The only response I had was, "Haven't you ever felt a pull toward something without knowing why? All you sense is that it feels right, deep in your bones. That's exactly how I felt when I saw the listing." The feeling was hard to put into words, and I hoped he would understand and support my decision. I really needed his support.
Yes, I understand exactly what you mean. That irresistible feeling without explanation can be intense. It's a gut instinct we need to trust, even if we're unsure of the result. I experience it every time I'm with you," he sighs. "But that's a conversation for another time, and you really should have seen it in person at least once.
"Why?" I asked. "It wouldn't have changed the outcome. I saw the pictures and that was enough for me." His heavy sigh from the other end of the line told me he had resigned himself to my decision at least for now.
"So, when can we go look at this house in person?" was his reply.
"How about today. What time do you get off?"
"I'm actually done for the day. We had meetings all morning, and nothing was scheduled for the afternoon. Can you pick me up in an hour at the shop?"
"Okey Dokey Z." I quickly ended the call and reflected on the conversation. At first, I didn't understand what he said, but now my mind was racing. Was he expressing romantic feelings for me, or was he just talking about our friendship? It probably was about our friendship. The idea that he might feel the same way about me made me both excited and nervous. I had hoped for more than friendship, but I worried I might be reading too much into his words.
When I reached the shop, Zeke was waiting outside in worn jeans, work boots, and a company shirt. As soon as he saw me arrive, he pushed off the wall he was leaning against and approached me. I tried to read his mood, but his expression revealed nothing. He opened the passenger door and climbed in, then finally flashed a big smile. Relief flooded through me. I would take his smile as a good sign.
"Hey Rocky, let's go look at this house!" was his greeting to me, and that is exactly what we did. The drive to the house was filled with conversation about the house and ideas I had for remodeling. Time went fast, and before they knew it, they were pulling into the driveway.
It was a circular driveway that needed repaving. As I stopped my car in front of the door, I was overwhelmed with the realization that my dream of owning a home with a wrap-around porch had come true. The two-story farmhouse had already won my heart, but seeing it in person made me fall even more in love. I knew I had made the right decision; it felt like coming home. Although this might seem strange to most people, I felt unexpectedly calm.
The photos did not deceive; the house definitely needed significant work, including a fresh coat of paint on the peeling and neglected exterior. Despite its imperfections, the highlight from the outside was the bay window overlooking the side yard. I could imagine myself sitting there with a cup of coffee, watching the world go by. Now, I need to see the inside to assess its condition. As I walked toward the front door, I noticed Zeke was still standing by my Explorer with an uneasy expression.
"You ok Zeke?"
"Yeah, I'm good," he replies. "I just feel a little uneasy, like I'm not wanted here." His gaze was on a second-floor window. I followed his gaze to the window, and suddenly, the curtain moved as if someone was holding it and let go. My mind went berserk, I freaked out, then ran to stand by Zeke.
"What the hell was that?" I practically yelled. "Did you see the curtain move, Z?"
"Yep! I sure did, but I thought I was seeing things," he says as he looks down at me. "It definitely looked like someone was holding that curtain. Are you sure no vagrants or anyone lives here?"
"None that I know of. As far as I know, no one is supposed to be here, Z!" I could hear the panic in my voice. Mentally, I was trying to make sense of what we just saw and trying to remember if Mick said anyone would be here. There was nothing I could remember.
"Maybe it was just a draft in the house that caused the curtain to move, and we are freaking ourselves out over nothing," he offered. Even as he tried to reassure me, I knew something was off with him. I wanted to believe what he was saying. So I chose not to let my imagination run wild.
"Yeah, you're right," I say more to myself. Not sure if I was trying to convince him or me. Taking a slow breath. I grab Zekes large, calloused hand into my smaller one. Pulling him with me towards the steps to the front door. "Come on, slowpoke. Let's go check out the new place." Inserting the key into the lock, the unmistakable feeling of someone watching us takes over. All of the hair on my arms and the back of my neck tingles. Something definitely feels off, but thank goodness I didn't come alone.
Ignoring the feeling, I turn my attention back to unlocking the door. As I open the door cautiously, I survey the vicinity, scrutinizing the driveway and the neighboring houses before gingerly nudging the front door open. To my surprise, I caught the gaze of my neighbor across the street. He was staring right at me with a look of disgust and disapproval on his face.
He was a small man with deep bronze skin, indicative of his time spent working outdoors. His visage was distorted into a scowl, and his eyes glinted with intense seething hostility. His body language made it obvious he was angry, but at what, I wasn't sure. All I knew for sure was that the hostile energy emanating from him was palpable, and the unease of the situation was not lost on me. I broke eye contact and concentrated on the door.
Pushing the door open, my gaze was immediately struck by the beauty and potential of the place. The original hardwood floors gleamed in the sunlight as it streamed through the windows, and the intricate woodwork adorned the walls and ceilings. It was all breathtaking; you don't see this kind of craftsmanship nowadays. The house felt welcoming, like I was a long-lost relative who had come back after a long trip. Stepping further into the house, into the entryway, I feel Zeke step in behind me and hear him take a sharp breath. The house must have affected him as much as me.
"Wow, this house has a lot of potential, Rocky." That was all he could say. It seemed like the uneasiness he felt outside had vanished. The house didn't look like much from the outside because of neglect, but the inside was an entirely different story. It looked like a time capsule; everything was preserved: a little dust, but still in good condition. You could tell the family who lived here had definitely left in a hurry. Which only made me wonder again what actually happened to them. It looked like all of their belongings were still here waiting for them to return. Journeying further into the house, I noticed there was an office to the right and a living room to the left. I turned to see where Zeke was and caught him staring at me with a small smile on his face.
"Rocky," Z inquires, "Were you aware all the furniture was still in the house and that it belonged to the previous owners?" Now that I thought about it, no one mentioned the furniture was included in the house. That was strange, you think either the city or a relative would have come and cleared out the furniture.
"I had no idea," I responded. "I had assumed that the house would be empty. I mean, the furniture was in the pictures, but I assumed that Mick's real estate company had staged the house." Looking around at the furniture, it seemed to fit well with the house, and I decided to keep most of it, but any excess items could be stored or sold.
As we explored the living room, the distinct sound of heavy footsteps came from the entryway. We immediately rushed to the entrance to find the man from across the street standing there. He was intently staring, trying to intimidate us. Goosebumps broke out on my arms just like they did when I met the sheriff. He gave off a creepy vibe; something about him didn't sit right with me. The first thing that had me on alert was the way he just walked into the house without knocking. This action alone was enough to let me know we would need to be watchful of him, and he was going to be trouble. Zeke quickly stepped in front of me, shielding me from this man. I could take care of myself, but I appreciated his protective side.
"Hey! Who are you and what do you want?" Zeke asked. The man stared back at Zeke with pure hatred in his eyes; it was apparent he wasn't here for a friendly visit. After a few minutes of the man sizing Zeke up decided to break the silence.
"Why are you here?" The man asked, but didn't give us a chance to answer. "It would be best if you leave this house now," he says forcefully. I was taken aback by the audacity of this man's words, and instantly my fear turned to anger. How dare he walk into my house, and who was he to tell me to leave? I owned this property, and he was the one trespassing. I took a deep breath, gathering all my courage, and put my hand on Zekes' arm to nudge him to step aside so I could see this jerk. Squaring my shoulders, I spoke to the man.
'Look, mister, you must be the neighbor from across the street," I stated the obvious, waiting for him to confirm it. When he didn't, I continued, " you're the only one who doesn't belong here. How dare you come into my house uninvited? Where are your manners? Who do you think you are to tell me to leave? I'm not going anywhere, buddy. I own this house.." Thankfully, my voice didn't betray me like I'm sure my whole body was because I could feel it shaking. I wasn't sure if it was from pure adrenaline, anger, or fear.
" My name is Ted," he spat out, "This house is vacant and has been for more than twenty years. It's an evil house that no one should live in. So again I ask you," his voice rose and he almost yelled, "Why are you here?"
Before I had a chance to respond, Zeke took an ominous step toward Ted and said, "We are here because she owns this property now. You need to leave before we call the cops." Ted looks surprised and upset that we are not heeding his warning. Obviously, he didn't catch the fact that I owned the property, or he chose to ignore me: I wasn't quite sure which it was. He quickly wipes the emotions off his face as it starts to sink in and heads back towards the door. When he reaches my door, he turns back to us.
"There haven't been any occupants or visitors in years, and I prefer it that way." What shocked me was that he was completely serious. Did he think the house would be empty forever? He takes another step back towards us, and his voice drops menacingly, "It's better if you leave now before you regret it. The secrets this house holds are best left alone. Consider this your one and only warning. Leave if you know what's good for you." Then he turns around and storms out the front door, slamming it behind him. Quickly, I ran over to the door, locking it, ensuring no one else would enter unannounced.