Forever Finding You

5

Britt and I made a plan to go check out the Mansion after school. We decided to walk there after she got permission from her mom. She told her mom that we had to do research for a project and it was with me, so she agreed right away. Britts mom had no problem with me and Britt wasnt lying either. We just weren't going to in a library reading books or searching the internet.

I didnt really see a purpose in going and standing outside of the mansion to do research. There wasnt much a building could tell us just by looking at it, but I didnt mind. I enjoyed looking at the mansion and just spending time with Britt sounded good.

We met up outside after the bell rang and began walking. The weather wasnt as hot today as the temperature began to drop. Its about time. I loved fall and winter just because the cold was comforting. I also enjoyed the holiday treats and drinks that come out every year.

"So these dreams of yours," Britt said after we had finished our conversation about the recent drama between two other girls at school. "Do you think they mean anything?"

I bit on my lower lip as I thought about it.

"At first I thought it was my dad trying to say goodbye. I dont know if hes dead or not but it made sense at first. But I dont think its that anymore." I answered honestly.

"Maybe its an ancestors trying to warn you." Britt said sounding excited

I smiled at her assumption.

"Warn me about what? That I might die if I dont get an A on this project?" I laughed.

Britt shrugged her shoulders and grinned. "You never know, so we better make this presentation count."

I gently pushed her shoulder as I laughed at her joke.

We eventually made it to the stone walls and rusty gates that stood in front of the Hickory Mansion. Through the gate and down the long, cracked drive almost hidden behind trees and brushes stood the old neglected building. The mansion was enormous, far too big for anyone to ever need. It was at least three stories high with weathered gray stone walls and tall windows.

Signs of neglect were everywhere. Vines covered the wall reaching all the way to roof. The cracks between the walkway were sprouting weeds. The wooden railings have faded into an off white color.

Even with the amounts of neglect the building had, I still found it beautiful and inviting. But my thoughts about there not being a purpose were correct. There wasnt much here to use for our project for History.

I was about to ask Britt where we should go next when I watched in horror as she took her bag and chucked it over the gate.

"What the hell are you doing?" I squealed watching the bag land with a loud thud on the other side.

"Im going to have a look inside." She stated as if that was the plan all along. She then placed her foot on the metal railing and began climbing up. I watching horror while simultaneously looking around to make sure no one will see her doing this.

She dropped down on the other side and smiled at her victory.

"Your turn." She said as she picked up her.

"Not a chance." I whispered through my teeth still looking around for witnesses.

"Didn't someone just buy this place?"

She looked back at the building. "Yeah but I doubt they're living in it already. Its still beat up."

She looked back at me and placed her hands on her hips.

"Come on Layla you wont let me do this alone. I thought you were my ride or die." She said.

I rolled my eyes and groaned. I could not let her go in there by herself what if she gets hurt.

Copying Layla I threw my bag over the gate and began climbing over. The gate wobbled and shook with each movement and I thought I was going to fall off. I made it to the top and swung my legs around and started to climb down.

I suddenly slipped and lost my footing. Britt gasped and moved directly under me as I held on for dear life. The gate shook around like it was mocking me as I tried to get my footing again.

I placed my feet on the bar again and exhaled a long shaky breath.

"Damn it Layla be careful." Britt said exhaling a long breath. I didnt answer her as I put all of my focusing on getting down.

I sighed in relief as both my feet hit the driveway.

Britt rubbed my back.

"Are you ok?" She asked and I nodded my head.

"Im okay. I promise." I told her and gave her a smile.

After we caught our breath and laughed about my slippery feet we approached the mansion.

Other than the fear of getting in trouble, I felt relaxed by this place. It looked homey.

We approached the front door and watched as Britt turned the door knob.

"Shit." She muttered. "Its locked."

"Oh!" I said. I looked over at the old antique rusty lantern on the wall by the door. I stepped over to it and open the little door used to change the bulb and reached in pulling out the spare key to the door.

The key was definitely old and not like your modern day key. It was covered in cobwebs.

Britt stared at me as I handed her the key.

"How...How did you know that was there?" Britt stumbled over her words eyeing me curiously.

My eyes narrowed as I looked at her, to the key, to the lantern and back again.

How did I know that there was a spare in there? I couldnt think of any explanation. I didnt even wonder if there was a key in there, I just knew. How is that even possible though.

"I dont know." I told her. "Lucky guess maybe?"

Britt looked at me like she didnt believe me and I wouldn't have believed it either.

I had no other explanation.

Britt eyed me and she placed the key into the keyhole and watched it turn. The lock clicked and Britt twisted the handle and the door to popped open successfully.

I looked around outside for anyone as Britt poked her head inside the home. She stepped through the door way first and I followed shortly after her.

Once my foot was over the arch way I saw a flash in front of my eyes.

Then I saw a man's hand stuck out towards me and he spoke to me in a warm calming voice.

"Welcome home, Marie."

I gasped and blinked hard and when I opened my eyes there was no one there but the entry way and Britt.

She narrowed her eyes again at me.

"Everything okay?" She asked me.

I didnt answer her. I didnt know how to answer her. What would I tell her? 'Oh yeah Im fine I just had a dream about the man calling me Marie even though Im wide awake. Ha ha ha.'

She would definitely think Im crazy and maybe I was.

I looked to Britt who was still waiting for an answer. All I could do was nod at her and look away again in shame.

What was going on with me?