. I see the small branches are on tote number two."

He nodded and said, "You had a lot of decay along where I was working. But the first tree is cut back and cleared around. I also weeded the flower bed and cleaned around it. Check out your wood shed. She is started and that wood is good for both your fire pit and the fire place. But I still have time to work I just had to use the bathroom. Remember any crates we can stack for wood that is cut and I see you bought more totes for the branches."

Laughing I said, "Oh Mike No need for the crates atm I bought a second storage shed for more wood. Once I unload everything I will put it together."

He walked over to the truck and said, "No need I will get that together and eat my sandwich. I am guessing the temps will be dropping in the next few weeks. I will work here to help you as much as you want. That way you can work and handle that hoarders paradise."

We both laughed and I said, "That would be great I would love you to help me get it done before the snow falls. If you have anyone who wants to work with you that does that great of work I can pay up to three people a day to get the work done. Also do you want cash or cash app?"

Mike said, "You can cash app. That would actually be better so I can transfer it to my wife for bills."

"Alright I will let you get back to work," I said. "I am almost done sorting the pantry items and then its onto the kitchen. I am hoping I can get the house done in the next few weeks and be ready for the holidays."

He shook his head and said, "Yeah those are coming along as well. Alright if you need someone to lift or move something heavy you let me know."

As Mike put together the wood shed I put away the groceries I got at the store today. Being organized in my pantry and use mason jars instead of plastic containers made me so happy. I worked on finishing the pantry pile and realized I can store a lot of items in the pantry and use the floating shelves I wanted for decoration. As I washed the last of the small mason jars I was keeping I realized that was the last of the pantry items. Folding up the card table I did a small happy dance and slid it to the living room. Turning to the kitchen I said, "Alright its your turn."

Mike walked in and said, "No its not boss lady. I came for you to see what was done today and to have you send the pay. My other boss lady is a very happy woman that I have some work with the winter season going."

"What does your wife do?" I asked.

"She is a nurse at a pediatrician office," He said.

"Well its six thirty so that is eleven and a half hours," I said. "So two hundred and thirty dollars. What is your cash app."

He gave me his cash app and I sent him the money. He confirmed he got it and said, "Man its nice to have work. Now if your alright with it I can work seven till two tomorrow. I know its the weekend and we normally have family time but the kids are on my loves last nerve for not cleaning what they should so before we do our family thing she said they have to clean without Daddy's help."

"Your good," I said. "I work nine till one so you will not be bothering me."

We walked out and Mike showed me the work he did and all the wood he stacked. He had the third tote being filled and had a large stack of wood ready for me to use in the first shed. I was happy with the progress and I saw the black lawn bags piled in the back of his truck and he said, "My uncle has a farm and he will love these compost bags I am bringing him. Oh and it will only be me tomorrow."

I waved as he left and a strong wind went through the property heralding falls imminent arrival. Walking into the house I went into the bedroom and moved the boxes out of the way to get to the closet in my room. It took a while to stack the boxes a long the sliding glass doors When I could get into the closet I saw it was full of clothes for both men and woman and it would all need to be washed. I grabbed a laundry basket and a box for what I did not want and started to slowly go through the closet. Gail said her store was opened till six the next day so if I could sort most of the clothes in here I would be able to fill the truck if we were slow at work. The closet was a nice closet and as I sorted I made sure all the clothes I was keeping went to the laundry room. I made a quick sandwich for dinner and continued on with the closet. I walked two boxes of clothing to my truck and went back in to start sorting some more. Switching the first load from the washer to the dryer I started a second load to wash and grabbed my cleaners to wipe down the shelves and drawers in the closet.

Still listening to the videos playing in the background I found boxes of clothes for all ages. Making quick work of sorting all the clothes I was happy when I found a crate full of shoes. When I found what would fit me and what I wanted to keep I moved on. When the first load of laundry was ready to be hung up I made a large dent in the room. Hanging up what was left I switched the next load to the dryer and showered, getting ready for bed.

Laying in bed I was happy with the progress inside the house. Falling asleep I was unaware of the lid to the well slowly sliding to the side and a hand reaching out. Pulling its hand back in the lid slid closed as the cool weather seemed to bother whatever was trying to come out.

*******************************************************************

When I got up the following morning there was frost on the window's. Going into the kitchen I started a pot of tea and made some breakfast. When the alarm for the gate buzzed I answered and it was Mike. He said, "Leave the door unlocked and I will be working as fast as I can to get you set up for winter as the colder weather is here."

Making myself a bowl of oatmeal I went into my room to eat as I got ready for my day. Grabbing my laptop I set up for work on a stack of boxes. Making sure I had my portable headset I logged into the system and my boss said, "Hey Gabby we have been super slow so same as the other day do what you want between calls and as of now I do not have any hours open but I will call you if anything opens up."

Giving the thumbs up sign I went available and thought to myself, "You been giving the hours to your friends. But that's okay it gives me time to get my house done.

Looking through a box I found it was full of old purses and handbags. Opening the first bag up I found it had a few hundred in cash. Chuckling to myself I was glad I looked in every pocket and box I find. Grabbing the cash box I had found in the pantry I added the cash I found to it adding it to the hidden drawer in the closet. I did start a crate for items that seemed out of the ordinary. Sorting and stacking stuff to bring to Gail was my morning. I sighed as I said, "Its better than doing nothing."

I cleared more of  the boxes in my room and decided I would keep a cup next to me instead of the money box. When I have finished my 3 hour call day I switched over the laundry and put away the laundry I had finished washing. I was extremely happy when I only had the mattress from the bed that was in the room. I heard Mike call out, "Gabby you here."

Walking out I said, "Sure am, its not two yet is everything alright?"

"Sure is," He said. "My wife just called and said her family cancelled on us for tomorrow so if you want I can work while the weather is holding. Also if you do not mind I will be bringing my two sons so they can earn a little money for their games."

"What pay rate should I be paying them?" I asked.

"Oh no Gabby I will pay them," He said.

"No if they are going to work I will pay them," I said. "How about this I will pay you tomorrow via cash app but I have been finding money in the house. If you want after they work tomorrow you tell me what you think they earned and that's what I will pay them. You can just say a rate per hour for what you had them doing. I have no problem paying them if they are doing the job. Besides if you know kids if they get tired and Mom comes and gets them they were paid fairly. I plan on loading my truck down for selling on Monday. Oh and do you all need a queen mattress? it was the bed in the master bedroom. I like my mattress better though."

I showed him the mattress and he said, "My brother could use one. If your sure."

"Please take it I do not need it," I said. 

He loaded the mattress as well as the tools into his truck. Laughing he said, "Well at least the mattress is going to the farm as well. We will see you around seven tomorrow. Just send the $130 to my cash app."

Sending it from my phone I said, "Its on its way. Great job today Mike if you want to take pictures you can for your business."

He nodded and said, "I will next week. I did take a before already. When the dent is really noticeable you will see the pictures."

Going back inside I went inside to load the rest of the sorted boxes into the truck. Going to Gail's store she met me at the buyers door and said, "Come in Gabby this weather has gotten frigid."

"I know I wanted to get the kitchen done but when a box slid when I bumped into it I am now working on my room," I said. "You take your time after this I will be stacking boxes for Monday because your closed tomorrow."

She laughed and said, "I will be open tomorrow. My lovely mother in law invited herself for the week. My husband is amazing and said I am setting up some seasonal displays. So please load up and see me a few times tomorrow. Besides I will be honest with you I am going to post buying for the holidays. You may have to wait if there is a line."

"Gladly," I said. "This stack is a few kitchen things and the rest came from my room. I am happy that I have my closet cleaned out. I also found a wood stove for heat in my bedroom. It was behind a stack of boxes. Thank god my lawn guy has been cutting up branches as he trims back the wood. He barely made a dent and we have 4 full totes of small branches and twigs and almost a full shed full of wood. I have 4 more totes for the smaller stuff and crates to stack if I need more space for wood. But once my room is cleaned and sorted I  am painting, decorating and I will have the chimney sweep back to check the stove."

"Smart girl," She said sliding a paper towards me. "That is for what is here. Those men's suits are nice and I see you checked the pockets."

Signing the form she handed me the cash. Then she went back to the next batch of boxes I unloaded. Three more times we did the payout game as I refer to it and she said, "For the next seven days I will be here from 8am till 7pm. With the holidays approaching I want the store in prime condition."

Nodding I said, "Well I will be back for sure work is slow at the moment so it will give me a chance to get everything gone through. Almost all of this was closets and part of my bedroom."

When we were done I went to the bank depositing some of the cash I received from Gail. On the way home I stopped for a sub and went back to the house to work on the bedroom. Aunt Maggie sent me a text letting me know Walmart is now open twenty four hours again which made me happy. I called the chimney sweep and arranged for him to come out the following day to check the wood stove and piping.

Sitting in my room eating my sub I continued to sort boxes. By the time I was ready for bed I had filled most of my truck and had even more laundry in the laundry room to do. I took out the bags of garbage and put the broke down boxes into a tote and the wooden crates into the wood shed to fill. Going back to my room I thought about painting the room a wild color but then thought it would be so much fun to keep it white and decorate in color.

Locking my car and the front door I did not notice the man standing by the well. His eyes glowed a deep green and he said to himself, "I will meet you when the earth warms my sweet. Soon I will find my beloved and protect her from the monsters."

That night I couldn't sleep and finally gave up on sleeping around five that morning. Getting dressed in jogging pants and a tee-shirt I made a pot of tea and worked on my room some more. By the time I buzzed Mike in I had finished sorting everything in my room, cleaning the furniture, and vacuuming the floor. I had switched over a load of laundry and started folding it. Looking around my room I realized that I did not need to paint after I washed the walls.

Grabbing a sweater I went outside and met Mike and the boys. He said, "As long as they can handle the cold we are here a good part of the day. Boys this is the lady who is paying us to work on her property so you better do a good job."

"Hey guys," I said. "I will be back in a bit. Mike can you do me a favor if I am not back in time I have a chimney sweep coming for the wood stove in my room. Its right off the kitchen. I should be back I just have to go to the buyers and then to Walmart to pick up a few things for my bedroom and bathroom."

He looked at me and asked, "Are you alright?"

"Yeah I am feeling a little under the weather," I said. "If I still feel bad when I get back it will be a watching TV day instead of sorting and unpacking."

He nodded and said, "We will be here your good."

The boys and him got to work. When I left they were pushing towards the pool. Pulling up to Gail's store she saw the loaded truck and said, "Wow you were busy last night did you check under the bed?"

"Gail I got every nook and cranny in the bedroom," I said. "But I slept like crap so I finished while waiting for my lawn guy and his kids. After this I am going to Walmart and getting some new sheets blankets and decor."

She nodded and said, "You need to be comfortable in the room. A wood stove, I am kind of jealous they save on the electric bill. If you have one you may have more."

Chuckling I said, "Well finding those may take a while. I still have boxes upon boxes in my bathroom. Those should be finished later today if I feel up to it. I do not even feel like cooking so I may get some takeout and heat it up if I feel like eating."

Gail said, "Well do not over do it I will be here all week and you have had a lot going on this week."

"True," I said. 

Gail finished sorting all the boxes and wrote an amount down. I signed the form and accepted the envelope she had placed the money in. I told her I would see her soon and went to my bank dropping off some of the money I had gotten. When I went to Walmart I picked up decor for my room and after I checked out I placed an order at Chili's and brought the food home. When I pulled in I saw a car I did not recognize outside. Pulling in I saw a woman standing with Mike. She smiled and said, "You must be Gabby. I am so sorry to drop in unannounced but I made the guys some hot chocolate and coffee. I am Sharon."

Shaking her hand I said, "Hello Sharon its nice to meet you."

She came over and quietly said, "Thank you for giving Mike some work."

Nodding I said, "Well as you can see I will never get this done before the first snow and I may have some handiwork."

She nodded and said, "Thank you."

"Your welcome," I said. "Hey Mike did the chimney sweep come by?"

"Not yet," He said. "I will direct him to the house when he gets here. Where will you be?"

"In my room or laundry," I said. "I am working on decorating my room to finish it and work on the master bath to clean all the boxes out."

Turning to Sharon I said, "It was wonderful to meet you, I had a bad nights sleep. So I am gonna get my room done and possibly rest after I do even more laundry. I think I have five or ten loads left."

Waving I went to the truck and unloaded my food and bags. Taking my box of southwest eggrolls I ate while I started to decorate my room. Taking the new comforter and sheets I started a load of laundry. Going into my room I stripped my bed and brought the dirty sheets to the laundry and grabbed the clean clothes out of the dryer. Folding the laundry I heard a knock at the front door. 

Answering it found the chimney sweep. I showed him the wood stove and he said, "Oh man she is a antique and she was built to last. Do not worry I will get her in working condition and we can start a small fire after to test her out. The temperature is dropping outside. Also even though we cleaned the fire place we never tested it. So while I am working on this stove if you want to move stuff away from the fireplace we can start you a fire in there and warm up the house. Kiddo do you not feel how cold it is in the house?"

"Bob I will be honest with you," I said. "I was not feeling to hot today after having a rough night of sleep."

"Well let me get you set up so you can rest," He said. 

"Okay I will leave you to the wood stove," I said. "I will move the boxes so we can test it out. I do have wood carriers next to the stove and the fireplace."

Leaving Bob to his work I went to the kitchen and living room and moved the boxes away from both sides. Bob brought our the wood carrier for my room and went to the wood bins and came in with the carrier full. Holding some wood in his arms he said, "Alright Gabby let me show you how to do this."

He ran to the laundry room and brought back the lint from the dryer and said, "Save your lint and dryer sheets in the metal bucket. They are a free fire starter. So you place the lint pile in the bottom of the stove. Then you take a few of the small branches and light them. See you have a fire already. Now add a few more small branches or a few strips of cardboard. Now as that grows add one log of wood in the stove. If you do not see it catching you add a few more small branches. See this wood that was in the house is already catching. Please tell me you can feel the difference in temperature."

"Yes I can," I said. 

"Okay let me fill your wood carrier for the fireplace," He said. 

Meeting him in the living room I built the fire this time making sure the heat guards were in place. Bob said, "So much better. Now my wife keeps the lint bucket above our dryer. I see you have a bunch of laundry to go but you can also use crumbled up paper. Some people also use their shredded papers. I see that you have a half filled paper shredded bin. So that is up to you and you can store all that with your fire wood when the bucket or shredder fills up. Just remember safety first."

I nodded and paid him for coming out. When he left I got my new blanket and sheets and made my bed. I put up the new blackout curtains and feeling tired I was going to lay down when I heard a boom and rain falling. Bringing my wallet I went to the porch and Mike and his kids came up. He said, "Well you can see what we got done. But the rain is to cold to work in. These guys did a great job and earned their pay today. Come over here and see what was done."

Looking where he was pointing I said, "Wow you did a great job. Mike I sent your pay already. So what is the boys payrate?"

"What you think is fair," He said.

I handed both boys $80.00 each and said, "You did a great job and if your Dad brings you back you would be paid again for working as hard as you did."

Mike looked at me and mouthed, "Are you sure?"

I nodded and said, "Thank you for helping your Dad. I hope we can get this done before the first snow."

Mike said, "I will be back after I take the boys to school on the morning. Sharon has to go in early and they have to be there by eight."

"Just call me when you get here," I said. "I will buzz you in and unlock the door. If I still feel sick I will be in my room."

Mike nodded as he said, "Ready guys?"

His youngest said, "Bathroom break first."

We went in and Mike said, "Now it feels a lot better in here."

"Oh yeah," I said. "My room is nice and warm. Bob said we may be dipping to the thirties but no snow on the radar yet."

"Well my Dad may come out with me tomorrow and work," He said. "Your good with the same pay rate right?"

"Sure am," I said. When the boys were finished we said our goodbyes and they headed home.

Still feeling a little under the weather I went to the bedroom and looked at the boxes in the hallway and bathroom. Checking the fire in the wood stove I smiled and sat down on my bed. Closing my eyes I ended up falling in a deep sleep on the bed.

************************************************************************

I woke up the next morning under my blanket and heard the sound of lawn equipment. Looking over to the fire I found it still burning. How did I get under my blanket and how did more wood get into my stove. Did I forget to lock the door? Getting out of bed I looked around the house and discovered the fire in the kitchen was out and the front door was locked.

Going into the bathroom I washed up and changed my clothes. Starting another load of laundry I looked at the clock and saw it was just before nine in the morning. Starting a full pot of coffee I put on my jacket and went outside. Mike saw me walk down the driveway and said, "Hey Gabby you look rested. You feeling better? Also you left your gate unlocked. That is how we got in."

"I am," I said. "I see you have been busy."

His Dad walked up and said, "Well we want to get as much as we can done for you. The weather man is saying by mid October we are supposed to have the first snow flurries."

Mike said, "Gabby you remember my Dad Frank."

"I sure do," I said. "I will be going to the buyer in a bit but I wanted to let you know I made a full pot of coffee and will leave it on for you both. If you need more feel free to make more to keep you warm. I will leave the filters and coffee on the counter with sugar. There is milk and creamer in the fridge. Please feel free to help yourself."

Frank said, "Thank you Maggie."

"Mike if you all need me just call I will be trying to finish everything in my suite today," I said. "Along with the laundry god willing. I am on call for work the next week it seems."

Frank asked, "You good."

"Oh yeah," I said. "This time of year things get very slow and at the end of October we will pick up. Then we slow down again in December till after the new year. It happens all the time I have learned to save and buying the house and not having rent or a mortgage I am good."

I said my goodbyes and ran inside to get my purse. Getting to the store Gail was finishing with another buyer and I opened the back of the truck. When she left Gail said, "It looks like you got a lot done yesterday."

"I did," I said. "I finished the bedroom portion of my suit and closet. Now when I get home I am going to get the bathroom and the rest of the hallway. I need the linen closet done as I have two baskets of full of towels and sheets to go in there."

"Well lets get you done so you can get back," She said. "Is there more in the back of the truck?"

"Oh yeah," I said. "I stuffed the truck. I will stack everything at the end of the table."

She brought a rolling basket used for laundry and started going through everything. By the time I finished getting everything out of the truck she was halfway through. She laughed and said, "You know you have bought me such good stuff. You have a lot more don't you?"

"I have not even dented the house," I said. "Everything I bought you was from my office which has barely dented as I only work on it between calls from work, my room, the master closet and the pantry."

"Well I can't wait to see all your treasures," She said. "Some of these clothes are high end."

She switched out the cart and said, "If you want the crates and boxes feel free to take them."

"I will take the crates as we are storing wood in them," I said. "I left the man I have doing my property maintenance and his dad and they were moving fast. There was so many downed branches and they were taking down some more for safety. I have a full shed full of wood and totes of smaller branches along the second shed starting to fill. He is trying to get the work done as the weather man is predicting snow by mid October."

She whistled and said, "Here is my offer for everything."

Taking the paper I signed it and she went to get the cash. I said, "hopefully I will be back before you close tonight."

Heading home I saw how much work was done and placed the crates next to the sheds and put a tarp next to it. Going into the house I went to the laundry room and starting up the laundry. Going into the bathroom in my suite I started to sort and clean the linen closet in the bathroom. Grabbing the laundry I was keeping I brought it to the laundry room and put it in baskets. Taking the dried laundry I started to fold it and Mike knocked at my door way. 

"Hey Gabby I wanted to let you know we may fill that second shed the next few days," He said. We will use the crates to stack wood and place wood along the wall covering it to keep it dry. Your going to have a lot of wood."

"Thank you mike," I said. "I will be using it now a lot more. I was getting ready to get the fire in the kitchen started in a few."

"Well you will have plenty," He said. "We found massive limbs down near the pool. Thankfully the pool is empty and nothing got damaged. But I will get back to work. Thank you for the coffee most people don't do that."

He left and I continued cleaning. When I filled the bed of the truck again I headed back to Gail. When I pulled up she said, "Gabby do you mind cash app payments I had a few people come through and wipe me out."

"Cash app is fine", I said. "I pay my workers via cash app or cash so either is fine."

"Oh good," She said. "When the bank opens in the morning I have to get more cash."

"Whatever is easier for you Gail," I said.

She grabbed a basket and got to work on the boxes I placed on the table. Sitting on a chair I saw a message from Aunt Maggie saying she may have to move around November. I texted, You can stay with me if you need to. She messaged me back and said, I don't want to put you out. I am hoping I would not have to move but your mom and Shaun screwed me over. My boyfriend and I are talking about me moving in with him. Again not something I want to do either. I want my freedom. She ended with going back to work and we will talk later.

Gail said, "Well Gabby this is the total for these items."

Smiling I said, "Man I hope you make a good profit Gail."

She chuckled and said, "I always do."

Signing the paper she sent the money to my cash app account. When we verified I got it I told her I would see her tomorrow and went home. The guys had made amazing progress and when I pulled up they were coming out with more coffee. 

Frank said, "Girlie we are going until we cannot see anything else. I started the fire in the kitchen for you as it was getting cold."

Mike said, "Dad is convinced that the weather man was wrong and we may get snow sooner."

"The cold in the air makes me think your Dad might be like," I said. "When did you get here by the way?"

"We were here at seven thirty," Mike said. "Go get out of the cold you are going to freeze your to skinny."

Going into the house I finished the bathroom and shortly after I finished the hallway. I heard Frank calling for me and I came out with laundry that had to be washed, "What's up frank?"

"Do you have light bulbs?" He asked.

"Yeah why what's up," I asked

"You have a few lights outside that we can put the lights in and continue to work," He said.

Smiling I said, "Your lucky I have a bunch. How much do you need?"

"Four if you have them," He said. "If we get them working it would be good security for you as well."

Handing him a package he went outside. I went to the laundry room and switched the laundry. Going into my room I placed the laundry on the bed and took out a pile of boxes. I noticed it was passed six and the guys were still going. After I finished bringing out the boxes and folding the laundry I went to the first guest room. If Aunt Maggie needs a place I wanted to make sure she had one. I started sorting and when I was bringing a pile of boxes to the truck. When I went back inside Mike and Frank came in. 

Mike said, "Even with your lights which work its getting to dark to work anymore. We are both coming back here around six thirty tomorrow. We are going to do the same thing like we did today. Your sheds are full and we made a huge dent today. We are now stacking wood in the crates you have outside and they are under the tarp. Also all the totes are full so we are using crates for the smaller branches as well."

Looking at my watch I said, "Damn eight thirty already. Frank would you like cash or cash app like mike?"

"Cash app would be good," He said. "My handle is movingman65."

I sent the $260 to each of them and they headed out. Walking outside I was impressed with all the work they did. Going back inside I locked the door and went back to the guest room. Working a few hours later I stacked boxes of items that I had finished sorting. Going to the kitchen I made up the last of my leftovers and sat at the table eating.

Letting the fire die out in the fire place I headed to bed.

*****************************************************************************

Waking up the next morning I saw my fire in my wood stove was almost out and I decided that I would pick up metal cans for the ash along with a shovel and bucket to clean it. Walking into the kitchen I started the coffee and made myself a cup. Bringing the boxes I sorted last night out to the truck I found Mike and Frank hard at work. I left the gate unlocked again.

Frank looked up and said, "Good Morning Gabby. When we leave tonight we will make sure the gate gets locked. We are hoping to get you done as soon as possible when we got here at six thirty there was a frost on the ground. I think the weather man is making up things with his forecast for snow."

"Well Frank you have been busy that's for sure," I said. "I have the coffee on right now but the house will be cool until I get back. I am stopping for Metal cans to hold the ash so I can use it for the garden beds and greenhouse."

Mike said, "That is a smart idea. Also if you fill the cans you know local greenhouses buy it as well. This time of year is when they move indoors. I will get my contact number for the guy I sell it to."

"That would be great," I said. "I am off to the seller and home depot and will be back soon."

Heading out to Gail's store I pulled up to a line of people waiting. Her assistant Lily came up to the truck and said, "Hey Gabby. Gail knows you have a lot of work to do so if you want she said you can leave the boxes and she will sort through them between customers. Then at the end of the day you can stop in and get a cash out or cash app payout."

"Oh Lily that would be great," I said. "My Aunt may have to move in with me and I want to get a guest room cleaned out. She says she is trying to avoid it as she prefers to be on her own but she may have to for a few months. Where would you like everything?"

"Let me get two carts and we can unload you," She said. "Looks like  you have every nook and cranny full."

"I still have piles of boxes at home that have been gone through," I said.

She came back with two carts and she had me place my pile in a corner of the loading dock. When my truck was empty Lily gave me a paper with a box count and it said, "Pending evaluation."

"Listen," I said. "If Gail gets real busy she can email me the form and cash app me the funds once I do a digital signature. I knew she was going to be busy. Also let her know there is some vintage glass, crystal, clothing and I think three crates of records. I kept I think two boxes of records for myself and hope I can find a record player in the piles of items. She can keep the boxes and crates."

Lily got excited and said, "Oh we love when you bring us stuff as its been such good finds. I will let her know and we will see you later I am sure."

"Hopefully a few times," I said. "If I sell enough I want to give my workers a good bonus for all the hard work they have done."

"Well so you are aware we are looking for more vintage clothing, Cast iron and vintage toys," She said. "But a lot of the clothing you bought us has sold already."

"My house has a duel sided fireplace," I said. "I have found cast iron but all the pieces so far have been individual pieces. If I do find duplicates you will be the ones getting them. I am hoping my lawn guy can get some extra work with building me a display rack."

"Oh I am jealous and cannot wait to see what he can come up with," She said.

Saying my goodbyes I went to the truck and headed to home depot. As I went inside I saw all the Halloween decor and thought about setting up a display or getting some once Mike was done with the lawn. I could not wait for the trick or treaters this year. After I got the shovel, bucket and garbage cans I headed home.

Pulling up to the front of my house I saw Aunt Maggie's car there and in the car was my Mother. I texted Aunt Maggie and said, Mom is here with your car.

A few moments later she replied, Keep her there the police are on the way.

Stepping out of my truck my Mother got out of the car and screamed, "Those men inside would not let me into the house or property."

"Hello Mother," I said. "That is correct you are not allowed onto my property or in the house."

"That is ridiculous I am your mother," she yelled.

"No its not," I said. "You have stolen from me before. Your not allowed in. What do you need?"

"I need money to go see Brianna," She said. "The kids miss Grandma and want to see me."

"So have Brianna and Jack send you the money," I said. "I do not have money to hand you anymore. I have responsibilities."

She looked through the gate at the house and she said, "You should give your sister your house."

"She stole my fiancé and you want me to hand her my house as well," I said. "I am generous but I think she got enough from me."

"It is not your sisters fault jack wanted to be with her," She said. "You should be thankful."

"I am," I said. "He has cheated on her so many times since they got married I am glad she took out my trash. But no you are not getting any money from me and they cannot have MY house."

"After everything I did for you growing up," She said. 

Seeing the police coming up the road I said, "Everything you did for me? What you took all the child support Dad sent for me and used it on Brianna since you couldn't have Carlos work. If it wasn't for Aunt Maggie being there I would have had no one."

"Well," she said. "Brianna needed things as well."

Seeing the officer get out he held back as I said, "Oh sure Brianna needed things. But Aunt Maggie was there for me for everything and how do you repay her. You screwed her over financially and opened tens of thousands of credit cards in her name. You sunk her financially."

"Your Aunt Maggie owed me," She said.

"So you admit you opened all those accounts in her name?" I asked.

She smirked and said, "Not that I will get into trouble for it. But yes Shaun and I opened all those cards in her name as we found her social security number. I would have done it to you as well but somehow you have your credit locked. That you should undo if I need anything."

The cop gave me the thumbs up and I said, "You have that on tape officer?"

My Mother's face drained as the officer said, "We sure do."

The second officer started towards my mother as she screamed, "You set me up."

I jumped back as she dove for me and the officer put handcuffs on her reading her her rights. Turning to the officer I said, "Please get the keys to the car as my Aunt can pick up the car here when she can."

The officer said, "We will speak with the detective when he gets here who is handling the case but I doubt that will be an issue."

"If you do not need me officer," I said. "My house is a hoarders dream I just bought it and I am trying to clear out a room for Aunt Maggie incase she has to move from this mess."

The officer patted my shoulder and I drove onto the property. Pulling up Mike came up and asked, "Are you alright?"

"Yeah," I said. "My Mom is a winner I can say that. But the officer's are handling it now. I am going to clean out the ash and get it stored for the flower boxes come spring."

Mike said, "I know a greenhouse that buys ash as well I will text you the phone number I am going to guess you will fill both those cans fast."

"Thank you your dad said the same thing," I said. "I am glad I have a garbage can to store it in.I am going to get to work inside. Its getting colder out and I want to get the fireplace and wood oven clean and going."

Unloading my truck I went to my room and cleaned out the wood stove. Making sure everything was clean I started a small fire to warm the room. Going into the kitchen I cleaned the fire place. Emptying the bucket in the garbage can I had placed in the greenhouse. Starting a new fire in the fire place I got a cup of coffee and called Aunt Maggie. 

She answered and asked, "Are you alright Gabby?"

"Yeah," I said. "I can't believe she admitted it. I also wish I had a camera so you could have seen her face when I asked the officer if they got it in their body cam footage."

"Oh I wish you could have as well," She said. "I love my son and my sister but she is over the line."

"She told me I should give my house to Brianna," I said.

"She took out your garbage of an ex fiancé," Aunt Maggie said. "That is all she is getting from you."

"Well I told the officers if they can leave your car I will get you to it," I said. "But let me get back to work I am expecting to get a call from work any time to come work a shift."

"Alright love I am sure I will see you later on," She said.

Hanging up with Aunt Maggie I carried the sorted boxes out to my truck when I heard the police telling someone to stop. Mike, Frank and I went to the gate and watched as Shaun was put against the gate being placed in hand cuffs. 

Frank said, "Damn Gabby I understand now."

Shaun looked up and screamed through the bars, "You'll get yours Gabby so help me. You couldn't keep out of my Mom's business."

The Detective came over and said, "Bring them to the station. Gabby may I have a word?"

"Sure come up to the house," I said.

Letting the detective in we walked up to the house and I said, "Sorry I just bought the house and it was a hoarders paradise. Would you like a cup of coffee I just made a fresh pot."

"Yes," He said. "Black please."

Clearing a chair I motioned for him to sit and poured the coffee. After we sat down I asked, "How can I help you?"

"I watched the body cam footage and what your Mom said bothered me," He said. "She told you to unlock your credit so she could use it."

"Yeah," I said. "Mom was famous for using me growing up. My Dad was in the military and when they divorced she tried with him as well. A lawyer with the Airforce contacted my mom and got that handled for him. When I was sixteen Dad had the Military put a lock on my credit so she could not touch it. Its been in place ever since."

"Would you have the contact information for your Dad," He said. "We are thinking your Mom and Shaun have been stealing identities for a while."

"Sorry Detective," I said. "Unless you have a Ouija board your out of luck. Dad passed away right after my sister stole my fiancé three years ago."

"I'm sorry," He said. "Will you be willing to testify against your mother and cousin?" 

"Absolutely," I said. "Does Aunt Maggie get her car back now?"

He laughed and said, "Yes we are almost finished processing it and I spoke to your Aunt before Shaun was arrested and will leave it here."

"Thank you," I said. "Also can you look into the tag. Knowing my Mom and Shaun they were into shady stuff. I do not want my Aunt arrested if the car was involved in anything."

"Of course," He said. "It will be cross referenced and put into the system in the next thirty minutes. She will be alright."

"Thank you," I said. A grandfather clock chimed in the house somewhere. Laughing I said, "I would love to know where that clock is. All this excitement before ten in the morning. Whatever will I do."

He laughed and looked around. "You bought the house as is?"

"I did," I said. "A few days after I moved in I hired Mike. Him and his Dad are trying to clear out the property before the snow fall."

As if he heard us talking about him Mike popped his head in and said, "Gabby sorry we have a problem."

"Big problem?" I asked. "Or we need to spend money problem."

"Both," He said. "The tree that is at the corner to the enclosed porch. It has four huge limbs that need to come down. If we get a big snowfall I am afraid the one will come right through the roof. Dad called and priced a small crane machine to rent and they run around $250 and we can get one today. If we did we can get it back and hopefully not get charged the full amount."

The Detective said, "Its a good thing you caught that last year I had three come down and it took out my shed and patio. Cost me ten thousand in repairs."

"Go ahead and order it I will get you the cash to pay for it," I said. "Did you see anymore dangerous branches."

"Dad is looking now," He said. "We may have to clear a path but since that one is right next to the house we wanted to get it handled."

I left the guys and went to my room taking out three hundred for the machine. Coming back out I handed it to mike and said, "If you can handle it then do it."

Frank came in and said, "I found four more trees with dead limbs. All on the other side of the driveway and two hanging over the driveway."

Nodding I said, "Lets do it. If I need to pay for a second day we can call in the extension with my card."

Mike said, "I am going to go get it and Dad is going to continue on. Plus side is even after this you will have plenty of wood for the fire."

The detective said, "Well I will let you get back to work. I will buzz you when we are ready to bring you the keys."

I walked the detective out and looked at the tree Frank and Mike were talking about. There were breaks in the limb and I understood what he meant. Frank saw me looking and said, "We are going to have roped attached to each branch and will bring it down piece by piece."

Nodding I said, "Better now than when there is a metric ton of snow on it."

Walking back into the house I started sorting more of the boxes in the guest room. When I filled up the truck I went to leave and the Detective stopped me and handed me the keys. He said, "I took care of the notes already in the system so your Aunt will be fine to drive."

Leaving I called Aunt Maggie and said, "When do you go on lunch?"

"In about thirty minutes," She said. "Why what's up."

"I have the keys to your car, "I can get you and bring you to the car. I just have to bring the boxes to the store real fast."

She laughed and said, "I want to see the house but not enough time so how about this. My co worker can drop me off after work. I will visit when I pick up the car if you want to drop me the keys."

"Sounds good see you soon," I said.

Driving to Gail's store I pulled up to the line and Lily came up and said, "We got some of the items sorted and I have a cash amount for you. Let me grab some carts and we can get you unloaded so you can get some more done."

I saw there was a large amount of boxes still and we unloaded them. When we were done unloading my truck she handed me the form to sign and a new form for what I left. Handing me the envelope she said, "Gail has been so busy all day and she is going back and forth between people showing up. She appreciates the trust you have in her."

Laughing I said, "I appreciate her. I had to go get a crane as we have dangerous trees on my property. This covered that and then some."

Waving I went to local chick fila and got food for Aunt Maggie and I. When I got to her office I went inside and the receptionist called her to the front. Handing her the keys and food she said, "Thank you Gabby I appreciate you. Oh and I do not have to eat PB and J today thank heavens. See you after seven."

Smiling I said, "I will see you later its only going on eleven thirty so I plan on getting a lot more done."

Getting back to the house the rest of my day was laundry and sorting. Around six that night I took my last load back to Gail's store and no one was there. She was sorting my boxes and said, "Maggie you brought me so many treasures."

"I bring you another truck load for the night," I said. "No rush Gail. I can unload and cash out what you have knocked out and we can do the same tomorrow."

"I wish everyone who was bringing things were as patient as you," She said. "Lets unload and get what I have done cashed out."

Adding to the pile of boxes she handed me the box count and said, "This is your box count and this is for the items I sorted. Those records are amazing and I made sure you got paid for them. Lily said you were looking for the record player?"

"Yeah," I laughed. "I have not found it yet but soon enough."

"Since the payout on what I sorted is so high do you mind half cash half cash app?" She asked.

"Not at all," I said. "The guys are getting a bonus today for saving my roof from damage. They found a total of twelve dangerous limbs over the house which would have cost me thousands in repairs."

She said, "Oh good. Well here is your form. I am shutting the sales door in a few what are you doing tonight?"

"My Aunt is coming by and we are going visit," I said. "I have to pick up the family deal from Gerogie's in a few."

"Oh they have some good Greek food," She said. "Here is the cash and confirm your got the Cash app."

Smiling I said, "My junk is someone's treasure."

She laughed as I waved and went to pick up the food for Aunt Maggie and I. Getting back to the house I saw Frank was still working on cutting up the limbs and he said, "Mike went to return the lift and I am finishing this. Your wood pile is huge and we filled five crates full of smaller branches as well. If we get a blizzard you are all set with ways to stay warm"

"Thank heavens for that," I said. "I love the house and when I look in rooms I do see stove pipes in a few of them so each room can be kept warm. Plus I did see an outdoor fireplace on the glass porch as well. I am so excited."

He shook his head and said, "Well Gail's is a great store. My wife and I shop there often. I hope you get everything sorted so you can start enjoying your home. As a Dad you need to mingle with others your age and maybe find yourself a good man to keep on his toes."

From the shadows near the well a man was watching them talk and thought, "No old man she has someone who wants her. Do not give her any ideas. She may be the one who can break the curse."

Listening to her laugh, "Well Frank one day maybe but right now I am happy with getting my house in order and settling in without some man telling me what he thinks I should do or be."

The old man laughed as she went inside the house. Watching for a few more minutes I went through the well opening and closed the entrance shut behind me.

*****************************************************************

Putting the food on the counter I added another log to the fire. Going to the guest room I grabbed the remaining boxes I had sorted and placed them in my truck. Going into the kitchen again I moved some of the boxes to the floor making room for Aunt Maggie and I. The kitchen was definitely the next room to be done. 

Mike and Frank came in and Mike said, "It feels good with that fire going."

"Well with all the wood you cut me I have enough wood from now until next summer," I said. "Your not even done yet and my pile in the sheds and the porch are huge!"

"Well hopefully if the weather holds a few more days we will be done," Mike said. "But tomorrow you get only me as Dad is working again tomorrow."

"Well I sent your pay already and it includes a bonus for you handling the dangerous limbs," I said.

Mike went to say something and I gave him a look. He said, "That wasn't necessary but thank you."

"No Thank you for all your hard work," I said. "I feel better with the property getting into shape. After this I will have some jobs for you as well if you do not have any work with landscaping. Can you build things?"

He smiled and said, "I sure can."

"Well we will have work for you then," I said. The gate buzzed and I said, "That is my Aunt. I will walk you out and go get her."

We walked down to Mikes work truck and Mike said, "See you tomorrow."

They left and I let Aunt Maggie in. She said, "Wow Sweetie this place is amazing."

"Don't be to impressed yet," I said. "The inside is a shit show."

She said, "Well it takes time."

Walking arm in arm I asked, "Did you eat?"

"No why?" She asked.

"Good I picked up Gerogie's family meal and I know you love Greek food," I said.

Going inside she whistled and said, "Now I understand why you said, Shit show."

"Well on the plus side I am making money on the items I am not keeping," I said. "Poor Gail has forty boxes still to give me money on as she is so busy. Knowing her when I bring more tomorrow I will have a payout waiting. But lets give you the tour."

Showing her my room first she loved the wood stove and the closet. I showed her the pantry I redid and she liked how I organized it. Showing her the rest of the house I ended with the guest room I was clearing and said, "If you need to move in this will be your room."

She looked around and said, "Clearing it just in case?"

"Yes," I said. "Even with Mom and Shaun arrested we do not know what else they caused. Better safe than sorry and if not I have a room you can come visit and stay in." 

She looked out the window and asked, "What is the room out there?"

"Its a glass enclosed porch that has a fireplace," I said. 

She looked around and said, "Marven wants me to move in with him but he is pushing the whole stay at home woman thing. I can't do that. I am thinking of ending it with him as he has been very pushy lately on a lot of stuff."

"Do what makes you happy Aunt Maggie," I said. "If you stay with him though and move in here please let him know no overnights here. There is something about him I don't like as you know."

"I understand," She said. "So dinner?"

"Yes I got us the family meal that we normally get," I said. "Plus the fire is nice and warm."

We sat talking while we ate and as we finished Aunt Maggie looked tired. She said, "Sorry with the excitement of today I am a bit tired."

"Do you want to take some food home and relax?" I asked.

"As much as I would Marven said he was going to meet me at the house," I said. "I will not get a bite if I get it home. He seems to think everything is his."

"Red flags Aunt Maggie," I said.

"Yeah I know what I need to do kid," She said. "Walk me out?"

Grabbing my jacket I followed her to the gate and said, "Do you think he may try to harm you if you break up with him?"

"No but when I get home I will meet him outside and have Willie keep an eye on me," She said.

"Call me if anything happens," I said.

She hugged me and said, "I will love."

I watched her get in her car and head home. Going inside I put the food in the fridge and went into the guest room to work on it a while longer. When my alarms went off I made sure the kitchen fire was going out and locked the house up. Going into my room I added a extra log to the wood stove and went into my bathroom to take a shower. When I got out I climbed into bed and fell into a deep sleep.

From the shadows outside the man from the well watched her sleep. He saw the shadows move around the house and he came out further from the well. He saw a creature form and look at her wood pile and snarl. It turned to face him and disappeared into the darkness. For years the shadows have taken the people who lived here and he was not going to let it happen to Gabby, her friends or family this time.

*****************************************************************************

When I woke up I looked at my phone and said, "I cannot believe its October."

The gate buzzed and I hit the button to let Mike in. He came into the house as I unlocked the door and said, "Well Gabby I am glad we are making the home stretch because we have a lot of frost."

Starting the fireplace I said, "Well I am glad the outside is almost done and then we can get the inside started. I am starting coffee in a few if you want some."

"I will come in later to get some," He said. "Anything to know about today?"

"No thank heavens," I said. "I plan on more of my aunts room if she needs it and then after that onto the kitchen."

"Okay then," He said. "I will see you soon."

I got the fire started and added another log to the fire in my room. Getting a cup of coffee I went into the guest room and continued on. Getting a bit hungry I went into the kitchen and made myself a gyro to eat while I sorted. When I finished over filling the truck I went to the resale store. When I pulled in I saw a huge line and I went in the door and Lily ran over to me and handed me a cart. She said, "I will be right there."

Going to the truck I opened the cab and started to load the cart. Lily came and switched out carts. I asked, "A bit crazy?"

"Yes," She said. "Some people are bringing full car loads and no one wants to drop like you. I do have a cash out for you for cash app and we will sign everything when you finish unloading."

We kept switching out carts and when I was done Lily handed me a form for what I was dropping off and I asked, "What is with the tables around my boxes?"

She frowned and said, "Someone tried claiming the items were hers. Gail had to put her foot down and said she would call the police. No worries the lady did not get anything we checked the camera."

"That's why I love you guys," I said.

Lily took out a tablet and said, "This is for what we got through."

"No worries," I said. "I am good to bring more right?"

Gail came over and said, "Of course. We took care of the issue this morning and we are blocking off the loading bay. Some people cannot be trusted and I take things like this seriously."

"It's fine Gail," I said. "If I didn't trust you I would not leave things. I will be back later today."

She smiled and met the next person bringing items in. I got in my truck and headed back home. Grabbing another cup of coffee I went into the guest room. Seeing another wood stove I ordered another wood holder and cleaning set to be delivered. When I finished filling up the truck I made myself another Gyro and headed back to Gails. I saw the line was over and Gail was sorting my items. Lily came out and helped me unload. Gail said, "Before you leave I will cash out what I sorted so far. Lily when your finished helping Gabby unload you can start the pricing of these three carts."

"Sure thing Gail," She said.

When we unloaded the last box and stacked it Gail came over and said, "Here is your form for the drop off's."

I signed and asked, "Are you alright?"

"Yes," She said. "People are handfuls that's all. You are a godsend. I promise I will get this all processed soon enough."

"Gail take your time," I said. "You know your getting a ton from me and I will be fine at your pace."

"Bless you," She said. "You are bringing quality items. I wish my other customers were as nice. At least my store will be filled and we will be over stocked. How is the house coming?"

"I am over halfway done with the first room," I said. "I will be calling the chimney sweep for another wood stove today."

She handed me a payout form and said, "Cash app will be how I am paying you today. People cleared me out earlier. Thank you for being so accommodating."

"Thank you Gail," I said sighing the form. "This money is holding me over until my work starts back up. Plus the money I find in the house while sorting. So far I have found a few thousand."

We talked for a bit longer and I went back home. Calling the chimney sweep I left a message for the newest wood stove and an hour later he showed up and cleaned it out. After paying him I continued on with what I was sorting only to stop when I had to fold the laundry in the dryer. A little after five I filled the truck again and I went to meet Claire for the third time today. When I pulled up she smiled and said, "I was wondering if I would see you again today."

Laughing I said, "I am two stacks from finishing the guest room. Then its time to go through the furniture in there which I am going to keep. Well maybe not the end tables or the shelf but I have not decided yet."

"Which room is after the guest room?" She asked.

"Oh definitely the kitchen," I said. "I washed one wall and its white so I think I am keeping that and taking down the cabinets."

"Well we will take the cabinets," She said. "People are always looking for things to redo."

"I will remember that," I said.

After I brought in all my boxes we went through the drill and I signed forms and accepted payment for what she sorted. She split it between cash and cash app. When I got home Mike said, "Hopefully the weather holds a bit longer. I have a feeling by the end of next week we will be getting a snow fall you can feel a bite in the air."

After I paid him and he left I made sure the gate was closed and shut. Going inside made myself more leftovers and sat in my room to eat. While I watched TV and ate I got a message from my boss asking if I could come in the next day from 11-1. I said sure and set a timer to get set up for work. After I finished eating I went into the guest room and started to sort again. When I finished sorting the boxes I took everything out to the truck. Looking around I decided I needed to get some more lights for outside. I wonder if Mike could do wiring and would ask the next morning. Going inside I locked up the house and headed for a shower. Sitting in bed watching videos I felt like there was someone outside. Opening the curtains I shined a light outside and did not see anyone. I was considering getting a security camera and motion lights. I would work on that once Mike is done with the work outside. 

Going to sleep I made a mental check list for tomorrow. Finish the guest room and closet in there. Clean the room. I decided to leave the room until I washed the walls. Then I would start on the kitchen. Since the oven and fridge work I decided to keep it as it was. Falling asleep I kept my phone next to me and left my bedside drawer open incase I needed my gun.

During the night as I slept I didn't hear the back door open and the man from the well watched me sleep from the hallway. He thought to himself, "I will protect you Gabby you have my word."

Leaving the house he drew his sword and struck down the shadow demons that were forming on the property. When the sun started to rise he withdrew to the well locking it behind him. Going to his chambers at the bottom he laid on his bed and dreamt of Gabby.

****************************************************************************

As the sun rose I felt safer than I did the night before. I shut the drawer to the side table and went to the kitchen to make a pot of coffee. When Mike buzzed to be let in I unlocked the door and went to start a fire in the fireplace. Starting another load of laundry I came out to the living room when I heard Mike calling out. When I came out he said, "I am taking it you did not go outside yet?"

"No I was avoiding it until I had more boxes," I said.

"You may want to look outside then," He said.

Frank walked in as he said that and said, "The weather man knows Jack shit."

Looking out the door there was a fine dusting of snow. I asked, "You think its gonna stick?"

Frank said, "No. Its already melting but soon enough it will be."

"Well," I said. "Thank heavens I work today for a while."

"Well we appreciate the coffee even more today," He said. "We will be working as long as we can today. We bought the big lights incase it gets dark fast."

Nodding to the coffee pot I said, "I work from 11-1 but I will keep the coffee going."

Grabbing the leftover sliders I forgot about I heated them up and ate at the table enjoying the fire. Going into my room I saw the fire had died out and I cleaned out the fire and started a new one to keep the room warm. Going into the guest room I went to the closet and started sorting. Piling clothes on the ground I was keeping I kept sorting until my alarm for work went off. Getting a new drink and a snack I went into the office. Loading up my work I logged in and at 11 I waited to accept calls and nothing. My boss messaged me and said, "Yeah we are slow still. I am trying to get you more hours."

"It's fine," I said. "I am working on remodeling my new house when I am not working."

"You bought a house?" She asked.

"I bought a tax estate," I said. "It came full of items so I am sorting and cleaning between shifts. Its been helpful that I have had some time off. Its been nice as well as i am able to over see the lawn care team that is cleaning the property. God willing they will be done by today as we got snow flurries last night. But I have enough wood to get me through till next winter."

"How did you get enough money to buy a house?" She asked.

"When my ex fiancé left me 7 years ago I started saving as I had to move to a cheap trailer," I said. "Shortly after my Dad passed and left me a nest egg. The Military is still holding his belongings. I do have to arrange for them to deliver his things to me. So seven years of living below my means. All I have to do is pay for my home owners insurance and utilities now. Taxes get paid up every three years."

"That was very smart of you," She said. "I feel bad we are low on hours with you buying a house. But I do appreciate that you come in every time we ask. I will work on getting you more hours if I can."

"Your fine," I said. "I am working on getting the inside of the house done. So far my master suite and pantry are all I have cleaned out fully. I am in the process of cleaning out the first guest room. I am hoping to get everything done for the holidays."

Taking a call I worked on going through cleaning out the desk I was sitting at between calls. Shredding old documents in the desk I found another hundred dollars in the desk and added that to my wallet. When I finished my shift I went to the kitchen to fill my coffee cup. Starting a new pot of a coffee I went outside to see how the guys were doing.

Frank looked up and asked, "Gabby everything alright?"

"Sure is," I said. "You guys have done a great job out here this house looks so different out here. I am going to fill the truck after I call base and deliver more to Claire."

"Base?" Mike asked.

"Yes," I said. "When my Dad passed seven years ago the military packed his belongings and put them in storage. I have been paying for it to keep the items safe till it could be brought home. I am finally in a position that I can do that."

Frank nodded and said, "That would be nice Gabby. Well we are hustling the wind has been picking up and I have a feeling the snow will start sticking soon."

I went inside and grabbed the full boxes and crates I had. Mike came in and handed me a box. Saying, "Fed ex just delivered this."

"Oh yay," I laughed. "I ordered a few more wood holders and cleaning tools for each of the wood stoves."

Placing the box in the laundry room I finished the closet in the guest room and filled the truck. I finished cleaning out the guest room as I called the base. When I spoke to the department holding my Dad's things and I arranged to have his things delivered to my house. The said they can have it delivered on Sunday. That would give me three days to clear more of the house. Looking around I knew there was a few spots I cold place it in but I may have to place everything in the guest room. Pulling out the boxes that were full I placed them next to the front door and pushed off the kitchen to start with the living room when I got back from Claires. Looking around I saw room in the greenhouse and piles I could stack a bit more. This was going to be a job and a half. Climbing into my truck I went to Claires store. Seeing a line I parked near the door Lily and I brought things in with and flagged her down.

She came over with two carts and said, "Your late today!"

I giggled and said, "Work had some extra hours open and I had to arrange for my Dads things to be delivered to the house."

"Oh is your Dad moving in with you?" She asked.

"Not unless his ghost is attached to the belongings," I said. "They have been in military storage for the last seven years and I am bringing them home. I finished the guest room but will not be cleaning it or decorating it yet until I know I have enough room for all his belongings. I am going to skip the kitchen again and start the living room and lounge. It is something that had to be done and I am glad I can now."

We unloaded my truck and Lily handed me a form for the box count. She went into the office to get tablet to send me a payout. She came back and said, "Claire has been working your pile between customers and this is the payment up to now."

I signed the form and she sent the money via cash app. Thanking her I said, "Well I am gonna go back and get to work. I will see you all before seven."

Getting home I went and put the remaining boxes into the truck and started in the living room. Setting an alarm for six that evening to get to Claires before they close. I did check the green house and took the ash can and pulled it to the front porch. There was a lot of room in the green house and it was weather tight. Moving boxes around in the office I made some room. Looking into the enclosed porch I made some more room in there as well as the lounge and second bedroom. Between that and the guest room I should be good if I cleared some of the living room.

My phone rang I said, "Hello?"

"Good afternoon Maam," The voice said. "This is Corporal Kline from Military transport."

"Good afternoon Corporal Kline," I said. "How can I help you?"

"We understand that your delivery was set for this Sunday," He said. "But we have an opening this evening. Your father's belongings were being stored locally and would be honored to expedite the delivery."

"That would be fine," I said. "Corporal Kline I have to let you know I just bought this house and it was a hoarders dream. I have stacked boxes to make room in the greenhouse, My office, in the spare bedrooms, living room and lounge but it will be a bit difficult to find space. I am cleaning everything out but it may be hard to maneuver items."

He chuckled and said, "Our men have seen it all. We can be there right around seven will that be alright with you?"

"It sure is," I said. "Thank you."

"See you soon," He said.

Sighing I looked around the living room and said, "Kitchen it is."

Mike and Frank walked in and Frank said, "Well that is where we are heading. You good Gabby."

"Yeah," I said. "The delivery of my Dads things is happening around seven tonight. You guys are good still I hope I have enough room for things. I am glad I got the guest room done before hand."

"How big was your Dads place?" Mike asked.

"It was a three bedroom two bath duplex with a garage, patio and shed," I said.

Mike said, "Well the guest room may be full again."

"That is what I thought," I said. "I was gonna start in here. Then thought about the kitchen but I think I am back to the boxes in here. Make some more room before I have to go to Claires."

Frank said, "Well we should finish by eight tonight if we can see if not by noon tomorrow come snow or not."

They went to get coffee and I started to sort. When my alarm for six went off I loaded the full boxes into the truck and went to Claires. When I pulled up she smiled and said, "Fancy seeing you again."

Smiling I said, "I just did myself in Claire."

She gave a look of concern and asked, "How so?"

"All of my late fathers belongings are in route to my house," I said. "Everything I cleared is being packed even more till I can go through it."

"So what I am hearing is more belongings to sell," She said giggling.

"Pretty much," I said. "But the lawn should be done either late tonight or by noon tomorrow."

"Well that is a plus and I bet you have enough wood to last forever," She said.

"Both sheds are full. The hold a cord and a half," I said. "Then we have crates and piles full covered in tarps on the back end of the porch. I lost fifteen feet of my porch so far but I am not complaining with the price of wood."

"Well here is everything to sign and I will send you a cash app with what I processed," She said. "If I stay slow at night I should be able to get through a lot more. People took to heart when I said I was buying. But when people saw that the store clerks have been hopping as well selling so its a win win."

Signing the forms I bid my farewell and went home. I pulled my truck as far to the side as I could backing up and went into the kitchen to sort while I waited for the movers. Bringing a box to the truck Frank called me over saying, "Hey kiddo their here."

Loading the box into the truck I saw the military moving truck pull up. A young man pulled up and I went to the gate. He said, "Good evening Miss. I am Corporal Kline. We spoke earlier."

"Good evening Corporal Kline," I said. "I am Gabriella. Before you start would you like to see where items can be unloaded to?"

He nodded and said, "Yes Maam I would. Thank you for the heads up when I called earlier."

Bringing him into the house I said, "I would prefer to keep the office manageable as I work from home I need to get to the desk. There is a bit of room in the green house so if you could start loading larger items there I would appreciate it. Boxes can start in the lounge and back guest room, enclosed patio and office. From there into the living room. I want to use the empty guest room as a last resort. Please leave me a walking path."

"I think we can manage that," He said. "Let me give the men the orders and we will start." 

The team of four men took direction and soon the greenhouse was packed to the brim as was the second guest room. The lounge and laundry room caught more furniture and boxes along with my office. The enclosed patio became stacked. The last of the items fit into the living room leaving the guest room empty.

Before he left Corporal Kline handed me my Dad's flag which was in a wood box and a flag to hang on my home. I thanked him and the men as they left. Standing there with the flag Frank came over and asked, "Are you alright?"

"We couldn't have a service due to covid restrictions," I said. "He is cremated and I have the remains in my room. I think I am going to move him and the flag to the fireplace mantle."

He put his arm around me and said, "The flag they gave you for the house. You have a flag pole where we are working now. I see you have the army and US flag. I will put them up for you tomorrow once we finish the area. Snow be damned, you got your Dad home."

"Thank you," I said.

"Now go inside you do not need to get sick," He said.

Smiling I went back in and made a cup of tea and some dinner. Sitting in the kitchen Frank snuck in and took the flags. An hour later him and Mike came in and Mike said, "Well Gabby the lawn is ready and you have enough wood to last you through the winter and into the spring. If we do not have snowfall and you want me to come back I will to keep up on the lawn and any possible branches that need to be cut."

"Thank you both for all the amazing work you did," I said. "I sent you your pay along with a bonus. Do not argue about the bonus you deserve it."

Mike said, "I am not going to argue with you. So text me when your ready for me to do some side work."

"I know I want to add more outdoor lights and security camera's," I said. "Also once I clear more of the kitchen I want to have you build me a cast iron rack for all the cast iron pans I found with hooks and shelves. I just need a few days to get everything and clear some room."

"Oh," Frank said. "We moved your Dad's motorcycle onto the porch. It has a cover so we placed it at the end by the enclosed patio."

"I had forgotten about the motorcycle," I said. "Its a Harley. I think it will be there unless I decide to ride it."

Frank asked, "You ride?"

"Yes," I said "Dad taught me when I was young. The only reason I didn't live with him was because he was over seas a lot."

Getting on my coat I walked the guys out and locked the gate after they left. I walked the property and enjoyed the view. What I didn't know was from the shadows the man from the well was watching me. He smiled as he saw my happiness as he approved of the property being taken care of. His head snapped up when he heard her laugh as the snow started to fall. He watched as she came out with wood holders and filled them for the fire place and her room. Then he saw her fill a third one for another stove in the house. He had saw the men bring in more belongings and the man Frank raise the flags with a salute. He was softened by the men who talked as they worked saying they would keep an eye on her. But in his heart he knew that only he could fully protect her.

Going into the house I put the wood pile into the guest room and gathered cleaning supplies. While I cleaned I called Aunt Maggie. When she answered she said, "Gabby I need to call you back I have a bit of a problem here."

"What's going on?" I asked.

"The night I broke up with Marven he seemed to take it well and left," She said. "He is outside now yelling he does not accept the break up and is trying to get in. I have the doors blocked and Willy called the police and is trying to talk him down outside. But Marven is acting like a mad man. You were right about red flags."

"Do you want me to come over?" I asked.

"No stay there," She said. "I will call you back after its over."

We hung up and my nerves were shot. Locking the door I looked out the window and saw the snow was getting heavier. I chuckled and said, "Damn Frank you should be a weather man."

I finished cleaning and vacuuming the room for Aunt Maggie if she needed it and checked the mattress to make sure it was good. Placing the wood next to the wood oven I shut the blinds to the room which I already cleaned and shut the door behind me. Going into the kitchen I went to the cabinets that were tilting forward and started to empty them. I filled a few crates and placed them in a pile. The items I decided to keep I placed in a pile on the card table I set up. When aunt Maggie called me back it was just after nine-thirty. 

She said, "That was a shit show."

"Are you alright," I asked.

"Yes," She said. "He was arrested and taken by the police. His niece came and got his car. She told me he was devastated we broke up. When I told her why she nodded and said, that was why him and his ex-wife broke up."

"What can I do for you?" I asked.

"Nothing," She said. "I will be alright. What have you been doing today?"

"Well I worked this morning," I said. "Then I finished the room in case you need it. After all that all of Dad's stuff was delivered. It was time and it saves me two hundred a month in storage fees. Now I am working on the kitchen. I have a list of things I am going to have Mike do to get him some work so I can continue to sort and clean. I am making good money now with selling everything. Poor Claire has around a hundred boxes of items to sort of mine on her loading bay and price."

"She runs a respectful business," Aunt Maggie said. "Unlike some shops in town she doesn't rip you off or over charge."

"She is amazing," I said. "Plus she opened up this week to buying items for the holidays coming up. When people saw that she has been busy in the store and accepting items for sale. Hence why I drop things and have a massive pile."

"Have you heard from your Mom?" She asked.

"No," I said. "Have you heard from Shaun?"

"Yes," She said. "He wants me to bail them out I told him no."

"I am guessing she will call Brianna," I said. "So I will be hearing from Brianna soon enough."

"Well my love I will talk with you tomorrow," She said. "I am exhausted and have work in the morning. Love you and I will talk with you soon."

When we hung up I continued on with the kitchen. Looking at the cabinets that were there I saw they were solid but covered in years of grime. I thought if Mike can sand then and the doors I would be able to stain them. Sorting more of the boxes I made a stack to move to the truck in the morning. I found there were very little items I was going to keep from in here. When I finally finished for the day I showered and headed to bed. 

****************************************************************************

I let my body wake naturally the next day and when I looked at the clock I saw that it was just after eight in the morning. Opening the curtains to my room I added a log to the fire. Looking outside I saw that the snow was already melting with the sun coming out. I texted Mike I have some work for outside if he was interested. He told me he would swing by after he brought the boys to school.

Getting up I went into the kitchen and started a fire. Starting a pot of coffee I went into my room and got ready for the day. As I waited for Mike to buzz for the gate I loaded the boxes into the truck. When he arrived I let him in waiting for him while I sorted more of the kitchen.

He walked in and said, "Morning Gabby."

"Morning," I said. "Sit down I have a few things that I would like to get done inside and outside the house."

Getting a cup of coffee he sat down and said, "Sure what kind of things."

"Well I want the lawn and trees to be maintained through the winter so we can set up a schedule for that for every two to three weeks," I said. "Unless there is storm."

He took out a calendar and filled from now until the last week in February of next year. He said, "I have you scheduled in every three weeks. If there is a storm we can play it by ear I have a few customer's I do this for and we do hourly."

"Perfect," I said. "I would also like to have the walls around the property pressure washed and sealed if possible. I would also like the debris cleaned out of the pool and have that pressure washed. Then I would like a pool cover installed if possible."

"Sure thing," He said. "I can do that hourly and I can get the supplies. Then you can reimburse me. What I can do is measure everything for the pool cover and pick that up as well as the sealant for the walls. I would suggest a quick dry sealant due to the snow fall it is a little more in price but it dries within an hour. It looks like we are going to warm up a tad bit the next few days."

"Well that is a plus," I said. "I have a small list but before the snow hits those are my two most important things. Also let me know how long you were shopping for everything because I insist on paying you for your time."

"Alright," He said. "I am going to go measure the pool and go get the supplies. I will grab my pressure cleaner on my way back."

"Perfect," I said. "Your on the clock as of now. I am trying to get more stuff to Claires today and work through this mess. I will wait till you get back before I leave."

Mike headed out the door and I went to start more laundry. I would also have to stop at the store to pick up more detergent on my way back with washing everything. Grabbing my laundry from the bathroom I brought that and my sheets to the laundry room and added it to the pile. Making my bed and vacuuming I was interrupted by the buzzer for the gate. I hit the call box in my room and said, "Hello?"

"Gabby open your damn gate its cold out here," The voice of my sister yelled.

"I will be down to the gate in a moment," I said. Slipping on slippers and my coat I walked down to the gate. My sister and her husband were waiting impatiently. Looking at her I asked, "What do you want?"

"To be let in," She said. "What did you do to Mommy?"

"You men what did your Mommy do to herself," I said. "What did she tell you?"

"That Aunt Maggie opened credit cards and blamed her," She said. "What a shit thing to do to Mom."

I busted out laughing and said, "Oh is that what she said. That is funny. No, what our mother did was fraudulently opened up over ten credit cards in Aunt Maggie's name. Ran up tens of thousands of dollars in charges with Shaun. She admitted to it while a police officer who had a body cam on was standing behind her. She tried telling me I needed to let her use my credit. Told me I had to give you my house. Mom can rot in jail for all I care."

Jack laughed and said, "Come one Gabby you do not own the house. Who are you fucking to get to stay here?"

"Jack your the only one who sleeps around," I said. "I do own this house. Besides the money I inherited when my Dad passed away. I took all the money I had saved for the wedding we were planning and added to it the last seven years. I bought this house two weeks ago. I own it outright. Now if you do not leave I am going to call the police for harassment."

Brianna asked, "Your really not gonna bail Mom out?"

"God no," I said. "You all are toxic twat waffles and I want nothing to do with you. Mom has been stealing peoples identities for years and I am not even getting into that mess. By the way because I know Mom I paid extra to have my title and deed locked unless I go in front of a judge to have it released so you can not try anything. Now go away I do not want you here."

Turning around I walked back to the house while Brianna screamed at me, "You better help mom or else."

Going into the house I called Aunt Maggie, "Hey sweetie I am getting ready for work. Everything alright?"

"Guess who just came to my house," I said.

"Who?" She asked.

"Brianna," I said. "She said I needed to bail Mom out. Mom is saying you framed her for your debt."

"Well thank god I will not be here in five minutes," She said. "No worries love I will tell your lovely sister and her husband where to shove it."

"Okay," I said. "You have a good day and call me later."

"Love you," She said.

"Love you too," I replied before ending the call. 

Filling up my truck to where it was packed I went into the house and continued to work on the kitchen till Mike buzzed the gate and I walked down to let him in. He gave me a look and I said, "I had a visit from my sister this morning and she will do anything to get inside."

"Got it," He said. "If you want to write down the gate code I can shut it when I go outside."

I put it on my contact in his phone and he said, "Good. I am going to start with the pool just incase we get snow. What else did you want to have done inside?"

"I want to build a shelving unit to hold all my cast iron along the wall with the pantry," I said. "Remove the cabinets that are hanging forward. Those will go to Claires and then put in floating shelves in their place. Then paint the whole  kitchen after the walls are cleaned. Like I said a lot of things. Then add additional lighting outside. Then once all the rooms are ready a security system.

"Well I can do all that," He said. "I will have to work around my lawn jobs but we will get it done. There are systems you can do room for room. You may want to check that out so your safe while you continue to sort and everything."

"I will look into that," I said. "Now that your here I am off to Claires. There is coffee on the counter."

Going inside I went into my room and grabbed cash to deposit into my bank. Putting it in my bag I headed out and asked Mike, "How much did the supplies cost?" 

He handed me the receipt and I handed him the cash. He said, "Save the receipts as well as screen shots for tax purposes. You may be able to use that as a deduction. Especially since you work from home."

Stopping at the bank I deposited money from the cash I had found. Heading to Claires I stopped and got her and Lily some large hot chocolates. Pulling up I saw there was no line and Claire was working on my pile. She saw me and smiled. When I handed her the hot chocolates for her and Lily she said, "Oh thank you the dock is chilly."

She called out for Lily who said, "Gabby your my favorite seller. Thank you for the hot chocolate. Let's get you unloaded."

"I am surprised no one is here," I said. "You post said through Friday."

Claire said, "We had a line first thing this morning and around five there will be another one."

"Well then I hope I can get back here before five," I said. "I am working on the kitchen then I think the enclosed patio or living room."

We finished all the paper work and once I was paid via cash app I headed to Lowes to look at the security cameras and out door lights. While I was there I picked up the floating shelves and brackets along with a nice white color for the kitchen. Getting large containers or laundry cleaner I decided Mike would have to take cash to get the wood for the cast iron shelf when he gets to that. Getting home I showed Mike everything and he said, "Well if it rains or snows while I am working I will get stuff inside started. You said you wanted the remaining cabinets sanded and stained right?"

"Yes," I said. "Right now they are so caked with years of grease and varnish they have to be taken down to the wood."

"Alright," He said. "I know my list and we will get it done."

For the next week while I only worked one day I continued to get more of the house cleaned out. While I cleaned out the home Mike finished the pool, The outer walls and the house. On the last day as he finished pressure cleaning the house he came in and said, "I finished right on time it is a nasty sleet type of rain."

He spent the rest of the day taking down the bad cabinets and painting where the floating shelves would go. I was happy Mike made sure that he was not making much of a mess as we discovered that the floors were the original hardwood floors in the house and he was going to add sanding and refinishing them to the inside list.

Since I finished the kitchen and laundry room. I was now working on the office. While in the office I discovered years of documents pertaining to the house and had to organize and file. I made sure to move money and after everything that happened with Aunt Maggie I went to the bank opened a savings account and locked my accounts so I would not have fraud attempted.

While I was working in the office I got a call from Aunt Maggie. I answered saying, "Hey Aunt Maggie what's up your calling early for a Friday. Why are you not at work?"

Aunt Maggie laughed and said, "I am at work. Does that offer to stay with you still stand?"

"Yeah you know it does," I said. "You would have to get a PO Box but of course. What's going on?"

"Girl the park came to me and told me that my last two rent checks bounced," She said. "I explained what was going on and they said I have till the end of the month to get the money in plus an extra two hundred in late fees or I am out."

"Why did they wait till now to cash them?" I said. "So you owe for September and October?"

"No for August, September and October," She said. 

"Well you got a choice," I said. "I can pay the rent for you and get you caught up because I know you like your privacy. Or you come live with me and be my roommate. That is if you can handle the clutter until I get through more rooms."

"I don't want your money Maggie," She said.

"I know," I said. "But I want you happy."

"Well can I tell you a secret?" She said.

"Sure," I said. 

"I was thinking about seeing Claire and emptying my house by the end of the month," She said. "I found a new job where I could be a traveling nurse. If I did that I was looking into getting a converted sprinter van. I could live with you get the money together for the van and then start being a traveling nurse to see the country. I just have to take a few board classes which will take up to six months to do."

"I will get you a key to the gate and house," I said. "You will always have a place to land home at."

"Alright then," She said. "I will tell them to take my deposit and last months rent to pay what I owe and I will start sorting and packing to move to your house. My room is pretty big so I can bring and leave stuff there right?"

"Of course," I said. "I will get those keys for you tonight. Did you tell work about the new job offer?"

"They are the ones doing the offer," She said. "They are opening up a traveling nurses program I figured if I get a converted sprinter van I will have a car and a place to sleep at night. Some hospitals they are working with will be offering spots for us to park while we are there as well."

"It sounds like a great offer," I said. "I will miss you when your gone. But you will always have a home to come home to."

"Well I will be starting to sort and clean out the house this weekend," She said. "Do you want to have dinner on Sunday and I will bring the first of the things I am keeping to the house. What furniture does the room have?"

"It has a queen size bed, two dressers, a book case in the corner that has two sets of shelves with storage at the bottom," I said. "Also there is a really nice TV stand and desk. Plus a closet that had shelves built in as well. Also if you do not want it there is also a trunk that runs in front of the bed."

"Well the bed is the same size as mine," She said. "I will use the trunk to store some of my kitchen stuff I will be adding to the van once I get it. What are you doing this weekend?"

"More of the same," I said. "I am halfway done with the office. I found a filing cabinet so all the papers I found this week that need to be kept have a home. I finally finished all the laundry that I found so far. I am guessing I may find more as I continue on but until then its nice to be caught up."

"Well do me a favor and text me Claires number and I will text her in the morning," She said. "I am hoping if I can sell enough to Claire I will have enough to put down for the sprinter van."

"I am sure she will buy things," I said. "You have three bedrooms to go through plus the rest of your house and the shed. What are you going to do with Shaun's belongings?"

"Sell them," She said. "I will pack one suitcase for him and if it does not fit it does not go in there. I am pawning his Xbox tomorrow along with all of his games. I paid for it so I really do not care anymore. He burned his bridge."

"Well if you fill your car with things for here just come over," I said. "I am hoping to finish the office tomorrow."

"All in good time," She said. "I can help you at night repack things to move things along."

"Well as long as you can handle the Chaos," I said. "Monday Mike is going to be painting the kitchen, hanging the floating shelves and refinishing the floors. After that he is going to be building the cast iron shelf."

"A lot going on," She said. "Well I am sure everything will get done. But love its been a long day and I want to eat something and go to bed."

"Have a good night and I will see you soon," I said.

Looking at the clock I saw it was just after seven. Going to the front door I saw it had started to snow again. Walking the path I saw the well. When Frank first found it I thought it was odd but since the cover was locked tight I decided to leave it for now. I thought it was enchanting. Standing next to the well I looked towards the house and had to blink. It looked like that shadows were taking form. When I opened my eyes everything was back to normal. Laughing I said out loud, "Gabby you are over doing it. Maybe we should have Mike put up the lights outside."

Grabbing more wood for the fireplace and my room I went inside. Placing another log on the fire in the fire place I let it burn as I adding another log to the fire in my room. Placing the rest of the wood in the wood holder. Going back into the kitchen I started to make myself an omelet for dinner along with hashbrowns and toast. Looking at the pile of boxes I had to go out to the truck I decided tomorrow after I drop the truck load to Claire I would go to the store for meat so I had extra food once Aunt Maggie moves in. My deep freezer is still almost empty. Plus a few other sellers took my lead and started leaving things for her to sort when she was slow. My pile was huge as of this afternoon but she is loving all the items I have bought her. 

I picked up my phone and called Claire. When she answered she said, "Gabby you must have been reading my mind."

Laughing I said, "No not really I wanted to give you a heads up."

"Oh," She said. "Is everything alright?"

"Yes," I said. "You remember the Aunt I told you about?"

"Of course is she finally moving in with you," She asked.

"Yes," I said. "But not for a bad reason. She was given an offer to become a traveling nurse with the company she works for. She is looking to unload a lot of her three bedroom house so she can put a deposit in a sprinter van."

"So I should expect her to be calling me?" She laughed.

"Yes," I said.

"Well i will buy that is for sure," she said. "When I posted to buy my stores sales exploded. All the money i spent in buying has been made back already. I will pretend this call never happened. I am working on your items now so you have a payout. People are loving the items you are bringing."

"Well more to come," I said. "Work still has nothing so I have plenty of time to get things done."

"Well when your done if they do not get you any work come see me," She said. "I may have some work."

"Okay," I said. "I may take you up on it."

When I hung up I placed my food on the table and started to eat while watching videos on my phone. Going into my room I showered and put on the TV I found in Dad's belongings. Then I heard a sound outside. The sound of someone fighting. Looking outside I saw a light and opened my sliding glass door and went to the front door. I opened the door and was pushed inside by a man in a trench coat. He yelled, "Stay inside."

I heard a growl as he slammed the door. I looked at him and asked, "Who are you?"

"Can we sit down I need to talk with you about this house," He said.

Looking at him I said, "I know how to defend myself."

He chuckled and said, "You are not in danger from me. What is outside is the danger."

Looking at him I said, "Give me your hand."

He asked, "Why?"

"I have a sixth sense," I said. "Let me touch your bare hand."

He took off his glove and placed his glove out. Taking his hand I felt his age and that I was in no danger. Looking at him I said, "Your safe. My next question is who and what are you?"

"You got that all from touching my hand?" He asked.

"My abuela used to tell me I had a gift," I said. "You were fighting the shadows weren't you."

"Yes," He said. "The shadows have been taking people here for centuries."

"Sit down," I said. "Where do you live?"

"In the well," He said.

"The well is locked," I said.

"It is locked from the inside," He said. "You asked what I am. Do you really want to know?"

"Yes I do," I said.

"I am a dragon," He said. "I am here to protect you."

"A dragon?" I said. "You do not look like a dragon."

He chuckled and said, "I am 4200 years old. I can change into a dragon but look at my eyes."

Watching his eyes they flares like there was flames in them. I asked, "What is your name?"

"I am known in many languages," He said. "My dragon name is Mirard. But you can call me Michael, that is what it loosely translates to."

"Michael we have a problem," I said. "How am I going to explain you to my Aunt. She is moving in soon. I also have workers that come during the day how am I supposed to explain you here."

"We can tell your Aunt we knew each other through your Father. We can say I just got out of the military and I needed a place to crash so you offered till I can find something," He said. "Or you can say you followed Franks advise and I am your boyfriend."

"Let's go with the first option for now," I said. "I have a couch in my office you can crash in for now as I am still working on making this house a home."

He nodded and said, "That sounds good."

"Now," I said. "What are we going to do about the shadows?"

"They are attached to the land and me," He said. 

"What?" I asked.

"When I was young I met a young woman and we started a courtship," He said. "If we fall for a human we age with them once we find them. Well I discovered the woman was after my treasure. Even though I loved her she did not have true love for me. I ended our relationship and she cursed me. She said that the land of which my lair is upon would be a danger to anyone from the shadows. I thought I could just leave the land and protect people. I would rather be alone then to put anyone in danger. No matter how far I drive or fly away when I wake up after falling asleep I am back in my lair."

"Wow what I bitch," I said.

"Until I find my one true love I will be cursed to fight the monsters," He said. "Since the curse your the first one I have been able to tell this to."

Looking out the kitchen window I saw the shadow sitting in it. I asked, "What kills them?"

"A steel blade," He said. "They can take mortal hits like a person."

Walking into my room I brought back my sword and looked at the shadow outside the window. Smiling I said, "Oh you cheeky fucker I do have him here but you messed with the wrong lady. This is my home and you need to leave."

Slipping back on my slippers Michael asked, "What are you doing?"

"I need a bit of a work out," I said. "I will be right back."

Walking outside Michael came to catch up with me and said, "Gabby."

"Duck," I said. As the shadow formed behind him I swung my sword and took off its head.  Another one formed to my left and I stabbed it in the chest. As I was preparing for the next one Michael swung me around as he pulled his sword and struck the one forming behind me. 

He said, "That is it for tonight. They always form in threes and once they are done at night they are done."

Sighing I said, "Well then you are more than welcome to sleep in the office or go back to your lair. Will I see you during daylight hours tomorrow?"

"After sometime yes," He said. "I assume with the full truck you will be leaving for a while."

"You are correct," I said. Looking at my blade I asked, "How should I clean it?"

He said, "A cotton cloth will work. Just throw the cloth in the fire when your done."

"I am glad I found a bunch of cleaning rags in the office," I said. "I will make a container of the old rags for my laundry room. Thank you Michael."

He nodded to the door and I went inside. When I went inside I said, "Its been eight years am I ready?"

Michael headed back to the well and said, "She may be the one I cannot get her out of my head."

******************************************************************************

When I got up in the morning I made a pot of tea. Making myself a breakfast sandwich I had in the freezer I walked outside and went to go to the well and found Michael coming out. He gave a smile and said, "Good morning Gabby. I was wondering if you would like some company today."

"How are you with being in the public," I asked. "I am going to go to drop these with the store I sell to and then I have to go grocery shopping. Nothing exciting but a necessity."

"I would like that," He said. "I normally hop the wall and walk to the corner store."

"Well with Aunt Maggie moving in I need to get some food that is not junk as she calls it," I said. "She will be here tomorrow night and you will meet her."

"Are you cooking anything special," He asked. 

"I will see what speaks to me when I get to the store," I said. Walking back into the house I grabbed my tea and sandwich saying, "I am sorry are you hungry?"

He laughed and said, "I would take a cup of tea but I had cereal already."

Getting up I grabbed a mug and the teapot. Placing everything on the counter I pointed to the creamer and sugar. He said, "You drink a lot of tea in the morning?"

"Not really," I said. "When I am done I will pour the rest into some jars to have ice tea during the day. I add a little sugar and its all set."

"You would have been called a farmers wife when I was your age," He said.

"Well I tried the whole marriage thing once," I said. 

"What happened?" He asked. Wondering why someone would let her go.

"I came home to the home my fiancé Jack and I shared and found him in bed with my sister," I said. "When I walked in and saw them together I left and went to Aunt Maggie's house. She held me as I called each of the vendors I hired that week for the wedding and cancelled everything. I had all the money sent over to my account and took all the money in my savings account and rented a place in the park Aunt Maggie lived in. Jack called me and said he had to go out of town for work and would be home on Sunday. When he left I went to the house and removed all my things. When he got home he told me that he didn't want to get married. I told him that was fine I moved out and cancelled the wedding. You know what he told me, Well you didn't need to do that I am going to marry Brianna she is having my baby. He asked me to marry him and he got my sister pregnant. I told him then him and my Mom could pay for it because she knew the whole time."

He took my hand and said, "I am so sorry."

I squeezed his hand and said, "That day I cut everyone but Aunt Maggie and my Dad out of my life. I took a week off and flew to see my Dad in Germany where he was stationed. That was right before covid started. When I got home I started my new life and have not looked back. The money I had saved for the wedding and the deposits that were returned started the money I needed to buy this house. My Mom was angry with me because I used the word no but I have no regrets."

He looked into my eyes and said, "You did not deserve this. What has been done to you is horrible."

"Thank you," I said. "But that is my past. This home is my future."

Gazing at me he said, "I hope that you will include me in that future."

"You think I am your true love?" I asked.

"I don't know," He said. "But I have always believed in being friends first. From there we will see."

"Well if your my true love," I said. "I feel bad for you."

He let out a bellowing laugh and asked, "Why?"

"I get hangry and moody," I said. "That and I have a very high sex drive when I am in a relationship. Jack hated that as he wanted to say when and where."

"When and where?" He asked. 

"Well you never know when the mood may strike," I said. "If you don't mind. I am going to get ready for the day."

Walking into my room I shut the door and started to get ready. I was very attracted to Michael an was worried I may move to fast. I did not want to rush something that may come naturally and I was quite interested in him. I wanted to get to know the dragon of the well. 

When I came out he stood up and he said, "Gabby you look quite striking if I may be so bold."

"Thank you," I said. "I am not a dressy type person but I found this dress in the boxes of items I sorted. Its very comfortable and it has the all important pockets."

Taking the tea pot I grabbed a few mason jars from the drain and added sugar to one as I filled it with the remaining tea. Filling two more I added them to the fridge and washed the tea pot and our cups. Looking out the window I said, "It looks like we may get some snow today."

He groaned and said, "I hate the cold."

"Well," I said. "When we get back we will start the fire in the kitchen and my room to start warming the house. I do not like the fires going when I am gone. I also need to fill the wood bins for all the rooms including my aunts room. If she comes to drop things off I do not want her to be cold in her room. Are you ready?"

As he helped me put on my coat he said, "I am. Would you like me to put some money towards food."

"Not this time," I said. "I will be getting a payout this morning from Claire. If you see items you like add it to the cart we will be going to a few different stores. I have to get Aunt Maggie keys to the house and gate."

We went out the door and I locked it. Climbing into the truck we headed to Claires. We pulled up and Claire seemed surprised to see Michael. She walked over and asked, "Gabby who is your friend."

"Hey Claire," I said. "This is my friend Michael I met him when I saw my Dad before he passed. He just got out of the military and he is crashing in my office for a few months while he gets his civilian legs back."

She smiled and said, "Well Michael it is nice to meet you. I hope you can handle Gabby's house while she sorts everything."

Michael laughed and said, "Well now she has some muscle to help her."

We unloaded my truck and Claire handed me my forms. When I signed both she sent the money. Then she said, "I spoke to Maggie this morning. What a lovely woman but she didn't mention Michael does she know you all have a roommate?"

"Not yet," I said. "Let me talk to her later today or tomorrow."

"My lips are sealed," She said. "She knows I do not normally take a lot of items on the weekend. But I made a exception for her, you and a few other people that are moving. I will be here in the back tomorrow working on all the piles. Your aunt has the same arrangement as you to drop items. My other people are cashed out as they get here. I wish more were like you. Lily is working over time pricing everything this weekend as I sort."

"Would you like anything," I asked. "We are going food shopping but I can swing back by and bring you lunch."

"You are so sweet but no," She said. "My husband is bringing me some lunch and food for Lily so he can escape his Mom a bit."

"Wasn't she supposed to leave on Friday?" I asked.

"She invited herself to stay a bit longer so I am working her more," She said. "I have a store to get ready for the holidays. If she doesn't leave soon I am bringing my sleeping bag and sleeping next to your fireplace."

"You would be welcome," I said. "When I get the house finished you will have to bring the family over to have dinner."

We left and headed to the Asian market first. Michael looked at me and said, "When you said different stores I am assume you mean ethnic stores and then a main stream store?"

"That and a Dollar Tree," I said.

We went store to store and shopped. When we left the Italian deli and market I grabbed us some sandwiches. We sat eating in the truck while we headed to the locksmith so I could get some copies of the house and gate keys. When we got to the last store we were adding things to the cart and I found a roast to make the next day for dinner when I heard, "Oh Jack look who it is. Gabby fancy seeing you here."

Looking up I said, "Brianna what do you want?"

"Well Jack and I will be helping mother get out of jail tomorrow," She said. "Did you want to help with that?"

"As I said before she had stolen more than enough from me," I said. "If she comes near me or my home I will be calling the police for harassment."

"Well we are hoping that Aunt Maggie can give Mom a place to stay," She said.

"That won't be happening," I said.

"Why not Gabby," Jack asked. "Its her sister she is obligated to."

"Well Jack," I said. "Aunt Maggie is living with me and giving up her house. That and because she stole from Aunt Maggie. You know your both stupid. How about this why don't you have Mom stay with you in your home?"

"Because Brianna and I need personal time without another adult around," He said.

Michael had been looking at the meat picking out things he could cook to help and turned placing them into the cart putting his arm around Gabby's waist. Leaning down he kissed her on the cheek and said, "Babe I can't decide so why don't we get it all so we have an assortment when Aunt Maggie comes to stay with us."

Leaning against Michael I said, "That sounds like a great idea we have both freezers to fill."

Jack said, "Who the hell are you?"

"Michael," He said. "Gabby is this the jack you told me about? Your right he doesn't seem special at all. Weak really. Should we finish shopping so we can get home?"

He took my hand and looking into his eyes I said, "Yes lets get the shopping done I am in a mood to get home. Brianna Aunt Maggie needs to be left alone and if you get mom out your responsible for her."

We walked away shopping and I whispered to Michael, "If we were a couple I would be on you the moment we get home."

He chuckled and said, "Well when we cross that line do your worst. Now I think we should finish shopping because it is starting to snow."

Looking out the window I said, "Eww snow. Well thankfully this is the last store."

We finished shopping and went through check out. As we put everything in the truck and I said, "Do you like Chinese?

"Sure do," He said. 

"How about we get Chinese for dinner," I said. "Then we can put all this away and work in my office the rest of the day. By work I mean you sit and watch me sorting."

"Well," He said. "Sitting watching you could be fun. Besides I am sure you have some books I can read."

"You like to read?" I asked.

"You know how they say Dragons hoard gold?" He said. "I have treasure but I love books."

We loaded everything in the truck and went into the Chinese and Sushi restaurant. We ordered way to much takeout and headed back to the house. When we got home Michael said, "I will bring in the bags while you put everything away. But while you start the first few bags I am going to start the fires to warm the house. We do not need you to get sick."

I watched him fill the wood buckets and start fires. I started to put the food away and emptied dry goods into mason jars. While I put things away Michael went into the library and found a book. He sat at the table and started to read as I finished putting things away. Going into my room I took off my boots and sat on my bed. Michael came in and asked, "Are you alright?"

"Yeah," I said. "I hate seeing Brianna and Jack. I am over what they did to me but they love to throw their relationship in my face."

"You deserve to be happy Gabby," He said. "Forget about them they are not worth your time."

"Good idea," I said. "How about this did you feel the spark when you kissed my cheek earlier?"

"Yes," He said. "I didn't want to mention it until you did. I felt it down to my toes."

I leaned up and kissed his cheek and gasped as I felt the sparks. Michael turned to me and said, "Maybe we should leave the bedroom while we still can."

Chuckling I said, "Good idea. Lets go to the office I need to get that done."

Going into the office Michael sat in the couch and I started sorting. He opened the book as I worked on the room. After thirty minutes I went to take things to the laundry and kitchen. Going to pick up the crates he said, "I will put these in your truck."

Every time I would fill a crate he would bring it to the truck and by the time I was ready to eat dinner I had a small section in the office left to work on. Stretching I asked, "Are you ready to eat?"

"Yes," He said. "I was getting ready to carry you to the kitchen."

Laughing I said, "Well I saved myself then. Come on lets heat up some food. I have enough time tonight I may finish the library. I am surprised though I would have thought there would be a wood stove in here. I guess not."

"When we uncover the wood stove in the lounge it normally heats through the library or as you call it your office," He said.

We heat up food and I said, "At least with the office there is nothing to do but clean and vacuum when I am done sorting."

"Which room will we be working on next," He asked.

"I am debating on that," I said. "I like the idea of the living room getting done. But I also like the idea of the enclosed patio with the fireplace."

We sat and ate, talking about random things. Michael told me about life for the last few thousand years and I talked about life growing up with my Mom, Brianna and step Dad. Eating dinner with Michael felt right and even when we were quiet it felt quite comfortable. After dinner we cleaned up and put the food away. Going back into the office I finished sorting the remaining boxes and cleaning the office. After I finished vacuuming Michael said, "Sun is going down and I do not feel the creatures. Normally you and I would feel like someone is watching."

"Well I feel safe and protected," I said. Turning around to leave the room I walked right into Michael and he wrapped his arms around me. Leaning against him a moment I said, "You are a lot taller than me."

He chuckled and put his arms around my waist lifting me up. Chuckling he asked, "Better?"

Kissing his cheek I said, "Much."

We both felt the bolt of energy coarse through us and I asked, "What is the energy that we keep feeling when we have skin to skin contact?"

He said, "I am not sure you would like to know. I do not want to influence the way you feel about me."

"Tell me," I said.

He lifted me up so he could whisper in my ear, "It means we are more than people who should fall in love. It means your my soul mate."

"Well that changes things a lot," I said. "If we want to have this develop naturally we will have to have self control."

"I agree," He said. "Because right now I want to take you in your room and spend the night ravishing you."

"Well," I said. "I wouldn't mind that but we need to have self control. If we can break the curse I don't want to mess this up. So do you watch TV?"

Placing me on the ground he said, "I use my computer to watch YouTube. I was thinking that I should bring some of my things to the office so we do not cause your Aunt to ask questions."

"That is a good idea," I said. "Do you have a suitcase?"

"No," He said. 

"Come with me," I said. "While I was cleaning I found a few I decided to keep. I have a huge one under the bed. Kneeling next to bed I pulled out a big suitcase and handed it to him. Walking Michel to the door I handed him a key and said, "I am locking the door to go shower. I will place blankets in the office with pillows. When you get back we could watch a movie in my room."

He smiled and said, "That would be nice."

Locking the door after he left I went into my closet and grabbed some blankets and pillows. Going into the office I made the long couch into a bed. Going into the shower I took a long hot shower and realized that I really wanted Michael. Sighing I thought I would have to wait as I didn't want to risk the curse if I am really his true love.

When I got out of the shower I found Michael in the library reading in pajamas. He said, "I took a shower in my chambers before I came back. I arranged my stuff on the table along with my laptop to make it look believable."

Nodding I said, "Well that will be good for Aunt Maggie. Tomorrow I am going to start the living room. I figured that I can get some done before she comes to drop off some items. But for now would you like to watch some TV?"

He stood up and said, "That sounds great. What do you normally watch?"

"I usually watch videos on YouTube," I said. "I am working my way through a content creator so its up to you on what kind of videos."

"How about some mysteries?" He asked.

"Ahh good idea," I said, "Mr. Ballen is a good one for that. Let me make a play list and we can start watching."

I set up a play list to watch and we sat on my bed with some snacks to eat. After an hour Michael added another log to the fire and settled back in watching the videos. Soon enough we both fell asleep while the videos played. When I woke up the following morning I smelled food cooking in the kitchen."

Walking in he smiled and said, "Good Morning! I know we have a lot to do before your Aunt gets here today so I decided to make some breakfast. Also you may want to look outside it is beautiful out with the snow."

Walking to the front door I saw that we have a fresh dusting and appreciated the house even more. I said, "This is a beautiful property for sure. Monsters aside."

"Well come sit down," he said. "I made tea, bacon, toast and a southwest omlette."

Sitting down I looked at my plate and said, "Wow you can cook."

He laughed and said, "Being as old as I am I picked up a few things. I also started dinner in the crock pot. So we can work on getting the living room done today. I am your muscle."

We ate breakfast and talked. I said, "Did you watch a lot of the shows?"

He laughed and said, "I think I fell asleep during the bigfoot episode."

Laughing I said, "Same. We can start there tonight and watch more. I did not mind you feel asleep next to me. I liked having you in the bed."

He smiled and said, "Well that is good I liked being there. So how about this you go get dressed and I will clean up so we can get the living room started. The store is open today right?"

"Yes it is," I said. "Be back out in a few."

Going to my room I got dressed and when I came out Michael was coming in with wood for the fireplace. He said, "I don't want to let the cold seep in while we work."

Lights outside, Security system, Shelving for cast iron, placing up floating shelves, paint the kicthen, refinish the kitchen floors, Trim around the back door. Hot tub

checking: 42659- savings:60000 - C:4886 CA-18284 

o***SMTWTFSSMTWTFSSMTW

Main- Gabriella

Mirard, Michael

Donald Mitchel- state historian Gail-Buyer)Lily assist) Bob-Chimney sweep

Shaun- cousin Aunt Maggie-Shauns mom, Mike- lawn guy(Sharon)(Frank)

Mom/Brianna/jack

2024-2026 no adding of people at the address.

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j**TFSSMTWTFSSMTWTFSSMTWTFSSMTWTFSSMTWTF

f**SSMTWTFSSMTWTFSSMTWTFSSMTWTFSSMTWT

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** April