The "New" House

The “New” House

Annie knocked on Pam’s door.

“Come in,” Pam said.

“I can’t sleep in there alone,” Annie said as she entered. “Mind if I sleep here for tonight again?”

“Help yourself,” Pam said and pointed to the extra twin bed. “Same noises?”

“I know it sounds silly, but yes, they haven’t gone away. And I know I’m not imagining them.”

“Well, it is an old wood-frame house, you know,” Pam said. “Creaky boards and things. Maybe one day they’ll have some nice brick residence.”

“I’m worried about here and now, not one day in the future,” Annie said. “Night.”

“Night,” Pam said. “Don’t worry any.”

Annie and Pam were Chi Omega sorority sisters at FSU in the Florida capital. Annie had been living in the sorority house for a short time only. Pam had been there a while and had said repeatedly that little ‘bumps’ in the night never phased her. While she didn’t doubt Annie’s words, Pam did admit, however, that she did not hear the noises Annie had referred to. The two ate breakfast together the next morning before both had to rush off to classes. That’s when Pam told Annie about the house’s past.

“You’re kidding me,” Annie said. “Ted who?”

“Bundy. I swear it’s true. He killed two women right here in this house. Bludgeoned them. Tried to kill four, but the other two survived.”

“And you have no problem sleeping here?” Annie told Pam. “Well you can have it, Hon. I’m getting out of here soon as I find a place! One with no history!”

The day Annie moved out, Pam stood in the door smiling and waving at her after having helped her load the Mazda.

“We’ll keep in touch,” Annie yelled as she started the car.

“Of course we will,” Pam said. “Don’t worry about it. Hope you find what you’re looking for.”

“I’m sure I will,” Annie said. Then she drove off.

Annie had found another house about a mile away. Three women students lived there and were looking for a fourth. It would actually be a little cheaper than the deal she had at the Chi Omega house. She was glad about that.

On the first and second nights in the “new” house, Annie didn’t hear the little noises that came from the kitchen although her bedroom was located fairly near it. Now that wouldn’t do, he thought. He’d wait patiently another night or two then make sure they were loud enough for her to hear them.