Just then the second bell rang.
"There's not enough time!" I said, and escaped into class.
Chapter 22 Rumor Starter
A Berkley Realty for sale sign was stuck on the lawn of the Mansion. I wanted to rip it out of the ground and throw it over theiron gate .
I wasn't sure how I would react to Mr. and Mrs. Sterling now that I knew their true plans for Alexander and the Mansion. I dearly loved them like my own parents, but I was obviously conflicted. I knew they weren't trying to hurt me and my boyfriend, but their decision was breaking my heart.
I waited outside the Mansion's door, barely able to breathe. I knocked several times.
The door finally creaked open and Alexander appeared/ "They're out," he said.
I sighed. My anxiety flew out of my body like a bat from an attic. I entered the Mansion and gave my boyfriend a big kiss.
"I wasn't sure if I was going to have to beg them on my hands and knees or just burst out in tears."
Alexander gently laughed, but it was apparent by his hollowed cheeks and bloodshot eyes that he hadn't slept.
"I have great news," I exclaimed.
"I could use some."
"I figured out the perfect solution," I said.
"You did?" Alexander perked up.
I took a breath, excited by my problem solving. "You can't move out of the Mansion if no one buys it.,."
Alexander nodded. "True..."
"So..."
"So?"
"So, we have to make sure no one does."
"How are we going to do that?" he asked.
"Glad you asked. Gossip runs through this town like a flood. Usually the rumors are about you, your Generated by ABC Amber LIT Converter,family, or me. Now we'll be the ones to spread them about ourselves."
"What will we spread? How can we convince people not to buy the Mansion?"
I hated to disappoint him. He was so proud of his grandmother's mansion. Just as I adored it, he obviously did even more.
"Have you been around this town?" I asked. "I can't imagine anyone would be interested in buying the Mansion anyway, with all the rumors surrounding it for years. But now that it's for sale we can't take any chances. We have to spread our own. Verify the Mansion is worse than they thought.Bats, mold, or rusty pipes, None of these women would step one of their Prada-wearing feet inside even view it."
Alexander's pale face lit up.
"But what if someone from outside of town comes to take a look."
"They have to stop at Mickey's gas station. Or stay al Dullsville's bed and breakfast. They'll find out fast enough about the money-pit mansion and then we'll be able to heat their tires screeching away."
He picked me up and kissed me for a long time.
"Where do we begin?" he asked with renewed hope.
"We'll have to set everything in motion tonight. We can't waste any time."