FULL AUDIOBOOK - HOUSE OF SECRETS by Athena Floras

[Music] chapter one Mark Atkins couldn't take his eyes off of it he'd never seen anything like it he wondered how it was still standing why hadn't it been bulldozed long before it became an eyesore and a hazard to the neighborhood he gulped trying to moisten his parched throat wow are you kidding me his father placed the car into park and looked at the house through the windshield I know it doesn't look like much but once we fix it we'll get a good price on the market for it since it's near the beach Mark blinked twice

in amazement was his father looking at the same house he was Dad I don't know I think it would be cheaper to tear it down and start from scratch his father sighed we don't have the money for that besides that's not my business I buy old houses fix and renovate them and then sell them for a small profit how could Mark forget what his father did for a living he'd been doing it ever since Mark was a young kid his father had bought countless houses in Mark's lifetime so many Mark had lost count they'd lived

in each one for months sometimes a year or two until the house was completely renovated and then his father would sell it they'd pay off the debt they'd incurred for the repairs and then used the leftover money to buy another property only to start the process all over again with another rundown house in another strange city or town this time around they' moved to a completely new Province they packed up all their things which weren't much since they no longer owned any furniture and set out two weeks ago for New Brunswick they were supposed to

move into the house Mark's father bought on September 9th but had planned to tour The Province on a long much needed vacation before that they' visited Bay of Fundy mutton frederickton the Acadian Village and many more memorable cities and sites in the maritime Province Mark and his dad had had a wonderful time and had several long honest talks Mark had admitted to his father that he wanted to become a writer once he finished school while his father let him know he was thinking of retirement in a couple of years he was getting too old to

endure the physical work in involved in fixing and renovating old houses he loved his job but his body was screaming for him to stop or at least slow down he had acute painful rheumatoid arthritis that affected his joints making them swell and stiffen some days he found it hard to work but he pushed himself to get the job done Mark had asked him why he didn't retire now instead of continuing his father had said it was financially impossible for him to do that right away but hope hopefully with this new project he'd make enough money

to retire Mark had offered to help him with the repairs in his spare time his father had agreed only on the condition that Mark would be paid a salary for all the hard work he did after school and on weekends now as Mark looked at the disaster project before him he regretted ever making that deal several shingles were missing on the roof the chimney had collapsed the paint had peeled off of most of the door and sighting the porch had a gaping hole in the weathered wood right in front of the door he couldn't even

imagine how bad it looked on the inside he had a hunch it was much worse the value of the houses on this street is astronomical after we're done with it we can sell it for over a million his father claimed Mark stared at him in bewilderment when he asked how can we get that much for this we have 10 acres of land alone and it's facing the beach it's the biggest investment I ever made but when we're done we'll be set I promise you he walked to the trunk and took out two heavy bulging suitcases

let's bring our things in and then we'll go out for pizza I'm hungry aren't you mark snorted that's a ridiculous question you know I am his father laughed yes I do you're always hungry you have a bottomless stomach he walked toward the house retrieved the key to the house from deep in his pants pocket slipped it into the lock and tried opening the door it shrieked its unoiled hinges refusing to move without a fight he struggled but was able to push it open and took a long breath yeah this will definitely be hard work then

he slipped inside disappearing from sight Mark grabbed his suitcase and a box labeled kitchen pots and pans and made his way to the front porch the old open unobstructed house allowed the westward wind to blow unrestrained there were no trees out front to block its Force the wind wasn't hurricane level but it wasn't a passing Breeze either it was quite puent bringing with it a haunting howl Mark had never seen anything like it with apprehension he opened the creaking door and was about to step in a shutter rolled over his body and his neck suddenly

tickled when a hollow disembodied voice close to his ear whispered Mark chapter 2 Mark jumped whipping his head to the side then he spun all around the door slowly closed squeakily he saw no one how could the person who had called him by his first name disappear so quickly hello who's there he asked hoping someone would magically reveal themselves from behind the house at least that would mean he hadn't imagined it but to his dismay no one appeared yet he could couldn't shrug off the feeling that someone had been on the porch by his side

when a driving brisk wind blew at his face lashing his thick brown bangs into his blue eyes a haunting sensation smothered him stealing his breath wanting to find shelter from whatever was spooking him he rushed to reopen the door and run inside he shut the door behind him and hurried down the hallway there was a musty smell in the air the threadbear runner carpet on the floor almost tripped him as he hustled the peeling floral wallpaper was the perfect accent to make the scene freakishly haunting Dad where are you he called out his voice laced

with fear in the kitchen he heard his father holler Mark followed his voice into an open area where a rusty metal table and vinyl torn white chairs were positioned in the center of the spacious room unlike the hallway the kitchen walls had no wallpaper they were covered in a semi gloss acrylic white D although had been painted decades ago defied time they seemed untouched and unstained if it weren't for gaping holes at one end of the wall they would have looked impeccable doors hung unhinged from dark brown cupboards where his father stood he was plugging

in the fridge into the outlet good news we already have electricity they told me it might take a day or two before they'd service us now let's see if the fridge is in working condition Mark asked asked Dad did you see anyone outside when we drove up to the house his father stuck his head inside the refrigerator and then peaked out no why he wanted to tell him about the voice calling his name but figured his father would not be able to help him solve the mystery instead he Shrugged casting thoughts of phantom voices out

of his mind it's not important so where do I put my stuff his father pointed above his head grinning bedrooms are on on the second floor you get first pick whichever you pick is your bedroom is fine by me that's great thanks Mark spun on his heel and backtracked to the hallway he had seen the stairs at the end of the corridor the varnish had worn off the Birch staircase there were deep dirt stained scratches on the steps and the banister but they looked sturdy as he tested them out taking two steps at a time

he climbed them when he got to the second floor he saw five closed doors he opened the one nearest to him it wasn't a bedroom but a full bathroom with an old claw foot bathtub and double sink with mint and black tiles on the walls and floor the second room next to the bathroom was surprisingly huge it had a four poster double bed the mattress was encased in a plastic zipper protective sheet to Shield it from dirt and dust there was a massive bookcase that lined one wall another wall had a birch dresser and desk

adjacent to it there was a huge window he walked to it and was mesmerized by the breathtaking view of shal wanting to air out to stuffy stagnant room he opened the latch and pushed the window up he had to force it because humidity in the air had made the wood frame swell slightly but once he opened it he stuck his head out to get a better look at the powerful waves as they crashed against the Rocks piled on the shore preventing the water from getting closer to the House's land which would erode the soil and

Foundation the strong wind twirled around his face he closed his eyes listening to the sound of the powerful waves rolling in for a brief moment he swore he heard someone call his name again opening his eyes he looked down at the Garden then at the bay but there was no one in sight he held his breath and perked his ears waiting to see if he'd hear the voice again he remained perfect ly still then suddenly he felt something touch his back he jumped in Surprise and bumped the top of his head against the window pane

ouch he cried out loud as he held his throbbing head you okay his father asked yeah you scared me I didn't hear you come in sorry I've been calling you for a couple of minutes but when you didn't answer I came looking for you his father scanned the room and then stared out of the window it's a big room with an amazing view I guess you found your new bedroom Mark smiled hopefully can I have it of course it's yours he paused and added the fridge and stove work so that's good news tomorrow morning I'll

clean them and the cupboards after which we can start storing food and cooking but for this evening we're going out you still in the mood for pizza Mark rolled his eyes I'm always in the mood for pizza it was his favorite food he have it even for breakfast if he could okay then let's go find the closest pizzeria and pig out his father turned and walked out of the room Mark followed suit but took one final look at his new bedroom before exiting he was excited he couldn't wait to clean and paint the room and

call it is once he was done with it it would be the perfect place to write and let his imagination run free chapter 3 the smell of bacon and onions was what Drew Mark to the restaurant it was a beacon is no sensed from the end of the road he grabbed his father's arm before he turned onto another Street look dad there's Nick's Pizzeria over there why don't we try it out his father nodded well if the food is half as good as it smells we have ourselves a winner they entered eager to sit and

order the Bell above the door signaled their arrival Mark was shocked to see there were only a couple of customers sitting in booths he was expecting the restaurant to be packed guess it's a little Lake for the dinner crowd his father whispered from the side of his mouth yeah it looks like it Mark agreed he motioned to the wide untouched Booth closest to the door you want to sit here sounds good his father took the initiative sitting first facing his son and the counter an overweight bearded man with a pin resting behind his left ear

sauntered over to the table he retrieved a tiny notepad from one of the two pockets in his apron hey there what will you two have both Mark and his father perused the meager selection on the laminated menu only pizzas and soft drinks were listed Mark guessed that was probably one of the reasons why the place was almost empty what do you suggest Mark's father asked well the meat lovers pan pizza is a customer favorite Mark's father looked at his son you want to try that his stomach answered for him with a loud growl yeah that

sounds good his father laid the menu flat on the table and rested his hand over it my son and I will have a medium meat lover pizza with a picture of Diet Coke good choice the bearded man nodded he was about to walk off to hand the order to the Cook through the opening in the kitchen behind the counter but then he stopped in mid-step to ask I haven't seen you around here if you don't mind my asking are you two passing by no we just bought the Williams home on Bay Street Mark's father replied

the Man's eyes widened with curiosity no kidding you bought the Williams place it's been vacant for years yeah that's what I heard I planed to fix it the man laughed Well you certainly have your work cut out for you he extended his hand I'm Dominic but you can call me Nick I'm your new neighbor I live on Chalet Road he raed his hand toward a teenager who sat on a stool at the counter Jack come over here and meet our new neighbors the tall blanky blonde boy frowned looking at Mark and Mark's father as if

he didn't want to talk to them but after a moment he stood and walked reluctantly toward them I'm John Atkins and this is my son Mark Nick rested his hand on Jack's narrow shoulder this is my son jack he looked at Mark then at Jack you too look like you're the same age I'm 16 going to be 17 come November Mark replied Jack didn't answer he only stared at Mark yeah Jack is 17 Jack's father answered for him so you will probably be going to the same school since there's only one English High School in

town ba High School yeah Mark starts tomorrow where exactly is it again Mark's dad asked it's on Kings Avenue Nick motioned to the open laptop resting on the other side of the counter I can show you on Google Maps how to get there he waved to Mark's father to follow him while he handed their order to the Cook through the opening in the wall Mark screamed in his mind no don't leave me alone with Jack Jack's piercing annoying stare was making him super uncomfortable but unfortunately his father didn't heed his son's psychic plea he walked

to Nick's computer looking over Nick's shoulder at the bright screen trying to break the tension in the air Mark cleared his throat and asked so we'll be going to the same school huh yep Jack said his hazel eyes still boring through Mark you like going there how are the teachers it's an okay school I guess Jack answered then turned to the side I got to go he added before hurrying to the door and making a quick exit Mark stared at Jack Speedy departure the guy was definitely strange strange with a capital s he acted like

Mark had some sort of contagious disease and he was scared he'd catch it if he hung around him much longer to chitchat Mark grumbled under his breath good riddens it's not like I wanted to talk anyway he glanced at his watch and wondered how much longer they needed to wait to be served maybe they should change their order to take out he couldn't wait to get the hell out of here chapter 4 the crack that spread into creepy looking veins in the ceiling had marks undiv Ed attention he let his imagination run rapid he couldn't

help noticing the pattern of the cracks produced in the ceiling looked quite similar to the huge maple tree outside in the backyard the only thing missing were leaves he could buy a can of green and brown paint and embellished the cracks until it was an exact replica he doubted his father would allow it he'd probably plaster it and then paint it erasing The house's artistic accent he sighed resting his hand over his abdomen while he let his mind continue to wander there was something peculiar about this house he couldn't exactly put his finger on every

old house had its secrets and its history he'd seen it in the houses his father had worked on in the past one of them had been burnt down twice and rebuilt another had had its roof blown off by a tornado and one had been flooded the basement ruined black mold had seeped into the walls which they had to removed completely but the feeling Mark got with this place was Haunting and mysterious he wondered if it had to do with the fact he imagined he heard someone called his name and yet when he turned around no

one was there it had probably been the howling wind that had created a noise that sounded like a human voice calling his name yet he couldn't shrug off the Eerie sensation there was something very wrong with the place he flipped onto his side The Springs in the bed creeped with his movement he retrieved his cell phone curious to see what time it was he almost freaked it was close to midnight he had to wake up at 600 for school he needed to sleep and rest he closed his eyes and let all his distracting thoughts float

out of his mind it didn't take long to sink into Slumber there he remained dreamless until he heard a low creaking sound at first he barely registered it but then it continued and got louder it sounded like someone was walking up the stairs and heading toward his door he wondered why his father was still up and wandering about rubbing the sleep from his blur eyes he turned over to glance at the door when he heard the doorknob rattle it slowly opened the Moonlight beaming in from the hallway window cast a shadow of the person standing

there fear choked mark it most definitely wasn't his father at the door it was a woman with long dark hair and a flowing white gown her upper body was hidden in Shadow so he couldn't see her face he wanted to jump out of bed and run out of there and get his dad but she blocked his only means of Escape trembling and sweating in Terror he pretended he was still sleeping slid eyed he gawked her from under his covers his heart raced drumming deafeningly in his ears yet he could still hear her Eerie footsteps she

was walking around the room he heard her moved toward the closet door open it and shut it a second later then she shuffled to the window and pulled the curtains to the side producing a metallic sliding sound a minute later she walked up to the foot of his bed and began to Glide her hand over the edge of the bed as if she were searching for something or someone it seemed to mark that she didn't see him lying on the bed as if he were invisible he was panicking he closed his eyes completely hoping that

if he couldn't see her she couldn't see him he'd never been more frightened than he was at this minute what would she do when she realized Mark was in the bed he had to get out of here fast he needed to open his eyes and just run for his life but he couldn't muster the courage to do it suddenly he felt something touch his foot it was ice cold and then a female voice said there you are Mark he jumped up recoiling away from her when he saw her face it was strangely elongated semi-translucent and

ghostly white she looked at him with shock as if she expected to see someone else in the bed her mouth opened freakishly wide as if she didn't have a jaw bone and then she screamed the shrilling sound sent searing pain through Mark's ears bursting his eardrums he curled up into a fetal position trying to protect himself when her shrieking cry morphed into a buzzer he opened his eyes to find himself lying in bed it was Daylight light Sunshine was beaming into his eyes blinding him the scary woman had vanished he sat up taking a deep

breath relief washed over him it had all been a dream he leaned over to reach for his cell phone to turn off the alarm it was 6:00 a.m. and time to get up for the first time in his life he couldn't wait to get to school because it meant he'd be far from this house and this room so his vivid imagination wouldn't come any more creepy ghosts in his dreams chapter 5 are you sure you don't want me to come with you Mark's father asked after he put the car in to park Mark stared at

the crowd of students sitting on the school steps talking and waiting for the school Bill to ring yeah I'm sure he said with no hesitation his father glanced over Mark's shoulder at the front of the school and smiled I get it you're too old to be seen with your dad Mark Shrugged a yes hoping he wasn't hurting his father's feelings his father switched the car gear to drive okay you have to go to the office first thing to talk to the principal Mr Samson I'll be here when school ends to pick you up he glanced

at him with a wide encouraging grin good luck hope you get great teachers and make lots of friends thanks Dad Mark hoped he did get nice teachers who weren't too strict or too demanding as for friends that might be a problem Mark wasn't exactly a flamboyant extrovert who easily made friends wherever he went he was super shy and awkward and the fact he never remained long enough in one school to plant roots and create bonding friendships because he was constantly changing schools due to his father's business activities made it doubly hard to find good loyal

friends but that didn't discourage him he was used to being alone he wasn't in school to make friends he was in school to get an education so he could graduate and then go to college to get a degree in English literature he wanted to become a prolific writer ever since he was a kid his dream had always been to become an author writing stories for a living was his ultimate wish nothing and no one would keep him from obtaining their goal including the nosy intimidating students who stared at him rudely while he made his way

up his new school crowded steps he tried to ignore them he stared at his sneakers as he climbed each step once he got to the top he exhaled the breath he'd been tensely holding in he pushed the massive metal door Inward and stepped inside there were more steps once he shut the door other annoying curious kid stood on knees blocking his path great he mumbled to himself and then he wiggled his way through once at the top of the stairs he saw a hanging sign directing him to the office which was at the end of

the wide hallway Mark hurried to the open office door there was a long high counter he leaned his elbows on it and asked a middle-aged lady wearing thick black framed glasses her hair tied in a tight Bond excuse me I'm Mark Atkins I'm a new student my dad said I had to see principal Samson a stout short man in a black suit and checkered tie waddled out of a nearby Office and grinned directly at Mark hi Mark I've been expecting you he had obviously overheard Mark speaking to the secretary Mark cleared his throat and hesitantly

accepted the principal's proferred hand hello Mr Samson the principal's gripping handshake felt like it was crushing his bones he tried not to wice for an overweight short man Mr Samson was deceivingly strong welcome to ba high school he turned to gesture to the clock high on the wall the Bell will be ringing soon so we don't have time to discuss school procedures and rules we will have to wait until after the school day is finished to do that he picked up an envelope with Mark's name on it but I have your schedule ready here he

slipped a letter-sized chart out of the envelope I've arranged for one of your classmates to show you around the school and help you get to all your classes today he grabbed the phone pushed the intercom button and spoke loudly into the microphone in the handset Jack cordaux please come to the office Mark heard the principal's booming voice coming from all directions including the overhead speaker and the echoing speaker in the hallway Mr Samson set the phone back onto its cradle and grinned he'll be here shortly so how do you like the town so far it

seems nice Mark replied although he hadn't seen much of it my dad and and I visited a lot of places in New Brunswick it's a beautiful Province both the principal and the secretary be proudly yes that it is the principal said I love it and will never leave his gaze suddenly shifted to the area over Mark's shoulder here's Jack he gestured for Mark to turn around Mark's ja fell his eyes widened when he saw Jack from the pizzeria standing there why hadn't he put two and two together that Jack from the restaurant and Jack Cordo

were the same person it was a small town so how many jacks's age could there possibly be Jack had the same irritated look on his face he had last night he didn't want to be here next to Mark just like he didn't want to chitchat with him yesterday Jack had barely spoken two words at the pizzeria before he ran away he seemed like he was contemplating doing the same thing today but he couldn't because the principal had requested his help without saying a word Jack walked into the hallway and waited for Mark to follow him

Mark's mood sank he have to be with Jack all day long Mark was sure that when the bell rang at the end of this long excruciatingly boring day he would have died of boredom chapter 6 this isn't so hard Mark said amazed at how easily the roller covered the stained and chipped kitchen wall yeah it's an adhesive primary and paint in one so it doesn't drip in one coat is usually enough but in this case I'm afraid we'll need two coats Mark's father shook his head while he analyzed how much of the old dark blue

paint the new white paint covered once he dropped mark off at school that morning he'd gone shopping at several hardware stores to buy supplies he purchased paint tiles for the walls and floor and ordered new cabinets which should be delivered by the end of the week then he'd gone gone to the grocery store to stock up the fridge and Pantry once that was done he worked on removing the old cupboards he'd certainly had a busy day the same could be said for Mark he'd met most of his teachers took a tour of the school and

sat for an hour with principal Samson listening to his mundane lecture on How ba high school was a great school how they had the best hockey team and that Mark should join the team that was never going to happen Mark didn't know how to skate and playing any team sport was as appealing to him as beekeeping it wasn't in his nature besides his passions lied in the written word not in physical activity which was why when Jack brought him to the school library at lunchtime Mark Fell in Love It was filled with hundreds of shell

of books plus there were at least 20 desks with desktops for students to use and bean bags on a Pham carpet for students to lay back and enjoy Mark picked a copy of Aragon and sank into a bean bag while Jack sat on another that was when the awkward tension between them melted away Jack was an Avid Reader as well and Christopher pini's inheritance cycle was one of his favorites once the dam broke Jack and Mark couldn't stopped talking that's when they found out how much they had in common both had no siblings and both

had lost their mothers at a young age they'd suffered tragic losses Jack's mother had died in a car accident while Mark's mom had passed away due to terminal cancer the half hour they'd spent in the library whizzed by before either of them realized it and then it was time for history class remembering that Mr Hal grouped him and Jack together for a history assignment Mark asked his dad what time is it his father checked his watch it's almost 7 why because Jack's father is supposed to come pick me up at 7:30 Jack and I are

going to the Library we need to work on a project his father's eyes widened your first day of school and you've got a project already yeah I know Jack says Mr hro loves giving projects but he's an easy Greer his father grinned setting his paintbrush in the tray sounds like you've already made a friend is Jack the Jack we met last night yeah I thought he was some sort of snob but it turns out he's is all right Mark dried wet paint off of his hands so can I go his father waved dismissively of course

I'll finish the rest on my own have fun thanks Dad Mark ran upstairs to wash the rest of the paint that had speckled his knuckles and changed clothes by the time he was done he heard a car honking he sprinted down the stairs and out the door where he slowed his pace and walked casually to to the old Toyota RAV for vehicle Jack stepped out pushing his seat forward so Mark could slip into the back seat Mark nodded at Jack's dad hi Mr cordaux thanks for picking me up not a problem Mark so how did

you like your first day at BST High School the library is amazing was the first thing that popped into his mind he's a Pini fan too Jack added grinning is he Mr cordaux said with curious eyes as he stared at Mark through his rearview mirror how do you like the Williams place you and your dad getting settled in butterflies fluttered in Mark's stomach as Goosebumps spread over his forearms and the back of his neck the truth was the old house gave him the Willies but he couldn't exactly tell them about the haunting dream he' had

that felt so real not quite I guess once we're done with the renovations it'll feel homier yep that will probably get rid of the ghosts Mr cordaux stated ghosts who said anything about ghosts Mark asked feeling the blood drained from his face Mr Cordo nodded while he observed Mark with goating eyes I'm speaking figuratively all old houses have them you know strange sounds the old floorboards make creaky doors and such exhaling in relief Mark laughed oh yeah the renovations will help get rid of those yes they will but just because you replace the floorboards and

fix the roof and stuff the history will always remain you can never erase it Mark Gul what sort of History Rumor Has It Mrs Williams died there Jack blurted looking over his shoulder at Mark Mr cordaux glared at his son jack don't start scaring him he glanced back at Mark through the mirror don't freak out she didn't exactly die in the house he sighed they say she was a sleepwalker she always got out of bed at night and roamed around the house every once in a while she'd even try to go outside but she could

never unlock the door in her sleep except for the night she went missing no one ever saw her again after that the police family and friends went looking for her but no one ever found her it's like she disappeared off the face of the Earth her son was a teenager when she disappeared he swore he'd never stop searching for her and he never did give up until his death many years ago that house has remained vacant until you and your dad bought it Mr cordaux paused then added so now that that sad chapter ended a

new one can begin with you guys Mark tried to force a smile but he was quivering in his seat Mr cordaux had planted the seed of fear deep into his brain and thanks to Mark's fertile and overactive imagination that seed would only grow until it overtook his every thought and drove him mad chapter 7 Mark kept the lights on when he crept into his bed that night he pushed his bed against the wall far away from the closet door and window and took out his cell phone earlier that night after he and Jack had completed

their research on the First Nations and were ready to go home markk had asked Jack to help him search for library books and Records on anything related to the williams' house he'd found numerous news clippings on the night Mrs Williams had gone missing he didn't have the time to read or even peruse them so he had simply taken pictures of the Articles news clippings and documents so he could review them later still spooked and unable to sleep Mark decided to read one of the clippings he'd photographed he swiped the photo gallery until he got to

the first slide image the headline read police asked for help in locating Rebecca Williams he continued to read it's been two days since Rebecca Williams went missing she supposedly suffers from acute somnambulism and it is believed she had been sleepwalking the night she disappeared friends and family haven't had any luck in finding her police claim to have no leads and are asking for the community's help if anyone has seen Rebecca Williams they are asked to call the bnpp Regional Police at 5551 1834 she was wearing a white lace night gown when she was last seen

Mark scrolled down to the picture at the bottom of the article his blood froze and his teeth chattered as he gawked at the picture there was no mistaking it the image looked exactly like the ghostly woman from his dream chapter8 her soothing voice calmed mark his tightly wound nerves loosened and he felt safe he always felt safe with his mother around Mark her distant gentle voice beaconed in the darkness I'm here Mom he hollered hoping to draw her to him with the sound of his voice he couldn't wait to see her again and tell her

how much he missed her and how much he loved her Mark saw nothing in the pitch Darkness son his mother called out where are you he asked he probed with his outstretched hand trying to touch anything he sensed was familiar I can't see you mark claimed as he ran his hand across the rough brick wall he inched Along by using the wall as his guide he had to continue moving to get to his mother Mark she said once more this time her voice sounded louder he was obviously making progress when he slid his fingers along

the uneven surface and felt ice cold fingers grab his hand his eyes sprang open he was no longer standing standing in utter Darkness searching for his mom he was in his brightly lit bedroom sprawled awkwardly on the bed his covers had at some point dropped off the side of the bed he somehow had drifted off to sleep even though he had wanted to stay awake and continue reading the Articles his hand felt uncomfortably cold as if he'd immersed it into a bowl of ice cold water he looked down at it and saw someone held it

the hand of whomever grasped his was abnormally elongated thin and semi translucent he swallowed in fear unable to tear his hand away Mark she said yet again the sound of her voice broke the trance he'd Fallen under he jerked his hand away that's when their eyes met and she realized Mark wasn't her son together they screamed in pure fear chapter n Mark bolted up when someone called out his name again and touched his back he feared it was the Ghost of Rebecca Williams that had come to tor me him once more he turned to see

his father standing over him dad you scared me he said holding his chest afraid his heart was going to jump out of his body sorry I didn't mean to what are you doing sleeping in your sleeping bag on the kitchen floor why aren't you upstairs in your bed mark worried his lower lip wondering if he should tell his father the real reason no matter how crazy it sounded or if he should make up a lie he rolled p over plausible excuses he could use but none of them would work the truth shall set you free

he remembered his ethics teacher often saying it was a quote in the Bible which Mr Johnson loved using whenever he caught one of his students in a lie Mark wondered if it applied in this case seeing he had no other choice he sighed audibly I know you're not going to believe me but here goes nothing the reason I'm sleeping in the kitchen is because I saw a ghost twice in my room his father arched a brow and widened his eyes keenly you saw a ghost Mark nodded swallowing ahuh it's the ghost of Rebecca Williams Mr

cordaux said her son owned this property before he died she walked into my room and was calling out his name which happens to be marked two and she even touched my hand his father stared at him blankly Mark covered his face with his hand and shook in discouragement I knew you wouldn't believe me who said I don't believe you I do you do Mark asked amazed at what he was hearing his father sat on the tiled floor facing him he looked him straight in the eye I believe you because I also saw a ghost when

I was a kid you did his father nodded yes I did I was 8 years old and it was the first night we slept in our new house when I saw it I was watching TV in the living room when I saw someone walking in the hallway at first I thought it was my mother but when I turned to look I saw it wasn't my mother or any other member of my family it was in fact a ghost of an old man he was walking with a cane and heading for my parents' room I got

up and tried to follow it but it was gone when I entered their bedroom did you see it again Mark asked no but but I think I know why I didn't the next day the old owner of the house came by to get a picture frame he'd forgotten in the room it was of his father who had died the year before I took one look at the picture and realized it was the ghost I'd seen the night before he pursed his lips and seemed to be contemplating before he continued I believe his Spirit was attached

to that picture frame and when his son reclaimed it and got it out of the house the ghost went with it Mark looked discouragingly around him the house was filled with hundreds of items that belonged to the previous owner trying to figure out which item the ghost had attached itself to and getting rid of it and in effect the ghost would be like trying to find a needle in a Hast stack the feet was practically impossible chapter 10 Mark fought to keep his eyes open the textbooks print blurred Jack tapped his index finger on the

table beside his laptop come on Mark give give me another reason why the First Nations supported the British in the War of 1812 all we need is one more then the assignment is complete and we can print it and submit it tomorrow in class A Yan sprung on Mark he shook his head trying to W the drowsiness seeping into his brain away sorry it's hard to concentrate right now what is it you didn't sleep well Jack asked thanks to last night's haunting and having to sleep on the hard cold kitchen tiles he' barely slept no

I didn't he admitted Jack looked at his surroundings well that doesn't surprise me I doubt I'd be able to sleep well in this place either he shuttered rubbing The Chill from his arms it gives me the heebie jeebies just sitting in this kitchen I could never imagine myself living and sleeping in this house Jack's uneasiness was contagious Goosebumps began to sprout all over Mark's Body he looked over his shoulder when a haunting feeling of being watched overcame him nothing and no one was there yet his discomfort didn't subside if anything it felt like a noose

had been tied around his neck and it tightened with every breath he took wanting to get some fresh air and breathe freely again he sprang to his feet let's go take a walk on the beach Jack furrowed his brows but we have to finish the assignment it's due tomorrow morning and we will once we get back from the Walk we're stuck right now getting some fresh air will help us get inspired don't you want to take a walk on the beach it's Indian summer and sunny outside it's the perfect weather and temperature to enjoy the

beach before the cold weather comes back Jack glanced at the screen on his laptop then at the time on his cell phone I guess we can take a half hour break his lips broke into a smile I'll race you to the beach all right Mark didn't get a chance to finish his sentence Jack had bolted out of the kitchen door into the backyard slipping his cell phone quickly into his front jeans pocket Mark took off after his Newfound friend his lack of physical activity gave him a slow start but he did Pride himself on his

stamina he continued to run as fast as he could and soon overtook the lead passing Jack just as they made it to the rocky Shore I win he said triumphantly raising his arms in the air cheering himself he stepped onto the biggest rock pretending it was a Podium when he felt something fall out of his pocket and into an opening between the gathered Stones he patted his pocket realizing it was his cell phone no no he whed worrying it was damaged it was in a thick plastic casing which shielded it from gentle to semi hard

Falls but it offered zero protection against water you'd better find that quick before the saltwater gets to it Jack said exactly what Mark was thinking yeah Mark agreed pushing up his cotton shirt sleeve and crouching he pursed his lips and squinted as he slipped his hand into the deep narrow opening he quickly pulled his hand out in Revolt a man that's nasty it's all slimy in there he looked up at Jack who stood on the biggest Mossy Rock beside him Jack's hands flew up and he shook his head oh no don't look at me I'm

not putting my hand in there it's your phone that fell so you have to get it Mark contemplated just leaving it in there but then he grumbled there was no way his father would buy him another phone money was tight since his father spent most of the profit he'd made selling the last house they'd renovated to buy this house and going without a cell phone for more than an hour let alone a few weeks or months was out of the question he used his phone not only for texting and calling but he also used it

as an alarm an MP3 player an e-reader and also to surf the web nope he had to stick his hand right back in and get it before it got ruined taking a deep breath and shaking off the feeling of disgust He Slipped his hand in again trying to ignore the slimy tingle of what he guessed was was seaweed he probed with his index finger until he felt something smooth and flat he smiled I found it he tried to pull it out but something was blocking it he tugged at the seaweed attempting to make more room

to loosen it he pulled out a clump of the supposed seaweed and dumped it behind him the rotting Clump looked like awfully strange seaweed it resembled more like hair coated in tar but he didn't think too much about it his first priority was to get his phone out ASAP he slid his hand back into the opening to grab his phone but his fingers brushed against something else he rubbed his finger over the slamming narrow ridges trying to figure out what it could possibly be Jack asked what is it I found something your phone no it's

something else like like what Jack crouched and moved closer to try to see inside the hole it's funny it feels like teeth and he dragged his fingers upward and felt something pointy with two holes a nose freaking out he pulled his hand out so fast he slapped his cheek with it oh my God oh my God it's a head jack a human head chapter 11 you may have helped us solve a six decades old case officer Lindsay said to Mark while she stuck her notepad into to her bomber jacket Mark continued rubbing his hand which

he'd washed scrubbed and sterilized almost 10 times he couldn't warm it it felt like it was still touching the dead rotting body's face Mark's father Stood Beside him near the door waiting for officer Lindsay's departure whose body do you think it is he asked officer Lindsay stared at the house Rebecca Williams her family owned the property here before you bought it Mark's father looked at his son as if to say we kind of figured that then asked the policewoman what do you think happened to her was it Foul Play She tilted her head fixing her

gaze at the wall as if she were rolling over several thoughts in her mind well it is too soon to say we'll know more once a thorough autopsy is completed but from what the forensic team has uncovered in the preliminary examination it looks like she slipped on the rocks and fell into the hole she broke her neck that's probably the cause of death Mrs Williams suffered from an untreatable form of somnambulism when Mark's dad gave her a confused look he was obviously unfamiliar with the terminology she clarified it's another term for sleepwalking my guess is

she came out to the rocky Shore while sleepwalking she was barefoot it would explain why she slipped and was wearing a night gown with no shoes what a tragic story Mark's father side partially cuing his mouth his eyes were filled with sadness officer Lindsay reflected the same sorrow when she said yes it was she lived here alone with her son when she disappeared I heard her son was so distraught it was understandable since they were quite close he was a teenager at the time she looked at Mark when she added his name was Mark just

like you mark nodded he'd already guessed that thanks to the hauntings she continued he was 17 he never stopped searching for her in the years that passed she exhaled slowly unfortunately he passed away 10 years back it's too late for him to finally know what happened to his mom but we will tell his kids her grandchildren she'll probably be buried next to her son in the cemetery Mark and Rebecca can finally rest in peace and the family will have closure mark meshed his fingers and said a silent prayer he hoped that now that Rebecca was

found and would be United with her son in death that she'd stop haunting the house and leave them in peace chapter 12 this ending was bittersweet Mark thought as he finished painting the wall in the fourth bedroom six months had passed since they first moved into the abandoned rundown house thanks to a lot of hard work Mark and his father had transformed it into a modern luxurious four-bedroom and two-b home they'd used the more expensive and most durable wood tiles bricks paint and accessories in renovating the place it was gorgeous they could easily get more

than a million for it because of the land and the beach facing it his father could finally retire just like he'd planned to do for years but Mark wasn't ready to give it up once he'd found Rebecca Williams body her ghost stopped haunting the place she was finally at peace his prayers had been answered the place quickly grew on him after that the more of it they fixed and renewed the more of it he loved it started to feel like home no house had felt like home since his mother had died he made more friends

at school good friends he didn't want to leave behind when they moved away but it didn't matter what he wanted he needed to make his dad's dream come true he'd worked hard practically his whole life he deserved happiness setting his paint roller in the tray he turned to ask his father now that we're done I guess you'll be calling the real estate broker to put the house on the market his father who was wiping his hands on a damp rag answered I've been meaning to talk to you about that I kind of like waking up

to the sound of waves hitting the shore and taking caling walks on the beach I think you do too Mark Bean yeah I do but didn't you want to sell it and retire didn't you say you're getting too old to keep renovating and fixing old houses I did and I am but I'm not too old to work in retail Oscar Ridgewood at the handyman's shop offered me a job the other day to work at his hardware store after all I've got a hell of a lot of experience and can help customers find exactly what they

need to construct repair and renovate practically everything you definitely do Mark agreed I told him I had to think about it and see what my son would say about living permanently in this town and this house his dad grinned widely so how about it do you want to forget about selling this place and moving away or does the past haunting still creep you out Mark looked around he no longer sensed its scary old and tragic history it tried to conceive the page in The house's history had turned it was time to write a new chapter

no dad it doesn't creep me out any longer I want to stay here my room is the perfect place to write and this house and its secrets of the perfect inspiration for my next story [Music]