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If This House Could Talk: The Victorian
Acciones del libro
Comenzar a leer- Editorial:
- AuthorHouse
- Publicado:
- Apr 17, 2014
- ISBN:
- 9781491853887
- Formato:
- Libro
Descripción
During her spare time, Norma tenaciously held on to her dream of becoming an accomplished writer. Even as a child she always had a pen in hand.
After the birth of her third child she began to turn her hobby into accomplished writing. She has been published many times for her short stories and inspiring, exciting writing. She continues to write fiction, nonfiction, biographies, and children stories. Many of her stories have been published in magazines, (Mature Years, New York Chronicles and United States Tennis Magazine to only name a few).
Make it your best, an inspirational saying was printed by a card company, one to one freedom greetings. A tribute to New Yorks finest and bravest was published in a local paper..
Jagged Destinies, her novel, received a five star rating on Amazon.
Acciones del libro
Comenzar a leerInformación sobre el libro
If This House Could Talk: The Victorian
Descripción
During her spare time, Norma tenaciously held on to her dream of becoming an accomplished writer. Even as a child she always had a pen in hand.
After the birth of her third child she began to turn her hobby into accomplished writing. She has been published many times for her short stories and inspiring, exciting writing. She continues to write fiction, nonfiction, biographies, and children stories. Many of her stories have been published in magazines, (Mature Years, New York Chronicles and United States Tennis Magazine to only name a few).
Make it your best, an inspirational saying was printed by a card company, one to one freedom greetings. A tribute to New Yorks finest and bravest was published in a local paper..
Jagged Destinies, her novel, received a five star rating on Amazon.
- Editorial:
- AuthorHouse
- Publicado:
- Apr 17, 2014
- ISBN:
- 9781491853887
- Formato:
- Libro
Acerca del autor
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Vista previa del libro
If This House Could Talk - Norma Panelli Halahan
30
CHAPTER 1
T he trees on Pine Lane filled the air with the faint scent of lilacs. Margo remembered all the times she had walked on this street. She always admired the beautiful Victorian house with the picturesque landscape and the serenity that surrounded it. Those years, while in her early twenties and out of college, she had often wondered who lived in it? Never had she seen any sign of life nor had anyone been seen entering or leaving. Now that years have passed and Margo, a successful real estate agent with her partner Phil, still remains baffled as to why the house has not been sold. Aside from a few renters that stayed for brief periods, the house remains a morbid sanctuary. Through the years the price had been lowered significantly. It had been shown repeatedly. It had become disheartening. Other real estate agencies feeling discouraged as well, labeled the Victorian, The White Elephant. It was a common term among agencies for an unsalable house. It was placed on the bottom of the list by most of the agencies while the properties that surrounded it became prosperous. Land developers confiscated the land and the quiet dark Victorian now towered over a development. The street emerged with three bedroom ranch houses on half acre lots. Pine Lane now bustled with young families, cars, baby carriages and school buses.
Being in the real estate business with Phil and their staff, Margo found herself confronted with surprising challenges, many sales and some disappointments. Never in all her years, had she felt such frustration over a house. Though she always had a positive attitude while showing a house, the Victorian had become her biggest challenge. She became obsessed and more persistent. While other agencies called it The White Elephant, Phil had another name for it, Jinx, the house is just plain jinx.
He used this term every time she entered the office with a disappointed look after showing it. It was Friday, Margo’s lucky day. She had many showings on Friday and some were successful sales.
Maybe today, Phil,
she said as she reached for her briefcase. I have a good feeling about this couple. They loved the outside and walked around it several times. This is the second time they called me. Now they want to see the inside. Wish me luck.
I always do but don’t be too disappointed if it doesn’t go through. By the way, what are they like?
This is what baffles me. They are an older couple and have married children but they don’t live close by. I’m thinking they want a spacious place for when they visit.
That sounds kind of odd Margo, don’t you think?
At this point I would sell the house to a dairy farmer and wouldn’t care if his cows meandered from room to room.
Phil rolled his eyes then gave her a grin.
Let’s not go that far, but you’re right, we’ll take anything. Who knows? With your charm and sales pitch, this might be the day.
When Margo pulled up to the curb, the Russells were already waiting outside. She grabbed her briefcase and swiftly approached them. Nice to see you again. Have you been waiting long?
Smiling at her, Mr. Russell said,
We just got here a few minutes ago. We love the outside and checked all around. It seems to be in good condition.
He looked around the neighborhood and added, Just wish it was somewhere else with more land.
Well, let’s take a look inside. I’m sure you will love it,
Margo said eagerly. Margo unlocked the huge front door. The three of them slowly moved around the spacious foyer looking in different directions.
The chandelier must be over a hundred years old,
he commented, looking up high at the ceiling.
It’s absolutely beautiful.
Mrs. Russell added.
The couches that remained with the house from the last tenants were covered with plastic. The doors from the foyer led to different halls and rooms. In spite of the cold feeling Margo always had toward the house, she was well acquainted with all the rooms. Several of the rooms had fireplaces. The high windows that once overlooked the green lawns were now covered with heavy draperies. She thought it best to keep the outside secluded. Yet, the grounds around the house were maintained beautifully by an older man named Grover. Grover came and went, avoiding anyone who approached him. The conversation was friendly and Margo, very professionally answered all their questions. She soon began to feel the tension between them, yet she continued to point out interesting features. Their pace slowed as did the conversation. She had been walking a few feet in front of them when she suddenly realized they had stopped. When she turned, she noticed they were quite far behind. She saw Mrs. Russell standing still. She seemed to be in shock, Mr. Russell held her arm. Margo quickly approached and asked if she wanted water. Oddly, she hadn’t asked what was wrong. It was as if she already knew. Wide eyed, she looked at her husband and motioned a NO with her head. Very slowly, they began to back away. Then as they moved closer and closer to the front door, they said, It’s a beautiful house but, no, no it’s not for us.
Why was she not surprised?
Even though the week ended with another disappointment, she was happy to go home. She stayed in her beautiful apartment that she and her husband shared before their bitter divorce. Though it had been a traumatic time, she still kept pictures of him here and there of happier times. There were pictures of her and him with Jillian, their beautiful daughter. I haven’t heard from her in weeks,
she muttered to herself. I’ll give her a call tonight.
Jillian, who lived four states away, owned a fashion boutique in a prominent community. After making herself a drink, she settled herself in her comfortable chair. Moments later, her pet cat, BoBo, jumped on her lap. In a nostalgic mood, she began to reminisce. Before she called Jillian she made herself another drink. She dialed and heard Jillian voice after the second ring.
Mother, you won’t believe this but I was going to call you tonight.
Margo began to giggle.
I haven’t heard from yah in a long time, sweetie. What’s you been up to,
giggling.
There was a moment of silence.
Mom, you’ve been drinking again.
Now what’s make you says that?
I can tell. You’re slurring your words and giggling. Mom, you worry me. You’ve got to get a life and be around people more.
Margo kept giggling then went into a loud laugh. Around people,
Margo shouted. That’s what’s driving me to drink. I’m around people and phones all a day long.
Another giggle, I’m happy to be home where it’s a quiet, just me and BoBo.
She took another sip. You should see him, Jillian. I’m petting him and he falling asleep.
He’s just a cat, Mom. You need companionship.
I’ve tried that several times.
There was more giggling. Trust me I like it better being alone.
After some non-sensible chatter, Jillian ended the conversation by saying, Get some sleep; I’ll call you in a couple of days. I love you.
Margo heard the click. She said softly to the buzz of the phone, I love you, too.
CHAPTER 2
T he weeks that followed were pretty much the same. Nothing too extraordinary happened. There were many showings and only one sale but it wasn’t the Victorian. The summer was coming to an end. The real
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