One week passed and it wasn't until during a dinnertime conversation that Jae and Jula told their parents about their plans for Ohio.
"So, you two, though we will be staying with your Uncle Jason, your mother and I figured that we still are going to have some time together with just you two to do something as a family. Do you have any ideas on what you may want to do?" Erik Barrington asked his two daughters as they sat quietly eating their meal.
"We want to go to the Tavington family estate!" Jula spoke up quickly.
"The Tavington family estate?" their mother, Richelle, asked.
"Wait, I believe I've heard of that place." said Erik. "Yes, I believe Jason told me about it a while ago. I guess he visited it about six months ago on an overnight tour with the Tavington brothers, who actually live here, in South Carolina, but co-own the touring business with their parents. Anyway, he said it was a very interesting tour; spooky at times; he thought he heard booted footsteps walking up and down the halls at midnight during the stay, but there was a lot of neat artifacts and information on the Tavington family. And I guess the brothers themselves were pretty amusing."
"Well can we go?" Jae asked.
"I don't know, it depends on what type of a tour we choose, and besides, Erik, don't you need to book weeks in advance for something like that?"
"Well Mom, normally, you would, but I think I can get us free ins." Jae spoke up.
"Really? How?" Richelle asked.
"I have connections.." Jae replied.
Richelle cocked an eyebrow at her daughter, who rolled her eyes and replied, "Just trust me on this. It's all legal. I mean, duh, why would it not be? Do I look like a criminal?"
"That's enough Jae, but who are your 'connections'?" Erik asked.
"Aidan and Brant Tavington."
"You met them?"
"Yes, at the library."
"And why would they be so willing to do something like that for you?" Richelle asked suspiciously.
Jula looked over at her sister.
Way to go, smart one!
Thinking quickly, Jae replied smoothly, "They held a drawing at the library not too long ago, and I put my name in it. The winner would get an overnight stay at the Tavington family estate, as well as lodging on the family property for three more days, and they would get to bring their family along."
"And you won..."
"Yeah, I did." Jae replied evenly.
"Well is there any specific date that this has to be done by?"
"No. but it would be good to use it while we're over there anyway."
"Jae, why didn't you tell us this earlier?" Richelle asked.
"She just found out today." Jula replied.
"And you said nothing when you got home. Why?"
"I couldn't find a good time."
"Well regardless of timing, I think we can fit it into our schedule to go visit there after we visit your uncle." Erik cut in.
"Alright, we leave next Monday and arrive at Jason's at around 8:00 PM and are there until Saturday morning; is there a website for this place?"
"Yes." Jae replied.
"Alright, then find it for us, and your father and I will have a look at it. If we find the place suitable, we'll allow you two to schedule a tour for that Saturday afternoon."
Jula smiled and Jae sighed in relief.
"Thanks Mom. Trust us, you won't be disappointed in the place at all."
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It was midnight and an old clock eerily sounded the hour as a tall figure cloaked in black stepped out of one of the rooms in the Tavington family estate.
Well well well, who is visiting on tonight's tour? Pity really, neither of the brothers are here... Oh well...
Walking swiftly down the hall, the figure pulled the hood of the cloak tightly over their face as they descended down the steps and made their way towards the sitting room. When they got there, they noticed about ten sleeping bags laid out on the floor, everyone sleeping soundly.
But no sign of the Barrington sisters...
Snorting derisively, the figure turned on heel and walked swiftly back up the stairs, disappearing into the darkness...
Again, sorry it's so short. Anyway, in case I've confused you with the last part of this chappy, it's supposed to be a bit confusing, but everything will work itself into place once the Jae and Jula arrive at the estate. Thanks!
-SteeleRanger