𝑺𝒂𝒓𝒂𝒉 𝑴𝒊𝒍𝒍𝒆𝒓

     I thought wrong. I don’t remember the last time I guessed wrongly. Ella isn’t Jeffrey’s sister. She’s Adrienne’s friend. That’s unexpected. But if Ella is Adrienne’s friend, how come she answered Jeffrey’s phone? Are they living together?

     This puzzle I’m trying to solve is baffling, but at the same time interesting too. The discoveries I’m making want to throw me off, but I’m alert.

     Maybe I should just focus on my life and stop meddling in people’s business, especially dead people. I remember Mom telling me to leave well alone whenever I tried to fix something that didn’t need to be fixed. That’s me. Sometimes, I think it’s a blessing. Most times, it’s a curse.

     I notice every problem and when I do, I want to find answers to them. I know Adrienne Styles would be very pissed if she knew I was invading her private space, but she’d thank me later if I’m able to prove she didn’t commit suicide and was murdered.

     Setting the diary aside, I close the laptop and pick my phone. I should be checking on my sons and their new school instead of poking my nose into people’s business.

     Dialling Dan’s number, I stroll across the large bedroom and stretch my legs. While I wait for him to pick, I give the housewarming a thought. I want it to be simple and memorable, inviting most of the neighbors. This is our first house, and it should hold enough memories of us. So far I’m beginning to like the place. Nothing extraordinary has happened, not that I’m expecting something extraordinary to happen. I don’t expect Adrienne’s ghost to haunt the house or pick knives and start wreaking havoc.

     I don’t know why I have such a wild imagination. Kids are supposed to think from that angle.

     When Dan picks up the call, I say, “I miss you.”

     “I miss you more. How’s the house?”

     “Perfect.”

     He chuckles. “I’m glad. Are you convinced there are no ghosts in the house?”

     This is the part I wish he was present physically, so I can nudge him. Dan’s sense of humor can be irritating sometimes.

     “I saw one today.”

     “Really? Where?”

     “In the basement.”

     “Was it Adrienne’s?”

     I can’t believe he’s playing along with this nasty game. “Yes, and she mentioned your name.”

     “She did? What did she say?”

     “That she’s going to haunt you in your dreams.”

     “Fantastic! I can’t wait.”

     He bursts out laughing. After a while, he ceases it and I say, “How were the kids?”

     “Good. Kevin loves the school already. Gilbert... not so much. He says he isn’t going to that school again.”

     I expected as much. I run my hand through my hair and near the window, sitting on the sill. “You’ve got to do something about Gilbert, Dan. He doesn’t listen to me, and I don’t know what else to do.”

     I’ve never complained to anyone about parenting. I knew from the start it wasn’t easy bringing up a child, let alone two, but I didn’t expect it to be so difficult at some times that I’d want out. Kevin is easygoing. You can easily get him to follow your orders with suaves, but Gilbert is a headache.

     “He’s just a boy. I’m sure he’s going to change when he grows.”

     “I hope so,” I say, then decide to bring up the party. “I was thinking of a housewarming.”

     “It has been on my mind too. When do you think will be suitable?”

     “Tomorrow. It’s a Saturday. The neighbors will be home.”

     “All right. Take care of the invite, and send me a list of the things we’ll need. I do the shopping.”

     “Sounds fair. I’ll be expecting you. Take care.”

     “You too.”

     I’m about to hang up when he calls my name, and I replace the phone to my ear. “Anything else?”

     “Nothing. I’m just happy you love the house. I needed to tell you that.”

     “You’re such a darling, you know?”

     He giggles. “Whatever makes you happy makes me happy too,” he purrs, and I can’t stop loving the sound of his voice.