The Christmas House Read Online Free PDF Page B

behind,” Michael said.
          “Well, I am sure your closest friends will still visit when they get a chance,” Martha replied.
         “Well, not unless they are supernatural,” said Arianna.
         “Our two best friends were our best man and maid of honor at our wedding 11 years ago. They finally got married a few years ago and then perished in a house fire just last fall. It was so sad. It’s one of the reasons we decided to relocate. A fresh start if you know what I mean.”
         “Have we depressed you enough yet Martha?’ Michael asked.
         He turned to Arianna and said, “Why did you tell her all that stuff? Now she is probably thinking we are bad luck or something.”
         He turned back to Martha and said “Don’t worry Martha, you won’t die or anything in the next couple of months.”
         Martha nearly spit out the coffee she was sipping at the time of Michael’s statement and started to cough.
         “Damn you Michael, you are always screwing around!” shouted Arianna.
         Michael patted Martha on the back and started to apologize profusely.
         “I’m sorry Martha, that was just a joke. I didn’t mean to upset you.”
         “No problem dear ( as she coughs and gasps for air ), I’m not going anywhere just yet,” Martha replied.
         Once Martha caught her breath, she asked the couple, “So you would like to take a tour my house, yes?”
         They both nodded their heads.
         As Michael and family following Martha from room to room, upstairs and down, they marveled at the story she told of each room. Ironically, each tale was centered around Christmas. Even though the house was in need of major renovation, Michael and Arianna felt the sense of love built on the memories of the old mansion. As they returned to the foyer area where the tour had begun, Martha asked, “So Michael and Arianna; are you still interested in buying this run-down house? It needs quite a bit of fixing up.”
         “We are still very interested but as I mentioned, we don’t have the kind of money you are probably asking for the house,” Michael said.
         He spotted a listing sheet setting on the table. As he
    reached for it he asked, “Just how much “ are ” you asking for this property?”
         Martha snatched the sheet from his hand before he could read the asking price.
         “Well, how much can you afford to pay Michael?” she asked.
         Michael looked at Arianna and then down at her large stomach that reminded him he would soon have another mouth to feed.
         He stuttered and stalled, then managed to profess, “Well Martha, we can only afford a $200,000.00 mortgage, but I’m sure this house is worth 10 times that amount. We don’t have very much money to put down either. I am very sorry for wasting your time.”
         “Michael, Arianna?” asked Martha. “If you promise to never tear down this house, to love it with all your hearts and to never resell it to anyone else unless they promise to do the same, I think we can work something out. Does that sound reasonable?”
          In a state of disbelief, Michael said, “Martha I promise you we would never tear down this beautiful old house. I am really very good at my job. I have been a carpenter for many years. I can fix this house to where it will look brand new again.”
          “And do you have any money to do that Michael. I mean once the mortgage payments start?” Martha asked.
         Michael shrugged his shoulders and said, “It will take time, but we can make this house a home for the four of us.”
         Martha smiled and extended her hand to Michael and said, “You are very fortunate Michael. The house was just recently reduced to $199,999.00. Congratulations!”
         Arianna started to cry as she hugged Michael and said, “I can’t believe it Michael. Oh my God. We’ve got a house! Martha, how can we ever