A TRIP TO A HAUNTED CASTLE

THE CALL

26/11/12

I got home after a really long, hectic and tiring day at my college. I work as a part-time teacher at the college while getting a Masters degree in English literature. I plopped down on my living room sofa, feeling tired. I flung my school bag carelessly on it by my side. My mom is working in the kitchen as always because cooking is her passion. Without turning towards me, she asked, " How was your day? Are you hungry?"

"Uh, exhausting. Yes, I am starving."

"Ok, just freshen up in your room and then come down. I will make something for you.”

"Ok, wait, where is my dad? What about Mitchel and Roxanne?"

"Your dad is still in the office. Your brother is with his friends, doing God knows what. And Roxanne too is having a sleepover at a friend's house."

I nodded at her response and went towards my room. I decided to take a shower first. It is my habit to bathe two times a day, irrespective of the weather. After taking a shower, I changed into my regular clothes and went towards the living room. My mother gave me a large slice of her homemade pizza. I was checking my phone for any new messages from my friends while enjoying the pizza. Suddenly, an unknown number flashed on my screen. I answered it wondering who it could be.

"Hello, who is this?"

" Hi, is this Maxine?", the voice on the other side sounded unsure. It belonged to a man and it sounded extremely hot.

"Uh, yes, who are you?"

" I am Charlie, Charlie King from school. Do you remember me?"

" Yes, hi, Charlie. Of course, I remember you. So, what are you doing now? Long time, no see huh? It seems like you just forget about us. Maybe because you have made new millionaire friends. We don't matter now, right?"

Charlie, " No, it's not the case. Actually, I went overseas for my studies, which is why I lost contact with you guys. I recently contacted others over social media. I couldn't find your account, you don't have an account there?"

" no, I don't have an account on social media. So, where did you go? What did you study? Wait, where did get my number?" I asked.

Charlie, "I studied Business Economics at Oxford University. Relax Sherlock, I got your number from Teressa Holmes." Teressa is my best friend from school. She was in the same college as me. I study English Literature, while she studies Human Psychology. Now, she is studying Masters on this subject.

Me, " Why are you calling? I don't think it's just to catch up with us."

Charlie, " no, it's not just that. I was thinking if all of us take a trip during Christmas break for a week. We will reconnect with each other again, and have fun like old times. Just the twelve of us, and I will announce something too"

Me, " you will announce something? Will you finally tell us about your secret lover?"

Charlie laughed, " Shut up Maxi. So you in? Others have already said yes."

Me, " I have to ask my parents about it. And don't call me Maxi, you i***t. I don't like that nickname."

Charlie pleadingly said, " Please, please, please, pretty please say yes. If you say yes, I will stop calling you Maxi. Please?"

Although I could not see him, I can imagine him giving me his best puppy dog eyes. He always used to do that when we are young. He looked extremely cute, therefore, no one could refuse him.

Me, " Ok, ok. Geez. Fine, I am going? By the way, where are we going?"

Charlie, " promise me you'll not freak out, Max! We are going to a haunted palace."

Me, " What? Out of all the places in the world, you choose to take a trip to a haunted palace? You are joking, right? Tell me you are joking."

Charlie, " Ok, first of all, I am not joking. The palace is not haunted, those are just the rumors. My family owns the palace for generations, but no one lives there. It's because it is literally right in the middle of woods, and the castle was in dilapidated condition for a long time. But, right now it has been renovated, so we can easily live there. Second of all, are you scared? I did not know you will be scared. Come on Max, where is your sense of adventure?"

Me, " I am not scared. I just think it is an odd place for a reunion. Ok fine, I will go."

Charlie, " Yay. I will send you the details later. See you later. Bye."

" Bye, see you later", I answered.

After my conversation with Charlie, I filled in all the details to my mom. She did not object to the trip. She also told me that she will talk to dad about the trip.

I was extremely happy at the thought of the trip. It's been a long time we have talked with each other. I can meet Brandon too, he is my childhood crush. Though, I was not able to confess my feelings to him due to my lack of courage. No one knows about it except Teressa.

And Charlie? God, his voice is so freaking sexy. Even thinking about it sends a pleasurable shiver down my spine. I can listen to his sexy voice all day long. He was a shy nerd back at school, did not talk much. But, whenever he did, no one can refuse him either. He used to chat with me the most because I too was a nerd.

I finished my meal and went inside my room, my mood is extremely happy. I started to do my homework, however, my mind is filled with happy thoughts.