The Farmhouse
opening excerpt
The ivory patterned wallpaper flickered in time with the movement of the fireplace flames. They were hypnotic, reminding Annie of the way she played the drums, keeping time for the music that swept through the air during band practice. Annie felt warm and content.
“I think we need a night off,” Steve said in a sleepy southern drawl as he laid his head on Carley’s shoulder.
“Hmm,” agreed Carley lazily.
Ben looked questioningly at Annie, his black hair falling across his face. Annie shrugged noncommittally, “We could use a break. We’ve been working so hard.” She could not imagine getting up and banging on her drums, sending the spell of flames and sleepiness spinning out into the night.
The friends had moved into the ancient house in late August, getting a break on rent for taking care of the overgrown and under-maintained property. It had been perfect: no neighbours for miles, cheap rent, and they lived on a scenic country road. They had originally moved to a small northern Ontario town to save money, but their first rental succumbed to neighbours who did not appreciate the band’s late night practices. It had not been long before they found a new place.
The group had been excited when they had moved in, not realizing the amount of work it would take to keep up the deteriorating property. They were finally getting a respite from some of the outdoor maintenance now that it was November.
“I could do with some fun,” Ben said softly, the alcohol taking the usual edge from his voice.
“What if we went to check out that creepy old farm across the street and up the road a bit?” Carley suggested brightly.
“What if we stayed here?” Steve asked, stretching his long legs out in front of him and pulling Carley closer. Carley guffawed good naturedly, planting a kiss on his lips. Annie looked at Ben and rolled her eyes in mock exasperation. Ben grimaced at the couple.
“I think we need to do something wild to break up the monotony,” Carley said.
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