The House That Never Was

III.II V: Looking Back

The room was fairly big. It had a dark, hardwood floor. There was a love seat on one side of the room, and a dresser with a vanity mirror on the other. A Painting of the old man and woman hung by the door. There was a queen sized bed with four posts and a purple canopy.

"What do you think the old man meant when he said some things are best left alone in the dark?" Angie asked.

"Who knows?" Steve replied. "He was just trying to scare us.

"I guess so." She said.

Putting his arms around Angie and hugging her, Steve tried to comfort her. "No worries, babe. I wouldn't let anything happen to you." He then smiled at her.

Nudging her head into his shoulder she replied to him. "I know. It just rattled me a bit, I guess."

"We'll all feel better after a good night's sleep." He said looking into her eyes. "Let's go to bed."

"You're right." Angie said. "I guess my nerves are just on end."

Steve turned out the lights and they both climbed into bed. Pulling Angie close to him, Steve cuddled her. With her head on his shoulder, she felt safe for the first time that night.

While lying there, Steve began to think back. "Do you remember that beach party we had last summer?"

"Yeah." Angie began remembering fondly. "What about it?"

"Just remembering what a great time it was."

                                                                    ~*~

It was a quiet, secluded beach in the summer of 2015. Six friends gathered at night to have a bonfire.

"I brought alcohol!" Jack yelled out.

"Alright!" Steve exclaimed. "Let's get this party going!"

John put on music while Joanne pulled out a bag of marshmallows. They all sat around the fire drinking and roasting marshmallows.

"This is what summer fun is all about." Joanne said. "Good music, good drinks and good friends."

"Cheers." They all said simultaneously as they clanked their bottles together.

A little while later, Steve and Angie got up and took a walk along the beach. It was a nice, clear night. The stars were out, and the breeze was gently blowing. The sound of the waves rolling in was very relaxing. The glow of the bonfire off in the distance set a romantic mood.

Steve suddenly stopped, turned to face Angie, and then took her hands in his. Smiling at her he sweetly said "You are such a beautiful girl."

"Awwwww." Angie replied, blushing.

Pulling her close to him, Steve leaned in to kiss her. "I love you."

Leaning in she replied "I love you too."

They leaned in and kissed passionately. In that moment it all felt right. It was amazing for the both of them.

                                                                    ~*~

"It was a great time." Angie said with a smile. "It was a wonderful night."

Smiling, Steve said "It was an amazing kiss."

"Yes it was." Angie replied, snuggling deeper into Steve's shoulder.

Then they heard a blood curdling scream.

"What the Hell was that?!" Angie asked, scared stiff.

"I don't know." Steve replied. "I think it's the old people playing jokes on us. Let's go see."

After they both got dressed, Steve opened the door, and they both ran out into the hall.