Darkmoor Read Free

and walked along the landing towards his bedroom door.
    Gently pushing the door open, Matthew was greeted by the dazzling sunlight which flooded through the doorway.
    “Not a bad size and certainly not as dirty as downstairs,” Matthew said stepping into his bedroom.
    Clever Crow was perched outside his window on a tree branch. Matthew stood against his window and gazed out at the crow.
    “Hello again,” Matthew smiled.
    Suddenly, a knock at the front door disturbed his thoughts. Hearing his dad’s voice, Matthew raced along the landing, and to the top of the stairs.
    Matthew could just about make out an exchange of words. Wondering who his dad was talking too, Matthew quietly stepped back downstairs.
    “We live just across the way, number 23,” spoke the stranger.
    “I’m sorry, you are?” Matthew’s dad asked curiously.
    “Oh of course, I’m Pete and this is my wife, Julie.”
    “Hi,” Julie said waving.
    “And this,” Pete continued, “this is-” but before Pete could finish, Catherine eagerly interrupted.
    “I’m Catherine it’s very nice to finally meet you mister,” Catherine held out her hand as she waited for the response.
    Towering above Catherine, Matthew’s dad introduced himself, “I’m Mr McKendry, but you may call me Jack. It’s very nice to meet you Catherine,” he said shaking her hand affectionately.
    Noticing that Matthew was now present, Jack turned.
    “And this is my son, Matthew.”
    Catherine was rarely lost for words, but after taking a double look at Matthew, she found herself speechless.
    Matthew walked towards her with his hand held out. Just then, Catherine began to giggle nervously.
    A little bemused by her funny giggle, Matthew shook Catherine’s hand gently.
    Matthew’s olive skin glowed radiantly in the sunlight. His dark hair was gelled perfectly around his face and his eyes were sky blue. He too towered above Catherine, making her feel tiny.
    “It’s very nice to meet you, Matthew,” she said managing to stop her nervous giggle.
    “It’s ok,” Jack said ruffling Matthew’s hair, “lots of girls giggle at our Matty, don’t they son.”
    “Give over,” Matthew said pushing Jack’s hand away.
    Opening the front door wider, Jack kindly invited the three of them in for a drink. Much to Catherine’s delight, Pete and Julie accepted.
    “Son, why don’t you show Catherine around? I’ll sort us all some drinks.”
    Jack, Pete and Julie strolled down the hallway and through into the kitchen.
    Coughing to clear her throat Catherine asked, “Your mum, is she moving in later?”
    Matthew bowed his head. He didn’t feel comfortable talking about his past with a stranger. Without answering her he walked into the sitting room.
    Catherine quickly changed the conversation sensing Matthew’s unwillingness to talk about his mum.
    “How did you find out about this place?” asked Catherine.
    “My dad said he saw it on the internet and just put in an offer,” Matthew said in a matter of fact manner.
    “You’re joking,” Catherine blurted out.
    “I know, but that’s my dad,” Matthew said shrugging his shoulders.
    To Matthew’s surprise, Catherine spoke passionately of the building.
    “Well I think you are really lucky, I love this old building. I have lived here my whole life and not a single day goes by without me wishing I could live here.”
    “Why?” Matthew asked sternly, not to sure whether Catherine was being truthful, or sarcastic. “What would anyone see in this dump?”
    Catherine didn’t respond to Matthew’s abrupt question, she was just too overwhelmed to be finally in the place that had captivated her for so long.
    Trying to contain her excitement, Catherine went from room to room studying every nook and cranny. Matthew involuntarily followed behind.
    “And this is my room,” Matthew eventually said nudging the door open, thankful that it was the last room of his tour.
    Catherine entered the room and instantly felt the sun light