They picked up their many bags and started to follow me. I turned at the top of the 1st section of stairs to look down at them.” This house is very large and old just to warn you.”
“How large and old is this house?” Chris asked looking past my shoulder out the large bay window.
“It has 2 floors, not counting the attic, and it’s almost 300 years old.” Lance started to comment but shut his mouth quickly and shook his head, “You know what… I’ll keep my mouth shut about how old this house is compared to Chris.”
“Wise choice, Lance, wise choice.”
“Well anyway, I’m sure you guys could rest awhile in your rooms after the long airplane and car trip,” I said changing the subject. We started climbing up the second flight of steps. Our house was odd looking from the outside, but from the inside it was one of the most beautiful houses in all of the country… except at night.When you walk in, you’re in a circular Ballroom. If you walk to the very center your back faming the door, above you are a 100-pound crystal chandelier. To your left is the 1st flight of stairs. After 23 steps it levels out and branches into 2 other flight of stairs going the opposite way. The flight of stairs lines the circular wall going up. Both branches have the same number of steps. It then levels out again completing a circle. If you’re still in the center of the Ballroom and you look to your right, 2 large metal doors are at the doorway of a long hallway. On the second floor there is 1 large hallway, the widest in the house. 6 stained glass windows are lined against the circular wall, 3 on each side.
We finally reached the 2nd floor after 75 grueling steps.
“Hey look, Chris, there is a good view form up here,” Justin said knowing very well Chris was afraid of heights.
“No, I’ll stay back here.”
“That’s right you’re scared of heights.”
"I'm not scared of heights. I'm afraid of heights," Chris told us.
"Same thing, Chris." Justin reminded him.
"No, its not."
"Yes it is." Justin argued.
"No, its not."
Justin gave up. "Whatever."
“That won’t be the only thing he’ll be scared of after a week in this house,” I mumbled to myself.
“What did you say?” Joey turned his head and asked.
“Nothing,” I told him smiling.
copyright © 2001 AngelH