business.”
“Why did they leave this house?” Rachel asked, intrigued.
“They moved away. You know into the city, to find modern luxuries and comforts.” Joanne said, “The family now does not plan to come here anymore and so they put it on the market. I am telling you darling, this place is a steal.”
“If this house is so good as you say,” Steven knocked one beam and it sounded real solid, “then why are they selling it at such a good price?”
“Because, they are rich!” Joanne was ready with the reply, “they don’t care for the money. The young generation of the Williamson family dont care about their history. They barely stay in one place. You know these young rich globe trotter kind of people.”
Rachel was already impressed and she turned to Steven to tell that with her eyes.
“So there is no catch?” Steven asked looking away from Rachel’s puppy eyes.
“What catch?” Joanne asked.
“Oh you know, the usual.. ghosts, dead-bodies, termites, rotten foundation!” Steven casually asked as if he was a know all of these kind of deals.
“Darling! All my houses come with my personal guarantee. I can assure you this house is in tip top condition like me.” Joanne stood proud showing off her body that though artificial, was still in a wonderful shape, “And as far as dead bodies and ghosts go, you can call me if you find a dead body and I will have it removed.” Joanne laughed.
“What about the ghosts?” Steven joked back.
“You are a big boy!” the lady said.
Finally, Joanne realized that the jokes were over, “Trust me, this house is squeaky clean. There are no physical damages, corpses or spirits here.”
“Well, I will take your word!” Steven said.
“Wonderful, so lets get the paperwork done and you guys can move in here the next week.” Joanne said bringing out a pile of documents from her folder.
Rachel looked at Steven who mouthed, “You are welcome.” She jumped at him, hugging her.
CHAPTER 2 : Bob
The hauling truck left the estate and Steven carried one final box inside the house. Tired, he placed the box on the floor and looked around. Rachel had changed the look of the place. It did not seem like an old house that was abandoned for years. With all their stuff, it looked like a good old American house with a huge family.
Rachel came out with their dog Russo behind her. Steven could see that she was really happy. “Look at you.” he said chuckling with his own happiness, “like a kid in disneyland.”
“Oh Steve! I love this house! I have always wanted to live in a place like this.” Rachel was looking at her new home. “I know !” Steven was so happy seeing her happy.
Suddenly a vase crashed on the ground.
“RUSSO!” Rachel yelled. The dog seemed happier than Rachel.
“You need to take care of him now. You know how he gets when he sees an open space.” Steven warned Rachel who was on top of the world.
“Let him be. Poor boy had been living in cramped up apartments all his life.” Rachel looked at jumping Russo with the love of a mother. Steven could see that look and he grabbed Rachel from behind, “Well, since now we have a big house. How about we turn into a big family?”
“Oh yeah!” Rachel ran her fingers through his hair, “You know I am in a good mood today, right?”
“No hurry!” Steven said releasing Rachel, but she turned around and kissed him with her arms around him.
“Thank you baby! I love you.” Rachel whispered.
“Woof!” Russo ruined their moment with his loud bark.
“What?” Steven asked and saw Russo was scratching the door, “Alright!” he said and opened the door. With the door open, Russo bolted outside.
“Go after him. Its a strange place.” Rachel quickly grabbed Russo’s leash and threw it at Steven. He did not want to go, but Steven could not say no to Rachel. Besides, she was right. Russo did not know his way around. And so he ran out after the dog with his leash.
“Russo! Stop!”