The House of Haunted Memories

Chapter 1 - The Question

Strangely cold rain poured down in the quiet town of Diamond Springs, California as a nervous Nevaeh Heart timidly walked through the allies to her friend's house. Anxiety plagued her journey, each step filled with worry as to how he would react to her ridiculous request. Finally, drenched and still panicky, she reached the large oak door of Ethan's house as she knocked ever so lightly; the sound that emanated barely audible. Used to his shy friend's tendency to remain invisible to the world, Ethan had grown what some may call a sixth sense. Sensing her presence, he peered out the upstairs window of his bedroom before walking downstairs to let her in.

"You're soaked." he immediately noticed, ushering her inside and rummaging through drawers for towels. He led her upstairs to his younger sister's bedroom where he handed her the towels and some of Delilah's dry clothes. "Here, dry off and change into this." he offered with a warm smile.

Nevaeh timidly took the clothes and watched as Ethan walked out of the room to give her some privacy. She did as she was told and threw the drenched clothes into one giant pile of soaked black and grey fabric. Once she was dry she changed into the outfit she was given, mentally cringing at the flashy colors of the short yellow sundress, and walked out of the room with clothes and towels in one hand, dripping wet high tops and sock in her other. She clearly hated everything about what she wore, from the flowers and colors of the dress to the bright, white, lace flats on her feet. Nevaeh heaved an irritated sigh as her glasses were finally beginning to defog. Ethan offered her a bemused smirk which both irritated her more and calmed her, even if only a little.

"Calm down Funsize," Ethan said, stifling a laugh "You look nice.".

"I'm nineteen. I shouldn't fit a twelve-year-old's clothes." Nevaeh huffed "Besides, I hate flashy clothes.".

"Oh right," Ethan laugh "I forgot you were the queen of somber." he joked, only earning an eye roll from Nevaeh.

They walked to the basement to throw the clothes and towels into the dryer. Used to this routine, Nevaeh placed her shoes near the radiator to dry as well and walked upstairs to the family room, waiting impatiently on the couch for Ethan. As she sat there though, her anxiety began to return with the thought of asking Ethan what she came to. How would he react? Would he laugh? Would he think she was burdening him further? When he appeared next to her, her mind went blank and she lost all words.

"So what's up?" Ethan asked, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder "I can tell you want to say something.".