Ghostly Plea

Ashlyn

Sidneyville consisted of old compact shops and run-down storefronts. As you continued up the road the houses got bigger, prettier, and more vintage. When Charlie woke up from her extremely long nap, she felt like ice cream. So, we stopped at Aunt Pattie's Scoop Shop. The ice cream shop was located on historical 5th street and was crammed right in between Eddie's Tools, and Linda's yarns.

It was painted gold and navy blue with fancy ornate mirrors hung around the shop. Sure, it was cute, but it also smelled musty. But what are you gonna do in an old town?

"Can I have one scoop of mint chip on a sugar cone?" I say to who must be Patty.

"Of course, honey, that'll be $3.75." I thank her and walk over to the cash register to pay. A couple minutes later, ice cream in hand, we start to head back to the car. It takes another 45 minutes to get to the house.

"Finn! We're leaving!" Charlie shouts. I look over at the corner of the ice cream shop and see Finn flirting away with two blondes.

"Yeah, I'm new in town, maybe you two could give me a personal tour?" Insert charming smile here. The girls giggle and play with their hair obviously taken by a mighty-fine boy like Finn. The two give him their numbers and walk out of the shop.

"Scored some cute girls for us, Whintle." Finn says grinning.

"I have a girlfriend," Whintle says in a tone that applies he's and idiot.

"What about me?" Arthur asks. Finn looks him up and down his tiny stature.

"Yeah, that's not gonna work." He says, pity crossing his handsome features. Arthur looks at the ground forlornly.

"Don't be so mean, Finn." Poppy says scorning, while shaking her head.

Finn walks up to her and whispers in her ear, "Call me mean one more time," while smirking. Her face turns bright red, and she hurries over to Bella. Finn grins at her reaction and starts walking towards the Suburban.

"Where are you kids off to?" Patty asks.

"Oh, Eleanor Manor. Ever heard of it?" I reply. She suddenly goes still.

"Yes, I've heard stories of Eleanor Manor..." She forces a grin and continues "...but I'm sure all of it is just that. Stories." her eyes go out of focus for a split second before she smiles and says perkily, "Well you kids have a good time! I'm sure they've fixed it up by now! Have a good stay!" I wave goodbye and walk out the door, a little bell jiggling announcing my exit.

***

The rest of the car ride I couldn't stop thinking about Pattie's reaction to Eleanor Manor. It was strange, but she must have been in her late 70's so maybe that was it. Paved roads became gravel as we drove further and further into the countryside. Emerald rolling hills, and fields of nothing. Then out of nowhere appeared a massive ornate gate. The metal formed into a lovely scene depicting two willow trees swaying in the wind.

"Is that-" I start to say.

"It's Eleanor Manor." Whintle breathes, taking in the splendor of the beautiful house on the hill.

"The gates look locked, how are we supposed to get in?" Arthur asks.

"The traveling agent I went through said he'd be here soon-" With a squeal the two gates open wide. We all look at each other, making sure we saw the same thing.

"That was, um, something..." Poppy says nervously.

"The gates are probably controlled from the house. The agent must have seen us coming and opened them for us." Whintle says while letting out a nervous laugh. Bella and I glance at each other before turning back to the window of the Suburban.