My Story: The Winchester House [Completed]

1: Interview

I sat in the dining room of my family's small farm house. Dining hall... it was more of a dining hall within a kitchen, washing room and living room in one. I ate my dinner slowly as my family talked more about the farm's crops.

"Samantha, are you okay? We made your favourite and you are barely eating?" Father asked as I continued to play with my food. I looked up and smiled.

"Of course, Father. I was just thinking about the job I am leaving for tomorrow," I said as I smiled at my father. He raised his eyebrow as I took another bite and swallowed.

"Job? Samantha, is there something that you failed to mention?" he asked as my siblings looked at me like I was crazy for wanting to leave.

"I was asked to come to an interview with Mrs. Winchester at her estate tomorrow morning," I told the table and they all stared at me.

"Mrs. Winchester? She is building her house to work around spirits," one of my brothers said as I took another bite and he looked around the table. "On my paper route, I pass her house and there is always someone building. People say that she makes people build for her all the time."

"Oh hush. I am sure that your sister is just wanting some independence," Mother said. I smiled and shrugged.

"I do like independence," I commented.

"Do you know how much she will be paying you if you do start working for her?" Mother asked. I debated. I could tell her the truth or lie so I could have some money but I reminded myself that I was getting the job so I could give them the money.

"Three dollars an day," I told them and my family started to talk over each other. My father's jaw just dropped. "Don't worry about me. Plus, I am certain that I will be still here so you don't have to worry."

"I think that is worth the job," Father said, "even if it is cleaning another person's house." I smiled as I continued eating.

***

I showed up promptly at noon for my interview with Mrs Winchester. I was told to use the back door since the front was not finished yet. I knocked and shivered a little from the crisp air that was biting through my coat.

"Yes, may I help you?" a girl about my ripe age of eighteen asked as she opened the door.

"I'm here for the job interview with Mrs Winchester," I said as I took in the girl's brown curly locks and freckles.

"Of course. Follow me," the girl's Bostonian accent said as she let me in.

"Let me take your coat, miss," a boy said as he stepped out. He was wearing a suit and I took in his features that were nearly perfectly.

"Luke, where is Mrs. Winchester?" the girl asked the boy as he took my coat.

"The washroom. She wants to see the miss here in there," the boy - Luke - said. The girl nodded before taking off. "Madalynn! Don't lose the miss!" the boy yelled as I ran after her.

"Sorry about that. I forget that not everyone knows the house like we do," Madalynn said as she looked at me.

"It's quite okay," I said as I looked around. Everything was beautiful and I could hear the hammering from where I was.

"I wish you all the luck with Mrs. Winchester," she said as we walked up some stairs.

"Thank you," I said. She smiled and nodded.

"I'll see you when you are finished," she said as she slid the door open. I walked in and there was an older lady with a black veil over her face.

"Mrs. Winchester, I am Samantha Smith. I am here for the job interview," I said and she waved me closer. She was short, and only looked shorter next to my five foot five inch stature.

"Welcome. I'm going to base it off a task," she said. I nodded as she pointed to the basket. "I want you to fold the clothes then wash them and hang them." Fold then wash?

"As you wish..." I started and realised I had to at least suggest the proper way to wash clothes so I didn't feel stupid. "However, may I suggest washing the clothes and hanging them then in the morning, folding them?" She stared at me for a long minute so I bent over to pick up the basket.

"That is a very logical statement, my dear," she said as I placed the basket on the counter.

"But if you wish for me to wash the clothes in the fashion you stated-" I started but she held up her hand.

"Did Madalynn say she would wait for you?" she asked. I looked at the door.

"I believe she said that she would see me when I was finished," I said and she nodded.

"How long until you can move in, darling?" she asked.

"Pardon? I thought I had to live at home," I told her. She waved me off and shook her head.

"We have an extra room that is yours," she said. I was speechless.

"I just need to get my belongings from home... how much of my pay will be taken out for the room and food?" I asked, figuring that since I would be living here that food would be eaten here as well.

"None." I was shocked.

"Th-thank you," I stuttered.

"Welcome to the staff, Samantha. Be here promptly at six in the morning so you can move your belongings in and be ready before my niece and I are awake," she said. I nodded.

"Thank you, Mrs. Winchester," I said and she nodded. I looked at the clothes and she shooed me away.

"You aren't going to be washing clothes today. Go pack," she said and I nodded. I walked to the door and Madalynn opened it.

"Come with me. I'll show you the door," Madalynn said as I looked at Mrs. Winchester the whole time.

"Thank you," I said as I followed Madalynn. We walked silently as we got to the door and Luke emerged with my coat.

"What did Mrs. Winchester say?" Madalynn asked. I looked at her as her expression was full of curiosity.

"She told me that I had to be back by six in the morning with my belongings," I told her and she smiled at Luke.

"Looks like you made Mrs. Winchester a very happy lady," Luke said and I nodded as I put on my coat.

"I will see you both in the morning," I said as I walked down the steps.

"We never caught your name," Luke said.

"I never gave it," I said as I ran off towards my parents' home.

"Samantha! How was it?" my oldest and honestly my favourite brother, Brenton, ask as I ran in.

"I got the job and she is giving me free room and board," I said and he hugged me.

"I know you could do it," he said. I smiled and hugged him a little tighter.

"Now if you excuse me, I will be packing for my move tomorrow morning," I said and he smiled as I ran to my room.