"It's girl's night!", I saw my friend's text pop up on my phone accompanied by some dancing emojis.
"Yes, I didn't forget. I am already making preparations" I replied.
"I also have a surprise for you", I saw another message from her.
"What is it?, you know I can't bear the suspense" I replied, anxious to know what it is.
"No, you will have to wait", she sent another message.
I immediately dialed her number.
"Why can't you just wait till we see?", she responded immediately after picking up.
You know I can't help it, please... I said pouting my lips even though she couldn't see me.
"Well..., Bola is at my place", she revealed excitedly.
"What!!" I screamed, "Bola, your cousin?"
"Yes, and when I told her about the sleepover, she insisted she must be there"
"Wow! It's been so long. I can't wait to see the two of you".
We hung up after some minutes and I stood up to make my preparations for their visit.
By 7 pm, I heard a knock on my door and i opened the door revealing Tessa and Bola. Bola threw her hands across my neck hugging me so tight.
I have known Bola from the time she stayed at Tessa's parents' home which wasn't far from mine. We all played together before her parents came to take her along with them as they moved to another state.
"It's been a long time, how are things with you?" I asked Bola and she told me a lot of things about herself.
Afterward, they both had their shower and changed into more comfortable clothing.
I served the food and drinks and we ate. After eating, we sat on the chair ready to watch some movies .
"Oh! I forgot to get the films we were to watch tonight!", Tessa exclaimed.
"What is the problem with the movies I picked for us?" I asked even when I knew the answer to the question.
"Because you only watch horror movies," she said while I smiled mischievously.
"And what's wrong with horror movies?" I asked trying to keep myself from laughing.
"Rukkie, you know I don't like it, the last time you forced me to watch one with you, I couldn't sleep for days"
"That's because the scenes are all in your head. I told you the paranormal events in the movie are only a work of fiction, there is nothing like ghosts or haunted buildings"
"Either way, I don't want to see a horror movie. Back me up here Bola," Tessa said looking at her.
"I never knew you hadn't outgrown your love for horror movies", Bola said while laughing.
"Why would I do that? You know it's my favorite movie genre", I said while Tessa rolled her eyes.
"Fine, let's stream some movies then", I surrendered which elicited a smile from Tessa.
We sat down and began watching the movie while also talking about other things. After sometime, we went to bed.
I woke up the next morning to the aroma of a freshly brewed coffee, courtesy of Tessa, no doubt.
I went to the sitting room to see both of them with their cup of coffee by their side. Tessa was on her phone while Bola was reading a newspaper.
"Good morning girls", I greeted as I made my way to pour myself a cup of coffee, they responded and I took my first sip of coffee.
"Who still reads the newspaper when almost everything has been digitalized?", I asked seeing Bola doing something in the newspaper.
She smiled and focused on what she was doing and didn't seem fazed.
"What are you doing?" I asked seeing her writing something with a pencil.
I am solving some crossword puzzles, it helps keep my brain active. She replied not taking her eyes off the newspaper.
"Mrs Haunted Hathaways, would you do this for coffee?" She directed the question at me since I love watching horror movies.
I rolled my eyes at the nickname which was a reference one of my favorite series back then.
"Do what?"I asked as I moved closer to see what they were all looking at.
I saw a section in the newspaper that contained an advert where a man put in a reward of a lifetime supply of coffee for anyone who could stay in his mansion which was allegedly haunted.
"So?", they both looked at me waiting for an answer.
"You know I don't believe in haunted houses or other paranormal activities, so I would gladly do it"
"What?" They both exclaimed, "You will stay in a haunted mansion because of coffee that you can easily buy anywhere?" Tessa asked me with her arms akimbo.
"It's not just about the coffee, but it will also be a great way to show you that all those things you are scared of aren't real", I explained.
"I have another idea! Why don't we do it together? Let's call to see if people can also go in groups", I said already feeling adventurous.
"Are you crazy? We couldn't even watch horror movies with you and now you are suggesting we go stay in a haunted mansion because of coffee?" They looked at me like I was crazy, well maybe I was.
Maybe I'm crazy but I saw it as a win-win situation. If truly, supernatural beings existed, it would be a great discovery to share with the world assuming I survive to tell the tale but if I am right and supernatural beings and paranormal activities are just a work of fiction, then maybe it will help change my friend's minds about watching horror movies with me plus i get to win a lifetime supply of coffee.
Taking the newspaper from Bola, I dialed the contact number under the ad and placed my phone to my ears as I heard it ring.
"Hello", said a voice from the other side.