The rest of the way was just a blur of conversations and flying peanuts.

Ella and I chatted quietly the whole way, and Nate and Caitlyn had gone to sleep.

Shane had decided to go up to Victoria and give her some company. ("Hmm… she looks a little lonely…").

Mitchie had decided to vent in her songbook.

As the bus gently rolled to a stop on the gravel, the kids peered out from the windows. All around them there seemed to be nothing but trees. Dead trees.

No cars, no stores, no people. They were parked on the curb of a huge house.

This was it. Bridgemont Manor.

I gulped.

Nate and Caitlyn were awakened by Mitchie. Nate yawned and stretched. "That was a nice nap. Thanks Mitch for waking us."

Mitchie smiled. "No problem."

Caitlyn looked out from her window. "Look at the scenery, you guys."

Nate and Mitchie followed Caitlyn's gaze. Nate frowned a little.

"This place seems familiar…"

Caitlyn and Mitchie turned their heads towards to him.

"Do you think you've been here before?" Caitlyn asked.

Nate thought it over "No, I don't think so…"

Jason eyed Nate. He should tell him. But before he could open his mouth and tell Nate why this place was familiar, Mr. Brown decided to make an announcement on the loud speaker.

"Time to get off the bus, kiddos!" He seemed happier then he should be.

Row by row, everyone filed slowly off the bus. As they got off the bus, they lined up in a straight, horizontal, line. Mr. Brown stood in front of all the kids and clapped his hands together.

The air was very chilly out here. The thick fog coated the many trees, and the wind was a piercing howl, that came in short gusts.

Jason glanced over to Ella and noticed her shivering a little. He frowned. Of course no one had really thought to bring any warmer clothes since it was summer and everything. He glanced around again. Well it was supposed to be anyways….

Jason shrugged of my coat and wrapped it around Ella. She smiled at him, a silent thanks. He grinned back and then turned his attention back to Mr. Brown.

"Ok kids. We are finally here! Anyone excited?!" Everyone around Jason cheered and clapped their hands together. He stayed silent. Jason was definitely not excited.

Mr. Brown smiled.

"That's the spirit! Ok kiddos' here's the deal. I have signed us up for a tour of the house, and then afterwards you guys will be able to wander around the halls, checking some things out personally. That sound good?" Everyone shouted out their replies. Jason on the other hand stayed silent. Ella laid her comforting hand on his arm. He gave her a small smile.

"It'll be fun Jason…" she whispered softly. Jason sighed. "Ya ya…"

Jason looked up and got a glimpse of the manor. Gray walls and black windowpanes. Cob webs were everywhere. Then the double brown doors to the manor opened, and out stepped someone.

As he came more into view, Jason noted his morbid features. Dark, wallowing eyes, followed by a short pointy nose. Dry, pale lips with a matching pale face. His white hair seemed to suit him very well.

Why was he not surprised? Of course with every stupid haunted mansion, there was going to be a creepy guy to go along with it. It's like peanut butter and jelly.

The guy's voice came out very raspy, it reminded Jason of sandpaper somehow.

"Welcome to Bridgemont Manor. I am your tour guide for today. You may call me Ed."

Mr. Brown stood awkwardly off to the side as he watched Ed speak. Ed quickly turned on his heels, and motioned everyone to follow him. Jason hung behind and watched the swarm of people pass him. Then he sighed and followed the line of people. Ella was still beside him. He could always count on her. In front Nate, Caitlyn, Mitchie, and Shane were excitedly chatting about what they wanted to see and such.

As Jason walked through the double doors, he paused to catch his breath. The interior was…well amazing. It was decorated with chandeliers and marble, and long winding staircases. Ed cleared his throat.

"This is the lobby." His voice echoed off the walls and made Jason shiver. He huddled a little closer to Ella.

"Off to the right you can see the entrance to the dining room. The staircases lead to the upper levels, where there are bedrooms located. You will also find several libraries and studies up there. Please follow me to the dining room." He turned his back and walked gracefully to the dining room.

Jason looked around me and blocked out Ed's voice. His droning wasn't very interesting. The spectacular furniture pieces were nothing compared to all of the statues and water fountains inside in this room. Why you would have these things in a dining room was over Jason's head. Well about fifty percent of common knowledge was over Jason's head too so…no biggie…

Jason sighed a huge sigh.