The House 📚Updated 4/23

When I turned eighteen years old just over a week ago I inherited a house. Not just any house but the most haunted house in town. I had not expected this. Why? Because I inherited this house from a complete stranger along with the house filled topped to bottom full of boxes and belongings. When the lawyer came to my parents house they hung around like buzzards waiting to descend on a kill. The lawyer finally said, "I hope you realize that Abbie is the only person allowed in the home. It was written in the will that you can not get your hands on any of the items and your not allowed in the home at all."

Mom got mad and said, "What do you mean we cannot move into the house. What hers is rightfully ours."

The lawyer gave a smile and said, "There is a letter to Abbie that I am supposed to read with her parents in the room. May I?"

My Dad said, "It won't change anything."

"Dear Abbie," The lawyer started. "I know your wondering why I am giving you a home full of belongs and a cash inheritance. Since I babysat you when you were young I noticed you were not like your family. Well sweet girl its because for years I have watched your parents take everything from you and give it to your older sibling's. You have had everything taken from you. This house, property, money and belongings come with one condition. Your parents get none of it. Your now eighteen and you deserve to start your life off right. My lawyer here has the keys to my 2010 Mercedes which barely fits in the garage. oh and dear that is the only garage door that opens and the money to give to you once you move in. There a brand new cot bed in the kitchen to make due with till you work on the house. Part of the kitchen and part of the bathroom next to it are readied for your use. There is sixty five rooms in the house, the attached garage, pool house, greenhouse, attic and basement are ready for you. I arranged a yard service for the first year as well as paid all the bills for the first year for you. Think of this as a way for you to sell things and learn history which I know you love. Take care of the home and Mr. Reed will help you get everything set up tomorrow. All my love Mrs. Jenson."

My Dad was fuming and screamed, "We get nothing."

"No," Mr. Reed said. 

"Abbie you get out of our house now," Mom screeched. "Pack your shit and go."

"Mr. Reed," I asked. "Can i move in now?"

"Yes," He said. "If you get your belongings packed I will take you to the store to get some groceries and we will get you there this afternoon."

I went up to my closet of a room and packed the few belongings I owned. Walking downstairs with my backpack, purse and two suitcases I met Mr. Reed by the front door. My parents looked at me and said, "Good riddance."

When we walked out my mom slammed the door behind me. Mr. Reed took my suitcases and said, "I am sorry Abbie. From what Mrs. Jenson said they are not good people."

"Before you showed up my parents told me that I needed to get a job and give them my paycheck," I said. "Now what?"

He laughed and said, "My wife cleaned the stove, fridge and bathroom for you today. I would suggest getting some groceries until you get settled and by then you will have the money to do whatever shopping you want to do. Do you have a drivers license?"

"Yes I do," I said. "Mom and Dad hate driving so I had to get mine to chauffer them around."

"Well," He said. "Do you plan with the house?"

"Yes," I said, "I may turn it into a bed and breakfast. But all those rooms and no way to openly sell the items I find."

He laughed and said, "I have a friend who buys things in bulk and I have their card. But your young what about Facebook marketplace?"

"I guess once I get the money I will have to get a phone,' I said. "I could also get a laptop to does the house have internet?"

"Yes," He said handing me a envelope. "The whole home is maintained on the outside. Your going to have a lot of work ahead of you. But this is my card and you can call me for any advise. I promised Mrs. Jenson I would watch over you. Ahh Publix. This is your start up money. In the late morning tomorrow I will come by and help you go over everything so your aware of what you have home, money and house wise. But first let's get you some food."

Walking into the store I realized I can buy things I like. Mr. Reed followed me around the store as I grabbed things I wanted. When I had went through the store and went through check out we headed to the house. 

The sun was shinning on the house and I said, "I can't believe I used to be scared of this house."

Laughing he said, "You know Mrs. Jenson started those rumors to keep people away. Now prepare yourself when I said packed I mean we can get you to the bathroom and the kitchen and that is it."

We walked into the house and in the kitchen against the table was a camping bed with fresh sheets, pillows as a flower comforter. The only other small walkway was a bathroom. Looking into the bathroom I saw there was a beautiful window. Coming back to Mr. Reed I said, "I can redo the rooms right?"

"You sure can," He said. "It's your house. The only rule is your family cannot live here. Well Abbie I have a lot to do today. You can use the car I made sure it had gas, a tune up and oil change. What are your plans today."

"I am going to go put the food away," I said. "Set up my luggage and maybe drive my car to the Verizon store and get a phone."

He smiled, handed me the keys for the house and car saying, "That sounds like a plan. You will do fine Abbie. Mrs. Jenson was so sure about you taking the house and I believe she made the right choice."

When he left I locked the door behind him and went to the kitchen and put away the groceries. I started to chuckle as he never realized that these groceries I got today was what my parents would feed me in three months time. Sitting on my bed I counted the money in the envelope and realized I had close to five thousand dollars in it. I tucked a thousand in my wallet and took the remaining money and placed it under my pillows. 

Lifting my purse I grabbed the keys and went to the garage. Thanking god I was very thin I unlocked and climbed into the car. I would have to make some room so I could get in and out of the car easier. Looking the the center console I saw an envelope that said registration and insurance. Mrs. Jenson did not skip anything. Heading to the Verizon store I passed a Lowes and decided on the way home I would stop and get some totes for anything I decided to keep for the house and maybe a few drawer totes for my clothes. Pulling up the Verizon store I walked in and the sales woman Violet came over and I explained my situation. 

"Well Abbie," She said. "I would suggest getting a phone with a bit more memory. You can do a prepaid plan where you can add time monthly or you can have a bill sent to you. But given your circumstances I would suggest pay as you go so your not locked into a contract. Also remember to get a case for your phone as well."

After an hour she set me up with a phone. Before I left I got a car charger and mount so I could be hands free. I went to the car and set everything up before heading to Lowes. When I got there I found two drawer totes and I bought five regular totes to start with. When I was heading home I decided I was starving and stopped in the Chick Fila drive through to get myself dinner. After this I would not spend much more unless it was for the house. Getting home the fun began to set as I unpacked my clothes and sat at a corner of the table that was free to eat. I sent Mr. Reed a text with my phone number and saved his. A while later I received a text from his wife telling me if I needed anything to call her. Setting up the garbage can I had got along with the totes I sat down to eat as I signed up for a YouTube account so I could watch videos that night. When I had my account set up I decided to look at TikTok. I saw so many videos and came across videos of people who clean out houses and decided why not create a account to post videos of what I am unpacking.

Going into the bathroom I ran the water to see if it was hot and it was. Taking a shower I decided to get ready for bed and relax. The bed Mrs. Reed made for me was comfortable and smelled so good I would have to ask her what laundry detergent she used so I can get some when I go to do my laundry. As I dozed off I learned the sounds of the house. When I was to tired to sleep I shut the phone off and placed it on the counter behind me plugging it in. I woke up around three in the morning with the feeling someone was watching me. I know I locked the front door and told myself its just new house nerves. After using the bathroom I went back to sleep until my alarm went off at seven in the morning.

When I woke up the following morning I went into the bathroom and washed my face getting ready for the day. Going into the kitchen I made my bed and cleaned up the room grabbing a garbage bag to hold my dirty laundry in. Sliding that under the bed I made breakfast. I was not a big breakfast eater but I knew I would be working on the house a lot so I made myself a sausage, and cheese bagel. As I ate I got a text message from Mr. Reed saying that him and his wife would be there at eleven thirty.

Washing my plate I put it in the drying rack and went outside. I decided to make my first video for TikTok. I opened the video and said, "Hey all My name is Abbie and guess what I inherited a house. I gave a tour of the property. Then I paused the video to turn the camera I said, "This house is packed to the brim so follow me and see what we are going to do with it. Do not believe me lets look inside."

After I gave a small tour and showed all the boxes. I ended with, "Follow me for all the treasures we are about to uncover."

I posted the video and looked at all the boxes. I closed my eyes and spun. As I finished spinning I placed my hand on the first box I was going to sort. Pulling the box from the pile I dragged it into the kitchen. Opening the box I saw that there was a bunch of kitchen items in it. Vintage dishes and accessories were stuffed in the box. I got excited as I found a bunch of vintage books at the bottom of the box. I took a tote and labeled it kitchen.

Looking at the card Mr. Reed gave me I gave a call to the shop that buys item. The owner Grace answered and we talked for a while. She said she buys lots but will also put things on sale for me for a percentage of the sales. She is a good friend of Mr. Reeds wife and was told about the situation. When I explained that I have a lot she laughed and told me that she has plenty of room to sell for me or buy the lots. She told me to come by with items this afternoon and we can look over what I found. 

I grabbed another box opening it was a bunch of men's clothes. Sorting the box I found T-shirts and suits. Remembering something I saw on TV once was to check the pockets because you never know. After I placed the clothes I decided to keep in the laundry bag I put the rest of the clothes in the same box. The next box was more clothes. I pulled my car out of the garage and loaded the full boxes into them for Grace to look over. If Grace did not want any of the items I would then sell them on the market place. I was about to start another box when there was a knock at the door. Looking out the peep hole I saw my brother Matt outside. Sighing I said, "Once moment."

Opening the door I stepped outside. Looking at him I said, "What's up Matt."

"So Mom and Dad said you decided to fuck the family over," He said.

"How so?" I asked.

"You got all this and we get nothing," He said.

"Oh you mean how I never had a birthday with the family," I said. "Or had to watch every year as you opened Christmas gifts and I got nothing. Or how about having to go to school wearing rags and beg for the essentials I needed why you all wanted to for anything. How about the cherry on top that yesterday right before Mr. Reed showed up I was told that I was to get a job to support you all while I would get nothing?"

"Well," He said. "Its not my fault Mom and Dad didn't want you."

Laughing I said, "Per my inheritance I cannot give you anything. Not a penny or an item. I think after all these years I am going to be a bit selfish and do right by me."

Mr. Reed and his wife pulled up at that time and I asked, "Did you want to threaten me because that will not work very well Matt."

He looked a me and said, "You will regret this Abbie."

Sighing I said, "I doubt that Matt. Tell Mom and Dad I need my birth certificate and social security card. You know what never mind I will call social security and request a new number and if anything was opened in my name since I turned eighteen I will flag it for fraud."

Mat stalked to his and peeled out. Mrs. Reed asked, "Are you alright Abbie?"

"Yeah," I said. "I am. There will be more visits like that soon enough I am sure. There are six siblings. Please come in I started the entry way."

When we got to the kitchen Mr. Reed said, "We stopped by and spoke to Gracie. She said she spoke with you and you going to sell lots and consign some items."

Nodded I said, "That is true. I get the market place but the idea of meeting people either here or at another place makes me weary, especially when it comes to my parents."

Mrs. Reed nodded and said, "That may be a good idea. Is that why the car is out of the garage? Because your adding to it."

"Yes," I said. "The garage is packed and to be honest with you I am skinny but getting things in and out are difficult."

Smiling she asked, "What is your plans for the house?"

"Well I am trying to get up the stairs and to the master suite," I said. "I am trying to make a path to get to the suite to clean it out and remodel it. Looking at the map of the house I think it would nice that I have a room done. But I guess I have time and a way to support myself."

Mr. Reed said, "That is true. Now I am guessing no one ever opened you up a checking account. So we are going to go with you to open an account. Then your going to deposit the check from Mrs. Jenson left you and it is a lot. I am going to hold the home title and all important documents until you get your room done and get a safe."

"Alright that sounds good especially with my siblings starting to visit," I said. "What bank do you want me to follow you to."

"We are going to open you an account at Truist," He said.

"Okay," I said. "Also Mrs. Reed I have a question what laundry detergent do you use?"

She smiled and said, "Gain. They have wonderful scents."

"Good to know," I said. "I found some clothes that I want to keep and want to make sure I have laundry detergent for when I go to the laundry mat."

We left the house and I followed the Reeds to the bank. Thanks to them I was able to get my account opened and when I saw the amount of money I had received. Even if I did not work a day in my life or turn this home into a bed and breakfast I would never have to work. After we left the bank I ran into Walmart to get laundry detergent and softener. Before I went to check out I decided to look at laptops. I had enough money to buy one. Looking at my watch I decided to go to Graces shop. When I got there she looked up and said, "You must be Abbie."

"Hi Grace," I said. "I have a few boxes in the car if you have time."

"I sure do," She said. "Can you pull around to the back all sales happen back there so we can unload and look through all the items so customer's shopping do not hear what we are discussing."

"Alright," I said. Pulling around the back Grace opened the garage door and we loaded all the boxes onto a table. 

Grace asked, "So I see some basic items and items I want to put in the consignment area. So let me separate them and take some pictures. Then I will give you a price."

"While your doing that can I asked you a question?" I asked.

"Sure thing what's up?" She said.

"Have you ever did garage sales which you run for a percentage of the sales?" I asked.

"Yes I have," She said. "Would that be something your interested in?"

"Yes it is," I said. "I read the county ordinances and they say you can have 1 sale a month. I was going to see what it would take to do one with you.  I do not have the knowledge for the prices to hold a sale."

She laughed and said, "Well before we leave I will give you a date and we can arrange one. Normally if your supplying the items I will supply the time and knowledge I normally request forty percent of the sales. Then whatever is left I will buy or consign for you."

"That would be great," I said. "My goal this week is to get to the master suit by making a path to it."

She laughed and asked, "How is that going for you?"

"Slow," I said. "But I do TikTok videos as well and some of my videos are getting thousand of hits. If I can make some money from that so be it. After having nothing its nice to know I have a future."

Grace said, "It was that bad with your family?"

"Very," I said. "But I have a bright future ahead of me."

"That is the best viewpoint," She said. "So this table here are the items I want to consign. So I notated how many items and you can choose the amount of time or until it sells. Then you sign and I will get these on the shelves and racks. When I get them priced I will copy this form and add the descriptions. When they sell I will send you a check once a month and the list will be updated with a line through the sold items and what it sold for. Every time I send you an check you will get a updated form. Yes you can have multiple lots as we have a lot of people who do this."

I signed the form and gave her the paper Mr. Reed gave me with the official address. When I gave her the first form back she said, "This pile here is lower end items and I will offer you a hundred for it all. Is that okay with you?"

"That sounds good," I said. "Mrs. Reed said I could trust your judgement."

She smiled and said, "For the items I buy I pay cash. Mrs. Reed is a wonderful woman I am glad to be friends with her."

After we finished she went into an office and made a receipt for the cash items and gave me a copy of the consignment items list. Joking I would see her soon she schedule the first yard sale. After we were done I stopped at Lowes to get a few more totes and headed home. When I got home I placed the paper work for today in my small suitcase under the bed and went to the entry way to work on my path. I made a few more videos as I worked on my way up the stairs. At six that night my alarm to end my day went off. Going outside I pulled the car into the garage and locked it up. Going back into the house I decided that I would make a pizza for dinner tonight along with a salad I could pick at the next few days. Putting on videos to listen to I cooked dinner. When it was done I ate while I set up my laptop. 

After setting it up I ate and watched videos. Then after washing up I laid in bed watching TV happy with the fact that I accomplished a bit today. When I went to sleep that night I had a dream that in the kitchen doorway I saw Mrs. Jenson watching me with a content smile on her face.

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

Abbie- main

Mr. Reed- Lawyer

Gracie- Resell store 40 percent for yard sales

Mrs. Jenson- old babysitter

Mom, Dad, Matt

Rise of the Unexplained 📚Updated 4/24

Oh I love the phrase I told you so. Why? Because I have said it so often these past few months that I can be dancing and singing it and it will never get old. Am I bragging? You best believe it. Now what am I bragging about? That monsters live among us. Growing up I would be the child that said someone is creepy or my inner security system would go off. But no one would ever believe me. Then one day I was doing my obligatory dinner at my parents house and there was an emergency alert that the president was going to be addressing the nation. We all gathered in front of the TV and the president came on the screen.

I looked at my parents and said, "He looks nervous."

Dad looked at me and said, "I wonder if they are going to announce that we are at war."

Then the President spoke, "My fellow Americans this broadcast will be viewed world wide. First let me say this is not a joke and you are all given the order to stand down."

Mom sat next to dad and said, "Holy shit Frank you may be right."

The president said, "For the last few years the governments of the world have been hiding a secret from you. The creatures we called fairytales and cryptids are real and they walk among us. They are your neighbors, co-workers and friends. They have been given the word of national leaders that they will not be harmed."

I put my hand up and my Dad slapped all his cash into it and said, "I owe you a few hundred more."

Watching the screen the press was going crazy. Standing up I said, "Well now I am guessing you do not want to get dinner."

My Mom was clutching her bible and said, "Grace how can you be so calm the devil walks among us."

"Mom," I said. "Do you think that anything that's not given praise in the bible is evil?"

"Yes," She said. 

Dad looked at her and said, "Mary calm down. What if some of  the people you know are not of the human variety?"

"Nice Dad," I said fist bumping him.

She looked at him and said, "How can you be so calm?"

He chuckled and said, "I have a theory on a few people and they are good people. So what if they are different as long as they do no harm what is the problem."

"Frank they are evil the bible say's so," Mom whined.

"Mary that's enough," he bellowed. "Now Grace and I are going to get dinner and if you want to join it us you can or you can stay here and hide. But let me make this clear there will be no hate in this house. You will still go to work is that clear."

Mom ran to her room and slammed the door. Looking at Dad I said, "Mickey Pizza since its just us?"

Dad laughed and said, "You bet kid. Meet me there I have to stop at the bank I have a debt to pay."

Getting to Micky's it was almost empty. When I walked in I discovered why. Sitting at a table there was  a family with horns and a few assorted creatures around the restaurant. Waiting to be sat Micky himself came out and said, "Grace my dear you came at a great time."

Micky looked taller and more wide I said, "Okay Micky spill it what are you?"

Dad walked in and said, "God Grace you have no filter. Micky man can we get a booth for two."

Micky laughed hard and said, "Frank my boy, your Grace has had no filter since she could talk. She always asked me what I was. Grace to answer your question I am a Golem. The follow up to your question because I know you I have four hundred and forty years old."

Dad handed me a few hundred dollars and micky raised his eyes. Dad said, "One night at that booth right there we had discussed cryptids and creatures that could exist. I made the foolish bet that you did not exist to pacify Mary. I lost the bet."

"Well now that you know you want to eat here?" He asked.

"Micky you are just not human your still a good man and have the best food around," I said. "So same booth?"

Micky led us to the booth and asked, "Same starters as usual?"

"Yes," Dad said. "Also can you please add a fried calamari. Since it's just us we can have it."

"Where is Mary?" He asked.

"Hiding from the monsters," Dad said. "She is in our house clutching her bible."

"Man I feel for you," He said. "Don't worry I will get them in. Have boxes for Grace at the ready and will be back in a bit to get your mains."

Dad and I sat talking as Micky dropped off our drinks and bread. Looking at Dad I asked, "Dad what are you going to do about Mom?"

He sighed and said, "Grace things have been bad between your Mom and I have been bad for a while. I asked her to go to a counselor with me but she won't she is insisting on doing counseling with her church. We went to one session at her church and the pastor basically told me since I was not a man of god it is not a surprise that our marriage is having trouble."

Looking at Dad I said, "That is shit you know."

"I know," He said. "She refuses to go see a counselor outside of the church."

"What are you going to do Dad," I asked.

Sighing he asked, "Do you have room in your house for your old man?"

"You can have the apartment over the garage," I said. "I just have to move the boxes stored in there to the main house. You can paint it and it has a kitchen, bedroom, living room and bathroom.", 

He laughed and said, "Yeah I may just come by and paint it this weekend. Grace when I get home I am going to give your Mom one more chance to see a professional counselor. If she declines I will walk away until I see my lawyer and get the I's dotted and T's crossed."

"Well I am off tomorrow so I will get it cleaned out," I said. "Did you want me to leave the furniture?"

"Yeah," He said. "I was planning on giving your Mom the house and half the savings. But knowing her she will get the church involved and they will come after me for everything."

"Well Dad my job is going good and my house is almost paid off," I said. "You taught me well. Besides my art and writing are picking up momentum. Besides I have some shows coming up."

As we ate the little boy with the Demon horns came over clutching a book. He said, "Excuse me."

Moving to the end of my seat I was sitting at I turned to face him, "Hi sweetie what's up?"

"I do not want to bother you," He said. "But can you sign my book?"

Getting excited I asked, "You are reading one of my books?"

He smiled and said, "I love your series The Hidden Ones. I just got your newest one and my Mom watches your website to see when more of your books are coming out."

Reaching into my bag I asked, "What is your name?"

Smiling he said, "My name is Sam."

Taking his book I wrote inside and signed the book. Handing it back I said, "I am working on the next book now Sam and once it is ready I will have it announced."

He said, "Thank you"

Turning back he headed to his family. I caught her Mom's eye and she mouthed, "Thank you."

I nodded and she got excited when he returned and showed her my signature. Micky came over with our starters and he said, "Thank you Grace. With our kinds coming out and no longer using glamour I worry for our children. You made that boys day. But if your in a signing mood. I picked up Wicked Wishes for my wife as a gift and I would love for you to sign it. Now what would you like for your mains?"

We ordered our mains and we heard Micky go into the back and call it out. As we ate  Micky cam out and I wrote a note inside the book and signed it. We started eating our mains and the watched as more people came in to eat. I smiled because Micky deserved to have no problems with the announcement. After we finished eating Dad packed up all the leftovers and handed them to me. After saying our goodbyes Dad walked me to my car and he said, "I will call you tomorrow but I am guessing I will need the apartment over the garage."

Giving Dad a hug I said, "I will get it cleaned out. Just buy whatever colors your want. Swing by on  your way home and see me. Let me know how it goes."

Getting into my car I waved to my Dad and headed home. When I pulled up in the driveway I saw my neighbor Mr. Mack outside sitting on his porch. He called over, "Obligatory family dinner?"

"You know it," I said. 

"Grave you have a moment to talk with an old man," He asked. 

"Sure," I said. Placing my food on the hood of the car I went over and sat next to him. Looking up I asked, "Are you alright?"

"I am a Fay Grace," He said.

"Alright," I said. "I am a human and your an awesome neighbor who I worry about."

"Oh Grace," He said. "I am glad your not bothered by all this. A few other neighbors will be coming to seek you out as well."

Smiling I said, "Mr. Mack when they are ready I will be there to talk with them."

He patted my hand and he said, "I will never be as young as you again. But be prepared to see me look like I am in my forty's alright."

"No judgement here Mr. Mack," I said. "But out of curiosity how old are you?"

"In human years I am 2300 years old," He said.

"Well you look great for your age," I said. "But I have a busy day tomorrow so I am going to go eat the desert Dad got me and head to bed alright."

He took my hand and said, "I hope everyone will be as understanding as you."

I waved goodbye and grabbed my food. Going into the house I placed the leftovers in the fridge going up to my room after locking the house up. I flipped my TV on and laid in bed falling asleep with tomorrow looming ahead of me which I know will be busy.

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

Grace- Main

Frank- Dad   Mary-Mom

Micky- owner of pizza place, Golem

ICE

 I had just inherited a cabin in the middle of no where and a large sum of money. My fiancé and I moved to the cabin as things slowly started to change in our world. The basement of our home we converted into a preppers paradise. We had set up shelves and bins to hold supplies and brought over all the items we had from our old house in order to start filling it. Which wasn't much. We also had a greenhouse and barn that had massive glass windows. It was a beautiful site when we first moved here. Due to the increase in rain we decided to make cover walkways to the barn and greenhouse. Then everything started to change. 

Living in central Florida our temperatures for May usually went into the nineties. But on July 10th we woke up to a cool forty degrees. Mike went outside to the barn to feed the animals and when he came back he said, "They are acting weird."

"Weird in what way Mike?" I asked.

"Ivy they are acting like the are getting ready for winter," He said. "I got the wood stoves going to keep them warm and they seemed to settle down but all the animals seem like they wants to settle in."

"Do we have wood?" I asked.

"Yes and since the storms last week we have a ton of branches and trees down," He said. "We are off  today but I think I am going to go around the property with the chainsaw and start getting those trees cut up and into the barn. I will also get our wood room next to the house full as well."

Looking out the kitchen window over the property I said, "Mike I think I need to over stock the house."

He looked at me and said, "Ivy you hate shopping. What's going on?"

Serving breakfast I said, "When the storms came through last week everything felt off. Then when we went to buy the generator and solar panel set up I heard people talking that up north things were off. Trees were starting to show fall colors and in Canada they found bears hibernating. All four of the freezers we have are ready to be filled along with the shelves. I think we need to do it."

He nodded and said, "Alright how about this we go out to Rural King and Walmart and go grab a bunch of containers and supplies to start prepping. That way I can get extra gas can and have gas on hand for the chainsaw. Then when we get back you can start your shopping to get the house ready. Does that sound good?"

"Yes," I said. "We can take my SUV and we can even stop at both Walmart's to get extra gas cans, mason jars, and storage bucket."

We headed out and when we got to the stores they were a bit of a mad house. We each grabbed a cart and loaded up what we wanted for supplies. I noticed Mike had an extra chainsaw and blades as well as a hand saw. He looked at me and said, They are limiting how many gas cans we can buy."

We checked out and went to the second Walmart seeing the same restrictions. When we got to rural king Mike went to get us more ammo and guns . I went to the home section and bought out all their mason jars both on the shelf and the clerk went and got me everything from the back. I called Mike telling him I was going to grab food from here as well and would be back in in a few minutes. He found me loaded bags of flour, oats and rice to the shopping cart. He added even more to his cart and said, "Trust me I will explain in the car." 

He grabbed a large amount of gas cans and we went to check out. After getting everything into the car we got in and he said, "When you go out today get everything you can. Something big is happening they had a TV on and there was a reporter doing a segment about weird animal tracks in Alaska and then nothing the TV went to please wait. When the report came back on they did a weather report. Ivy I think your feeling is right. We need to stock up on everything we can. I saw Mr. Benson and he said do not order food online as the government can track what your buying. We can explain this as a stock up for moving to the country. But use cash from the safe.

When we got home Mike unloaded everything and set all my Mason jars to a pile on the floor in the kitchen. Then he took all the food I had picked up and added them to the dining room table. Going to my office upstairs I went to my safe and took out $5000 in cash to shop with. When I came back down he was changing into his work boots and I said, "I am going to go to the smaller stores first then finish up with Sam's Club. Since I am only working till noon I may go to Costco to stock up more they have dried foods."

He gave me a kiss and said, "I am going to get started. Bring something easy home for dinner I am going to be chopping trees until we run out of light."

Mike- Fiancé

The Puzzle Keeper

As I watched the security camera and I sighed. These guys will end up killing themselves before they work together as a team. Grabbing the microphone I said, "Come on guys there are ten of you and you all need to make it to the dining room when the buzzer sounds. If you do not you will be eliminated. I mean eliminated from life not just from the challenge."

They all stopped trying to escape their rooms and looked around. I felt bad for them because none of them knew the true stakes of this interview. Continuing I said, "Run to the dining room as fast as you can when the door opens. Keep your bags with you and follow the instructions."

You may ask if you know all the bad stuff that is going to happen then why don't you stop them. Well that is because I am here against my will as well. My co watcher and I Grandfathers designed this test for the military. It was supposed to be the end all in special ops training. When the government used it, it was for the most elite US spies. Then a secret organization within the US government took over and they tried getting our Grandfathers to up the ante. Instead of just knocking out the recruits they wanted them killed if they could not complete the training. When our Grandfathers declined we were kidnapped and brought in to encourage the players. Sam and I have to watch the players and give warnings in turn our grandfathers remain alive and if our Grandfathers do not work with the government we die. It sucks.

Sam came back from the facilities lounge and handed me a cup of coffee saying, "I hope more than two make it this time. We heard you give them a heads up and the powers that be seemed giddy."

Rolling my eyes I said, "Those asshats can fuck off."

He put his hand on my arm and said, "Easy Amy I am on your side. We were supposed to be in Mexico right now I get it. We will figure something out."

What people don't know is Sam and I grew up in our Grandfathers offices as we were born days apart. As they years went by we were best friends and have been thinking about dipping our toes into dating each other. We were going to try that with a trip to Mexico, but you know being kidnapped kind of ruined that. Our phone rang and when Sam answered it he said, "Yes sir we understand. We will give the instructions."

Looking at Sam as he hung up the phone I said, "The cowards couldn't even come in and face me this time?"

Sam chuckled and said, "You gave Johnson a black eye Amy. You can be a scary person."

Amy and Sam- Mains

Guards- Johnson

In My Dreams

Have you ever seen the old Nightmare on Elm Street movies? Where Freddy gets into your dreams and uses them against you? Well I would rather deal with Freddy instead of what I dream any day. My dreams are far from pleasant and lately they have been downright horrible. Thinking about it I used to have the worse case of insomnia and now I am fighting to stay awake so I do not have to dream.

When I had my first dream I thought it was due to my lack of a love life. I used to walk my neighborhood with my dog every night for exercise and in my dream I was alone walking. There was a thick fog around me and since I lived close to the water sea fog was a regular thing. Then I heard a voice and saw a man come out of the fog. He asked, "Do you know where we are?"

Being a southern gal I went to reply and I could not get the name of the city out. I said, "Why can I not say the towns name?"

When I looked at him I noticed his face was covered in shadows. Backing up a few feet I asked, "Why can I not see your face?"

He sighed and said, "Well I guess it is not just me I cannot see your face either."

"Are we dreaming?" I asked. "Did I make you up?"

He paused for a moment and said, "Then I can ask myself the same question because I am dreaming this as well. My name is-"

He seemed to start coughing when he tried to say his name. I said, "Well it seems our dreams do not want us to know each other."

"Lets try this," I said. "I live in-"

I started to cough and said, "Well fine."

Looking around he said, "None of this looks familiar to me what about you?"

That is when I noticed I was not in my neighborhood either, Still looking around I said, "I have never been here before. I live near the water and thought I was dreaming about walking in my neighborhood."

Bump In The Night

 Growing up I hated this house. When we moved in I knew there was something off with the house. We had just moved from an apartment on Bay Ave in New Jersey to a house on Bay drive here in Florida. Why did we move? Well the apartment complex in New Jersey was being torn down by the owner. When my parents told me we were finally moving back to Florida I was so excited. The apartment complex was haunted and I wanted a fresh start where I didn't hear or see things every night. So when we pulled up to the house on Bay Drive I felt the same hair raising on the back of my neck and asked, "Is this was really where we were going to live?" 

My mother looked at me and said, "Do not start with your shit."

Looking at her I said, "You don't think its weird we moved from Bay Ave to Bay Drive?"

She looked at me and said, "This is your only warning do you here me? Your Aunt and Uncle found this house for us and we got a real good price on it."

Seeing my Aunt and Uncle pull in I went to walk over to them and said, "I wonder why."

When I got to my Uncle Mart he pulled me into a hug and he leaned down asking, "What's wrong sweetheart?"

Leaning against him I said, "This house gives me the creeps."

He looked concerned and said, "Did you say something to your Mom and Dad?"

Giggling I said, "Yeah to Mom and I am guessing you know what she said."

He sighed and said, "Angie your going to stay at our house the next two nights because the power cannot be turned on until Monday. Talk to Aunt Maggie when we get there she walked the house as well, you know she will be honest with you. Now lets get this U-Haul unloaded so we can get home, Aunt Dee made lasagna for dinner."

Uncle Mart tossed the keys to my Dad and my Dad opened the front door to the house. I could have sworn I heard the house breathe. A few of my cousins showed up and they started to unload the U-Haul. My sister and brother sat in the living room coloring and I walked through the house. I went into the back room and saw the sliding glass doors that lead to the back yard. It had massive trees that backed up to a wooded area. A chill went down my spine and I went to look for my room. 

When I went to my room my Mom was setting up my bed next to the window and she said, "Angie you need to keep your thoughts to yourself. The rents are different from New Jersey and we are lucky we could get it."

Nodding I said, "Alright Mom. Will we be seeing Grandpa Richard now that we are in Florida?"

She said, "We don't know. Do not bother your Dad about it. If it happens it happens and if it doesn't then deal with it."

The Dragon of the Well

 Pulling up to the house I just bought I sighed a breathe of relief. This was real and 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 was able to 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 its in my price range if you stop bidding and I can finally have something of my own."

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

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

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

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