Chapter 13— The Johnsons

     It was seven in the evening already and every family member of the Johnson's had found their way back to the dark home.

     "Thanks for that awesome meal, that's the best thing I've had in years!" Joe had just hungrily emptied a plate of hot spaghetti and a couple of meatballs.

     "I'm glad you love my cooking" Viola blushed.

     The kids began to giggle, "Aunt V likes Joe o, Aunt V likes Joe o" they teased them and fled the room still giggling.

    "Don't pay attention to them, they're kids" A shy Viola put in.

    "Uh huh, yeah I guess so", Joe nodded.

    "So! Why don't I show you to your room?" Viola snapped, trying to ease the atmosphere.

    "Yeah, okay!"

    The Johnsons had spent a whole lot of money and time building the mighty house. Their's were the largest on the street, it was always dark on the inside, just like the other houses on the cobbled street. The houses on Mermaid street were closely lined up, the shades from each house shadowed the windows. But there was something different about the 1st Johnson house, to the neighbours it was a mystery. The curious neighbours who had nothing else to spend time on would peep into the house from the outside, just to know what went on in there, but they could see nothing but the drapes behind the windows. It did not make sense to them why the house was so dark; darker than the others, they also wondered why they could never pay a visit to the family. People were never allowed into the house even when Old Mr Johnson was alive.

    William .A. Johnson family were not the only ones with that name on the street, but they were the first on the street. They were also a constant topic on the gossip forum. Some, were scared of the persons who lived in the strange house, while others were scared of the house. No one dared to play tricks on the house, or to even imagine it, some claimed that they heard strange sounds every night. The only persons allowed in the house were closest of friends.

The Johnsons made no trouble and they got no trouble. They were respectfully feared. They made good friends, but those friends were never let in on the family's secrets. If there was one thing the Johnsons were really good at, it was lying. Curious questions from neighbours, friends and the police were always well answered to the point that such questions were never asked again, there was always some kind of trustworthy proof. If someone asked for the reason of the dark house, they'd say it's because of the large drapes, or maybe someone pressed on with questions like, why don't you put on the lights? They'd reply that they're old schooled, and they preferred candles.

William had to deal with business out of town, Amelia was a wonderful lawyer. Olivia's restaurant flourished and blossomed like spring time, they were all living the dream!

Dr Joe found the house tour a little strange but also exciting and instructive.

"This is one large house! Who designed this?!"

"Well, I really don't know but this mansion has been in the family for a long time. They wanted something complex and challenging!"

"Yeah, but why all the secrets? I mean, you showed me a few rooms I wasn't allowed to go in".

"There are always reasons for secrets. The reason for the secret is the key to the door of the secret", Viola replied him with her back leaning against the wall. Joe shrugged and nodded.

"I love the design, it's so-- old-fashioned".

"Sure! Dr Joe, I'll show you to your room now. You must be tired, shall we?"

"After you, Milady!" He gestured.

They both walked along a long slightly dark passage, there were scented candles on the wall which led them to a swimming pool. They walked around the pool to one of the doors facing the opposite side where they came from.

"This is amazing!" Joe exclaimed. Caro giggled.

"You've never seen a house like this before, eh?"

"Only in the movies; the whole house is in bricks! No paint, no tiles, no electricity. It's absolutely different from everything I've known!"

"Oh, we do have electricity Dr Joe, we use it for the fridges, TV's, phones and other important things, but not as a source of light".

"Yeah to hide out the secrets!" Joe winked and smirked.

"Oh Mr Joe, you are a funny man!"

"I'm glad I could impress you".

"Impress me?" She paused and glanced at Joe. "Oh no you haven't, not one bit!"

"Really? So what does it take to impress a pretty woman like you?"

Viola only walked past him, brought out a bunch of old-fashioned keys and unlocked a silver door.

Joe was amazed at the splendid sight of his new room. There was a wide-spread lengthy glass window that greeted them first. A large red sofa, opposed the window, there was a simple designed fireplace lit with golden flames, it winked and hissed at the large King's bed that sat comfortably face-to-face the beautiful fireplace. A large TV was well stuck into the wall high above the border of the fire. The room had a welcoming scent, and a homey rich man's feeling. He couldn't resist it, for the first time, Joe imagined life as satisfying, like he wanted nothing more!

"Whoa! I really have to meet your brother, he's special!" He swiftly turned facing Viola.

"Thanks a lot, you've been a big help to me, Viola!"

"You're our guest after all, Dr Joe!"

"Please call me Joe".

"Alright, but don't get all comfy just yet, I'm sure you won't last a week in this house!"

"And why's that?!"

"Oh, I don't know, it's just a thought. But if you can make it through the first week, you might just be on the road to impressing me".

"Yeah I see", he paused "It's a challenge then!" He exclaimed.

"Please have some lone time, freshen up and be downstairs by 9pm, the others would all like to meet you".

"Alright save a spot for me, will ya?!"

Viola laughed and replied, "Sure!"

Dr Joe was left alone in that large room. He decided to unpack and fill the wardrobe with his belongings. He took his bath, wore a nice outfit, sprayed on something appealing, then threw himself on the bed.

"This is really nice", he sighed. He put on the TV, scrambled through the channels for some time, and slept off. His mind wandered off into a special dream. He was soon awakened by the telephone which laid on a little table close to the bed.

"Hello?"

"Dr Joe, have dinner with us".

"Yeah-- yes, uh-- I'll be right down". The phone hung up.

He hurriedly put on his loafers, ran along the scented passage, down a few stairs, through the large living room, through another little passage and landed in the dining room. This time, to his surprise, forty eyes stared at him.

William was the header at the dining table, everyone else sat opposite each other on both sides of the table.

William preferred greatly, not to have visitors nor guests in his home, but somehow, he allowed this guy! He was hardworking, a bit sad, mighty and full bearded.

"Dr Joe, you're welcome, please sit down", he gestured. "Uh-- meet the Johnsons!" Will announced.

"Thank you sir. I greatly admire your house!".

"Hmm, what is it you like about it?" William calmly asked, with his fingers locked in between both hands and his elbows firmly stood on the hard, ebony table.

"Um, it's so old-fashioned, it's different, with complex designs and beauty. The house is rich!" Joe answered. William laughed loudly and returned to his meal.

"Thank you everyone, for accepting me as your guest. I look forward to getting to know you all, as you'll get to know me as well".

They all stared at him for a few seconds and returned to the food. One of the maids served him a plate of grilled meat and a glass of warm milk.

Every now and then, William stared at the man seated at the other end of the dining table; the silence grew louder. Spoons, knives and forks clashed with the glass plates. The kids whispered amongst themselves. Someone had to end the silence.

"Dr Joe, what do you do exactly? Oh! By the way, I'm Amelia"

"Nice to meet you Amelia. I'm an optician--"

"An eye doctor!" One of the kids excitedly, but rudely put in.

"Yes! That's what I am!"

"So you're not a real doctor!" William said sarcastically. He just had to show his disgust in the young man in one way or the other. He was sure to give him a hard time.

"Well I'm not a fake Doctor either. Every section of the medical science, each have a vital role to play-- we all save lives!"

"That's true Dr Joe", Olivia smiled at the Doctor.

"Do you have a wife?" Grandma (Mrs Johnson) asked.

"No I don't!" Joe chuckled.

"How 'bout a girlfriend? Some lovely lady waiting for you back home?" It was the turn of Grandpa to interfere.

"None at all. These are very funny questions!" Joe took a quick glance at Viola and she too was stealing a look at the Doctor, she knew she was caught, quickly, she lowered her eyes.

"Are you leaving anytime soon, Doctor?" Karen meekly asked.

"Not for now, dear Karen, not for now", he shook his head. "Someone put me to a challenge and I'm sure gonna try my best to win it!" Joe continued.

"Are you on a mission?!" Asked Biggy.

"Are you getting a reward?!" Chubby added. Joe burst out laughing, William couldn't help but hide a chuckle, everyone else joined in the laughter.

"Well Chubby, I do hope I get a reward, I'd really like to impress the challenger!" Joe could see Viola silently laughing.

"And what if you fail the challenge, Mr Joe?" She finally said.

"Then I'll keep trying".

"What if you never win?"

"I guess I'll have to steal my reward! Isn't that right boys?!" The kids giggled.

"Don't think it'd be that easy, young man!"

"Oh sure! I know that, Viola, I know that", Joe shook his head slowly, and stabbed his dessert one last time. He was pleasantly satisfied!

Everyone had their fill and went off to bed after exchanging a few good nights. Just then, Viola whispered, "Hey Joe, I have something for you!"

"What's that!" He whispered back.

"To find the key, you must first unlock the door, find two keys then you can begin your journey! Goodnight!"

"Hey! What do you mean?!"

Viola left him with a few words to solve the coming mystery that was soon to befall the Doctor. He blinked a little too frequently, trying to comprehend and process what he just heard. He gave up, then shrugged. Because he was tired, he took a stroll to his room, climbed up the bed and fell asleep!